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Lake Superior, Tahquamenon Falls, the Keweenaw
Peninsula and the Houghton-Hancock Bridge are among
the many splendors of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
GET UP AND GO!
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“Everything is there — bike rides, horse carriages,
visiting the fudge factory, putting on Old West clothes
and getting your picture taken,” said Janet Kallabat of
Sterling Heights, a frequent visitor to the island.
Kallabat likes to catch the ferry in Mackinaw
City. “Its really fun to walk around and check out
the shops there,” she said, “and when the wind is
blowing on a nice day, the ferry feels so good.”
Accommodations on the island are not cheap, especially
if you opt for the granddaddy of them all — the
Grand Hotel. A bonafide U.S. landmark, the Grand is
famous for its 660-foot front porch and exclusive atmosphere
- visitors can’t even stroll the grounds unless they
first pay a $10 fee. Overnight rates start at $205 — per
person — and go steeply up from there. On the plus side,
all rates include a full breakfast and five-course dinner
daily served plantation-style by white-gloved waiters.
TERRIFIC TRAVERSE CITY
Heading “Up North” doesn’t necessarily mean
crossing the Mackinac Bridge. Many Metro
Detroiters like to get away from it all in and around
Traverse City on Michigan’s West Coast.
Traverse City is an attractive hodgepodge of
hotels, restaurants, casinos and upscale shops.
Nearby are some gorgeous sites, including Sleeping
Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the stunning
Leelanau Peninsula, Michigan’s Wine Country. No
trip to the area is complete without a drive around
the Leelanau and some casual wine tasting.
You’ll have no problem finding a place to stay in
a variety of price ranges. One of the nicest is the
Grand Traverse Resort & Spa, a large resort with all
sorts of extras including a children’s center, day
camp, tennis center, beach club and 54 golf holes
including Jack Nicklaus’ The Bear and Gary Player’s
The Wolverine. Rates start at about $130 a night
per person, and a variety of packages are available.
THE UNBEATABLE UP
Crossing the Mackinac Bridge is like going into
another world. The grass seems greener, the air
smells sweeter, the people are friendlier and often,
the prices are a lot cheaper.
There are dozens of places to explore in the UP.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in Paradise is easily
accessible for those seeking the quiet and solitude of
the wilderness. The park encompasses close to 40,000
acres stretching over 13 miles, most undeveloped
woodland. The centerpiece is the Tahquamenon
River with its large and lovely
waterfalls. Another favorite site is
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
with its multicolored sandstone
cliffs, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland
lakes and forest of the Lake Superior
shoreline. A day cruise to inspect
the cliffs up close is a must for any
visitor.
Also situated on Lake Superior
is Marquette, one of Governor
Jennifer Granholm’s designated
“Cool Cities.” The college town combines an historic,
attractive downtown with natural vistas.
Further north are the twin cities of Houghton and
Hancock, gateway to the Keweenaw Peninsula, also
know as Copper Country. The mines have long ago
shut down but several are still available for tours while
others lie in picturesque ruins. If you’re staying in the
area, check out the Ramada Inn in Hancock (about
$89 per night) and be sure to request a room overlooking
the Portage Canal and its unique vertical lift bridge.
Life is slow and lazy in the tiny towns of the
Keweenaw. The highlight is Copper Harbor at the
peninsula’s tip, a funky collection of mom and pop
motels and atmospheric restaurants, shops and art
galleries. Nearby is historic Fort Wilkins, a well-preserved
example of a mid-19th century military post.
The premium resort in the area is the Keweenaw
Mountain Lodge, built in 1935 and perched high in
the mountains. Accommodations are in charming
log cabins with stone fireplaces, and the expansive
grounds include golf, tennis and fine dining. Cabins
start at $99 per night.
Each area of the UP offers its own charms, but all
have a few things in common — Native Americanowned
casinos, fudge shops and pasty stores. What are
you waiting for? Pack up the car and get going!
34 CHALDEAN NEWS AUGUST 2005