Facebook followers of internet influencer Justin Carlson no doubt saw his post earlier this week listing his version of the Seven Wonders of the Upper Peninsula.
Here’s JC’s list, ranked in order:
- Mackinac Bridge
- Pictured Rocks
- Soo Locks
- Lake of the Clouds
- Tahquamenon Falls
- Kitch-iti-kipi Springs
- Copper Peak Ski Jump
No surprises. Solid list. However, I’d suggest the Soo Locks shouldn’t be ranked quite that high. Or ranked at all. Big boats going up and down? Where’s the beer tent?
And the Copper Peak Ski Jump doesn’t show up on my bucket list. I guess it’s a wonder because it makes you wonder, who in their right mind would jump off that thing?
Other than those nit-picks, I have only one other issue with the list. It’s not Justin’s fault, but none of the attractions cited are located here in Marquette County. How could what is arguably the U.P.’s coolest county not have anything represented on such a list?
With that in mind, Word on the Street is somewhat proud to present… The Seven Wonders of Marquette County.
In alphabetical order, with publisher justifications included, they are:
Blackrocks – What has become the central U.P.’s “must do,” jumping off Presque Isle’s Blackrocks, seen above, is a mandatory rite of passage for visitors to Marquette. It has become such a destination that the guys who opened one of our most popular brew pubs assigned the name to their establishment. Could there be a better compliment?
Greywalls – Opened in 2005, Marquette Golf Club’s much heralded 18-hole gem is regularly included in any list of Michigan’s best courses. And usually near the top. Comments on Facebook typically range from “my favorite course” to “best course in Michigan.” Prior to Greywalls, Marquette Golf Club was a nice, semi-private community course. Now? In its 100th year, with apologies to the NMU Marching Band, MGC is the new Pride of the North.
Lakenenland – When travelers coming to the U.P. ask about places they should put on their itinerary, Lakenenland is almost always recommended. How many attractions do you know of that are open 24/7/365, and are free? Let me guess… none. If you’ve never been there, go.
Ore Dock – I’m not sure how to characterize the Ore Dock. It’s big. It’s somewhat unique, considering there’s one just like it at Presque Isle. But mainly, it’s a source of pride for locals. Not too many towns have one. And just like Blackrocks, another one of our popular craft breweries thought enough of the monument to take its name as well.
Presque Isle – Thanks to a community that values parks more than profits, Presque Isle continues to offer the same peaceful appreciation of unspoiled nature experienced by our forefathers. Yes, it can get a little crowded. But that’s what comes with popularity.
Superior Dome – Anyone who was around for the final year of football at the dearly departed Memorial Field has to appreciate the Superior Dome. It’s been a while but my recollection is that the 1990 season, the last played outdoors, was not fan friendly. It seems each home game offered some combination of wind, rain, snow, and cold. Which made it much easier to welcome indoor football, even in an outdoor-centric environment. Beyond that, the Superior Dome, the world’s largest wooden dome, has served as host to any number of events, from builders’ shows to track meets to a basketball game featuring the Wildcats versus Tom Izzo’s MSU Spartans.
Tilden Mine Waste Pile – By now it might seem I’m leaning towards large things to include on my list. Why not? If size really matters, the Tilden Mine Waste Pile has to recognized. After all, it’s now the highest point in Michigan, recently surpassing Baraga County’s Mount Arvon, at more than 2000 feet. Plus, it serves as a constant reminder of the industry that has driven Marquette County since… well, for a long time.
Honorable Mention
Granot Loma – This privately owned grandiose log cabin located off the road to Big Bay is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Unfortunately, unless you’re a friend of the owner, or have the cash to make an offer on the place, you’ll probably never get to see it up close and personal. I peaked in the windows once, about fifty years ago, and got yelled at by the caretaker. But because I don’t hold grudges, as far as you know, it still gets a mention.
Mining Journal – While small, local newspapers continue to struggle in today’s internet based media world, the Mining Journal keeps plugging along. We tend to take it for granted, but trust me, if it wasn’t there, it would be missed.
Northern Michigan University – You can’t live in Marquette County without feeling the effects of NMU. While other colleges and universities sometimes get lost in their bigger city environs, Northern’s influence is everywhere.
Sugarloaf Mountain – My first college kegger was at the top of Sugarloaf. I don’t know who carried the kegs up there, but I hope my one dollar made it worth their while.
U.P. Nordic Ski Complex – Formerly known simply as Suicide Hill, the complex continues to host a ski jumping tournament that is one of the best in the Midwest.
U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum – A national Hall of Fame, right here in Ishpeming? Cooperstown’s got nothing on us.
Pending
The Doug Garrison Museum and Gift Shop – Still in its planning stages, this year ‘round attraction will surely rival Da Yoopers Tourist Trap as one of the area’s most talked-about visitor destinations.
Did I miss anything?