Folks that aren’t familiar with the beauty of the U.P. will often ask what do you do there without the big city entertainment venues. Our archive and current photo today, give you an idea of a few of the things we Yoopers enjoy doing, along with visiting tourists. Deb Simons (and hubby Ron) bring us to our first destination, back in 2009. She snapped this beauty over on Mackinac Island. What a great shot of the Big Mac and one of the Ferry Boats on it’s way there with visitors. Looks like the water was a little choppy, with a few whitecaps showing up.

Paul and Nathalie Brandes (better known on the Pasty Cam as Capt. Paul and Dr. Nat), were here for a visit in 2015 and visited the Quincy Mine Mineral Swap put on by Michigan Tech. They were able to check out everything from copper ingots, agates, and mining artifacts, just to name a few of the items on display and for sale.

Our third stop is out at White City/Jacobsville with Jeff Dennis in 2016. His family joined friends on a boat ride out to the Lower Entry Lighthouse at the end of the breakwall. I really like the perspective of viewing it from the water like this. Normally we get a look as someone is walking out there to the Light.

We’re touring once again with Capt. Paul and Dr. Nat, who were back in the U.P. for a visit recently. On their way to the Keweenaw, they made a few stops, including Castle Rock, north of St. Ignace. Capt. Paul said that this rock formation was created when the lakes were much higher during the last glacial stand. Interesting…

UP Graphics has a great drone video of Castle Rock and surroundings. So if you’re like me, who’s driven by many times, but never stopped to make the climb, you should enjoy getting a better look.

Nice video of another place that I've passed many-a-time, but never stopped to expereince. I especially liked the views of I-75, which to me has always represented a pathway to peace and contentment.

Checking the pictures and video today and
wondering with my hubby why on Earth we've
never gone up to Castle Rock. There's
always so much to do and not nearly enough
time to do it. Next time we're in that
area we will definitely do that. The
video was great.

It has been many decades since i've climbed Castle
Rock; can't tell you how many times in years gone by.
We didn't go to many 'pay' attractions on family
vacations, but climbing the Rock was cheap fun with a
great view.

p.s. I strongly suspect that our parents'motivation
was also to tire us kiddos out so we'd be quiet for
the rest of the trip to Tahquamenon Falls, etc!

I was at Castle Rock once when I was in the 6th or 7th grade. That was a lot of yesterday's ago. Not so sure I could make the climb now.

I have this vague memory of climbing up Castle Rock as a very young kid. It's a pretty sketchy memory but then again I must have been pretty young. How long has Castle Rock been open to the public like that?

The History of Castle Rock
"It is considered to be one of the oldest lookout points near the city of St. Ignace, and was known as "Pontiac's Lookout" by the Ojibwa Tribe. Clarence Eby opened Castle Rock for tourists in 1929, and it has remained a popular tourist destination ever since. Castle Rock rises an astonishing 195 feet above water."

That's amazing, Duane! Thanks for
sharing!

Thanks Duane,

It's nice to know there's a good chance my memories are real.

Thanks for using a couple of my photos, Mary; however, the Quincy Rock Swap is not put on by Michigan Tech, but rather the Copper Country Rock & Mineral Club and the Quincy Mine Hoist Association itself as part of the Keweenaw Week festivities that occur the second week of August.

Mary says: OOPS...I may have misread what I posted back in 2015: "...the Quincy Mine Mineral Swap, which was held during the week long mineral festivities put on by Michigan Tech." Thanks for catching that, Capt. Paul!