While on vacation last week, I thought I’d take a trip somewhere I’ve never been…..to the upper peninsula. When my kids played hockey, they played in Mackinaw city and whatnot, but I’ve never really been to the U.P..

That changed as I stayed at the Birch Lodge in Trout Lake. Blink, and you miss it that little town. My kind of place! So quiet, too. The nightly fire was soooo quiet.  Yes, I’d highly suggest staying at the Birch Lodge.

As far as the trip, I loved it! I wasn’t crazy about the gas prices up there – all over $4 a gallon, or the lack of “good” food. I think I gained 5 lbs eating pasties, which were delicious by the way! I probably put about 70 miles on my bicycle. Not bad, but not great. I mean, I was on vacation after all.

Here’s some pictures of my trip up north.

-Meltdown-

• Share

  ....here we go!

• Share

  I stayed at the Birch Lodge in Trout Lake.

• Share

  This place was magnificent! The owners are always onsite and ready to help you with anything....as was the dog, Jack.
• Share

  I took this picture the first night I was there.....very peaceful and quiet.

• Share

  It's a beautiful old lodge with lots of history.

• Share

  I sat by the fire every night I was there. It was so quiet I could only hear my ears ringing!
• Share

  While I was up there, I had to go through Paradise, Michigan.

• Share

  Great little town. I'd suggest the deli for a great lunch. I had an awesome sub while I was there.

• Share

  It was suggested to to me by a couple from Indiana that I go to the Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish point. I'd highly recommend that place if you ever find yourself there.
• Share

  Here's an overall look at the Shipwreck Museum.

• Share

  My recommendation is that you watch the movie about the Edmund Fitzgerald before going into the museum. They give the backstory on this bell and more.

• Share

  It's somewhat stirring standing there knowing the history of what happened.
• Share

  You can walk right up to the waterfront. Crazy to think the water behind me could be so devastating.

• Share

  Jim, at the Birch Lodge, talked me into riding my bike to the Fiborn Quarry. It was a crazy, serene area that's no longer used.

• Share

  Some of the best pictures of the colors were taken there.
• Share

  ....and some not so great ones!

• Share

  Creepy, empty, old buildings at Fiborn quarry.

• Share

  I also had to take a trip to Tahquamenon Falls.
• Share

  The upper falls. I liked that upper better than the lower. Tahquamenon Falls.

• Share

  I also went to Pictured Rocks. Here's Miners Castle.

• Share

  More from the Pictured Rocks area.
• Share

  I could get use to the Pictured Rocks area.

• Share

  Miners Falls.

• Share

  On the way back, I swung by Bear Trap restaurant. I loved that place! Check out the bear on that pastie.
• Share

  The Bear Trap...

• Share

  Yes, it's a different lifestyle in the U.P.

• Share

  I had many great meals at this place in Trout Lake. I love these local joints.
• Share

  What a great, peaceful trip!

• Share

  Trout Lake, Michigan.....I'll be back.

• Share

  It didn't take long to get back to traffic.....

Sign me up for the 101 WRIF Cybercrew email newsletter!

Join the 101 WRIF Cybercrew to get everything that rocks sent right to your inbox from The Riff! You’ll get updates on concerts and your favorite bands, along with exclusive chances to win. Plus news and stories from all around metro Detroit!

First Name *

Last Name

Email *

Subscribe

By clicking "Subscribe" I agree to the website's terms of Service and Privacy Policy. I understand I can unsubscribe at any time.