400 miles, 3 days and endless fun. In May we traveled to the southern coast of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, setting our sights on the town of Escanaba, MI. For many MWG, that name may spark something something about da moonlight? While the standard recreational practices of hunting and fishing are always available in the U.P. – what we uncovered was a town with wide open spaces, friendly locals, incredible food and activities for canine and humans alike.

Escanaba is a blend of the simple pleasures Yooper life has to offer and an array of modern amenities you would need for a more long term stay. We began calling it the “10 minute town” – whatever you want to do, eat, see or experience – it all seemed to be 10 minutes away. You can pack in a full day of activity for the whole family (dogs included) and never be in the car for more than 10 minutes at a time. Our days were packed but in true UP fashion, there was never a rush.

As we broke off of Highway 2, we pulled the F-150 into a quaint roadside motel, the Bay View. There we were greeted by 3 ferocious guard dogs, with old Guss leading the pack (see picture below). The motel is perfect for any sportsman seeking simple accommodations between adventures, while at the same time is great for a family of 4 looking to collect themselves before the next activity. Along with newly renovated rooms, the property has a large lounge and game-room, complete with billiards and an arcade. The bonfire pit was a great way to end each night and even late at night, the owners are on-site and in passing, always checked to make sure we had everything we needed…. We always did.

While the roadside motel is a staple along any stretch of the UP – the Bay View Motel was a wonderful experience and is run by even better people.

Before hitting the great outdoors, it was time to fuel up our bellies. We had numerous, passionate recommendations from readers and locals – and while we only had so many meals, each stop was just as good as the last. Whether you are looking for a hearty breakfast, a light lunch or a proper potatiskorv (swedish potato sausage) – Escanbda and the surrounding area have it all.

Our stops included some traditional Swedish fare at the Swedish Pantry downtown. For those of Scandinavian descent – you can not only fill up with traditional food but enough UFF DA swag and folk art to last a lifetime. Breakfast at Drifter’s Family Restaurant was an absolute feast that had that ‘homemade’ touch that’s hard to describe. We experienced the same at Rosy’s Cafe in downtown Escanaba where that homemade touch was taken to the next level. It’s easier to explain because right behind the counter, Rosy is on the griddle serving meals while carrying conversation with patrons and staff alike. Cracking jokes, laughing, just a welcoming experience all the way around.

Dinner options are abundant too, stops for us included The Buck Inn and we put our gentleman caps on one evening and entered The Freshwater Tavern. The tavern’s dining room is surrounded by windows and boasts an incredible view of the shores of Lake Michigan. After consuming an array of cheese curds, burgers, beer and a flight of butter (yes, a flight of butter) – we couldn’t move… and we didn’t. In true Midwest fashion, conversations with the patrons around us inevitably started. As we relished in our feast, we sat back and enjoyed the stories of retired Great Lakes shipping captain Ray Sheldon and his wife Peggy O’Connell. The story of his illustrious 44 year career on the Great Lakes was the best desert we could have ordered.  Each establishment had a family atmosphere and friendly staff, willing to offer more recommendations and stories abound.

Now, what is a guys trip without a little golf? There is no doubt we could have filled the weekend with just golf as Escanaba boasts over 8 golf courses, all within about 10 minutes of each other. Whether you want to challenge yourself at the Escanaba Country Club or work on that slice at the wide open fields of Woody’s Run – there is golf for every skill level. 

We drove out to Woody’s Run, a familiar feeling of many public courses around the Midwest. A simple, yet challenging 9 hole course that offered a reprieve from the hustle of the weekend. With a case of Leinenkugel and bluetooth speaker in tow we carted the 9 holes, as Andy gave a proper lesson to Adam on how to play the game. 

There is no shortage of green spaces in Escanaba, whether it be the shorelines, day hikes on a plethora of trails or parks in the city – there is activity to be had by all. Ludington Park was a great morning stroll to get our boy G some exercise and take in the views of Lake Michigan. More than just trails and views, the park boasts all the amenities, tennis and basketball courts, playgrounds and more. For those looking to really get out there, check out the Days River Trail which has a series of loops for all skill levels. Miles of wooded trails and scenic cliffs along the riverside made it a great post meal burn off. This is one of many that can be found on the Visit Escanaba website.

For those looking to take a little afternoon trip, the famed Kitch-iti-Kipi Spring is 50 miles north of Escanaba. The “Big Spring” lake is absolutely majestic and the boat trolley ride will have your jaw dropping as you watch the springs bubbling 45ft below the crystal blue waters. If Highway 2 is on your route in or out of Escanaba, Kitch-iti-Kipi is a must stop. 

If there is one thing we love about the Midwest, it is those classic “Main Street” stretches of mom and pop shops and restaurants. Downtown Escanaba doesn’t disappoint whether you are looking for some UP apparel, a vintage 7 wood for the golf course or bait. The Escanaba economy is run by proud, local business owners who are as friendly as they are accommodating. We got lost in Orange Cat Antiques – spending over an hour looking through records, old bar signs, vintage golf clubs, knives and so much more. Each large meal also meant a trip to Sayklly’s downtown where we would load up on Yooper Bars and other arrangements to calm our sweet tooth. Morning’s also meant a trip to UP North Roast where you will find a simple menu of coffee or… coffee, roasted on site and with bags and accessories ready for purchase.

A big highlight of our trip was time spent on the water with Chris of Caddis Shack Guide Service who guided us through the waters of the Ford River, south of Escanaba. As much as we love going after trout, the opportunity to try our luck with bass on the fly could not be passed up. Landing at the boat launch, Chris had everything strung up and ready to go. Beyond just the fun games and landing fish – Chris was a great conversationalist and that really adds to the day. Swapping stories, sunny skies, catching fish, there couldn’t of been a better afternoon. Chris’ knowledge of the area along with his absolute passion for fishing makes him a great option for seasoned fishermen as well as newcomers. Whether you are a group looking to slay fish, or a family looking to learn a new skill – we highly recommend you book with Chris, it is worth every penny.

We covered so much ground during our 3 days in Escanaba and could have packed in another 3 days. Escanaba really does have something for everyone and for those looking to do the proverbial UP road-trip, Escanaba is a great centralized destination for a weekend getaway or an extended stay to get some new views. Wherever we were we found everyone to be friendly and accommodating, you would think that we too were residents. Our stops in our three day excursion is just a sampling of things to-do, for more information, check out Visit Escanaba to plan your trip today!

Cheers..