The state of Michigan is actually two pieces of land, connected by the Mackinaw Bridge. The northern section is called the Upper Peninsula, or just the UP, pronounced you-pee. People who live there are often referred to as "Yoopers." Michigan was once home to many Native Americans. The history and sites of the UP can be explored by visiting some of its most prominent sacred locations. You'll want to plan to go before the snow flies, because you might get stuck all winter if the snow gets too deep. Here are some interesting places to visit in one of the most beautiful states in the country.
Bishop Baraga Shrine - Shrine of the Snowshoe Priest
Father Baraga ministered to the indigenous people in the UP during the late 1600s. He was originally from Slovenia. He founded five missions in the UP and became a legend because of his will and physical stamina. The Northwoods of Michigan are difficult to navigate in the winter. Baraga did it on foot, or rather snowshoe. He was from the upper class of Europe, and probably was unprepared for the harsh winters, but he traveled over 700 miles each winter to serve all of his churches. The "shrine" built for him stands 60 feet tall. It's a stunning monument to the man who learned to speak Chippewa and translated a prayer book into the native language for the local communities.
Father Marquette National Memorial
Jacques Marquette, or Pere Marquette, as he is sometimes known, was born in France. He joined the Society of Jesuits at the age of 17. The Jesuits sent him to northern Michigan as a missionary. Marquette learned languages quite easily. He founded many missions in the north, then joined Louis Jolliet in discovering the Mississippi River. This memorial is near St. Ignace, and provides deep insight into the meeting of French and Native American cultures in the UP.
Mansfield Pioneer Church
This little church was built in the late 1800s, and restored as a landmark in 1987 to remember this mining settlement. It's a beautiful example of a log structure where people worshiped. In 1893, 27 miners were lost in the tunnels underground when the Michigamme River flooded the mine.
Norwegian Lutheran Church
Located in Calumet, this little church was built in 1898 under the organization of a Norwegian missionary. The church was established in 1871, but moved many times before the current building was erected. It's a replica of a church in Kristiansund, Norway. The Ulseth family not only financed much of the original building, one of the Ulseth children had the honor of having the first wedding. His daughter played a huge role in saving the church from being torn down. It holds an 1891 Packard Reed Organ and has some beautiful stained glass windows.
Historic Mission Church
This church building sits on Mackinac Island, which is truly a fantastic place for a vacation. Mission Church is the oldest surviving church building in Michigan, and it's an excellent example of a New England style church. It was built in 1830. Today, it is mostly used for weddings, as it has no minister associated with it.
The UP has a great deal of nautical history. You should try to visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Paradise. The coastline has many lighthouses open to the public, and those are fun to tour as well. A trip through the locks at Sault Ste. Marie is a fun way to experience going from one lake that is lower than another. Michigan had many European cultures combine with Native American heritage to make it what it is today. If you ever get a chance to explore this region, you should take it.
