Strange and Quirky Keeweenaw

Disclaimer: The Keeweenaw Peninsula of Upper Michigan is probably not stranger or quirkier (?) than any other place on earth. It's just that when you're on vacation, you notice stuff, and that's what this post is about.

First of all, can you guess why this fire hydrant is so tall?  (If you knew immediately, then you might be a Yooper.)

According to Wikipedia, the Upper Peninsula contains almost one-fourth of the land area of Michigan but just three percent of its total population. That fire hydrant is a hint why; they average more snowfall per year than almost anywhere else in the U.S. (the record, set in 1979, is 390 inches!!), so I guess raising the fire hydrant to twice the normal height helps a little.

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Raise your hand if, whenever you use a creepy public restroom, you look for possible hidden cameras. (I know I'm not the only one!) When we had a drink at an old bowling alley in Calumet, I used the restroom and did my usual scope around for cameras, just cuz the place was old and unfamiliar. The ladies' room appeared to be just a normal bathroom (assuming you're familiar with exposed plumbing.) The men's room, on the other hand, had something so unusual that Mr.4444 called me in there to take a picture (he's very supportive of my blogging, you know, and always keeps an eye open for blog-worthy topics!) He struck gold on this one!

Yup--That's a double-wide sink, and it's not for hand-washing.  See that plastic tube thingy? It's a flushing device.

So yeah, there's that.

Then there's this...

You might think, "So what? It's a bar full of people," but that's what's strange; there's rarely been more than a handful of people in this bar when we've visited in the past. Turns out it was a 1975 class reunion. So, this was good-strange, as the area is so depressed financially, and it was good to see this bar getting this kind of business.

Also quite strange was the site of an art gallery in town. Seriously? In Calumet, Michigan? I gotta tell you, having seen this town slowly fading, it was a wonderful feeling to learn that in recent years, things have picked up a bit, and there are several new businesses that have popped up, including a coffee shop!  Thankfully, another business (Copper World, in the good-strange category) is always alive and kicking, as it's a must-stop shop in Calumet, and here's one reason why...

Copper World is owned an operated by some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. (truly). Their customer service is fantastic, prices are very reasonable, and they have a wide variety of one-of-a-kind gifts and clothing items related to the area. We love this store! I also loved this sign, which cost something like $6, but if I can't hang it up at school, I don't want it, but I can fantasize...

Also in the quirky-in-a-good-way category are the old copper mining business offices. Is this gorgeous or what?

I love visiting the U.P. It has so much to offer, geographically, historically, and culturally.  If you ever get a chance, you should take it. And if you're still not convinced, stay tuned for a couple more posts :)