Michigan's Upper Peninsula Travel Blog

Wow, next Monday is already February and it looks like it’s going to be a fun month! Every weekend there is a great event happening in the Munising area. So if you haven’t made it up to the Upper Peninsula, this is definitely a good time to visit the area. Many of the events are unique to the U.P. and you’ll definitely not be disappointed. From an ice climbing festival to a dog sled race and Winterfest–it’s going to be a good month! Below is an overview of what’s happening in February. Over the next few weeks, I’ll post a more complete write-up of the upcoming events. Make sure to visit our Winter Events page for the complete details.

February Event Highlights:

• Feb. 5-7: Ice Climbing Festival
• Feb. 13: Ice Fishing Derby // Grand Marais Cabin Fever
• Feb. 18-21: U.P. 200 Dog Sled Race // Munising Winterfest
• Feb. 27-28: Trenary Outhouse Races // Munising 300 Snowmobile Race

(And those are just a few of them…)

Yesterday's lake-effect snow blast, E. Superior St. & Elm Ave. intersection

If you’re wondering about the weather, the “Thaw” has ended and we’re in a deep freeze right now. The daily high temperature is reaching, maybe, 10 degrees while the overnight low is around 0 degrees. We’ve also had lake-effect snow bands develop in the last couple days that drop some much needed snow. Yesterday, we received about 6″ of the white stuff here in town. The forecast is showing much of the same except for the temperature rising to the low-20s for the daytime high. (Great U.P. winter weather!)

So, plan your trip, pack your bags and head up north for winter fun!

Whitefish dinner at Sydney's Restautant

It’s been another quiet week around here. We’re still in the midst of the “January Thaw” but it looks to be ending by early next week. We had some really beautiful weather last weekend with the temperature in the mid-30s and sunny skies. It did snow a few inches during the week but nothing too significant. Munising Bay is seeing more and more ice shacks on the big lake. The ice fishing seems to be pretty good with folks catching some really nice whitefish. (Please use caution when venturing out there.)

If you haven’t had whitefish, you’re missing out! One of my favorites! Many restaurants around the Upper Peninsula have it on their menu. From sandwiches to fillets and even chowder, it can be cooked a variety of ways. If you’ve seen the movie “Forrest Gump”, it’s similar to when Bubba is telling Forrest the number of ways shrimp can be cooked. Just kidding! I prefer my whitefish fillet broiled with lemon-pepper or cajun seasoning. So the next time you’re in the area, visit one of our Munising restaurants for a great whitefish meal. If you have a favorite whitefish recipe, tell us about it.

Speaking of fishing, the 26th annual Munising Moose Lodge Fishing Derby is happening on Saturday, February 13th. The event takes place at Au Train Lake and the best part; it’s on Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend! No fishing licensed required to participate (must still follow regulations, though). Visit our virtual bulletin board to read the event’s flyer.

Become a fan of our Facebook Page! We’re close to 300 fans!

It’s been a pretty quiet week around here. We haven’t received any significant snowfall and the temperature has been pretty mild for mid-January. Since about Wednesday we’ve been in the low 30s and this weekend looks really warm – upper 30s, close to 40. By Tuesday, though, the forecast shows the temps. will be dropping back to normal and snow (yahoo!). Some new snowfall will definitely help freshen up what’s currently on the ground. On Munising Bay, more and more ice shanties are appearing daily. The entire Bay “looks” froze over but the level of safety is very, very questionable. Closer to shore, I’ve heard there’s about 6-8 inches of ice and people have been catching whitefish. Until it gets colder, I’ll keep buying whitefish at the grocery store.

In the last week, we’ve added some new webpages to Explore Munising. The new pages feature Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, the Hiawatha National Forest and the hidden gem – Grand Island Recreation Area. The pages include things to do and see, maps, helpful links and other resources. Each recreation area lists a variety of outdoor recreation opportunities that are available throughout the year.

EVENT:
If you’re having rummage sale withdrawals, then Wetmore Hall is the place for you tomorrow (Saturday, January 16th) from 10:00am-4:00pm. This fun event is a great fundraiser for the Alger Cancer Support Fund. Go check it out!

Take a sick day tomorrow and drive up (or over) to Munising for this Saturday’s (Jan. 9th) 4th annual Valley Spur Ski Bash! The Ski Bash is a cross-country ski event that features a few different race lengths for all levels of skiers. It’s your choice whether you ski for fun or compete with other racers. No matter what, you’re guaranteed to have a good time and see some real Upper Peninsula beauty. The trails at Valley Spur will take you through the beautiful hardwoods and rolling hills of the Hiawatha National Forest. The race begins with a shotgun start at 10:00am at the Valley Spur Ski Lodge (and will also finish there). You can register and pick up your race packets from 8:00-9:30am the morning of the race or register online! The races, themselves, are the 24K Bigfoot’s Revenge (classic or freestyle) or the 12K Eki Loppett (classic). Following the race (at 1:30pm) there will be an awards ceremony at the Falling Rock Cafe (on M-28) in downtown Munising. Awards and medals will be given out to the top 5 male & female racers and top 3 male & female age division winners. It’s going to be a great time and the weather forecast looks really good for Saturday!

If you’d like to pre-register for the event, there’s still time to do that! Visit the Valley Spur Ski Trail website for more information.

Event Details:
4th Annual VALLEY SPUR SKI BASH
Saturday, January 9th, 2010 • 10:00am start
Valley Spur Ski Trails (3.5 miles south of Munising, off M-94)
24K Bigfoot’s Revenge (classic or freestyle) & 12 Eki Loppett (classic)
Awards presented at 1:30pm, Falling Rock Cafe, downtown Munising

Also, in the last week we’ve added over a 100 new fans to our Facebook page. Thanks! Let’s keep adding them!