What actually determines "Northern" Michigan? “Is Traverse City really “going up north”?” Technically if you coming from South of it- Yes, it would be…lol Jen Ismirle Jun 30, 2008 I was just about to say that . . . heh. Personally, I’m sorta annoyed by the use of the phrase “going up north” cause when a lot of people I know use it, it simply means going an hour or two to the north to go to a lake or something. To me, the phrase sounds much more pronounced, like they should be going much further, like to the U.P. But us Southerners apparently say “going up north” when we’re going to the north of the L.P., and actually say we’re going to the faraway land called the U.P. when we’re going to cross the bridge . . . and go to Mackinac Island. Byron Sailor I love the article, a great read. I visit downstate quite a bit and people get very confused about this ‘up north’ thing. The biggest thing that bugs me though: Houghton is -not- Houghton Lakes!

Brittany Jul 8, 2008 I am from the UP and I will say “north” is over the bridge, in the upper peninsula. It’s not about longitude/latitude, its about lifestyle. I also go to central michigan university- and will say, its not central if you consider the whole state. its only central of the lower peninsula. I really think that lower michigan just hates the UP and we should become our own state. =) But, please, tourists and other uninformed individuals- we have running water/electricity/etc. But, if ever in escanaba, stop as Saykllys for some candy and gifts and tourist items! Chuck It’s not that we hate the U P, it’s just that we forget about our other peninsula. Mitchell Treadwell Jul 10, 2008 Actually, the whole “up north” idea has more to do with population than geography. By far most of the residents of Michigan live south of Clare (with more than a third in greater Metro Detroit), and the UP has (relatively) few people. Also, the phrase “where the North begins” implies something of a directional reference.

“North” is thus considered to be a region that may not be where the person reading it is from. Accounting for the fact that most of the visitors to the area north of Clare (and therefore the people who would be traveling long distances by car) would come from Southern Michigan or beyond (such as Ohio, Indiana, or Chicago), they would be reaching the “Northern” part of the state at about Clare, this being the part of the state with a lower population density and a greater variety of recreational opportunities. Also, as public universities draw people from predominantly across their home state, their names (Like Eastern, Western, and Central) are meant to designate what would be that part of the state in terms of population, which (as you remember) is concentrated in the South. Thus, Kalamazoo would be considered “Western” to most of the people in Michigan, Ypsilanti is “Eastern”, and Mount Pleasant is “Central”. In fact, substantially more people live south of Mount Pleasant than North of it. However, if you consider population density and distance to be roughly inversely proportional (as people have to go farther where they are fewer), CMU can be generally viewed as “Central” for most of the state’s residents.

The map above (dividing the state into Northern, Central, and Southern) places the southern part of the Western UP (including Menominee in the “Central” region. I’ve never heard of anyone from ANY part of the Upper Peninsula consider Menominee to be “central” in ANY sense, as it distinctly fits in with the geographic, social, and cultural elements that define the UP as Michigan’s “Northern Frontier”. And finally, if you are going to divide the state into various “regions” on a map “geographically”, without giving any regard to where people LIVE, at least deal with it in terms of land area. Looking only at one measurement (latitude) to determine regions that are supposedly equivalent is short-sighted and misleading. Chris Cavalieri um who cares? why does it matter. from what ive heard, there’s northern michigan and the UP. thats how its always been. but who really cares. Nils Stenvig Jul 11, 2008 I think there is a logical explanation for the original division of Michigan’s land area as show in the first map above (of just the lower peninsula).

The Mackinac Straits once served as a geographic barrier between the upper and lower peninsulas (Mighty Mac wasn’t completed until 1957). Sure, there were ferries to haul people across the 5 mile stretch, but it can be reasonably assumed that for residents of the lower peninsula, the U.P. was much less considered a part of the state than it is now. So for a large chunk of MI history, the northern part of the L.P. was understandably considered Northern Michigan. This label could have been applied both geographically and culturally, as the area was much less populated and ‘wild’ at that time. So if you look at that first map of the L.P. and consider that the U.P. didn’t exist (which is how most trolls would have viewed it 60 yrs ago), the boundaries seem to make sense. The opening of the Mackinac Bridge has allowed much easier travel between the peninsulas. The U.P. has gradually become accepted by the L.P. as part of Michigan, although the geographic/cultural landmarks dividing the state have not shifted.

I think the label ‘Northern Michigan’ has lost its original meaning to most people (defining something far North or wild) and now simply defines a geographic area which everyone will recognize in conversation. So although these labels are long outdated, I feel it is okay to continue using them so long as nobody confuses Northern Michigan and the U.P. Personally, when someone refers to Northern Michigan I immediately think of the northern L.P. since this is the area referred to as such. Never do I consider that someone is speaking of the U.P. unless they specifically label it so. I, for one, do not wish for the U.P. to be called anything but ‘Da U.P.’ I say we let the trolls keep Northern Michigan to themselves. But if we are to divide the state up geographically, I would agree, Bugsy, with the map you invented. Where people live makes absolutely no difference in this case. And it makes much more sense to split the state into thirds based on latitude than by land area… So to answer the questions… I say Northern Michigan ends South of the bridge. I’d rather be called Da U.P. I think it is as simple as Upper Peninsula, but not as simple as Lower Peninsula.

Traverse City is going up North for anyone who lives at least 50 (or so) miles South. Clare County – “Where Norther Michigan Begins – But Not The Ash Trees.” CMU can stay right where they are… Lindsey Jul 12, 2008 Well… if you’re coming up from Detroit, then yes, Traverse City is going “up north”. However, being from Traverse City, I considered going “up North” to be going anywhere north of the bridge. It really is a matter of perspective. Stephanie Jul 12, 2008 I grew up around Clare. The village of Lake to be exact and with all the lakes around I would meet people who would call that “up north”. It always buged me because up north is across the bridge for me. When going towards the north and you hit around Clare, its true that you are farther north than you were but you are still only in Central Michigan. I currently attend CMU and students from farther down state say that they attend school up north. Which makes absolutely no sense. Its called Central Michigan for a reason. True it is located in Central Lower Michigan but still its not up north.

theresa Jul 25, 2008 I grew up in the ‘burbs (they suck) but went to school at Hillsdale, which probably constitutes the southernmost 4-year institute of higher learning in the state of Michigan (I haven’t done my research on this, though, so it could be Adrian College…either way, it’s one of the two). Anyway, the point is, at least for us anyway, when you’re all the way the hell down here (and all of an hour and a half from both Ann Arbor and K-Zoo, and an hour from even JACKSON, for chrissakes), pretty much everything past Lansing is “Far North” to us. So look at it this way: from the Hillsdale to Mt. Pleasant, it’s (roughly) a three hour drive. Then, from Mt. Pleasant to Sault Ste. Marie it’s another three hours. That’s going almost exactly north (I think they’re even on the same longitude). Basically, Mt. Pleasant is (again roughly) halfway between the two. Thus, I see no problem with dubbing the institute of higher learning in Mt. Pleasant “Central” Michigan University.

For MOST OF THE STATE, it’s fairly centrally located. Sure, maybe someone in Ironwood or Houghton might have problems getting there, but, not everything’s perfect. A lot of us trolls have problems if we really had out hearts set on going to Michigan Tech. I mean, I’m still amazed at how high the travel costs in the GLIAC must be…especially with all those Pennsylvania teams in the mix. (Even more amazing is why Hillsdale is in D-II, but that’s another problem altogether.) Maybe the greater point should be: Michigan is a big f***ing state. And that makes it the sweetest state in the union. Kickass. julien how can you forget about “the other Peninsula” if you ask me, the UP is the greatest part of Michigan…..i live in Marquette and love it. your not up north until you cross over “the bridge”. damn straight…trolls!! Meg Since your article is primary based on accuracy, I thought I’d mention that the first paragraph after the map that splits the state into thirds… says “country” when it should read “county”.

Yooper Steez Nov 13, 2008 well personally i was born and raised a yooper and i think that anyone south going north says im going up north, and i would rather be called or said to live in da UP then up north thats how its always been.. and all the trolls can just stay under the bridge and think what they want.. us yoppers need to stick together.. cause the UP is a great place.. Jer Nov 19, 2008 Now this is interesting…I was raised in Marquette, MI. I spent most of my life in the U.P. Currently, I reside in Petoskey, and people around here say they live in Northern Michigan, which is fine, but you’d be surprised how many people come from out of the area in the summer that are shocked to hear that there is much more to Michigan that is North of us. They seem to think that when you drive across the bridge you are in some foreign land. While this is not the majority, it certainly is more people than you would think, I would estimate about 20%.

I even ran into one person who asked where I was from, when I told her Marquette, she asked “Where’s that” I told her it was across the Mackinac Bridge, she replied “Oh, you’re from Canada” So, while I currently live in Northern Lower Michigan, I will never say I live in Northern Michigan, unless I move back to the U.P. Jeff Bouman Nov 22, 2008 I was born in Gaylord and Lived up here in Marquette (Harvey) since I was 1. When we go to camp from here (Harvey) To Boot Jack road (Lake Linden, Houghton, hancock) we always called it going up north! Yet we live in the upper peninsula! It’s just saying going up north! Anyone from any state says that. I think Mr. Stenvig has the right answer. I’m a true proud yooper. As anyone’s Troll friends would say besides Yoopers is, that were southern canadians. I wish we were our own state, but that could never happen.

Debbie Kennedy Jan 12, 2009 I was born and raised in Grand Rapids and the farthest North I ever made it was to Mackinaw City. My family always made a trip to cross the bridge and maybe grab a bite and head back to the L.P. In 2005, I made my very first trip to the U.P. driving West to Lake Gogebic to my best friend’s cabin on the lake. What a beautiful drive. Stopping along the way to grab some pasties and seeing some very beautiful locations. It was September and the colors were just the most amazing thing I had ever seen. Breathtaking is the word that first comes to mind. They outshined the colors I have seen in the upper portion of the L.P. I was even fortunate to go on a 3 day two night hike into the Porcupine Mountains. This was truly another amazing site. I am in my 40’s and never stepped in the waters of Lake Superior until that visit. I was truly impressed with the night sky and the way the stars seemed so close I could almost touch them.

During our stay we were able to actually see a satellite we were told would be crossing the sky during our stay. Back at the cabin our time was spent taking walks on trails around the area, sitting in the gazebo watching the boats go by and seeing and hearing for the first time the Loon. The occasional thunderstorm at night was one of my favorite highlights as well. Taking the canoe out to see more of the shoreline. It was the best 2 weeks I spent with no husband and no kids. I had the perfect tour guide as my friend has been to the cabin every year since she was born. Even today she brings her family there. Of course, there is so much more to see and now that I have had my first taste of the U.P., I will be back for more. As far as what is North, South, East and West it does not matter to me. Michigan has a Lower Peninsula and an Upper Peninsula and we should all be lucky to have such a diverse State where we can go anywhere and see the most amazing things and be able to do anything our hearts desire. I am a Troll but I wish I was a Yooper as well.

Troll Jan 24, 2009 All of us in the lower peninsula must apologize for so often forgetting the UP (or casually and purposefully omitting it as part of the state ;)). Regions are a strange thing and I’ve spent some years studying them and how they are separated and defined. It’s a personal interest, not to mention I have a degree in geography. I live in Fremont, which is technically West Michigan. Now of course, “west” doesn’t really mean west. It means southwest, because as rather accurately according to the sign in White Cloud, 14 miles northeast of me, the town is “where the north begins and the pure water flows.” It looks like the north. It feels like the north. There is a very definite cultural (as well as landscape) difference starting in that area as well, while here in Fremont, where we’re more economically connected to Muskegon and the lakeshore cities, more people go to the beach in the summer and less people are doing those winter things you all do up north. A lot of radio and TV here is from Milwaukee and oftentimes Chicago and Green Bay too.

Watching the two TV channels that we DO get from the north feels like watching something from a foreign land to me, while I listen to Milwaukee radio stations while driving to work every day without giving it a second thought. After all, they’re along the lake too and only 95 miles away, while Northern Michigan is hilly and isolated. I’ll admit it — I only go any more than 10 miles north of my town about once every 5 years, with the exception of going up to Silver Lake for the sand dunes, which I consider West Michigan and the lakeshore, not Northern Michigan. There’s no reason to go up that way. I go to Chicago 40 or 50 times for every 1 time I go up north, mostly for concerts, events, or to hang out. Usually that one time is a few days in Mackinaw City or the island, about as touristy as it gets. So I think a lot of the separation we see in regions is cultural, historical, and for the most part, largely media based. Draw a map of support for sports teams and it’s equally interesting. About half the people along the lakeshore from Muskegon to the south are Bears fans.

Go 15 or 20 miles inland and your in Lions country (although I’m not sure why they keep supporting them over there…). I bet there are a good deal of Packers fans along the shore north of Ludington and plenty of Milwaukee and Green Bay fans up in the U.P., because I’d imagine they can identify better with Green Bay than Detroit, which is an insanely long drive, despite being in the same state, and a lot of radio stations play Milwaukee NBA games, not so much Detroit. Sure makes politcal and regional boundaries seem… meaningless. Jennifer Jan 25, 2009 Northern Michigan is when you get to the north side of the bridge. Yes it is as simple as upper and lower, hello there is a body of water between the two, how much more of a seperation do you want? The only way that Traverse City is north is if you are traveling from the south. It is no way the Michigan’s description of “UP North”. What other nickname fits the town of Clare… How about “The City of Drunken Irish People” Central Michigan University fits into this because Eastern and Western were already taken.

born YOOPER now Troll Feb 18, 2009 This website is what I’ve said since I was 8 and moved south to Traverse City area. I’ve done school projects & reports on the matter. But to find the answer, you have to think like a tourist, like now I can. Many have stated the other states and down-staters in general do not even think of the U.P. it’s just to far for them to fathom. So, when they think of Michigan they think of the mitten and the other is just the panhandle of Wis. like I’ve been shown on countless news programs during this last voting race. (the UP would glow the same color as Wis and not the rest of MI.) and Kid Rocks song was about Torch Lake near Elk Rapids that I don’t believe he came to until the mid-90’s if even then maybe the 2000’s Nancy Jun 25, 2009 I live in the DC Metro area and was raised in Gwinn.

I’m so tired of hearing, when I say I’m from “Upper Michigan,” things like, “We have a cabin on Houghton Lake,” or “I go to Traverse City all the time.” Whatever! Northern Michigan is the U.P. to me, but I will let up a little and say that it’s everythig north of the 45th parallel. Sigh reading this comments makes me want to take a trip back–lots of growing up done in Michigan! Cheers! Nancy Syrjala Holwerda What is “Northern” Michigan? Anything Over Da Bridge Is it as simple as Upper and Lower Peninsula? YES Is Traverse City really “going up north”? Only if you live South of Kalamazoo What slogan would you give Clare County? Mid Michigan How does Central Michigan University fit into the picture? I’ve no Idea but it seems to fit where they are located. Erik Honnila Jun 25, 2009 North only counts when you cross the Mackinac Bridge. I am so tired of hearing the trolls say they are “Going UP NORTH” only to be heading to Houghton Lake or Traverse City.

While it IS north of Detroit or Grand Rapids, it misses the true feeling and meaning of being in the U.P. North. Anony Yooper Don’t be so sensitive about “forgetting” the U.P. exists, folks. I think that is actually a GOOD thing for us up here! Kevin Feb 16, 2010 I have a question for all of you. Where is the central hemisphere? Does the equator separate the northern and southern hemisphere? My point is if you are using directional terms to define an area, you can’t technically claim that the northern LP is central Michigan. North Michigan is any place in the North half of the state. “Northern” is a very subjective term. There is no system of breaking the state up into thirds. Northern Michigan is a region and regions can be defined by physical characteristics, human characteristics, and functional characteristics. More people live in the LP and most in the state consider the northern half of the LP to be Northern Michigan. Sorry, that’s just the way it is. To the people claiming I can’t say I’m going “up north”. Seriously, wtf am I supposed to say if I’m going north?

That’s the direction I’m heading; not south, east or west. I didn’t know the U.P. trademarked the term. Can I not say I went “down south” to Detroit because the people in Georgia might get upset? How about the Midwest? I don’t want anything to do with the Dakotas and really wish people would stop claiming that Michigan is part of the Midwest. I’m just going to change the name to Mideast so that I can feel special. Technically when people say they are going “out west”, they should mean Alaska and California should be in the Midwest. I mean really, Alaska is farther west then California. All these ignorant westerners know nothing about Alaska. I never knew yoopers could be so snobby. Grew up in Northern Michigan, went to school in the Upper Peninsula to get a Geography degree. Lisa Born and raised in Iron River. Live in Traverse City for the past 25 years. U.P. is north. Traverse City = Northern Lower MI! Trooper Feb 16, 2010 I was born a troll and moved to da U.P. (which is where I’d love to spend the rest of my life, but instead am living out of state).

From what I always understood, Northern MI was the northern Lower and da U.P. was, well da U.P.. I grew up in the thumb and my cousins would always say they were going “up north” when really they were going about an hour north of our house. I never understood this, but I think the point it is…if you’re heading north, you’d consider it “going up north”, no matter where you’re going. But, I’d agree with many others that the northern lower and the U.P. definitely have a different culture than down state. No matter what you call it, Michigan is a lot further north than where I’m living now, so I love the whole state. Keep it mean and green and just remember, it doesn’t matter where in the state you’re from, it’s all one big happy. Jim Bicigo Mar 8, 2010 If when Yoopers cross the Mackinaw bridge, they’re going down-state, shouldn’t going to the UP be going up-state? Actually, I always thought of the UP as Northern Michigan and the northern lower peninsula as just that. Either way, there is definitely a cultural difference when you cross the bridge.

Andrew Wilkinson Mar 11, 2010 Im from the Lansing area and have a cottage at Higgins Lk. I always figured that when your “Up North” is when your anywhere north of Clare. Partially because there used to be a billboard sign that read “Clare..Gateway to the North.” Plus the air starts to smell alot fresher from that point on.lol!I do smile alot harder though when I do cross the Mighty Mac! ( Smiling BIG right know just thinking about that!) lee rega This is for Chris of the UP forever remark and any other UP lifers. Have you read Joseph Heywoods “Woods Cop” mysteries. What do you think about them? Thomas Kovach Jul 9, 2010 I have lived in Northern Michigan all my life and according to the state of Michigan on where they divide their line such as Wildlife management units for the DNRE it is a line going across the Southern boundry of St. Clair, Lapeer, Tuscola, Saginaw, Gratiot, Montcalm, Newaygo and Oceana Counties. They refer to this when they speak of Black Bear Distribution and I have spent a substantial amount of time in St.

Clair and Sanilac counties with family and have seen quite a few black bears which I would consider a symbol of the North, so in a round-a-bout way is the dividing line of Northern Michigan. Chris Jul 12, 2010 And I agree with Thomas’ comment about the DNRE line. Here in Newaygo County though, that northern/southern line splits the county in half. White Cloud is considered where the north begins (and proud of it, given the big sign they have just outside of town). The towns in the northern part of the county are affiliated with… nowhere really. The towns in the southern half are all economically tied to Muskegon and Grand Rapids, where just about everybody works. But that DNRE line can’t split a county in half, so it’s all or nothing. Since most of the state and federal forest land is in the northern half of the county – almost none of it in the southern half – they throw Newaygo County into the north instead. I think given our ties to the lakeshore, Grand Rapids, and West Michigan, most people where I live would cringe at being considered northern Michigan.

But unlike most places in the state, the line here is very distinctly drawn through the county and even marked, both mentally as well as physically in the land where the farmland turns into federally-owned forest. When we say we’re going camping up north, it can often mean we’re driving 15 miles north of the house… ’cause it’s a whole different world there. Always hard to imagine I can drive home in less than a half hour and the scene and social culture is absolutely and drastically different!! If only it were that simple everywhere else, this page wouldn’t exist ;). mike in detroit Oct 9, 2010 I’ve lived in Michigan my whole life and have never been to the UP and I doubt I’ll ever go there. You can keep northern lower michigan too. Anything outside southeast is just a barren wasteland devoid of any value. Thomas Kovach Oct 29, 2010 I response to Mike’s comments: Where do you live in Detroit?

Because if you don’t live anywhere in the Detroit area you would realize that it would be a smart idea to leave there and come to an area like this where houses are farther away than any gun can shoot and you won’t have to worry about putting your bulletproof vest on in the morning, your electric putt-mobile stalling out on your 5 mile, 2 hour commute or that your neighbor may steal anything out of your house without breaking or entering. debbie Does anyone know where I can get a map of the UP, showing it bigger than everything else surrounding it. Carl Mike in Detroit… clueless (p.s. I’ve lived in Detroit, and I’ve lived in the UP) steve Jan 11, 2011 I lived in Sault Ste. Marie for a little, but i’m really from around flint. We don’t hate the U.P., its just that people are way too busy in the burbs and most of them prefer going to florida or something over the U.P. Most of the people down here arn’t as tough as yoopers, and can’t handle the winters.(i personally love the snow). Once you go north of midland, the life style is much more laid back.

I really wish i could go back up there, and would take a trip to houghton over florida any day. P.S. northern michigan is past saginaw for most people, but anywhere past petosky should really be considered up north since it is more north than menominee. Dave May 17, 2011 Northern Mi is synamous with the UP. Isle Royale, an island north of the Keweenaw Pennisula, is still in the State of Michigan and Michigan’s northern most point is north of Isle Royale because the boundry line runs through Lake Superior separating Michigan from Ontario. Living in Sault Ste Marie, culturally we are different from the far western portions of the UP. Someone mentioned that we should be another state. It was tried but in reality it could never happen. It would have been called Superior and Marquette the capital. It still makes sense. Interestingly, when you cross into Sault Ste Marie, Ontario, they consider themselves and those along that line Northern Ontario. It is in all the media and radio broadcasts. Well look at a map of Ontario and you will see that more than 3 quarters of the province is NORTH of Soo, Ontario! Go figure.

Spike Sep 26, 2011 I would have to say with the color-coded map, you need to add another area: The Thumb. Take the 3 counties (Huron, Sanilac and Tuscola) and make it its own entity. No one around there thinks of themselves as part of the Flint/Tri-cities area. Maybe the ones closer to Flint or Bay City or the lower eastern end of Sanilac, but I would feel safe saying those 3 counties are their own “area” of Michigan. Thomas Kovach Sep 26, 2011 I agree with those comments except a better definition of the Thumb would include St. Clair and Lapeer Counties because they really are too far from Flint and Bay City to be included with them, even though they are frequented by people from all the Thumb counties and they don’t fit in with any other regions because of how closely they all align with each other. And on top of all this, I would most definitely include this in the definition of Northern Lower Michigan.

I have no way of explaining how well it fits without everyone having knowledge of the area, but if you were to go there, it looks very much like the rest of Northern Michigan with not too much more agriculture. emile Dec 29, 2011 Being from and living in the Genesee Co/Flint area my whole life when saying “up north” I always thought of the upper peninsula, but when saying northern MI, I think of any are north of probably Gladwin area across east to west. But when thinking about the outdoor activities of Mi hunting, snowmobiling, ice fishing, forests, low population density and thinks of that sort, I think north of Mt Pleasent area as being seperate form the rest of the lower peninsula. But hell, people in Ohio and Indiana and every where else might be talking as far south in MI as the Detroit are when they say up north, gotta keep in mind the state of Michigan is completely different than every other when it comes to the make up and location of the land compared to the other states. maija Born and raised in DA UP EH!! Don’t want to live anywhere else but NORTHERN MICHIGAN! Kid Rock sure seems to know the difference.

We’ve got the “sisu” in us!! YEAH HEY Lynn M Anyone from Michigan will tell you “Up North” starts exactly at the Zilwaukee Bridge!! Melanie Growing up in the Sault, Northern Michigan is the UP. The rest was downstate or above Mt. pleasant was Norther Lower Michigan. Dante Jul 25, 2013 When I lived in Traverse City, I used to blanch when people would refer to it as Northern Michigan or “UP North.” After commenting to a friend that Northern Michigan is the U.P., he stated, “no, this is Northern Michigan. The U.P. is the U.P.” I’ve now come to like this distinction. The U.P. is a separate place, part of Michigan politically but not part of it culturally or socially. The Straits are more than a physical barrier. Megan Aug 12, 2013 I can identify with that! I have relatives down near Cleveland, and many people there have never heard of the UP. People have asked me if I work in the auto industry, as though all of Michigan is Detroit.

I try to explain that I live in the far northern part of the state and that iron ore, lumber, and snowmobiling are more our thing and that Detroit is a 7 hour drive away. I think we tend to subdivide the UP in our area. Marquette is the north central UP, everything east of Newberry the eastern UP, Escanaba the southern UP, and, of course, the Keweenaw is the Copper Country. There are a lot of differences within the peninsula: I once asked a woman in St Ignace who was selling pasties and was a St Ignace native if she also sold cudighi. She had never heard of cudighi! There is a unique sense of unity in the UP I haven’t seen too many other places. A man once rear ended me in the snow near Newberry, two hours from home. It turned out we had gone through elementary school together! When a UP high school goes to a state tournament, you will see “UP power” signs posted in many towns along the route to the bridge, often 100 miles away from the competing high school.

When Ishpeming took state last year in football, the Munising fire department, in a rival town an hour away from Ishpeming, gave them an escort through the town upon their return in their honor. I can’t think of any other place where that would happen. Matt H Aug 28, 2013 I’m from Oakland County, and “Goin’ up north” is a summer slogan down here. For me it means I’m going to my cabin in Caseville. And if I am going to the UP then I say I am. Simple as that… Maria Johnson May 13, 2015 Heading North on I-75 you immediately realize that you are Up-North when the traffic diminishes, the exits become less frequent and the trees more abundant. It doesn’t need to be demarcated, when you are Up-North you feel it and can breath it. Jessica May 14, 2015 I just want to say we moved from Detroit to a town named Glennie…an hour south of Alpena. We always referred it as going “up north”.

Oh and fyi…Kid Rock I believe was referring to Long Lake Michigan…Watch Uncle Krackers video to the song “Smile” you’ll see Long Lake and Hale. Missy C May 14, 2015 I have lived in the western UP my whole life (43) yrs now and if we were to define this we would say that northern Michigan is the upper half of the lower peninsula. We dont much care where you divide the LP. We are the UP which to us is a total different place than northern Michigan. We go to lower Michigan which to us is the whole LP. The only time we differentiate is when we are asked this question. Dave McKinnon Jun 2, 2015 In a book entitled “Ghost Towns of the Upper Peninsula” the author, whose name I just cannot remember, said this about our beloved Yooper Country. “The Upper Peninsula is attached to Lower Michigan by decree and by land to Wisconsin.” I was not born in the Upper Peninsula but I lived there from about the age of 5 until my family moved to Rhode Island where I had been born 16 years earlier. I graduated from High School in Rhode Island and still get invited to both Reunions.

I have never been to one of those reunions in Rhode Island. I still attend the ones that are held in Crystal Falls every 5 years. I will attend the next one in 2019 if I am still able to. I identify with those who call themselves Yoopers and still call myself one. Dave Durocher Kids - Michigan in Brief Kids Name Origin: Derived from the Indian word Michigama, meaning great or large lake. Nickname: Wolverine State Statehood: Jan. 26, 1837 (26th) Capital: Lansing, since 1847; prior to that, Detroit. State Motto: Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice, which translates, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." Population: According to U.S. Census Bureau 2015 State Population Estimates , the population of Michigan is 9,922,576, up 6,270 from the 2014 estimate. Michigan is the 9th most populous state in the nation. The Michigan cities with more than 100,000 residents are: 1.

Detroit Michigan is the 10th largest state in the Union (combined land and water area). 58,110 square miles of land 1,305 square miles of inland water 38,575 square miles of Great Lakes water area 3,288 miles of Great Lakes shoreline Length: 456 miles Distance from northwest to southeast corner: 456 miles 11,037 inland lakes Bordering states: Indiana, Ohio and Wisconsin as well as the nation of Canada Number of counties: 83 Members in the U.S. Congress: 17 State Senators: 38 To see pictures of these symbols, visit Seeking Michigan's "Learn" section .

Flower: Apple Blossom (Joint Resolution 10 of 1897) Bird: Robin (House Concurrent Resolution 30 of 1931) Tree: White Pine (Act 7 of 1955) Stone: Petoskey Stone (Act 89 of 1965) Gem: Chlorastrolite (Act 56 of 1972) Fish: Brook Trout (Act 5 of 1988) Soil: Kalkaska Soil Series (Act 302 of 1990) Reptile: Painted Turtle (Act 281 of 1995) Game Mammal: White-tailed Deer (Act 15 of 1997) Wildflower: Dwarf Lake Iris (Act 454 of 1998) Fossil: Mastodon (PA 162 of 2002) Top of Page GREAT SEAL AND FLAG Adopted by the Legislature in 1911, Michigan's flag features the state's Great Seal .

Lewis Cass-second governor of the Michigan Territory, from 1813 to 1831-designed the Seal, and it was approved at the 1835 constitutional convention. The Great Seal depicts Michigan's great animals, with the elk on the left and the moose on the right supporting a shield that reads Tuebor, which translates as "I will protect," referencing Michigan's role as a pioneer state. The interior of the shield shows a sun rising over a lake, calling attention to a man standing on a peninsula. The figure has his right hand raised, symbolizing peace. He holds a rifle in his left hand, meaning that he also stands ready to defend the state and nation.

Written below the shield is the inscription, Si quaeris peninsulam amoenam circumspice, which translates, "If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you." Above the shield with the American eagle is the motto of the United States, E pluribus unum, which means, "Out of many, one." Top of Page SELECTED DATES IN MICHIGAN HISTORY 1622: French explorers Étienne Brulé, and his companion Grenoble, are probably the first white men to see Lake Superior. 1668: Fathers Jacques Marquette and Claude Dablon establish the first mission at Sault Ste. Marie. 1701: Detroit is founded as Fort Pontchartrain by Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac. 1715: The French establish Fort Michilimackinac at the Straits of Mackinac. 1760: The French surrender Fort Pontchartrain to the British, ending French rule in Detroit. 1763: During the Indian wars in the area, Pontiac leads a 135-day siege of Detroit. Indians capture all the forts in Michigan, except Detroit.

1787: The (Northwest) Ordinance of 1787 defines the procedure for obtaining statehood in the Northwest Territory, of which Michigan is a part. 1792: Under the British Parliament's Constitutional Act, the first election is held in Michigan. 1796: The British evacuate Detroit and abandon their posts on the Great Lakes. 1805: The Michigan Territory is created, with Detroit designated as the seat of government. William Hull is appointed governor. Fire destroys Detroit. 1812: Detroit and Fort Mackinac are surrendered to the British during the War of 1812. 1813: American forces re-enter Detroit. Lewis Cass is appointed governor of the Michigan Territory. 1819: The Treaty of Saginaw cedes nearly 6 million acres of Indian lands to Michigan settlers. Michigan sends a delegate to Congress. 1828: The Territorial Capitol is built at Detroit for a cost of $24,500. 1835: The Toledo War ensues over the Michigan-Ohio boundary. Michigan previously was denied admission to the Union because it would not surrender its claim to the Toledo strip.

The area eventually is surrendered in exchange for the western section of the Upper Peninsula. The first constitutional convention is held. Stevens T. Mason is inaugurated as Governor. 1837: Michigan is admitted to the Union as the 26th state. 1841: The University of Michigan moves from Detroit to Ann Arbor. 1842: Copper mining operations begin near Keweenaw Point. 1844: Iron ore is discovered in the Upper Peninsula at Negaunee. 1847: The Legislature passes a law to locate the state capital in Lansing. 1854: The Republican Party is organized in Jackson. 1855: The ship canal at Sault Ste. Marie opens. 1861-1865: More than 90,000 Michigan men are mustered into service during the Civil War. 1879: The new Capitol is dedicated in Lansing; the structure cost $1,510,130. 1908: Ford begins manufacturing the Model T. 1910: The first primary election in Michigan is held.

1920: Detroit's WWJ begins commercial broadcasting of regular programs, the first such radio station in the United States. 1930: The Detroit-Windsor Tunnel opens to automobile traffic. Top of Page PEOPLE Following the prehistoric inhabitants, Michigan's residents were the tribal groups of Ojibwa, Ottawa and Potawatomi Native Americans. The first Europeans were the French and French-Canadians in the 1600s and early 1700s, followed by the British in the late 1700s. The great waves of immigration into Michigan began in the early 1800s, as New Englanders moved into Michigan's southern counties in large numbers. Attracted to the state's lumber, mining and automobile industries, at least 40 national and ethnic groups arrived in sizeable numbers during the 19th and early 20th centuries. The Dutch, Germans and Poles were among the largest of these later groups. In more recent migrations many African-Americans and people of Asians, Near Eastern or Hispanic origin have made Michigan their home. So many ethnic groups are present in the state that weekly ethnic festivals in Detroit begin in May and continue through September each year.

Today's population of 9,883,640 is a highly centralized one. According to 2010 census data: Thirty-five of the 83 counties have populations of more than 50,000. Twenty Michigan counties have more than 100,000 people. All but two of these counties are in the southern half of the Lower Peninsula. Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties alone account for more than 40 percent of the state's population. The 15 counties of the Upper Peninsula comprise just over 3% of the total population at 311,361. Top of Page INDUSTRY Three of Michigan's major industries are manufacturing, tourism and agriculture. The total workers in the Michigan labor force number 5,007,456 (2005-2009 American Community Survey estimate). RESOURCES Mineral Resources From 1845 to 1877, Michigan's Keweenaw Peninsula mines produced more native copper ore than any other mining area in North America. The quantity of Michigan's native copper was unsurpassed in the world.

These easily mined copper deposits have been greatly exhausted, and Michigan's last copper mine closed in October 1995. Michigan's Lake Superior region has geologic formations containing large concentrations of iron. Most surface iron has been depleted, requiring the use of underground mines. Today, only one company performs the costly extraction of iron from two mines in the Upper Peninsula (The Mitten, April 2005). Oil and gas fields are found in 64 of Michigan's 83 counties, all located in the Lower Peninsula. More than 50,000 holes have been drilled, resulting in nearly 15,000 oil wells, more than 13,000 natural gas wells, some 3,000 facility wells, and over 20,000 dry holes. Through 2009, more than 1.3 billion barrels of oil and 6.9 trillion cubic feet of gas have been withdrawn from Michigan's rock formations. The wellhead value of Michigan oil and gas production in calendar year 2008 was nearly $2.1 billion. ( Michigan Oil & Gas Facts 2010, Michigan Oil & Gas Producers Education Foundation ).

Water Resources Michigan's water resources provide the state with a mild climate, a ready source of power and transportation, and a growing tourist industry. The state's two peninsulas are almost surrounded by four of the Great Lakes: Huron, Michigan, Erie and Superior. Michigan has 11,037 inland lakes: The largest is Houghton Lake, with an area of 31.3 square miles. Torch Lake, the second largest, is also the deepest, reaching a 297-foot depth at one point. Lake Gogebic is the largest lake in the Upper Peninsula. Michigan has 36,350 miles of rivers, most of which are not very long. Generally they flow through shallow valleys. In the Lower Peninsula, there are many rapids but only one major waterfall, Ocqueoc Falls. In the Upper Peninsula, where the streams flow over upthrust rocky strata, there are about 150 waterfalls, the largest being Tahquamenon Falls. The Saginaw River is only 20 miles long, but with its tributaries is the largest drainage system in the state. The Grand River has the second largest drainage basin and is the longest in actual length.

Other important streams include the Muskegon and the AuSable rivers, famed in logging days and now noted fishing streams. Three short rivers are vital to the economy of the state as they carry goods among the Great Lakes: Detroit River, St. Clair River and St. Mary's River, where the Soo Locks are located. Forests About 50 percent of the state's land is covered with 19.3 million acres of forests, of which the most common types are maple-beech, aspen-birch, oak-hickory, elm-ash-soft maple and pine (DNR 2008 Michigan Forest Health Highlights, Michigan State University). Michigan ranks fifth nationally in timberland - forest lands capable of producing commercial timber, which accounts for 18.6 million acres of the state's forest land (USDA Forest Service). Hardwoods make up 72 percent of Michigan's timberland, and maple is the predominant hardwood species. From an economic perspective, forest-related industries, manufacturing, recreation and tourism support 200,000 jobs statewide and contribute about $12 billion annually to the state's economy.

Additionally, forests contribute to Michigan's clean air and water, and limit soil erosion. Wildlife Michigan's wildlife has been, and continues to be, a major asset of the state. Historically, fur-bearing animals attracted French and British fur traders to Michigan, while the big and small game animals provided food and clothing for the pioneers. Michigan still has a wealth of big game, small game, fowl and fish. The white-tailed deer is the most common big-game animal throughout Michigan. Elk and black bear occur in the northern part of the state, and gray wolves can be found in the Upper Peninsula. Popular small game animals include rabbits, hares and squirrels. Michigan hosts over 300 species of birds, with an additional 100 species as occasional visitors to the state. Ruffed grouse, wild turkey, ring-necked pheasant and woodcock are important upland game birds. Ducks and geese are also important game birds. The endangered Kirtland's warbler calls Michigan's jack pine forests home in the summertime, while the endangered piping plover nests in the summer on Michigan's sandy shorelines. Because of its Great Lakes location and large number of lakes and streams, Michigan has an abundance of fish.

Of the 154 species of fish in Michigan, about 30 species are pursued for sport. Lake trout and whitefish were important food sources for early Native Americans, and continue to be an important fishery today. Brook, brown and rainbow trout are popular game fish along with Coho, Chinook and Atlantic salmon, walleye, northern pike and bass. Top of Page EDUCATION Michigan's educational system dates back to its first Constitution, which provided for a superintendent to develop a state system of public education. That system of primary grades, grammar schools, high schools and state universities continues in Michigan education. Education is compulsory for Michigan children ages 6 to 16. In fall 2005, there were 1,685,484 pupils enrolled in 575 public elementary and secondary school districts with 105,085 classroom teachers (QED State School Guide, 23rd ed.). The state university system dates to territorial days when the University of Michigan was chartered in 1817 in Detroit. It was re-established in Ann Arbor in 1837.

In 1855, Michigan pioneered in agricultural education when it started a state agricultural college (now Michigan State University ). It was the first land-grant college under the Morrill Act . The state's 15 public, four-year higher education institutions enrolled 287,573 students in fall 2006, while the 28 public community colleges enrolled 215,047 students in fall 2005 (Michigan Manual). Michigan's 56 private colleges reported 119,089 students in fall 2007 (National Center for Education Statistics). Top of Page FURTHER READING Cleland, Charles E. Rites of Conquest: The History and Culture of Michigan's Native Americans. Ann Arbor, MI: University of Michigan Press, 1992. Mich E 78 .M6 C57 1992 Dunbar, Willis F., and George S. May. Michigan: A History of the Wolverine State. 3rd rev. ed. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1995.

Mich F 566 .D84 1995 Gavrilovich, Peter, and Bill McGraw, eds. Detroit Almanac: 300 Years of Life in the Motor City. Detroit: Detroit Free Press, 2000. Mich F 574 .D4 D4 2000 Kilar, Jeremy W. Michigan's Lumbertowns: Lumbermen and Laborers in Saginaw, Bay City, and Muskegon, 1870-1905. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1990. Mich HD 9757.M5 K54 1990 Lankton, Larry D. Cradle to Grave: Life, Work and Death at the Lake Superior Copper Mines. New York: Oxford University Press, 1991. Mich HD 9539.C7 U548 1991 Massie, Larry B. Michigan Memories: True Stories From Two Peninsulas' Past. Allegan Forest, MI: Priscilla Press, 1994.

Mich F 566 .M324 1994 May, George S. A Most Unique Machine: The Michigan Origin of the American Automobile Industry. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1975. Mich HD 9710 .U53 M434 1975 Romig, Walter. Michigan Place Names: The History of the Founding and the Naming of More Than Five Thousand Past and Present Michigan Communities. Detroit: Wayne State University, 1986. Mich F 564 .R6 1984 Sommers, Lawrence M. Atlas of Michigan. East Lansing, MI: Michigan State University Press, 1977. Mich G 1410 .A85 1977z Weeks, George. Stewards of the State: The Governors of Michigan. 2nd rev. ed. Ann Arbor, MI: Historical Society of Michigan, 1991. Mich F 565 .W43 1991 Williams, Frederick D. Michigan Soldiers in the Civil War. 5th ed.

Lansing, MI: Michigan Historical Center, 2002. Mich Docs E 514 .W5 2002 Lake Michigan Road Trip -- National Geographic From the July/August 2011 issue of National Geographic Traveler Beyond the auto factories, powerhouse universities, and bustling urban centers of southern Michigan lies an idyllic coastal region that often surprises newcomers to the Great Lakes State. “I was astonished to realize how beautiful the landscape is. There are towering bluffs made of sand, and the waters are breathtakingly clear and blue,” says local writer Mike Norton, who grew up in Grand Rapids and spent his early adult years in coastal areas such as Monterey and Miami. “I hadn’t expected to stay, but once I returned, I never left.” The northwestern part of Michigan’s mitten-shaped Lower Peninsula offers a small-town, pastoral escape. In an area contoured by the waters of Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay, Little Traverse Bay, and several inland lakes and rivers, road-trippers will find quiet harbors, historic lighthouses, award-winning wineries, and charming towns that reach their scenic peak during the mild summer months.

Traverse City is the gateway to this fertile region and self-proclaimed “cherry capital of the world.” Surrounded by tart cherry orchards that bear fruit by midsummer, it is home to cherry-related shops, the Cherry Capital Airport, and, in early July, the National Cherry Festival, an eight-day event featuring races, parades, concerts, and pit-spitting and pie-eating contests. “We grow 72 percent of the U.S.’s tart cherries in the Traverse City region,” says Susan Wilcox Olson, the festival’s media relations director. “Although the town turns red with cherries in July, we celebrate the health benefits of this superfruit all year round.” Galleries and emporiums fill Traverse City’s manicured downtown area; stock up on everything from dried tart cherries to cherry-emblazoned sandals. There are flicks at the State Theatre and concerts at the Victorian-era City Opera House. Bicyclists pedal along the sailboat-dotted shore (rent bikes from Brick Wheels). A short detour leads to the Old Mission Peninsula, which cleaves Grand Traverse Bay in half and plays a key role in the state’s lucrative wine industry.

Nurtured by lake-effect weather patterns, the seven wineries here include Peninsula Cellars, whose tasting room was a 19th-century schoolhouse, and Chateau Grand Traverse, which features bay views and several nationally recognized Rieslings. Try the cherry chicken salad at the weathered Old Mission Tavern, check out the lighthouse in Peninsula Township Park, and bed down at Chateau Chantal, a European-style B&B and winery. West of Traverse City lie the pebble-strewn beaches, hardwood forests, nostalgic farms, inland lakes, and famous rolling dunes (up to 400 feet high) of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. As long as you don’t mind the sandy, windblown feeling, attempt the Dune Climb. Your reward: incomparable views of Glen Lake. Continuing up the coast of the Leelanau Peninsula, head to the preserved fishing village of Fishtown in Leland and the 19th-century Grand Traverse Lighthouse.

There are more wineries here, including Leelanau Cellars (try its Pinot Grigio and Rieslings), and the Ciccone Vineyard and Winery, owned by the father of pop icon Madonna (request a sip of its Dolcetto and Cabernet Franc blend). Stay the night at Black Star Farms, an eight-room B&B producing artisanal wines and cheeses. The east coast of Grand Traverse Bay challenges golfers at the Grand Traverse Resort in Acme or the A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort overlooking Torch Lake near Kewadin. Nongolfers can skip the links and explore the five-mile-long stretch of beaches and dunes along Lake Michigan. Perfectly situated between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, the town of Charlevoix is for lake lovers—the bustling harbor offers services for boating and fishing. Charlevoix has its own homegrown architecture, characterized by curving roofs, whimsical chimneys, and stone hearths. Designed by native son Earl Young, the structures resemble the domiciles of elves, gnomes, and hobbits. Book a room at the Weathervane Terrace Inn and enjoy waterfront dining at Stafford’s Weathervane Restaurant—both designed by Young.

Another, perhaps more notable character to emerge from this corner of the Great Lakes is Ernest Hemingway, who spent childhood summers on nearby Walloon Lake. The museum in Petoskey, a town on Little Traverse Bay, features an exhibit about its adopted son. True fans might relish a side trip to the 19th-century Horton Bay General Store, once frequented by the young man. Relax on the inviting porch or enjoy root beer floats and other treats at the old-fashioned soda fountain. The region continued to inspire and shape Hemingway’s fiction, even after he moved to Paris. Spend your last night at Stafford’s Bay View Inn, opened in 1886, or Stafford’s Perry Hotel, the canary-yellow resort where the celebrated American writer once stayed. Though Michigan may lack Paris’s panache, it surely has a natural American beauty Hemingway could never have forgotten. Comment on This Story

Question: What article of clothing does the lower peninsula of Michigan resemble?
Answer: Mitten