Western Upper Peninsula

Ski Jumps and Slopes In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies a small town with big history: Ishpeming. Known as the “birthplace of organized skiing in America,” Ishpeming’s legacy is steeped in snow, speed, and soaring ski jumps. If you’re a fan of winter sports, this is a story you’ll want to hear. It all began on February 21, 1905, when ski enthusiasts from Ishpeming, Minneapolis, Red Wing, and Eau Claire gathered to form the National Ski Association. This groundbreaking meeting was led by Carl Tellefsen, a Norwegian immigrant and founder of the Ishpeming Ski Club. Tellefsen, an early… Read More »

The Gipper Few athletes leave a legacy so enduring that their name becomes synonymous with inspiration. George Gipp, affectionately known as “The Gipper,” is one of those rare figures. Born on February 18, 1895, in Laurium, Michigan, on the Keweenaw Peninsula, Gipp’s story is one of raw talent, grit, and a little bit of myth-making. Gipp rose from humble beginnings to become one of Notre Dame’s most celebrated athletes. George Gipp initially enrolled at Notre Dame with dreams of playing baseball. Gipp caught the eye of the legendary coach Knute Rockne, who convinced him to join the football team despite… Read More »

A Leap Through History in Ishpeming Few traditions in Michigan match the boldness and spectacle of ski jumpers launching themselves off the imposing Suicide Hill in Ishpeming. This iconic ski jump has been the heart of winter sports in the region since February 26, 1926, when brave souls first tested its daring heights. But the story of Suicide Hill goes back even further. It is rooted in the passion of early ski clubs and the adventurous spirit of a community united by winter. Before Suicide Hill came into existence, the Ishpeming Ski Club (formerly the Norden Ski Club) was already… Read More »

Soaring Through History Nancy Harkness Love, a trailblazer in aviation, was born Hannah Lincoln Harkness on February 14, 1914, in Houghton, Michigan. From an early age, her adventurous spirit and passion for flying set her on a path that would forever change the role of women in aviation. At just 16, Nancy took her first flight and earned her pilot’s license within a month—a clear indication of her determination and skill. Her journey into the skies continued while attending Vassar College, where she famously earned the nickname “The Flying Freshman.” Nancy not only transported passengers for income but also pushed… Read More »

A Forgotten Chapter of WWII History February 12, 1944, marked the arrival of German soldiers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), bringing a piece of World War II history to this remote and rugged region. Members of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Corps were transported across the Atlantic and the United States to POW camps such as Camp Evelyn and Camp Sidnaw. Eventually, approximately 1,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) would reside in five camps scattered across the U.P., with others sent to facilities in the Lower Peninsula. A Journey Across the Atlantic With Great Britain running out of space for… Read More »

Nick Baumgartner is a name that rings loud in the world of snowboarding. Did you know that his roots are deeply tied to Iron Rive? Iron River is where this Olympic champion proudly calls home. Known as the #BlueCollarOlympian, Baumgartner is not just a professional snowboarder. When he’s not soaring down the slopes he’s also a concrete worker. The 40-year-old’s journey to Olympic glory has been marked by grit, perseverance, and the heart of a true Michigander. Making History In 2022, Baumgartner made history when he earned his first Olympic gold medal in the inaugural mixed team snowboard cross event… Read More »

Snow, Snowballs, and Snow Angels at Michigan Tech February 10, 2006, will forever be remembered as the day Michigan Technological University (MTU) made winter history breaking three world records. Amid the Keweenaw Peninsula’s notoriously cold and snowy conditions, MTU capitalized on the weather to set three world records in one unforgettable event. With the help of students, faculty, staff, and local kids, Michigan Tech’s Sherman Field became the stage for a series of winter feats that showcased the community’s enthusiasm and creativity. The day began with a snowball fight for the ages. A whopping 3,084 participants threw themselves into the… Read More »

2,228 Snowmen Built in One Hour When temperatures dipped into the single digits on February 10, 2018, Michigan Technological University faced a unique challenge. Could a group of dedicated students, faculty, and community members defy the odds and break a Guinness World Record? The answer was a resounding “yes”! They shattered the record for the most snowmen built in one hour. They crafted a world record of a total of 2,228 snowmen. This beat the previous record of 2,036 set in Japan back in 2015. The event, aptly named “Snowman Left Behind,” took place at Sherman Field on the Michigan… Read More »

At the Edge of Michigan’s Wilderness Lies a Forgotten Piece of Space History Tucked away at the tip of Michigan’s northernmost peninsula, beyond the paved roads and bustling towns, lies an unexpected relic of the Space Age. The Keweenaw Rocket Range, once a hub of meteorological and atmospheric research, whispers of a time when Michigan reached for the stars. Between 1964 and 1971, this secluded launch site on the shores of Lake Superior played a key role in the United States’ quest to understand weather patterns, solar X-rays, and electron activity in the atmosphere. The first Michigan-made rocket to reach… Read More »

Exploring the Magic Behind Michigan’s Favorite Cult Classic For many Michiganders, particularly those in the Upper Peninsula, “Escanaba in da Moonlight” is more than just a movie. Released on January 26, 2001, it is a slice of Yooper life brought to the big screen. Written by Michigan native Jeff Daniels, this cult classic captures the quirks, traditions, and humor of deer camp culture in Escanaba. With iconic locations, a dedicated local cast, and a hefty dose of Michigan pride, the film has cemented its place as a beloved part of U.P. lore. But what makes this film such a treasure?… Read More »

A Gem of Hockey History Nestled near the northern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in the heart of “Copper Country” lies an unassuming yet legendary sheet of ice—the Calumet Colosseum. Built in 1913, this historic structure holds the title of the oldest continuously operating ice rink in North America. It serves as a living testament to the enduring love of hockey in this tight-knit community. A Rink Built for the Ages Construction of the Calumet Colosseum began in 1913, with its grand opening on January 1, 1914. Just five days later, the first game was played between two local teams:… Read More »

On New Year’s Eve of 1983, Fred Dakota opened The Pines, Michigan’s first Native American casino, in a two-car garage on the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community reservation. Armed with determination and a $10,000 loan, Dakota created a makeshift gambling haven that would become a pivotal moment in the history of Native American gaming. The Spark: From Bingo to Casinos The journey began in the early 1980s when the Keweenaw Bay Indian Community sought ways to fund housing and other tribal needs. Elder Helene Walsh suggested adding casino gambling to the tribe’s bingo regulations, a move that went largely unnoticed by… Read More »