Features

Eight Memorial Day Events Up North

Celebrate the holiday in northern Michigan

By Rachel Pasche | May 16, 2026

Memorial Day is both a day of remembrance and the unofficial start to northern Michigan summer. School is nearly out, the days are longer, the water is warming up (slowly, mind you), and the sun is making more frequent appearances. We’ve rounded up eight festive events across the region to welcome in the start of summer. ALL WEEKEND Memorial Weekend Pageant and Parade, Mackinac Island (pictured)Step back in time this Memorial Weekend … Read More >>

What’s New on Mackinac Island?

14 new adventures, eateries, and more for all ages

By Geri Dietze | May 16, 2026

People love Mackinac Island in part because it doesn’t seem to change. The island is, indeed, somewhere in time. But this lovely place is not a theme park; it’s a community where people live and work, and they are experts at creating special experiences for visitors. If you haven’t been in a while, you’ll be pleased to revisit the old favorites and find new experiences for all ages. Read on to see … Read More >>

Artemis Books & Goods Takes Aim

The new Traverse City bookstore is set to host its grand opening May 30

By Jillian Manning | May 16, 2026

When Brilliant Books closed its doors in Traverse City last October after a decade-long run, several of its former booksellers decided to make lemonade out of lemons. “It was so hard every day at the old store to talk to people and hear the stories about the impact that Brilliant had on their lives,” says Caitlin Marsh. “It really drove home that this is what we wanted to be doing.” So, just … Read More >>

Advocating for the U.P. We Want

How a nonprofit is championing education, mental health, and the environment in rural Michigan

By Ren Brabenec | May 16, 2026

For many of us “trolls,” the Upper Peninsula is a place we idolize, a natural paradise where we hunt, fish, camp, snowmobile, hike, backpack, and explore a landscape and culture that embodies everything we love most about Michigan. But the U.P. is changing. From concerns about the arrival of AI data centers and cryptocurrency mines to worries about the cost of living, rural hospital closures, and shifting population demographics, one nonprofit is … Read More >>

Women Are the Backbone of the Tribe

Meet Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle

By Ellen Miller | May 16, 2026

Bay Mills Indian Community President Whitney Gravelle’s journey has always been deeply informed by her community, who supported her and helped raise her, buying from her lemonade stand to help her go to college. She wanted to give back, but wasn’t sure how. “When I was getting ready to graduate from college, I was grappling with this idea that I wanted to better serve my community and tribes across Indian Country here … Read More >>

Years of the Sunrise

Bugsy Sailor has captured thousands of Michigan sunrises

By Art Bukowski | May 16, 2026

He runs a dating site for Upper Peninsula singles and has a store jam-packed with Yooper merch. He’s a co-founder of a U.P. film festival and created a fictional sports team (the Marquette Salamanders) in part to raise awareness of these sensitive woodland creatures. Yes, Bugsy Sailor—a self-described “Official Unofficial Ambassador” for the U.P.—is a man of many endeavors. But he’s certainly best known for his years-long streak of photographing Lake Superior … Read More >>

There’s a Better Way of Doing Things Than Killing or War

Local group continues peace-making efforts

By Ross Boissoneau | May 16, 2026

Despite the U.S. conflict with Iran and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Tim Keenan remains hopeful. Though maybe a better way to put it would be disappointed, but hopeful. The president of the local Traverse City chapter of Veterans For Peace looks at the wars with a weary eye. “We believe in negotiation, talking, and peace,” says Keenan. He understands those who might scoff at such a notion, but remains unbowed. “We don’t … Read More >>

Memorial Day Weekend in Gaylord

May 16, 2026

Three days, three events! Gaylord’s Downtown Summer Concert series is up and running, with Serita’s Black Rose—a mix of funk, rock, and blues from Serita Crowley and her band—taking the stage at 7pm in Claude Shannon Park on Friday, May 22. On Saturday, shop the third annual Gaylord Spring Craft and Vendor show from 9am-3pm at E Free Church. (On Sunday, hit the links at one of Gaylord’s award-winning golf courses or … Read More >>

A Place for Teens This Summer

Stuff We Love

May 16, 2026

Affordable summer camps for elementary students are hard enough to come by Up North, but camps that are geared toward kids in 6-12th grades? Forget about it! Luckily, Leelanau Investing for Teens (LIFT) has not forgotten about this underserved demographic, and they have a fabulous and FREE lineup for students in Leelanau County. Activities on the calendar include visits to Leelanau Conservancy preserves, kayaking outings, trips to local farmers markets and coffee … Read More >>

Songwriters in the Round

May 16, 2026

A concert format born in Nashville’s famous Bluebird Cafe is making its way to the Garden Theater in Frankfort on May 21 at 7:30pm. Per Nick Loud, the theater’s communications director, a “songwriters in the round” format allows each of the four musicians to take turns “performing their songs and sharing the personal stories, inspirations, and creative processes behind them, creating a deeply immersive and personal experience for attendees.” The performers include … Read More >>