Fall Colors

Another reason that makes the Upper Peninsula so special is the ability to enjoy and experience the four seasons that mother nature has to offer. I mean sure, anyone can live in Florida and California and experience summer-like conditions year round. But I'd think that would get old after awhile. The Upper Peninsula is embarking on its most glamorous and spectacular season in autumn. Actually we already are in the midst of fall, but the reason why it can be so spectacular is already underway - the fall colors from the leaves changing are now close to peak viewing conditions.

As of now, the fall colors are at their peak in western interior areas of the U.P. with the rest of the peninsula following suit as this week progresses. Even despite last week's nasty wind storm, the leaves are looking especially pretty this year. However, another raw, windy day appears to be on the horizon in the next few days, so the colors may not last all that long. So if you're looking to get out and view the colors while they are still around, you had better to do it fast.

As a general rule of thumb, the peak for fall colors in the U.P. is usually during the last week of September into the first few weeks of October. Last year was later for the peak because of a warm month of September that seemed to delay the leaf changing process a tad. This year we are right on schedule. There are a variety of great locations to view the leaves in both the western and central Upper Peninsula. In the central areas, between Munising and Marquette offers some excellent leaf peeping. Approximately five miles west of Munising on M-94, the roadway descends down a steep hill and atop of that hill, you're able to see the rolling hills of maple trees in a vibrant red, yellow, and orange. And I mean honestly, you can see trees for miles around and it's a spectacular view. It's no surprise to see people parked along side of the highway to capture this beautiful view.

So if you're in and around the Upper Peninsula in the next few days, be sure and take in the fall colors. Obviously where ever you go, you'll be sure to experience the fall colors at their best. And in a matter of weeks, most of the trees will be bare and they'll be prepared to experience another long, U.P. winter, just like the rest of us.

U.P. Tourism Seasons

With the lack of high-paying, skilled jobs in the Upper Peninsula, many people resort to the ever-growing tourism industry in the U.P. to make a living. They could be doing this by owning a gift shop, providing tours of a specific destination, owning a small cafe/restaurant near a destination, and even helping to promote that particular destination, such as owning a website. Whatever the case, more and more people are relying on the tourists that come to the U.P. to take in nature's beauty. And there really is a ton to see, peninsula-wide.

And in the U.P., every season is a different tourism season. Let's start with winter. Obviously we deal with lots of snow, the north more than the south (with the help of Lake Superior) - but it's pretty far reaching where ever in the Upper Peninsula you go. The winter season caters to the skiers and snowmobilers the most. I would say by far, the snowmobilers are the largest group to come to the U.P. in the winter time. With hundreds of groomed trails by a variety of snowmobile clubs across the peninsula, it's easy to spend several days exploring the U.P's wilderness by snowmobile. Snowmobilers come from Wisconsin, Lower Michigan, and all throughout the Great Lakes and the United States. During some winters when many other areas are lacking snow, the first place they head is to the U.P. where a lack of snow usually isn't a problem. And if you don't own a snowmobile but would like to experience a ride on one, you can find places to rent them. So the snowmobilers do like our wintry conditions, but we cannot discount the skiers, snowshoers, and mushers who also make the trek to the Upper Peninsula and enjoy the best snow conditions Michigan has to offer.

As the snow begins to melt and the winter sports enthusiasts begin to put away their gear for the season, it's time for many to get prepared for the warm season that lies ahead. The Upper Peninsula draws up a variety of tourists during the warm season. Let's start with one of the more extreme groups, like the rock climbers who search out rock walls and rugged hills to climb. Then you have mountain bikers looking for treacherous trails to ride. You can also find hikers in the same camp as the bikers - trying to seek out the most isolated spot to explore. Then there's the casual sight seekers or families, enjoying the spectacular sights and sounds that the peaceful Upper Peninsula has to offer. Swimming and water sports are big on many of the inland lakes as well as the Great Lakes that surround the peninsula (even though Lake Superior is often chilly). And let's not forget camping - a great family activity. There are a variety of campgrounds that cater to many different people across the U.P. I mean, there is just a ton of things to do during the Upper Peninsula warm season. And I'm sure I'll go more in depth with some of these in the future.

Lastly, as the summer season begins to wane, the leaves begin to change across the Upper Peninsula and turn spectacular shades of red, orange, and yellow. The Upper Peninsula is one of the best locations in the country to view fall colors. The Porcupine Mountains in the western U.P. is noted as being one of the best areas but really, you can't go wrong anywhere you go. The Copper Country has some fabulous viewing areas as well as near Munising in the central U.P. The leaves begin to change sooner in the North and they gradually begin to shift southward. And along those lakeshore areas like Marquette, the peak foliage period is usually the last of them all. Typically, viewing of the fall colors at their peak is in early October, but that tends to fluctuate depending on the weather. But more often than not, early October is a safe bet.

So as you can see, you really can't go wrong when visiting Michigan's Upper Peninsula. It's also quite clear why people are taking advantage of the opportunities that tourists bring when they visit and in trying to help promote the U.P. even more. There is just so much to see and do up here and often times, people only have a short amount of time to spend. That's why it's very important to continue promoting the U.P. and what it has to offer so people can keep returning. You really can't go wrong by spending some vacation time in the Upper Peninsula.