Michigan's Upper Peninsula Travel Blog

The month of November has gone by really fast and here we are only just a few days from Turkey Day. At Explore Munising, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Thanksgiving. Even though our nation, state and local economy has seen better days, we still have a lot to be thankful for. May your holiday be safe and relaxing.

The lake-effect snow has stopped for the last few days and the temperatures have been relatively mild. In Munising, we received close to a foot of new snow by late last Friday night while areas to the east had over 2 feet! Our temperatures have been near or above freezing for the last several days so its helped pack down the snow to start a nice base. Some of the cross-country ski trails at Valley Spur are currently being groomed and open to the public. (That allows you to eat more at Thanksgiving and then just ski off the extra calories the next day!)

The firearm deer season comes to a close on Sunday night and the weather wasn’t the most cooperative during the 2-week period. I think the deer were still pretty active and many nice bucks were taken in the area. The 2008-2009 snowmobiling season officially opens on Monday and it may be off to a good start in some areas with the recent snowfall. Check back next week to see the status of trails in the Munising area.

Mark your calendars to visit Munising next Friday, Dec. 5th. Experience the sights, sounds and spirit of the season as the businesses of Munising and Alger County invite you to “Rekindle the Spirit.” Many events are planned with a children’s movie at 3:30pm and downtown festivities from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Next week’s posting with give the complete scoop on the big event!

Lake-effect snow has hit the area again and I would guess it’s going to be sticking around for awhile. In Munising, we received 7″ in the last 24 hours and have a snow depth of 8″. Other areas to the southwest received almost 20″ by 3pm yesterday! The lake-effect snow is suppose to diminish today but there is snow in the forecast for the rest of the week. Time to get your winter sports gear tuned and ready for the outdoors!

Make your reservations now for an early-winter trip to Munising! 

Looking east down Superior St., Munising.

Looking north at the corner of Superior St. and Elm Ave., Munising.

As I mentioned a few postings ago, tomorrow is the opener for the firearm deer season in Michigan. This is a beloved holiday for the U.P. that has been cherished for many generations. The Yooper tradition of families heading out to deer camp for hunting, socializing and a sauna are still much alive. Deer camps range in level of luxury from old campers and shacks to more modern facilities. Many of the camps are still primitive-style cabins that rely on wood (or propane) heat and generators for electricity. Some still have outhouses for bathrooms and a separate wood-heated sauna for sweating away the impurities.

Opening day (Nov. 15th) is the Super Bowl of the two-week season. The deer haven’t been disturbed by people wandering in the woods, so there’s a good chance of taking the big buck. To give you an idea how big of event the opener is, most schools are closed! With many of the students gone to their hunting camps, it isn’t worth for the schools to be open. (The schools lucked out with it being on a Saturday this year!) Also, some businesses are shut down during the two weeks of deer season because so many of their employees are on vacation during that period. Now you can see why we call it the U.P. holiday.

All deer hunters, though, have one thing in common. The desire for a trophy-size buck to come trotting in to their hunting spot. No matter if the hunter is successful, it’s commonly followed by exaggerated stories of this “massive buck.” Many hunters do get lucky but not all. It’s common for some people to go to deer camp and not hunt. For everyone, it’s really about spent time with your family and friends in the woods.

So good luck to all hunters and be safe in the woods. If your hunting in the Munising area, make sure to stop in town for our restaurants and other fine businesses. After four days of Uncle Tim’s chili and grandpa’s snoring, a hot meal and a hotel room might be a good solution!

We would like to welcome the Hiawatha Interpretive Association to the Explore Munising website. They are a brand new listing in the Services section. They offer a variety of educational programs, exhibits and merchandise for the Hiawatha National Forest. They are located in the Interagency Visitor Center near the H58 & M28 intersection. Learn more about them by visiting the Hiawatha Interpretive Association listing!

It was only a matter of time before we received our first significant snow and it happened over the weekend. Most of the U.P. saw snowflakes while the northern portions saw much more. In Munising, we received nearly 6″ of snow through yesterday while east of Munising, near Shingleton, had almost 18″ fall! Here last week the temperatures were in the 60s and now it looks like winter! The temperatures are suppose to rise a little during the week but snow again over the weekend. Time to dust off those skis and snowshoes.

This Saturday is also the opener for the firearm deer season, a U.P. holiday. Check back later in the week for a posting on this Yooper tradition.

Time to put away the patio furniture, Munising, MI

Munising's first significant snowfall. Nov. 2008.

I would like to share with you the pride I feel when I look out and see the new streets and curbing that are now nearing completion. It was well worth the dust and detours! It definitely highlights the charm and uniqueness of our community, bringing together a nice tidy package for you to see when you visit Munising. The newly paved streets are a smooth ride through the local businesses and residential areas. The upgraded city water lines and sewer lines were also much needed and open the door for new things to come. This has really enhanced an already beautiful community to reside in and operate a business. Completion is scheduled for spring or early summer of 2009.

As for the weather, we’ve been experiencing warmer temperatures the last few days. It’s been in the 60 degree range and sunny. What’s funny is you feel like you have to go outside and absorb the warmth for the months ahead. Sadly (or happily), this will be coming to an end by the weekend.

Onota Street looking east from the corner at Elm Avenue.

Onota Street looking west at the corner Spruce Street.

Still under construction near the post office.