A newly released study underscores the importance of tourism to the economy of the western Upper Peninsula. Officials across the region hope the study further enhances tourism and helps with community planning and promotion efforts.
Got a great idea to improve time in the outdoors? A new innovation fund helps entrepreneurs throughout the U.P. and Michigan get their outdoor recreation companies up and running and their products to market.
"The Michigan Outdoor Innovation Fund will be a gamechanger for innovators and entrepreneurs who exist at the intersection of technology, industry, tourism, and natural resources, and who recognized that quality of life is often tied to the quality of outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Marty Fittante, CEO of InvestUP.
Luis Benitez, author of “Higher Ground: How The Outdoor Recreation Industry Can Save The World,'' has some ideas on how rural communities across Michigan can find success beyond the tourism economy.
Two U.P. universities -- Northern Michigan and Michigan Tech -- are drawing more students, bucking a downward trend elsewhere in Michigan and across the country. What's drawing students? Preparation for well-paying jobs and the appeal of outdoor activities seem to be two of the most important attractions.
Webster Marble changed how early 20th century Americans viewed the outdoors. An exhibit honoring his legacy has found a permanent home in Escanaba. “For a region that is working hard to retain and attract talent and to encourage entrepreneurs, Webster Marble reinforces the ‘can do’ U.P. attitude," says Vickie Micheau, executive director of the Delta County Chamber of Commerce,
Family trips out West inspired a Menominee couple to open an outdoor equipment store more than two decades ago. Today, their son owns Wind Rose North Outfitters, successfully navigating an ever-changing economic river to provide quality gear and equipment to outdoor enthusiasts.
With millions of acres of forests and thousands of miles of trails -- not to mention many other outdoor assets -- the Upper Peninsula is an ideal locale for innovation in recreation technology. Entrepreneurs, startups and others are helping this industry bud and grow in the U.P.
Ishpeming is home to a new rustic campground. Named after a once-famous ski jump, Brasswire Campground also taps into the local mountain biking phenomenon. Campground trails connect to others in the region and are expected to attract bikers on overnight trips.
A trio of friends renovated a century-old farmhouse in Norway as the staging area for a host of outdoor adventures, taking advantage of the many recreational opportunities in the central U.P.
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