U.P and At 'Em
Wander into downtown Marquette, Michigan, in late February, and you’ll be surprised to see the streets unplowed and brimming with snow. This tiny Upper Peninsula town, on the icy shores of Lake Superior, is the host of one of the nation’s premier middle-distance dogsled races, the U.P. 200. Sleds led by 12 barreling dogs will prepare to set out on the snowy 240-mile race and hundreds of spectators dressed in their cold-weather gear will be on hand to cheer them onward. This year’s race week runs February 16–20.
Watch the start of the race, which begins with a bang at 7:10 p.m. on February 17, in downtown Marquette, from the viewing area in front of the Mining Journal office. You’ll be amazed at the beauty and strength of the dogs as they make their way mightily through the snow, their sharp (often times icy blue) eyes focused on winning.
Meet the mushers at the musher banquet, which will be held at the Marquette Holiday Inn at 6 p.m. on Thursday, February 16. The U.P. 200 awards breakfast will also be held at the Holiday Inn at 8 a.m. on Monday, February 20. Tickets for both events can be purchased in the merchandise room at the Holiday Inn.
Spend the night at the historic Landmark Inn in downtown Marquette, a smaller hotel that has hosted an array of famous guests throughout the years, including Louis Armstrong and Amelia Earhart. The cozy in-house restaurant, Capers, features a blazing fireplace and a classic menu highlighting local and regional flavors.
Interested in taking a guided sled dog ride yourself? Race on over to Snowy Plains Kennels in nearby Gwinn, where 2.5-mile rides are offered for $60 per person throughout the winter.
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