I’m taking a vacation to the upper peninsula of michigan where to go?
I live in the mitten of Michigan and in August I’m planning on going to the UP for about a week. Now I want opinions what are the best places to go to? I’m thinking of something that has plenty of nature scenery. Possibly camping.
Things to do in Bruce Peninsula for cottage renters
1. Rent a cottage in Bruce Peninsula
Bruce Peninsula offers very unique nature environment based on crystal blue water, ancient rocks and clear sky that is very healthy for humans. The best way to enjoy Bruce Peninsula is to spend whole week exploring its wonders in the wide variety of cottages offered by private owners and professional rental agencies. And the best way to find the perfect place from this wide variety is to use FindCottage.ca website.
Website: Bruce Peninsula cottage rentals
Price: In summer most cottages are rented on the weekly bases starting from Saturday. Average price during the summer months is $1000-$2500 per week. During late spring and early fall you can get the best deal and in winter most cottages are closed.
2. Explore Flowerpot Island
Flowerpots are rock formations that have a shape of flowerpots and are formed by erosion and separation of portion of the mainland rock. The process takes millions of years and it is still happening today. Flowerpot Island is an island (that was part of the land bridge connecting Bruce Peninsula with Manitoulin Island) that has two Flowerpot Formations is just short boat ride away from Tobermory.
The island contains 6 km trail system that takes you around the island interior. It leads you through variety of forest settings and naturally formed caves (you get to them climbing beautiful wooden staircases). This place is also a beautiful nesting place for many birds and other animals. To get to the island you need to take the tour boat.
Website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/index_E.asp
Price: The tour boats prices range from $25 to $40 per adult.
3. Hike Bruce Trail in Bruce Peninsula National Park
The Bruce Peninsula Nation Park was established in 1987, and it is a part of the Niagara Escarpment. The park is 156 square kilometers, and is considered to be one of the largest protected park areas in southern Ontario. Visitors of the park get an opportunity to see how the southern Ontario wilderness once looked.
The park is great for outdoor adventures such as hiking and camping. The park’s main attraction is its preserved wildlife such as deer, chipmunk, red squirrel, black bear and foxes. The park also features a wide variety of flowering orchids, of which there is 44 species in the park.
Hikers should check out the breath taking views from the Overhanging Point, Halfway Rock point, Cave Point and Halfway Log Dump.
All of those are very famous sightseeing places, and if you are there, make sure to check out the Grotto, a huge cave formation with Georgian Bay water in its bottom.
Website: http://www.pc.gc.ca/eng/pn-np/on/bruce/index.aspx
Price: Daily parking is $11.70 per car. Camping is $23.50 per night.
4. Dive clear waters to see ship-wrecks
Tobermory, small village that is located on top of Bruce Peninsula, attracts many diving enthusiasts, mainly because there are tons of stuff to see underwater. There are over twenty ship wrecks in the clear waters of Tobermory, many of them dating back to mid-19th and early 20th centuries. The underwater beauty doesn’t stop with the ships; beneath the water you will find beautiful corals, underwater caves and stunning geological formations.
There are few locations in Tobermory that organize scuba adventures and rent diving gear:
Diver’s Den, G+S Water sports.
Website: http://www.diversden.ca/
Price: The prices start from $40 per dive and packages that include gear and dive start from $120. You are required to have a diver license.
5. Ride Chi-Cheemaun Ferry with your car
The MS Chi-Cheemaun is a passenger and a car ferry service that has been in operation since 1930s. The ferry goes between Tobermory and South Baymouth on Manatoulin Island and connects the two geographically-separate portions of Highway 6, the service runs seasonally from mid-May to mid-October.
It is completely worth it to spend one full or even multiple days on Manitoulin Island that is the world’s largest freshwater island famous for its spectacular sunsets, scenic landscapes and tranquility.
The ferry has a capacity for carrying 648 passengers and 143 vehicles, including room for large transport vehicles such as buses and transport trucks.
Website: http://www.ontarioferries.com/chi/english/index.html
Price: The prices for Adults start at $15.95, rates per vehicle range from $34.70-$74.50.
6. Hit Sauble Beach
Sauble Beach is a resort area on the eastern shores of Lake Huron, and it is a very popular tourist attraction in Bruce Peninsula. The shoreline is over 11km long, and is said to be the second longest freshwater beach in the world after Wasaga Beach. The shoreline has an interesting phenomenon that has developed sand dunes, which keep the beach very shallow and warm, and that makes it a perfect family getaway with children.
Sauble Beach is endless for the activities such as swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, tennis, beach volleyball and etc. Sauble Beach is also very popular among the cottage owners and renters, to accommodate a lot of people, Sauble beach is filled with local business that provide great food, restaurants, hotels, daycare and a medical clinic. Many restaurants on Sauble Beach provide free high-speed internet connection, so even if you are on vacation, you can always stay connected.
Website: http://www.saublebeach.com/
Price: Free
7. Enjoy the spirit of Tobermory village
Tobermory village is a small community (local population – 500 residents) that is located at the top point of Bruce Peninsula. The village itself is very popular tourist attraction – there are a lot of restaurants and cafes (popular dish is the local white fish), beautiful harbor with many private and tour boats, cozy motels and Bed & Breakfast cottages.
The lives and activities of Tobermory’s residents have always centered on boats and the two, fine harbors of Big Tub and Little Tub. Its strategic location has made Tobermory a port of refuge for canoe, mackinaw boat, schooner, steamer and yacht. The harbors have also provided an ideal base of operations to fleets of fishing tugs, the Manitoulin car ferries, guide boats, dive tugs and tour boats. At the beginning of past century during the boom of logs cut, there were 3 sawmills operating in Tobermory. In 1930s, the focus switched to guide boats and eventually it became one of the main tourist destinations in Ontario.
There are a lot of restaurants and cafes in Tobermory. Popular dish around the village is the local white fish. There is also a wide range of local accommodations such as hotels, cottages, Bed & Breakfasts and campgrounds. In general, Tobermory is a perfect getaway spot for families, photographers, divers, hikers and everyone who loves beautiful nature.
Website: http://www.tobermory.org/public/jpage/1/p/Home/content.do
8. Camp at Sauble Falls Provincial Park
Sauble Falls Provincial Park is located in south part of Bruce Peninsula, in the lower base of Sauble River. The park is divided in campgrounds, the side on the west is a quiet site, while the east side is not, and perfect for group camping. The park is also great because you don’t necessarily need to camp there, as you can just enjoy Sauble Falls.
During spring and fall the area is perfect for fishing enthusiasts as Rainbow Trout and Chinook salmon are popular fish in the Sauble Fall. In the summer people tend to do a lot of water activities around the park, such as water rafting and cliff jumping.
Website: http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/saub.html
Price: Camp site rentals are usually from $25.75 to $40.00 depending if the site has electricity or not.
9. Ride a Mountain Bike at Adventure park
For adventurous mountain bikers, Bruce Peninsula can offer Mountain Bike Adventure Park – the Eastern Canada’s first legal free-ride mountain bike park. The park is located just north of Wiarton. The park has over 20 km of trails and it features rock drops, skinnys, suspension bridges, teeter totters and dirt jumps. The trails also vary by difficulty levels, so this makes the park appealing to all kind of riders. Admission to the park is FREE!
If you are more into recreational biking, you can still enjoy on many paths around Tobermory and if you don’t have a bicycle, it is not a problem since there are rentals available right in Tobermory.
Website: http://www.mtbthebruce.com/
Price: Bicycle Rent is around $15.50 to $23.50 per day of biking.
10. Visit Neyaashiinigaamiing First Nations reserve
Neyaashiinigaamiing or in other words Cape Croker is the name of the reserve located just north of Wiarton. A First Nations community that still lives there is big part of Bruce Peninsula and its history, as they have lived there for centuries.
Neyaashiinigaamiing is surrounded by Georgian Bay and the Niagara Escarpment, so the scenery is incredible. The area is saturated with exotic plants and wildlife, and of course the native community. While visiting you can check out the trails that take you through the reserve, you can also purchase souvenirs and learn a lot about Bruce Peninsula and its First Nations history.
Website: http://www.capecrokerpark.com
11. Explore Bruce’s Caves
Bruce’s Caves Conservation Area is located 4.8km northeast of Wiarton. The conservation area is almost 7 hectares in size; it consists of Niagara Escarpment, rock talus, upland hardwoods, wooded swamp and caves.
The main cave has a 20 m high portal with a stone pillar in the entrance. The caves are significant in that they dramatically illustrate ancient weathering processes and the magnitude of post-glacial lake levels created 7,000 to 8,000 years ago. The caves are for you to enjoy for free, parking is also available nearby.
Website: http://www.brucegreytrails.com/trail.php?Trail=15
Price: Free
Exploring Snowdon’s Arm: Ten Places To Visit On The Llyn Peninsula
In early times the mountains of the Llyn Peninsula – a chain of long-extinct volcanoes – provided shelter from the elements and protection from invaders. With the passing of time the threat of invasion has passed, but the Llyn Peninsula’s landscape and position have since provided protection for one of the region’s most valuable assets: the Welsh language. Over 80% of the Llyn Peninsula’s population still use Welsh in everyday communication, making this region one of the most Welsh-speaking in Wales.
The language, the dramatic landscape, the myths and legends, the sense of community and ancient traditions… all these things give the Llyn Peninsula its unique personality, a big attraction to travellers in search of the “real” Wales.
To get you started, here are ten spots on the Llyn Peninsula that you won’t want to miss.
1. Porthdinllaen
It’s hard to believe that this tiny village, set on a sheltered, sandy, crescent-shape beach, was once one of the busiest ports in North Wales, almost chosen as the ferry crossing port to Ireland. To get to Porthdinllaen, walk along the beach or through the golf course. Soak up the amazing views and enjoy a pint at the T? Coch Inn right there on the beach.
2. Trefor
Bypassed by the main road, Trefor – at the foot of Yr Eifl – is easy to get to but often overlooked by tourists. The quarry on the mountainside – whose granite paves streets all over the world – looks down over the village, which was purpose-built in the 1800s to house quarrymen. Trefor’s sand and pebble beach offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains, and its small harbour and slipway are ideal for launching small boats.
3. Tre’r Ceiri
On the other side of Yr Eifl, on its easternmost peak, is the Iron Age hill fort Tre’r Ceiri. “The most impressive and dramatic of all British hill forts,” says archaeologist James Dyer, who’s probably seen a few. The site is surrounded by a defensive wall, three metres high in places, protecting the remains of 150 circular stone huts. The views are amazing; on a clear day you’ll see the Preseli Hills in South Wales and the Wicklow Hills in Ireland.
4. Nefyn
Ancient fishing town which hosted King Edward I’s celebrations after his 1284 conquest of Wales. According to tradition, there were so many revellers at the feast, the floor collapsed under their weight. The town predates Edward by several centuries, evidenced by remains of a motte-and-bailey castle and later tower, which overlook the town. Herring was once Nefyn’s main produce; a local saying is that Nefyn herrings have backs like farmers and bellies like publicans!
5. Morfa Nefyn
Morfa Nefyn is home to one of the UK’s most famous and picturesque golf courses, which provides access to the beach at Porthdinllaen. Morfa Nefyn’s other famous feature is The Cliffs, a cliff-top restaurant renowned far and wide for its beautiful sunset views and delicious gratin of locally-caught crab.
6. Criccieth
Criccieth is a charming seaside town with medieval roots, dominated by its castle which juts out over the sea between two sandy beaches. Excellent selection of little shops, pubs and restaurants, and home to Cadwalader’s high quality ice cream that’s been made in Criccieth from a secret recipe since 1927.
7. Pwllheli
This old market town was granted the Royal Charter by the Black Prince in 1355 in recognition of its trading importance. A former fishing port and shipbuilding centre, Pwllheli is now a popular seaside resort which boasts the biggest, most modern marina in Wales. Great for traditional seaside treats like chips, ice cream and amusements, but also for boat trips – look out for seals and dolphins, often seen in the waters off Pwllheli.
8. Abersoch
The sandy beaches of Abersoch – a popular watersports resort – are separated by a sheltering headland. Abersoch has risen from quiet fishing village to major yacht harbour, whose main focus is its yacht club. There’s also a hovercraft centre, pony trekking and an activity park with a maze, and the village is a base for six circular walks ranging from under a mile to over nine miles.
9. Aberdaron
Historic, picturesque fishing village, the last stop for medieval pilgrims en route to Bardsey. Aberdaron has its roots in the Age of Saints, the site of the original 6th century church now occupied by its 15th century successor. One of the oldest buildings in Aberdaron is a cafe – Y Gegin Fawr – which was built around 1300 for the refreshment of pilgrims. To make your own pilgrimage to Bardsey, hop on a boat at Porth Meudwy.
10. Bardsey
The whole of Bardsey Island – Ynys Enlli in Welsh – is a nature reserve. Medieval Rome decreed that three pilgrimages to Bardsey equalled one to Rome, and it’s claimed that 20,000 saints are buried there. Bardsey’s monastery was founded in 515AD by the Breton-born missionary, Cadfan. As well as its rich variety of wildlife, Bardsey is home to the rarest apple in the world – Afal Enlli – which was grown in a monastery orchard on the island a thousand years ago.
Upper Peninsula Summer 2008
Waterfalls & family
Categories: Camping Vacations Tags: 2008, Peninsula, summer, Upper
The Upper Peninsula of Michigan: A Different World
An official welcome to the UP and a hearty hello from all of the Yupers. Go to Paradise, twice. Paradise is at the junction of M123 and the road which goes to Whitefish Point, the Graveyard of the Great Lakes. Many ships, including the great Edmund Fitzgerald, lay at the bottom of Kitchee Gummee, Lake Superior. They sank either from sheer stupidity, i.e., running into each other, or from the gale force storms, which are common on this greatest of all the Great Lakes. Put all of the water from Lake Superior on the USA and you will cover it to a depth of five feet.
At Whitefish Point is the oldest operating lighthouse on Lake Superior. The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum seems to be a reverential memorial to the ships and men who gave their lives to the great waters. A hushed atmosphere surrounds the exhibits depicting the stories of some of the wrecks and some of the salvaged artifacts from the ships. The bell from the Edmund Fitzgerald centers as the place of honor, memorializing the men who lay at the bottom of the lake.. In another building a video shows the fateful tale of this mightiest ship to ever sail the Great Lakes.
The tour also includes the lighthouse keepers quarters, where for ten dollars a month, he and his family lived in total isolation tending the flame of the light and rescuing the sailors shipwrecked on the shores. This area was called the Alcatraz of the Lighthouse Service, because the keepers of the flame were effectively cut off from the rest of the world for much of the year.
Return to Paradise. Doesn’t that sound neat? Off to Tahquamenon Falls: Upper and Lower. The lower falls is really two steep rapids separated by an island. The upper falls, four miles down the road, is two hundred feet wide and fifty feet in height. It is the second highest falls east of the Mississippi. Guess which one is the largest? Paved trails take you to the falls and ninety-four steps lead to the summit of the upper falls. When you reach your journey back to the parking lot, dripping with perspiration, legs wobbling from exertion, you are greeted by a microbrewery with restaurant. All sing the Hallelujah Chorus. On tap is a stout, an amber ale, and a blueberry ale. The stout is especially memorable.
Take a circle tour to Grand Marais on Lake Superior. Drive along a unpaved road on the shore of Superior, come across the North Country Scenic Hiking Trail, which extends from Vermont to North Dakota, linking up with the Lewis and Clark Trail. Grand Marais is a picturesque fishing village at the Eastern terminus of Pictured Rock State Park. Five miles from town is the Sable Falls. Over one hundred fifty steps take you to the bottom of these falls, which have suffered with an abundance detritus from the harsh spring.
Munising, MI is the port which offers two different boat tours on Lake Superior. One explores the sunken ships in the area via a glass bottomed boat. The other is a two and a half hour cruise along the Pictured Rocks State Park on the northern shore of Lake Superior. On a 90 plus degree day, a rarity in the UP, you will be very comfortable on Lake Superior, which averages a water temperature of between 38 and 44 degrees. The geological formations and variegated colors of the rock strata is the result of both wind and water erosion and the loss of over three hundred feet of water depth over the eons. After the trip on the lake go see one of the formations up close from land. Go to Miner’s Castle. You will not be disappointed by the shore view.
Drive through Marquette, Negaunee and Ishpeming to Van Riper State Park on Lake Michigamme. This is moose country. However, the moose, at this time, were keeping cool in the swampy areas of the region. Smart Moose.
Leave early for Copper Country, the Keweenaw Peninsula of the UP. There is a campground in Hancock, MI, located on a canal which separates part of the peninsula (island) from the mainland.
Tour the Quincy Mine. The Number two shaft building and the hoist house dominate the hillside overlooking Hancock and Houghton. For over one hundred years, this mine produced millions of tons of copper. There are ninety-two levels to the mine reaching the depth of over nine thousand feet. To take the tour of level seven, the only one open to the public, you take a short ride on the only cog wheel tram in the Midwest. This goes down the hillside at a thirty-seven degree incline. It feels like you are on a roller coaster descending the first hill in slow motion.
When you reach the correct level, the temperature drops thirty degrees from the cold air being expelled through the adit (the horizontal mine entrance). You are given coats and hardhats to wear as you board a tractor driven wagon into the mine. From the 1840s through the 1960s there were hundreds of mines stretching from Copper Harbor to Ontonagon. Very few made any money. Most were closed down because of the fall in copper prices after the World Wars. The wages were pitiful, $1.00 to $2.00 per day for 10 hour days work. Some of the conditions and wages improved, because of violent strikes in the 1910s and later. Nevertheless, being a copper minor was hard, back breaking, work, its fringe benefits were outstanding though. There was blindness, deafness, and early death due to the old standbys such as falling down an open mine shaft if you tripped. And another great company perk was free housing as long as you lived–of course if you died your wife and kids had 30 days to ship out or marry someone else. Ah yes, the romance of being a miner.
Imagine working in total darkness with only a candle on your hard hat (felt soaked in resin). From the 1840s up to the invention of the power drill around the beginning of the 20th century. The men worked in three man teams: one held the four foot drill, while the other two hit it with eight pound sledge hammers at a rate of one swing per second. After each swing the holder would make a quarter turn on the drill. If he grew tired he used hand signals to stop the swinging. This was to place his thumb over the edge of the drill; the area being struck. You did not leave the mine for any reason until the end of your shift or else you were not paid for the day. You had to provide your own tools, including candles and drill bits. If your candle went out, which happened frequently because of air currents in the mine or water dripping, you just sat there until found. Only the fool walked in a totally dark mine. There were open shafts, low ceilings, and passages leading to other levels and areas of the mine.
Wen you are in UP, you have to try the pasties. They are meat pies brought by the Cornish miners to the area. They can be found anywhere in the UP. What a great meal!
Drive the spine of copper country. Stop at the Mining museum at Calumet. The Calumet and Hecla Mining Company was one of the largest on the peninsular. Calumet is still a relatively thriving town, even though the mines have long been closed. Many of the old buildings are being used for other purposes, such as education, storage, etc.
On December 24th 1913, a disaster took place at the Italian Society Hall. During a deadlocked and vicious strike a Christmas Party for the wives and children was being held at the hall. Someone yelled “Fire” and panic ensued. Even though this occurred ten years after the infamous Iroquois Theater fire in Chicago, the doors to the upstairs hall sill opened inwards. Over eighty women and children were trampled to death in this incident. There was no fire. The building is long gone and grave locations are unknown, but the memory lingers on. Ironically, there are still many public buildings still with doors which open inward.
Just down the street from Calumet is a small town of Laurium. Some of the wealthy mine owners built their homes in this town. The Laurium Manor is a B & B by night and a museum by day. The mansion has 45 rooms and boasts a 1,300 square foot ballroom on the third floor. Just down the street is the Victorian B & B, an equally impressive mansion. Such wealth amid such poverty.
Continuing North on US 41 are town after town sprung up because of the mining industry. They are reminders of an era long past. At the northern terminus of Rte.41 is Copper Harbor, the ferry dock for Isle Royale National Park, fifty miles in Lake Superior. The State of Michigan also operates Fort Wilkins State Park. Fort Wilkins was built in 1844 to keep the peace among the miners, after the land was ceded by the Chippewa Nation to the USA. Copper was always known to be in the area, but now “we” could get our hands on it legally. The Native Americans had been mining the pretty metal for thousands of years. Everyone knew it existed, but not in such great abundance. In the State Park are numerous shafts going down over 125 feet, dug by the miners who came in the 1840s.
Found out a new word today: sutler. A sutler is a store in a fort which carries nonmilitary articles, such as tobacco, alcohol, playing cards and other amusements, like today’s PX. This was different from the quartermaster’s store where only military supplies could be gotten.
Drive to the top of Brockway Mountain. This is 735 feet above Lake Superior with views on a clear day as far away as Isle Royale. The CCC during the depression erected the stone walls along the road. They are a marvel of engineering.
There are many other side trips to take in Keweenaw County: Delaware Mine Tour, Eagle Harbor and Lighthouse, Copper Harbor Lighthouse, Mandan Ghost town (named after the Mandan Indian tribe who were fair haired and blue eyed—some say descended from the Welsh).
On the way back to Hancock, take the mandatory stop at Gay, MI. A smoke stack is the only remaining symbol of the copper stamping plant which was there. Gay has one bar, appropriately called “Gay Bar”. If it wasn’t for the name, the bar would be just one of the local dives you find in any small town. What makes this so unique is the name and Yuper is spoken there. Yuper is more a frame of mind rather than a language. Sit back and enjoy the atmosphere. It is well worth the $2.00 for the beer.
Stop at Adventure Mine for an underground tour. This is different than the ones at Quincy or Delaware Mine. What made this interesting is that the mine tour went from one side of the mountain to the other side. On this side was an overlook of the countryside. To the right was a manmade cave. Native Americans mined for copper at this spot. Archeologists date the excavation to be more than 7,000 years old. Lake Superior was six hundred feet higher then and this area was a island. The archeologists found stone hammers under the slag pile. These hammers were rounded and formed to fit the hands of either right or left handed people. The stone is not native to the area, but is found in Northern Canada.
Visit the Restoration Project at the Victoria Mines. This is near Rockland, MI, once the second largest town in the UP. The project consists of five two story houses which bunked twenty four men at a time. They slept in shifts. Wives did the cooking, laundry, etc.