Often you hear people that visit the Copper Country from the big cities ask, "What do you do for fun here UP North?" Because we don't have the big city attractions, they think we must get bored. But that's not so, as evidenced in today's look-back into the archives of the past 19 years. The U.P. has so much to offer, you just have to look for it and maybe hike a little to find it.

Our first archive photo is from back in 2007, when Chris Koskiniemi brought his family to McLain State Park to wear off some energy. They sure look like they're having a blast jumping into the soft beach sand there.

Jump ahead three years to 2010 and Ashlee Harvey was at the Canyon Falls, near L'Anse. That's one of her boys checking out the water flowing quickly by. Whenever I see a boy and water, my first thought is always wondering when he's going to get wet, because you know he will!

The video feature for today is also at Canyon Falls, back in May of 2013. The sights, the sounds, the spray of water in the air... it's almost like being there, minus the hike in and the spray on your face!

I've lived in the Yoop and I've lived in BIG cities and let me tell you, there is far more to do in the Yoop! As John Denver said, "Take me home country roads".

Nice pix and video...that is a place I've passed by dozens of times, but never stopped. Thanks for the hike.

The video of Canyon Falls is from the opposite side than is usually seen. Never even thought about hiking on the "other side" of Canyon Falls. Will have to check that out sometime!

Love both the pictures, and what a sound to wake
up to in the morning. There's nothing better than
falls running or waves crashing!

Nice Pics and video!! Had to laugh at the first pic, brought back childhood memories of face plants and mouthfuls of sand!! lol
Canyon Falls looks beautiful, great video... but where's the Banjo music in the background?? :=))

I love the river song as it hurries on it's way to Portage Lake.

Mary Drew at Pasty Central (Mdrew):

"Often you hear people that visit the Copper Country from the big cities ask, "What do you do for fun here UP North?" Because we don't have the big city attractions, they think we must get bored. But that's not so, as evidenced in today's look-back into the archives of the past 19 years. The U.P. has so much to offer, you just have to look for it and maybe hike a little to find it.

So true!

I really find it a bit sad that many folks are so enthusiastic about many man-made "attractions", some quite pricey, 'cuz they just don't compare to the many delights of mother nature, which are so abundant in da UP!

Unfortunately, for many of the best, most glorious in the UP, you have to work at it. Many (most?) are nearly "secret", not "promoted", and access can be difficult.

While I can certainly understand Yoopers' reluctance to turn these precious sites into major "tourist attractions", I have often wished they were a bit more prominently celebrated, with at least a minimum of "improvements" in terms of access, as has been done at Bond Falls for example, rather than leaving them to plain ol' "raw nature". All the more as I suffer from increasing physical limitations myself.

For example, it would really be wonderful if Douglass Houghton Falls could finally be turned into an accessible public site, as was discussed here on (click →) Past-E-Mail: Cam Notes - 2017: May: May 02-17, sometime in this lifetime!

Mary says: It would be wonderful, FRNash, but I just want to remind everyone that the DNR has not purchased the Douglass Houghton Falls property as of yet, so it is still PRIVATE PROPERTY and NOT open to the public. Please respect their wishes. Thank you!

I would add "The Natural Wall" to the list of improved accessibility.

Mary says: Again, this would also be nice, but the Natural Wall is also on PRIVATE PROPERTY and before venturing there to view it, permission from the owners should be obtained.

Love the video!