You Know You're in the Upper Peninsula When... You Can't Tell Which Way is North (Unless You Look at the Palm Trees)
Ever looked at a map of Michigan and thought, "Hey, that kinda looks like a mitten... with a creepy crawly attached?" Well, that creepy crawly is the Upper Peninsula (UP), and it's about as different from the mitten (Lower Peninsula) as cheese curds are from fancy brie.
So, where exactly is this UP hiding?
It's north of the mitten, obviously, separated by the Straits of Mackinac (which you can bravely conquer by car on the Mackinac Bridge, or, for the less car-committed, by ferry). But instead of endless suburbs and bustling cities, the UP boasts:
- Lake Superior: Basically a giant, freshwater ocean with stunning cliffs and beaches (minus the sharks, thankfully).
- Forests galore: Ever get the feeling you could get lost for days (in a good way) surrounded by towering pines and colorful maples? This is your place.
- Pasty Paradise: Forget fancy quiches, the UP is all about pasties, a delicious meat and potato pastry that will keep you fueled for all your adventuring.
Basically, the UP is Michigan's wild child: rugged, beautiful, and home to some of the friendliest folks you'll ever meet (affectionately known as Yoopers).
Pro tip: If you ever need convincing to visit, just look up pictures of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore or kayak through the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore. Your jaw will hit the floor (hopefully not while you're kayaking).
Still Confused? Here's a Handy Dandy UP Crash Course:
- Think Canada, but with better cheese curds: The UP borders Wisconsin and Ontario, so it shares a bit of their vibe.
- The land of two time zones: The western UP chills in Central Time, while the eastern part rocks Eastern Time. Don't worry, your phone will magically adjust (most of the time).
- More waterfalls than your Instagram feed can handle: Seriously, there are hundreds. Get your camera ready.
You Might Be a Yooper If...
- You can identify a good pasty from a bad one blindfolded.
- You say "eh" more than you say "hello."
- You consider negative wind chills a refreshing breeze.
- You own more winter coats than shoes.
FAQ: Upper Peninsula Edition
How to get to the UP?
Car, ferry, or plane! The Mackinac Bridge is the most iconic route, but there are plenty of other options depending on where you're coming from.
How to talk to a Yooper?
Just be friendly and respectful. Bonus points if you know how to pronounce "Escanaba" (Es-ca-na-ba).
How to dress for the UP?
Layers are your friend. No matter the season, the weather can be unpredictable.
How to find the best pasty?
Ask a local! They'll have their favorite spot, and you won't be disappointed.
How to avoid getting lost in the woods?
Stay on marked trails and let someone know where you're headed. But hey, if you do get lost, the friendly Yoopers will likely help you find your way back (and maybe offer you a pasty).
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