It’s been a crazy year and I can’t believe it’s already half over. My wife and I have a tradition to take a larger mid year break from work and this year we decided to take almost two weeks in Michigan’s upper peninsula.
The UP history spans from ancient indigenous habitation to a mineral driven economic boom, followed by a transition to tourism and logging. The natural beauty is unmatched and for us the fishing and rock hunting are the main attractions. The discovery of copper on the Keweenaw Peninsula (1840s) and iron ore in the central UP triggered massive immigration, particularly from Finland, Cornwall, Ireland, and France. By 1860, the UP supplied 90% of America’s copper, creating a "Golden Age" of industry that lasted until the early 20th century. Those industries have all but dried up but its mark is not forgotten in all the small towns.
For this trip we broke it into two separate areas. One for my fishing and one more for rock hunting. Unfortunately, Canadian wildfire smoke was severely impacted Michigan's Upper Peninsula during most of our stay triggering a statewide air quality alert due to over 890 active fires burning across Canada. Air Quality Index (AQI) readings in the Upper Peninsula reached hazardous levels (above 300), with some monitors recording values exceeding 950. We made the best of it and tried to stay as safe as we could. Our first location was Escanaba, often called Esky, which is a port city located on the shores of Little Bay de Noc in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. As the county seat of Delta County, it has a deep-rooted history in lumber and iron ore shipping, shaped by its strategic location on Lake Michigan. It’s also famous an older movie escanaba in the moon light which I will admit I have not seen. Our cabin was in the bay and we were able to get in some good smallmouth bass fishing while we were there.
We also took the time to visit local breweries and soak in some of the small towns and lighthouses in the region.
After a few days we headed north to Calumet in the Keweenaw, but we stopped off in Marquette for some beer and views of the blackrocks!
Then we spent almost a week exploring the rivers and beaches.
We can’t describe how relaxing this area truly is and if you have the opportunity I highly recommend checking out what Michigan’s upper peninsula has to offer!
