Making Plans....

We are making plans and looking at maps.

 

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is the northern of the two major land masses that make up the US state of Michigan. It is commonly referred to as the Upper Peninsula (U.P.) and Upper Michigan. It is also known colloquially as the land "above the Bridge" linking the two peninsulas. Residents are frequently called Yoopers (derived from "U.P.-ers") and have a strong regional identity. Large numbers of Finnish, Swedish, Cornish, and Italian immigrants came to the Upper Peninsula, especially the Keweenaw Peninsula, to work in the area's mines. The peninsula includes the only counties in the United States where a plurality of residents claim Finnish ancestry.

Ordered by size, the peninsula's largest cities are Marquette, Sault Ste. Marie, Escanaba, Menominee, Houghton, and Iron Mountain. The land and climate are not very suitable for agriculture because of the long harsh winters. The economy has been based on logging, mining and tourism. Most mines have closed since the "golden age" from 1890 to 1920. The land is heavily forested and logging remains a major industry.

 

 

Yes, Great Times in Michigan!

 

 

The area in red is, of course Michigan.  The upper part is known as the Upper Peninsula.  Life is quite different between the upper and lower.

 

We will be starting at Sault Ste. Marie, The Soo Locks.  We will travel across the upper shoreline, west to the very northern tip, Copper Harbor.  From there we will travel southeast to hit Iron Mountain, Marquette, etc.

There are many lighthouses, museums, waterfall and beautiful scenery.  We can't wait to get started.