Ever heard of Bessemer, Michigan? Me either until I met my husband. It’s in the UP (Upper Peninsula) of Michigan near the Wisconsin border, population 1,900. This is where my mother-in-law grew up, and they seem to have a family reunion around the 4th of July every few years. We get up here maybe once a decade, but decided to bring our girls here for an old fashioned Independence Day celebration.
We flew in to Minneapolis and spent the night across from the Mall of America. I mean come on, this is like the mecca of shopping! We rode the rides and I poked around a bit, and met one of my favorite bloggers Echo from Domain of the Mad Mommy.
Then we were off to see the Yoopers (UP get it?). Five hours and six potty breaks later we made it. And the scenery, weather, and big time small town celebration didn’t disappoint.
We of course stayed on the slopes of Big Powderhorn so I could get my nature fix. And hikes in!
Then the kids parade at 1pm.
Of course there was a grown up parade at 7:00 pm after a delish family barbeque, then the big fireworks at 10:00. We didn’t make it that late but we were lucky to be able to see them from our chalet over the mountain ridge. And it was a spectacular show!
There are lots of other fun outdoor activities in this area as well. We took the chair lift up to Copper Peak to see the largest ski flying hill in North America.
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| Can imagine jumping off that ski jump and flying over this hill? No thanks. |
Bob taught the girls how to skip rocks on Lake Superior.
And we visited and hiked to see several falls in and around Gogebic County.
It’s remote and swarming with lots of critters, but really a charming small town with a big heart. And you can’t beat the hospitality of the Yoopers…eh?
Glad you guys have had such a great time. Even if it was crazy cold (even for us Michiganders!). Haha I’ve never heard of Bessemer either. Although I have to admit that I haven’t been to the UP. In fact I’ve never been to the Mackinaw Bridge! It looks really pretty there, but I think I’ll stick to the southern part of the state. 😉
I wish we could have come to see you too Elizabeth! It’s a hike to get here but worth it!
I love the pics of your family! What fun! We celebrated a little girl’s birthday party and it was so much fun! 😉 Our youngest is one year old now!
It was so much fun meeting you guys! I am so glad that you have had such a great trip! I love all the pictures!
Looks fun!!
You met Echo! That is so awesome for both of you. And I love the Mall of America – I’ve only been twice but it was certainly memorable in every way. It was fall one time, and spring the other.
This looks like a wonderful trip.
We had a really nice weekend and now I’m sad that it’s over!
I have to admit I’m a little jealous 🙂 I could easily live in a small town and this looks like Independence Day perfection. Plus, to meet another blogger in real life…so cool. Hope you had a great vacation!
It was a blast! And Echo and her daughter were lovely hostesses around the mall. Such a great trip!
What an awesome holiday weekend!! The pictures look straight out of a magazine!
How fun! I love the Fourth of July! There’s always a bunch of activities in my hometown. The UP looks beautiful!
Great Pics! Looks beautiful! Never been up that far…looks cold too! LOL
Oh wow! It’s stunning!! And I’m super jealous that you got to spend the 4th of July in a place that is chilly enough for long sleeves in July.
Beautiful photos!