Michigan's Upper Peninsula Travel Blog

Not a whole lot to report on this week. The weather has been mild and pretty quiet. There is a potential for some snow this weekend and into next week but nothing is guaranteed. Currently, we’re only at 10″ of snow for the month of March, which is pretty low for around here. We’re about 8″ below the 30-year average for the month. Much of that is contributed to Lake Superior being 95% covered with ice. That’s over 30,000 square miles of ice! When the big lake freezes, it puts a stop to all our lake-effect snow. I don’t think a whole lot of people are complaining, though, because of all the snow we received before this month. In the city, we’re at 225.5″ for the year while out of town is over the 300″ of snow! There’s still close to 30″ of snow on the ground from Munising eastward to Grand Marais.

Next weekend (April 4th & 5th) is the annual Home/Sport/Craft Show at the Alger Ice Arena. The event features a variety of vendors from the area as well as activities for the kids. This is usually a well-attended event and just a good way to get out of the house.

Here’s some images of what it looks like around town:

There's a door behind all that snow!

Looking south on Lynn Street in Munising

According to the calendars they say we’re now officially in the spring season. That is partially true here in Munising and the Upper Peninsula. Earlier in the week the temperatures were definitely spring-like being in the 50-degree range for several days. We lost quite a bit of snow but there’s still plenty left on the ground especially to the east (close to 3 feet of snow)! The last few days, though, the temperature has dropped to more “normal” conditions and it actually snowed a bit yesterday. I guess you could say we’re in the post-winter/pre-spring season. I estimate there’s definitely one, maybe two, good snow storms left until we’re official out of winter. It seems like we get socked with a big snowfall in early April every year. Usually by May it’s safe to put away your snow shovel for the season.

Looking for something to do this weekend? Head out to Valley Spur Trails for some end-of-winter snowshoeing. The first ever “Walk Michigan” End-of-Winter Snowshoe Walk is taking place on Saturday, March 21st (tomorrow). The event runs from 9-11:30am and snowshoes will be provided. There’s no cost to participate and this is just a non-competitive event to get outdoors. There will be prize drawings for those who at least walk one mile. The weather is suppose to be great, so head out outdoors for some exercise and a leisure walk in the woods! For more information please call the Munising News at (906) 387-3282.

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If you’re still looking for some winter activities, Munising is still the spot. We’ve seen a little rain but its turned cold again and we still have 36″ of snow on the ground. We haven’t seen much for snow lately, but that’s mainly due to Lake Superior being frozen over. (It really puts the damper on seeing any lake-effect snow.) We were forecasted to get a big storm yesterday but it mostly went west of us. Instead, the temperature dropped drastically, for March, and it was really windy. In Grand Marais, they recorded a wind gust of 71 mph!

This Saturday is the 5th annual Snowman Triathlon at Valley Spur trails. The triathlon consists of a 12K classic ski, 3K run and 3K snowshoe. Participants can compete in it individually or as a team. Don’t worry, though, individuals and team are awarded separately. Also new this year is a 12K classic ski race called the Eki Loppet. This is a great event if you’re looking to just ski.

Need a place to stay while in Munising? Visit our Lodging section for some comfy stays! Good luck to all the racers. It looks to be a great weekend.

EVENT DETAILS:
Saturday, March 14, 2009
Valley Spur trails
9:30 am shotgun start (both events)
Pre-registration available or register before the race.
Packet pick-up begins at 7:30am

Last weekend was the first ever Sno-Show at Bayshore Park in Munising. It featured an antique snowmobile show, relic ride and snowmobile racing. The weather turned out great and here’s some photos from the event!

Tri-oval racer at the Sno-Show

Radar run participant at the starting line

Spectators checking out some of the antique sleds

It may be March and spring-like where you live but, here in Munising, we still consider it winter. With over 40 inches of snow on the ground, you can see why. Now is a great time to visit Munising and enjoy your favorite winter sports. The snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are in great shape and locals are still ice fishing.

This weekend, there are two big events happening to make Munising a great place to visit. They range from a unique cross-country skiing/eating event at Valley Spur to snowmobiling fun in downtown Munising. I’ll break them down below.

TASTE & GLIDE – Saturday, Mar. 7th
Valley Spur trails
11am-3pm 
Come out to Valley Spur (just 3 miles south of Munising) for this annual ski/eat event! Participants pay a fee, ski the trails and stop at buffet stations along the way. It’s a great way to get outdoors and eat some awesome food. The warming lodge will be open and feature local entertainment. The cost is $18/person for adults and $10 for kids. Registration takes place at the lodge on the day of the event.

Click to enlarge

VINTAGE SNO-SHOW – Mar. 6-8th
Downtown Munising 

Friday, Mar. 6th
5pm-9pm – Pre registration for racers and sno-show participants @ Cherrywood Lodge
Ice breaker social & live band “4 Below Zero” 

Saturday, Mar. 7th
9am – Bayshore Park opens / Vintage & antique sleds registration
Registration for Radar Run

Noon-5pm – Radar Run starts
Pond hockey & skating starts behind pavilion (Sat. & Sun.)
Free snowmobile rides for kids (Please bring kid helmets. Adult helmets are available – limited quantity)

2pm – Sno Trek – vintage & antique sleds to Foggy’s Bar – buffet & warming area

4pm – Kid’s 120 races

Evening – Live band @ Cherrywood Lodge & Foggy’s Bar

Sunday, Mar. 8th
9am – Vintage & antique showing for judging – Bayshore Park
Registration for timed event tri-oval – Munising Bay

Noon – Judging trophies and awards

1pm-5pm – Timed event starts
Free snowmobile rides for kids (time & weather permitting)

4pm – Outlaw oval race – fastest 10 sleds

SNOW REPORT (city of Munising)
 Total snowfall 2008-2009: 219.7″
Snow depth: 41″
Data from Marquette NWS website.