Michigan's Upper Peninsula Travel Blog

Where did the summer go? It seems like that’s what a lot of people are saying around here with the first official day of autumn this past Monday. Our weather for the summer was relatively cooler than the past few years but probably closer to a typical U.P. summer. With a late start to spring, the two seasons seemed to have overlapped without any drastic changes and it really made the season feel short. It’s also hard to believe that we are entering the time of year when snow can make its first appearance. Tomorrow’s forecast, though, calls for temperatures near 80 degrees so it won’t be happening quite yet.

The fall colors are definitely making an appearance and I’ve heard it should be peaking the first weekend in October. I am really looking forward to this and the colors should be really vibrant this year. There are already some trees that are really bright and look almost fake.

If you’ve been thinking of traveling to the U.P. for a color tour… DO IT! And be sure to make Munising one of your destinations. We have lots to do and see plus the fall colors will only enhance it. While your in town, make sure to visit some of our shops. From keepsakes to original local art, they have something for everyone.

Upcoming event: La Demi Grand Half Marathon & 5K on Grand Island. More info in next week’s post!

A little hint of color change, W. Superior St., Munising

The sun has been shining for the last couple days and the temperatures have risen from where they were ten days ago. For some weird reason, though, it felt like spring to me a couple days ago when I first stepped out into the afternoon sun. The sun felt really warm but the air was a bit cool and lacking the melting snow. (That’s typically how I associate the spring season is here.)

The fall colors haven’t taken off, yet, around Munising. There are trees here and there that are really nice with bright reds and oranges. It should be at peak in a couple weeks. It always seems to happen really fast. One day all the trees are green and then before you know it the trees are bare.

Another sign of fall: the city workers removing the banner and flags from the light poles this morning. The next thing we’ll be seeing is a plow truck pushing snow.

If your in the Munising area on Saturday, Sept. 13th make sure to stop by the Alger Centennial Arena for the “Kitchee Miniss Jiingtamok (Pow-wow).” This FREE event is open to everyone and is guaranteed to be a unique experience. The doors will open at noon and the grand entrance will begin at 1pm. There will be Native crafters selling goods and a feast meal (any dish to pass is welcome) will start at 5pm. Follow the signs to the arena!

Pow-wow schedule:

• Door open @ noon
• Grand entrance @ 1:00pm
• Feast meal @ 5:00pm – any dish to pass is welcome

What a drastic change from a week ago. It was sunny and almost 90 degrees on Labor Day and today it is only 59 degrees! For almost the last week it has felt like autumn. Why does it feel like autumn? The days are getting shorter, the temps have been only in the 60s, some trees are starting to show a bit of color, the clouds are very dramatic and Lake Superior looks cold. All of these changes aren’t necessarily a bad thing, though. I think fall is probably one of the best times to visit the Upper Peninsula and Munising. The fall colors are absolutely amazing plus the Munising area offers an abundance of waterfalls (and many other attractions) that make the trip definitely worth the visit. Some of the falls are visible from the road while others are a mile or two hike. 

Come explore Munising and see why this area is a great destination!

Wow! Labor Day has come and gone, and we’re now looking forward to the fall season. This weekend, mountain bikers of all ages and skill level with be traveling to Munising for the 5th annual Tour da Woods mountain bike challenge and the 3rd annual Tour da Valley. We want to see you there because Munising is an awesome place to be plus it’s not too late to register! Even if you don’t mountain bike, come out and cheer!

Make sure to visit the rest of ExploreMunising.com for information on lodging, restaurants, attractions, shops and business services for your trip to the area.

TOUR DA WOODS – Saturday, Sept. 6th
The Tour da Woods challenge features two separate races for all mountain biking enthusiasts. 

Hiawatha’s Revenge: 30-mile course starts at the Alger County fairgrounds in Chatham and finishes at the Munising Mustang’s football stadium behind the Alger Arena, Varnum Street, Munising
Packet pickup available at start from 7:00 – 9:00 am
Race start time: 9:30 am

Red Deer Run: 15-mile course that starts at the Valley Spur ski & mountain bike trail head, 5 miles south of Munising on M-94. This races finishes at the Munising Mustang’s football stadium behind the Alger Arena, Varnum Street, Munising
Packet pickup available at start from 7:00 – 8:30 am
Race start time: 9:00 am 

Packet Pick-up/Spaghetti Dinner
Sydney’s Restaurant, M-28, Munising
Friday, Sept. 5th, 6:00 – 8:00pm
Everyone is welcome!

Awards
Sydney’s Restaurant, M-28, Munising 
Saturday, Sept. 6th, 3:30pm 
Unique awards are given for 1st, 2nd, & 3rd place male & female riders in both the 15 & 30 mile races. Medals are awarded by age and gender in all categories for both races. 

Altran bus will provide transportation for racers following the race for vehicle pickup from both race start areas. Shower facilities and secure bike corral will be available at the race finish.

TOUR DA VALLEY - Sunday, Sept. 7th
The 3rd annual Tour da Valley youth mountain bike day is a family-fun event held at Valley Spur, a trail system only 5 miles south of Munising. This free event offers a variety of races from 50 feet to 5 miles for racers 16 years and younger. They recommend registering ahead of time but registration will also be starting at noon with the first event taking place at 1:30pm. There will be refreshments served at the lodge and awards will follow.

For complete information on this weekend’s big events visit www.tourdawoods.org and we hope to see you in town!