Recommendations for a First Timer to UP

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zauskycop

New member
My wife would like me to FINALLY take her up sledding (I've had a sled for her for a year now ...) for Valentine's Day weekend. So that we get good conditions, and such, I have decided to head up the the UP.

With that in mind...

Any recommendations where to stay (locations, lodging etc...) that she would enjoy? I know I can handle anything she can trail-wise, but I would like to minimize town riding, streets, etc...

We are coming up from the Chicago area...

Tracy
 
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anonomoose

New member
You left a bunch of info out of this request, such as preferences, and what you like to do when you are NOT on the sled, but....

Chicago isn't far from Marquette. Lots of places to stay there, and you don't feel like it is the north pole. Good places to eat as well, and you can trailer to trail heads by going east or west.

You can't do the U.P. in one trip. Too much to do and the flavor is different depending upon what you like and what you don't like.

Sledding is very good all along the lake up there and you really can't go too far wrong no matter where you go when you get there so long as you stay within the Snowbelt areas.

Pick one of the sponsors to this website for starters and see if they have any openings that weekend. If not don't let that deter you, as there are lots of places to stay and you can usually find something as cancellations do occur.

Just plan ahead and get a good map of the area both on trail and off. Then go from there. You won't be disappointed. There is a reason that so many travel so far to get to the Upper....it is as good as it gets for snowmobiles....and the scenery is second to none, in the Midwest.
 
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rakins800

Member
I suggest the Ishpeming area......very nice brewery on site at the country village resort, country kitchen rest. on site,Yamaha dealer 1/4 mile away for lots of parts/clothing needs. Mcdonalds,ace hardware,bowling alley,theater. and some of the best trails in the U.P.
right on trail 8. check them out www.countryvillageresort.com
only 6 hrs. from IL/WI state line.
 
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euphoric

New member
In the past we have stayed at Park View Inn in twin lakes Great place! not to big, fairly new, pool,tub,sauna. Nice resturaunt and bar,great food a nice north woods feeling place close enough to towns yet far enough away. only problem chances are pretty slim getting in this time of year.

Trails are also very scenic north of there!
 
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lenny

Guest
snow wise I would stay no further south than Bruse crossing, best to go to Mass City/Greenland and North, good snow from there and north
 
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zauskycop

New member
Preferences: Trail, some scenery, a little off trail fun so she can see some powder (or what is left).

When not on sled: I know she will like a hot tub if available, but no big thing. A little bar, friendly people, a nice place to relax and we are both happy...

We DO plan on doing a lot of sledding (at least I hope we do haha). Mass City area sounds good so far...

Tracy
 
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ezra

Well-known member
well my wife is not a huge fan of the UP to much traffic with to many guys blowing past at 90+ and when busy the rollers can be brutal.for a first sledding trip with the wife try Bayfield nice town on the watter lots of snow kinda close between stops not as busy as da up .I have stayed at Superior Rentals a few times right on the bay if lake frozen [I am sure buy now it is] take it to trail or to town or cassino.www.portsuperiorrentals.com I have brought the dogs both times I have stayed and the owner let them out for me when I was riding.I have also gotten lower rates than posted.not saying the up is a bad choice I love it but the wife is more in to Bayfield.
 
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special_k

New member
Couple options come to mind that are more "wife friendly". I agree with the Parkview in Twin Lakes as an option. You could stay there, and take an overnight trip to the Mariner North in Copper Harbor. She'll like the view from Brockway Mt overlooking CH. Stay there and head back the next day.
If she's not the type that will put on 150 miles a day, make Houghton/Hancock your home base. You can go north or south out of Houghton. Also if you are not going to be putting in terribly long days, having a home base in Houghton will allow you to go out for dinner/drinks and have plenty of options. The Ramada in Hancock is a good place, modern hotel feeling. I've stayed at the TravelLodge in Houghton, not bad. A little older than the Ramada, but bars/restaurants are within a short walk, like the Library, Ambassador, Douglas Inn, Keewenaw Brewing Co, and others. Houghton would get you the miles you're looking for, and allow you to get your wife some creature comforts. And you'll have options for Valentines day, if you're looking for them. Just my $.02.
 
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fireman35

New member
I would take to the wild life refuge in south range, real nice place good people dave and lori are. Good food at the cozy corner and pizza and drinks across the trail at the vfw. the trails are decent north and south of there.lots of loops to do from there. Just my opinion
 
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attack_06

New member
wife

up not good choice for wife 1st time our wifes hate it up there too far between stops our wifes love st-germain area
 
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onesnowman

New member
Lake gogebic

We are taking our wifes and have for the past 5 years. Stay in the lake gogebic area, more to see and several different restaurants. My suggestion, stay at the Root Cellar they have nice clean accommodations, great restaurant, and right on the trail. Mass City and the other areas north don't offer as much as the Gogebic area. Plus they have a ton of snow !(LES) Happy Trails
 
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frnash

Active member
"zauskycop"

Clever User name!<hr size="2" width="75%">ZAU: About 10 miles east of KARR! {wink}
 
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snow_chaser

New member
I'll go with White Pine/Porkies area. Great scenery, cozy, pow, etc. Although Houghton is a good idea also. Good luck and have fun.
Chasing snow,
Eric
 
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lenny

Guest
not trying to add fuel and tick anybody off. I certainly don't want to argue over what is better. For sure Lake G is a beautiful area but the trail access is often a mess. In and out of town can and often will be quite rough. Don't make a mistake and ride the shoulder because the police are on ya. Groomers do a heck of a job but the traffic is typically heavier over there. That direction gets the traffic from Hurley, Ironwood, Wakefield, Bessemer. Lots more night life, Bars, rest over that direction. Depends on what you want. Find a map, check food and gas stops and the UP works well, just gotta plan a bit. As mentioned above, Porkies are incredible. Probably worth checking snow conditions, Ontonagon is light as of now. I go there 3-4 times a week and noticeably lighter. Porkies west and higher terrain could be significantly better, worth checking
 
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icantsee

New member
I would recomend Houghton, or Calumet. Houghton has Carnival going on and its pretty cool to see all the ice sculptures . Just got back so I know they got good snow like 30' or so . The Keeweenaw is perfect for short stops and loops , good for the Ladies and awesome scenery. If you stay in Calumet you can avoid all the bumps down south from the traffic and you can go north or south. Do Houghton/Calumet . You wont be disappointed. They need the money and you need to see the place.
 
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StreetnSnow

New member
I'd suggest either Houghton or Bergland.

Upsides to Houghton are plenty of dining/entertainment options & more of the creature comforts that come with a little bigger town. I know my GF likes being able to go someplace for a decent dinner a few times during our trip & sometimes wants entertainment besides the bar scene. Being in the middle of the Keweenaw, it gives you options to head north or south. The Porkies & Copper Harbor are both nice day trips. Your wife might enjoy a nice massage at The Mariner North in Copper Harbor ($1/minute). The Ramada has a nice pool & hot tub + a Yammi/Cat dealer across the street.

Bergland is a great hub, with very good trails in almost every direction. Lots more options than simply heading north or south. Lots of places for pit stops on & around Lake Gogebic. Also plenty of places for good food nearby. The Root Cellar has some of the nicest accomodations in that area with new rooms & a nice restaurant. Some nice falls are within a short ride of Bergland if you're looking for some scenic stops besides The Porcupine Mts or Copper Harbor.

If your wife likes frequent stops, plan your routes accordingly. There are some loops & trails where you can go an hour + without really seeing anything, but there are also some with plenty of places to warm up.
 
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frnash

Active member
If in addition to snowmobiling, you or your wife have any interest in the very unique copper mining era history in the Keweenaw, I'd suggest the following "must see" semi-hidden gems (Both on the US National Register of Historic Places):

1. Lodging: Spend at least one night in a "Copper Baron's" mansion, at the Laurium Manor Inn, the largest mansion in the western UP. See also Wikipedia: Thomas H. Hoatson House. Or at least take a tour!

2. See the Calumet Theater, See also Wikipedia: The Calumet Theater. Tours available, contact box office.

Just a few amazing, extravagant, opulent sites from a bygone era that the casual visitor might not expect to find.
 
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