The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is one of the most recognizable geographic regions in all of North America. However, very few people across the United States know very much about the Upper Peninsula (a.k.a. The U.P.).
Many people in the United States don’t realize there is an Upper and Lower Peninsula in Michigan and that they actually don’t connect at any single point. They are connected only by the 5-mile long Mackinac Bridge, which spans across the Mackinac Straits of Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. After looking at a United States map, many people think that the Upper Peninsula is part of Wisconsin or even Canada.
We’re here to change that.
Indeed, the Upper Peninsula has an identity of it’s own. As a peninsula we are surrounded by water, with over 1,700 miles of lake shore between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. We have access to the freshest water in the world. In addition to Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and 4,300 inland lakes, we are also known for our forest. Wood products have thrived in the Upper Peninsula and our forests are home to an amazing amount of wildlife. The Upper Peninsula is nearly 1/3 of Michigan (16,452 square miles), however it’s only about 3% of the population with approximately 328,000 people.
For hikers, photographers, hunters, kayakers, fishers, skiers, and for many other hobbyists the Upper Peninsula is paradise. Though winter is the season that makes the U.P. famous, and yes our winters can be long with upwards of 250 inches of snow, but don’t let that fool you. Many people don’t realize there are four full seasons in the U.P. From spring blossoms to the fall colors there is a natural beauty found in the Upper Peninsula year-round.
