Houghton/Hancock

Houghton, MI

The cities of Houghton and Hancock, separated only by the Portage Canal, offer some of the best sites to behold in the Upper Peninsula. In the fall, the colors on the Keweenaw Peninsula are as vibrant as anywhere in the country. Come winter, Michigan Technological University hosts Winter Carnival, a celebration of the cold and snow�the elements that helped Houghton set the snowfall record of 355.7 inches in the winter of 1978-79. Besides Michigan Tech, the area is home to Finlandia University.

Fat tire bikes offer year round transportation alternative

Kurt Mensching Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Fat tire bikes--or snow bikes--allow bicyclists the opportunity to use their bikes for transportation no matter how bad the weather gets. UP Second Wave feature writer Kurt Mensching tells us how Michigan cyclists are adapting the bike to local needs.

Groomed trails lead snowmobilers, dollars to northern destinations

Kurt Mensching Wednesday, February 08, 2012

More than 6,000 miles of groomed trails help make Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula a destination for Midwest snowmobile enthusiasts. Writer Kurt Mensching explores the essential Michigan winter pastime on both peninsulas.

UPside of Life: Giving a boost to the hometown team

Sam Eggleston Wednesday, February 08, 2012

Sports boosters aren't just for the cool kids--especially at small schools, they're the key to keeping athletic programs going and keeping kids active and healthy. In the era of education funding cuts, they could use your helping hand more than ever, as Sam Eggleston writes in this week's column.

UPside of Life: Upper Peninsula is the gift that keeps on giving

Sam Eggleston Wednesday, February 01, 2012

When it comes to the fact that Michigan turned 175 years old in late January (happy birthday!), all the Michiganders should take a moment to realize that this fine state was the recipient of the best present ever and one that keeps on giving--the Upper Peninsula. Thought to be an untamable wilderness back when this chunk of land was given to Michigan following the Toledo War, it has turned out to not be such a shabby trade after all.

Group seeks a collective vision for the Great Lakes basin

Neil Moran Wednesday, February 01, 2012

There is no doubt in anyone's mind that the Great Lakes deserve to be protected, and one international group with members in the Upper Peninsula, is seeking a unified vision as to the best way to achieve that goal. Second Wave writer Neil Moran sat down and talked with some of the 1st Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Symphony leaders to discuss the cause.

Turning hobbies into income: At-home ventures turn into careers for some Yoopers

Becky Greiner Wednesday, January 18, 2012

From gardening and scrapbooking to photography and ceramics, most people have a hobby they do separately from their careers. But for some people, their passion and talent have turned their hobbies into careers. Second Wave's Becky Greiner explores some of those careers in this week's feature.

UPside of Life: Re-inventing the snow shovel, and other Yooper ingenuity

Sam Eggleston Wednesday, January 18, 2012

It takes special people to live in the U.P. and be happy about the long winter and the short rest of the year--but those who do live here are more than just hardy and determined, they're inventive, too, as UP Second Wave managing editor Sam Eggleston writes.

Winning is important

David Saint-Onge Wednesday, January 11, 2012

It's never easy to know how well your idea for a great business holds up until you take the time to present it to people who know the ins and outs of the entrepreneurial world. Your chance to do that is now, as David Saint-Onge explains, with The Edge--an Upper Peninsula business plan competition.

And then it was over: A look back at 2011

Sam Eggleston Wednesday, December 14, 2011

It's hard to believe that 2011 is virtually behind us already. Here at Upper Peninsula Second Wave, we've been looking back over the past 12 months and the people we've met, the places we've been and the stories we've told. We wanted to share some of our favorites with you as we say farewell to 2011 and begin to look ahead to 2012.

UPside of Life: A break until the New Year rings true

UP Second Wave Staff Wednesday, December 14, 2011

It's time for UP Second Wave to prepare for our holiday break. We return Jan. 11 with stories about the people, places and institutions that make the Upper Peninsula one heck of a place to call home. Oh, and Happy New Year, fellow Yoopers and friends.

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