Explore Our Communities
Baraga
Home to some of the most untouched shoreline of Lake Superior and the highest point in Michigan, Baraga County offers a simple way of life. Deeply rooted in Native American history, the area is home to summer festivals, world-class fishing, and hundreds of miles of trails.
Community Events
Lake Trout Festival
Baraga Lumberjack Days
Escanaba
Sitting along 211 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, Escanaba is full of trophy fish, wildlife, rivers, lakes, and streams. It is also home to the U.P. State Fair. With a robust community college and some of the U.P.’s largest employers, Escanaba has opportunities for all who live there.
Community Events
UP State Fair
Krusin Klassics
Bark River Off-Road
Waterfront Art Festival
Houghton
Houghton is home to Michigan Technological University, one of the nation’s leading research institutions. With the University at its helm, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators thrive in Houghton. Nestled alongside the Keweenaw Waterway, Houghton also offers countless recreational activities.
Community Events
Bridgefest
MTU Winter Carnival
Iron Mountain
Infused with lakes and rivers, Iron Mountain’s Italian heritage shines through its food and culture. Jokingly referred to as the “banana belt of the U.P.”, Iron Mountain receives notably less precipitation than the rest of the Peninsula. Home to Timberstone Golf Club, whitewater rafting, a water ski show, and an annual ski jump tournament, there’s no shortage of fun in Iron Mountain.
Community Events
Italian Fest
Oktoberfest
Kiwanis Ski Jump
Iron River
Iron River borders the Ottowa National Forest and sits in one of the largest counties in the Peninsula. Many of the world’s most famous basketball courts are harvested and manufactured in the surrounding land. Home to George Young Recreational Complex, Ski Brule, and the U.P. Pro Rodeo, the area offers opportunities for everyone to enjoy.
Community Events
UP Rodeo
Ironwood
Appropriately titled “Big Snow Country,” Ironwood is known for its dense population of ski hills and entrepreneurial spirit. Some of the U.P.’s largest employers call Ironwood home, including Stormy Kromer which is best known for its iconic Yooper hats. With access to Lake Superior and a well-established community college, Ironwood is easy to call home.
Community Events
Festival Ironwood
Keweenaw
Once home to explorers, entrepreneurs and laborers, the foundation of the Keweenaw created two successful universities: Michigan Technological University and Finlandia University. With ingrained innovation, Lake Superior shoreline, world-class trails, and the deepest snow in the U.S., it is easy to find your place in the Keweenaw.
Community Events
Copper Harbor Trails Fest
Copper Country Strawberry Festival
Copper Dog 150
Heikinpaiva
Houghton County Fair
Pasty Fest
Marquette
With Northern Michigan University as its anchor, Marquette is the epicenter of business in the Upper Peninsula. Full of museums, shopping, restaurants, and world-class recreation, Marquette is the largest employment area in the U.P.
Community Events
Art on the Rocks
Harbor Fest
Ishpeming Italian Fest
Ish Ski Club
Blueberry Festival
Neguanee Pioneer Days
UP 200
Manistique
The harbor town of Manistique on Lake Michigan is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream! From white-sand beaches, wilderness rivers, and a two-mile shoreline boardwalk to outdoor festivals and historical sites, this laid-back community offers something for everyone.
Community Events
Manistique Folk Fest
Trout & Salmon Derby
Kewadin Annual Classic Car Show
Menominee
Known as “Where the Best of Michigan Begins”, Menominee offers something for everyone to enjoy from recreational opportunities to a rich town history. Combined with outstanding schools and quality employers, Menominee allows you to achieve the work life balance you’ve always dreamed of.
Community Events
Waterfront Festival
Newberry
Newberry is full of U.P. beauty including Tahquamenon Falls, Whitefish Point, and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. The town is uniquely situated near Lake Superior, offering dry and consistent lake effect snow during winters.
Community Events
Tahquamenon Logging Museum – Lumberjack Events
Ontonagon
Home to Porcupine Mountain State Park, Ontonagon is the perfect location to take in the scenic views of the Upper Peninsula. The park offers endless recreational opportunities from skiing to hiking to fishing and beyond.
Community Events
Copper Fest
Labor Day Festival
Porcupine Mountains Music Festival
Sault Ste. Marie
A neighbor to Canada and home to Lake Superior State University and the Soo Locks, Sault Ste. Marie is an excellent place to work, live, and visit. Each year, 7,000 vessels pass through the locks carrying 85 million tons of cargo. Combined with excellent access to outdoors, tribal casinos, and restaurants, you will always be entertained in “The Soo.”
Community Events
i-500
Soo Locks Engineers Day
Wild Blueberry Festival
Chippewa Fair
St. Ignace
As the gateway into the Upper Peninsula, almost 4 million vehicles pass through St. Ignace annually. Regardless of the season, St. Ignace offers activities for everyone to enjoy – from a ferry ride to Mackinac Island in the summer to snowmobiling and ice fishing in the winter. Your time in St. Ignace will always be well-spent.
Community Events
Mackinac Bridge Walk
Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
