The Carter Center’s Michigan Election Observation Project (MEOP) is an independent, non-partisan initiative seeking Marquette County citizens from all walks of life to learn about and observe the November 3rd election. Originating with observing the elections of democratizing states overseas, The Carter Center brought this initiative to the US in 2020. From red to blue to anything in between, we bolster the spirit of democracy by observing the sanctity of fair, safe, and transparent elections—something anyone can agree on.

Through a small time commitment on November 1st for training in Marquette (compensated $100) and observation of a polling location on Election Day in Marquette County (compensated $200), you can perform a vital act of civic duty. This opportunity is open to 𝑎𝑛𝑦𝑏𝑜𝑑𝑦 interested in Marquette County, and all Election Day observations will occur in Marquette County.

Read the flyer for more information, and sign up using the QR code! Please feel free to DM me with any inquiries!

Hey everyone! I’ll be visiting the UP this weekend and staying around Wakefield. We’re planning to hike in the Porcupine Mountains Saturday morning, but otherwise our itinerary is pretty open.

Any must-sees, hidden gems, scenic overlooks, cool little towns, or unique stops you’d recommend while we’re up there? We’re up for pretty much anything, especially places that might not show up on the typical tourist lists.

Also open to recommendations for good food or cool spots to check out in the evening.

Thanks in advance

Are they still running? When do they shut down?

This is how I found my my hunting land this fall apparently someone has been illegally dumping their roofing jobs on it all summer.

I found this sub a few weeks ago while I was planning my own UP trip from Ohio.  I've seen a lot of posts where folks are looking for input on a road trip through the UP with multiple stops in too short of a time. Well my family and I did that, so I thought I'd share our itinerary:

1. Drive from Ohio to Straits State Park in St Ignace, camp overnight 

2. 9:30 Ferry to Mackinac Island, spent 4 hours there walking around the Island, got lunch, bought some fudge, left the island at 2 and drove to Tahquamenon Falls SP to camp for the night.  Walked to the lower falls before calling it a night

3. Drove to the Upper Falls, did some of the trails there, drove to Clyde's in Manistique for lunch, then to kitch iti kipi to check that out, followed by driving to Fayette SP to camp for my the night.  

4. Went to the Fayette Historic Park in the AM, then drove to Munising to camp at the Tourist Park there.  That evening we had dinner at Captain Ron's and did a Pictured Rocks boat tour.  The boat tour was supposed to be the following evening but the forecast called for high winds so they offered us to do it this night instead, which ended up working out for us because...

5. We were supposed to spend 2 nights camping at Munising, but the high winds combined with a series of mishaps and not really loving our campsite convinced us to pack up early and drive to Marquette to get a hotel.  We grabbed a pastie from Muldoons and then headed to Marquette.  We checked out Lakenland along the way, swam at our hotel pool, had Laker's pizza for dinner

6. Checked out of our hotel, drove to Presque Isle park (stumbled upon an incredible playground for our kids along the way) and did the loop there as well as walking out near the lighthouse.  Then drove to Ontonagon Township Park where we would camp the following 3 nights.  

7. Toured the Quincey Mine, had lunch at Four Suns across from the mine, drove up to Calumet to learn some more there but their national parks stuff was closed.  

8. Went to the Porcupine Mountains (the visitors center, lake of the clouds overlook, hiked a portion of the waterfall loop) then had dinner at the Porkies Outpost 

9-10. Left the UP, camped a night in WI, did some stuff in Milwaukee and Chicago, drove home.  

The biggest criticism I've seen of this type of trip is that you'll spend most of the time driving.  It's true most days had at least 90 minutes of driving, but the drives were really lovely, specifically because of the Fall leaves.  I liked the drives.  I do wish I would've had more time in most of the locations.  Many of these places deserve so much more time wandering rather than just hitting the tourist spots.  But, the tourist spots are the tourist spots for a reason, because they do stand out.  Specifically I can't believe I was just going to drive through Marquette instead of at least spending a night there.  But, this type of tourism must be popular because there was a group on our ferry to the island, who we also saw at the Tahquamenon Upper Falls and at kitch iti kipi, which was funny.  

I'm glad we did this when we did.  The leaves were really marvelous.  Camping on lake Superior is no joke though, and specifically for us, who honestly aren't super experienced campers, we learned a lot.  But overall it was a wonderful experience and we hope to go back in the future.  If anyone has any questions, let me know!

Backpacking in Craig lake weekend of 10/9.

I'm 13 hours away and willing to start driving Sunday morning. I have been struggling with a mental crisis delaying my trip. I think a Fall UP trip will help me.

Is it like when you’re in Chicago and someone says you HAVE to try Malort and it’s the worst thing ever? I’ve tried a couple spots. Easily the most bland flovorless thing I’ve eaten. I could see eating them to survive up here 100 years ago, but not being a regional thing you advertise heavily.

No matter your political views, it is important to know all of your possible representatives. Go, ask your questions, and remember to VOTE ON NOVEMBER 3RD!!

If you are considering getting Starlink, feel free to use this referral code that could get you $100 off your order. https://starlink.com?referral=RC-DF-9724432-63952-54

Just sharing and if anybody saw anything, knows anything please let them know, or share to more people who were in/around the park last weekend.

https://www.facebook.com/PorcupineMountains

Someone took the Porcupine Mountains entrance sign!

The sign was taken sometime between Saturday night, October 3rd, and the early morning hours of Sunday, October 4th.

Law enforcement has been notified, and we are now searching for our missing sign.

This isn’t just any sign — it’s ICONIC! It’s the spot so many visitors stop to photograph when they arrive at the Porkies. Generations of visitors have memories with this sign, and we want it back where it belongs!

HELP US FIND OUR SIGN!

If you have any information about the sign’s whereabouts, please contact:

Porcupine Mountains Park Headquarters:

906-885-5275, ext. 0

Ontonagon County Sheriff’s Department:

906-884-4901

Bring back our sign — NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

Please share this post and help us get the word out. Let’s bring our iconic Porkies sign home!

I have a friend from downstate who is interested in bringing his band to the UP. What are some good, small places that get good turnouts for live music in the Soo, Escanaba, and Houghton/Hancock? I’m in Marquette, so I have that area covered.

If it helps to know the style of music before recommending venues, you can check out his debut album on Bandcamp. https://teutonosaur.bandcamp.com/album/a-sweetened-fire

Recently relocated to the UP after a lifetime of fondness for the nature and slower way of living. I have a job that pays for what I need, but I am finding the standard 40 hour work week and OT is not at all meant for me. I am looking to start my own business and have a few ideas on services that could be helpful, but I want to know if there are any businesses or services that would be a benefit to have around all year long. How could the communities surrounding Marquette be supported more? I’m trying to find a much more intentional way of life but want to be asking the right questions and providing the right services for such a niche community! What are your thoughts? Thank you so much!

Me and my friends are planning to do a trip to the Tahquamenon Falls, Pictured Rocks, Marquette, and Copper Harbor in the the coming weekend. I was wondering how the Fall colors might be and was hoping for suggestions about underrated spots we could stop by along the way.

I'm thinking of getting a small chicken coop for 5-8 chickens in Iron Mountain. Fresh eggs are calling to me.

How do Yooper townships react to backyard chickens? (Specifically the Iron Mountain/Kingsford area.)

Thanks for any feedback and advice.