Winter Weekend in Michigan's U.P.
manistique > MArquette
manistique > palms book state park > wagner falls > munising falls > presque isle park > marquette
Palms Book State Park, Michigan U.P.
“IF WE DON’T TRY TO GO, WE MAY NEVER KNOW.”
It was Thursday in early March. I had finished my pressing work and I had a long weekend ahead - attending a small concert Friday night and a 60 degree day on Sunday sounded pretty good. Then I saw a winter storm warning flash across my screen for the UP and well… plans changed. I made the split decision to make the 5+ hour drive to see what I’d run into. 4.5 hours into the drive and there was no snow and the wind was relentless. I had to ask myself, “what the heck am I doing?” BUT 4.6 hours into the drive and I finally saw snow - and LOTS of it.
The magic of Kitch-iti-kipi. If you haven’t visited, I highly recommend you do - in any season. Two hundred feet across, the 40-foot deep Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan's largest freshwater spring. Over 10,000 gallons a minute makes it’s way through from the limestone below. The flow continues year round keeping the water crystal clear and at a constant 45 degrees. What makes this stop extra special? The self-operated observation raft - visitors can hop on board and guide the raft out into the water overlooking hauntingly beautiful tree trunks and any number of fish including large trout.
I rolled up to Kitch-iti-kipi within minutes of the sun peaking out after a fresh snowfall. There was some planning in that, but of course there was a lot of luck in play too. It was still quite windy and my drone wasn’t very happy with me, but I could not pass up a chance to capture that kind of beauty from above. I gave it my best shot without pushing the limits too much and I think I came away with some footage I’m happy with, but I think I left some out there for next time :)
Wagner Falls, Michigan U.P.
This pretty little waterfall sits just outside of town. In fact, the first time I visited, a few of us were going crazy driving in circles trying to find it until we finally realized there was no actual parking or walkway evident (at least in the winter) and we just had to pull over on the side of the road. Easier said than done when the snow banks at the roads edge are at least a couple feet tall and the road isn’t plowed wide enough to get out of the way of passing vehicles. Solution - I drive a Jeep, it can go up on the snow banks right? (wrong). While the jeep did successfully launch up and into the snow bank, we had to do some digging to get it out when we left, but we did make it out and of course we had some fun through our escape efforts. THIS TIME though, the roads were plowed just wide enough that I didn’t have to barrel my jeep into a snow bank - nope, there was just enough room to park on the road edge - I just had to climb myself over a 6’ bank of snow to get away from the road and make my way back to the falls. Once you’ve managed to actually park and find the unassuming little entrance to get into the woods there is a beautiful path that leads you back no more than a 5 minute walk to Wagner Falls. There is even a small boardwalk and overlook area built up around the falls that give it some added charm.
Kazu wonders what you think of Wagner Falls…
she gives it a high five.
Munising Falls, Michigan U.P.
Every time I’m in the area, I have to visit this waterfall. I’m never quite prepared for how small it makes me feel - especially without another soul around. Now that I think about it - I’ve only ever visited in the winter and I think this was the biggest freeze and most snow I’ve seen. It’s a really impressive place you should for sure make a stop at if you find yourself nearby. It’s a simple and short trail that also offers a small visitor center and restrooms near a large parking lot at the entrance - I assume this is quite popular in the warmer months, but I think winter will continue to be my favorite time to visit.
Marquette Lighthouse, Michigan U.P.
of course i had to stop and checkout the lighthouse.
good morning
Presque Isle Park, Michigan U.P.
7AM sharp and I found myself at Presque Isle Park. The sun hadn’t quite come up yet and I knew I had a bit of a hike to get out to the bay at Blackrocks. In the summer, you can actually drive the nearly two mile loop through the park, but winter requires a little more effort to reach some of the more scenic areas as they do not plow the road. I personally think the extra effort makes this spot even more special in the winter with fewer people. I found an open parking lot on the Southwest side of the peninsula so I bundled up, tossed on my boots, and grabbed my camera. Nothing says “good morning” like stepping out into chilly 20 degree morning air with some pretty gnarly winds coming in from the lake knocking snow off the trees and into your face. Still, my excitement never wavered. I could see the colors of the sky starting to turn so I picked up my pace. I reached the North point of the peninsula and turned the corner to the East to find it was shielded from the wind and I was greeted with a stunner of a sunrise.
blackrocks.
Had to put the drone up quick to get another view of this awesome spot.