Northern Michigan

Upper Michigan, or the land “above the Bridge” refers to the northern peninsula of Michigan. Other than the border with Wisconsin, the region is surrounded by the waters of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Anchored in the east by the town of of Sault Ste Marie, sharing the border with its name sake sister city in Canada. Sault Ste Marie, proclaims itself the place where Michigan was born. Northwest on the peninsula sits the towns of Hancock and Houghton, on opposite sides of Lake Portage. To the south of the Peninsula, on the coast of Lake Michigan, towns like Escanaba offer travelers small-town charm amidst a wealth of outdoor recreation.

The Upper Peninsula is a winter fantasy land. Dominated by pristine forests and beautiful coastlines, and gifted with up to 200 inches of snow a year, it is paradise for active winter recreationists. Grab your skis or trailer up the snowmobiles to enjoy miles of winter trails or head up to one of the fun winter festivals.

Trenary, in the middle of the Upper Peninsula, holds the Outhouse Classic at the end February; a unique race now in its seventeenth year. The race has kids', big kids' and adult categories, so everyone can test their own outhouse building theories for a race down main street. The rules are simple; you just need to make sure a toilet seat and toilet paper are included. Surely not to be forgotten, bring the entire family for a day of fun. lighthearted competition.

Cross Country enthusiasts, put your skills to the test at the Great Bear Chase. The 30th  annual event in March features 50K and 26K freestyle events, along with a 26K classic. The course traverses gently rolling trails and finishes in Calumet. Dog sled racers and fans; don't miss the Copper Dog 150 also held in the Keweenaw peninsula area in March over a three day weekend. Experience the excitement of sled-dog racing with the start and finish in downtown Calumet.

For more traditional sportsmen, Mount Ripley Winter Resort in the Houghton and Hancock area offers downhill skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing. There are rentals and instructions offered on site, so no worries if you're new to the sports. This is a nice resort to learn the basics and have a good time.

Tired of Winter and itching for golf? St Ignace has just the event for you! The UP Ice Chip Golf Scramble, held in March, may be a better test of balance than putting - but either way is delightful fun. Create a sled to transport clubs and golf paraphernalia over the ice, dress warm and be ready for a good time. Men and Women have separate categories so bring the entire family and see who wins the bragging rites for the year.

The Northern Peninsula is where Michigan was born. A winter get-away to the region will rejuvenate and re-energize. Come stay at one of the area's comfortable Best Western hotel locations and you'll undoubtedly leave reborn, with a fresh perspective and memories for a lifetime.