Features

Partner Content Austin Gongos and Nathan Ackerman, co-founders of Chicken Tramper Ultralight Gear in Hancock.

FHLBank grants help elevate local small businesses to next level

FHLBank Indianapolis believes in the power of lifting up small businesses, and the big impact it has on their communities. Four businesses in the U.P. were awarded $74,326 in Elevate grant funding. We speak with two of them, and how the funds are allowing them to level up their businesses.   

Feature Story A rendering of the overlook at Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

New visitor center planned for Seney National Wildlife Refuge

A new visitor center and refuge headquarters at Seney National Wildlife Refuge will replace the previous office building – a 1930s-era converted garage to be demolished next month – and the 1964 visitor center that was razed last year. The groundbreaking for this new facility will be held on May 10.

Feature Story Linda Schroeder Golding, gallery president, shares some of the art on display.

A co-op for artists in Menominee

An intrepid group of artists have come together in Menominee to create a co-op for artists in the far-western Upper Peninsula community. Artwork is on display and for sale. The artwork includes watercolor, oil, acrylic, oil and cold wax, pastel, mosaic art, metal sculpture, jewelry, woodworked pieces, pottery, and ceramic wall art.

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Raising the hotel bar in the U.P.

Housed in an historic bank building in downtown Houghton, The Vault is a boutique hotel with world-class amenities. The owners, Jonathan and Jennifer Julien, create a memorable and welcoming experience in a one-of-a-kind hotel in the U.P. 

Longform The Chippewa and Marquette II Hydro-Jet head to Mackinac Island side by side.

On the horizon: The first electric Mackinac Island ferryIt's a major step toward modernizing marine transportation

The electrification of the first Mackinac Island ferry is underway, part of a bold initiative to modernize the fleet and other ships serving the region. It's also part of an ambitious plan to bolster the economy of the Straits of Mackinac.

Feature Story saunaone

Stormy Kromer partners to make portable sauna tents

Iconic Stormy Kromer partners with Wisconsin tent manufacturer to produce portable sauna tents. “We think it makes a lot of sense for two Midwestern brands who definitely know winter to jointly put their names on this innovative product,” said Stormy Kromer CEO Gina Jacquart Thorsen.

Feature Story Ian Repp with his youngest son, Colt.

Indiana native writes a new script in the U.P.

Indiana native trades life in L.A. and the big city for the Keweenaw Peninsula. “I can’t imagine being anywhere else. It’s pretty amazing,” says Ian Repp, who is associate vice president for university and marketing communications at Michigan Technological University in Houghton. 

Feature Story wintersauna

U.P. sauna company works up a sweatHand-crafted, barrel-shaped saunas are being shipped across the country

Engadine construction company finds success with hand-crafted, barrel-shaped, portable saunas. They're shipped across the country and common at homes and camps in the U.P.

Feature Story skieronramp

Springer ComePine Mountain welcomes skiers from around the globe

The 2023 FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup tournament takes place March 3-5. More than 40 jumpers from eight countries will be competing this year.

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A bold vision for the Straits of Mackinac

Home to ports, marinas, ferries and all kinds of boats, the Straits of Mackinac are poised to become a center of marine innovation. The Mackinac Economic Alliance is pursuing an ambitious plan to bolster the economy and create more jobs.

Feature Story A scenic overlook along Brockway Mountain Drive in Eagle Harbor.

Making the Keweenaw Peninsula accessible to everyone

Beauty abounds on the Keweenaw Peninsula and a coalition of community organizations is working to make recreation and historic sites accessible to everyone, residents and tourists alike. 

Feature Story greatlakessign

Great Lakes Boat Building School expandsSchool will train more students to fill maritime jobs

Construction on a 10,000-square-foot Marine Technology Center will begin in the summer. The $3.8 million project will double the school’s size and eventually quadruple its enrollment capacity.

Feature Story ironwoodminersmural

Ironwood and other rural towns embrace placemakingMichigan small downtowns work to improve their cores

Ironwood is among the many communities working to improve their cores to attract new residents, businesses and tourists.

Feature Story Karen Cheeseman, MSHS president and CEO

St. Ignace hospital plans $10 million expansion

The new 20,000-square-foot building will provide badly needed space for business and administrative offices. Groundbreaking is scheduled for June, with completion of expected in 2024.

Feature Story The museum is part of a park, already popular with cross-country skiers.

Erwin Township museum connects past to future

Looking to save a piece of its past, Erwin Township found a way to serve the future as well. A preserved schoolhouse will be the centerpiece of a six-acre park, with plans calling for recreational activities and other amenities.

Longform A mother holds her baby's hand.

Upper Peninsula program helps moms with opioid use disorder have healthier pregnancies

The program's goal is to identify and address the social determinant of health needs that create barriers for women with opioid use disorder.

Feature Story copperpeakramp

Copper Peak jumps to the future

Supporters of returning Copper Peak to the world of ski jumping are raising the last of the millions of dollars needed to revamp the iconic structure outside Ironwood.

Feature Story A view of downtown Marquette with the Delft Theater, repurposed as a bistro.

A conversation with Marquette's new mayorCody Mayer is Marquette's youngest mayor ever

Marquette's new mayor is the city's youngest ever. He chats with writer Ann Dallman about some of the issues facing the city.

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Sault Ste. Marie looks beyond winter for snowmobile raceway

Sault Ste. Marie has been awarded a $2 million grant to upgrade and expand the International 500 snowmobile raceway for use year-round, attracting more events and tourists. “This is an opportunity of a lifetime for us,” says Linda Hoath, executive director of the Sault Ste. Marie Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Feature Story childcarephoto

A childcare solution: Marquette County to expand home-based childcare

The Marquette County Childcare Coalition is launching a pilot program this spring to help new home-based childcare providers learn how to start and run a successful business.