Michigan's Upper Peninsula: Information Resource Portal

The northern of the two regions that comprise the state of Michigan is frequently called "The Upper Peninsula" or "The UP". It represents approximately one third of the total area of Michigan and is bounded by Lake Superior to the north, Lake Michigan to the south, and by Lake Huron and St. Mary's River to the east; the state of Wisconsin forms the western border to Michigan's upper peninsula. The Straits of Mackinac separate the upper and lower peninsulas which are connected by the Mackinac Bridge.

Residents of the Upper Peninsula refer to themselves as Yoopers, and from a historical and geographic perspective, identify more with Wisconsin than the rest of Michigan. Until the Mackinac Bridge was completed in 1957, travel between the two peninsulas was difficult at best, and impossible during winter months. Today, Yoopers commonly, and somewhat condescendingly, refer to residents of lower Michigan as Trolls (as in, those that live under the bridge).

Map of Michigan's Upper Peninsula The Upper Peninsula is rich in mineral deposits, including iron, copper, and silver, though tourism is the primary industry today. With vast tracts of state and national forests, long lake coastlines, over 150 waterfalls, and a very low population density, the UP is a popular destination for family vacations.

Upper Peninsula natives speak a dialect that is a form of North Central American English and is heavily influenced by Swedish and Finnish, the language of original settlers of the area. Even today, the UP is home to the highest concentration of Finns outside of Europe.






	Upper Peninsula Fast Facts History Government Geography Attractions Travel	The northern of the two regions that comprise the state of Michigan is frequently called "The Upper Peninsula" or "The UP". It represents approximately one third of the total area of Michigan and is bounded by Lake Superior to the north, Lake Michigan to the south, and by Lake Huron and St. Mary's River to the east; the state of Wisconsin forms the western border to Michigan's upper peninsula. The Straits of Mackinac separate the upper and lower peninsulas which are connected by the Mackinac Bridge. Residents of the Upper Peninsula refer to themselves as Yoopers, and from a historical and geographic perspective, identify more with Wisconsin than the rest of Michigan. Until the Mackinac Bridge was completed in 1957, travel between the two peninsulas was difficult at best, and impossible during winter months. Today, Yoopers commonly, and somewhat condescendingly, refer to residents of lower Michigan as Trolls (as in, those that live under the bridge). The Upper Peninsula is rich in mineral deposits, including iron, copper, and silver, though tourism is the primary industry today. With vast tracts of state and national forests, long lake coastlines, over 150 waterfalls, and a very low population density, the UP is a popular destination for family vacations. Upper Peninsula natives speak a dialect that is a form of North Central American English and is heavily influenced by Swedish and Finnish, the language of original settlers of the area. Even today, the UP is home to the highest concentration of Finns outside of Europe.

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