Chicago Athlete hit the road for a summer trip to the Upper Peninsula in Michigan for the Canal Run. This event is held every July and is just one of many endurance events that athletes can take part of in the U.P.
The race took place in Hancock, Michigan, and was just a short 6 1/2 hour drive from Chicago. The drive itself was scenic and full of Instagram-able moments. After leaving the highway in Wisconsin, we wove through countless small towns and forests that could have held Big Foot himself. There were also tons of elevation changes, so make sure to have the gum or juice boxes ready for popping ears.
We arrived on Friday evening and went directly to the Keweenaw Waters Resort located along the Keweenaw Waterway in Houghton, Michigan. This new resort is literally located on the edge of the waterfront and hosts breathtaking views, no matter the time of day.
We were texted a code to use for entrance to our cabin, so we did not have to bother with a registration desk or lengthy waiting upon arrival. We entered the cabin and were immediately greeted by fresh wood and all of the cabin smells and feels. I can say that this was one of the coziest overnight accommodations I have ever had.
“The exterior is clad with Upper Peninsula white cedar, while the inside is adorned with white and red pine shiplap, all created by hand in our own sawmill. The cabins are perched above the blue waters of Portage Canal connecting to Lake Superior. When stepping into a cabin, the eyes are drawn to spectacular panoramic vistas along the Portage waterway. Large, family sized decks and patios, complete with lounge chairs, tables, and BBQ grills, are the perfect place for gatherings while immersed in the unending landscape of rolling hills separated by the clear fresh waters.” – Keweenaw Waters Website
The cabin came complete with a full kitchen, two queen beds, a large seating area with a Roku TV, and a spacious and clean bathroom. There was also a washer and dryer and a sauna! I can’t think of a better place to stay and relax, both pre- and post-race.
With a full kitchen, I was able to prepare my own food the night before the race, which is very important for those runners like me with sensitive stomachs. The patio had private access from our cabin, complete with a grill and seating, where we sat to close out the night. Daytime lasts longer during the summer in Northern Michigan, so it didn’t get dark until about 10 PM. We enjoyed watching and listening to the waves as we absorbed this incredible getaway.
The next morning was the Canal Run which included a half marathon, half marathon wheelchair division, 10 mile run, 10 mile walk, 5 mile run, 5 mile blade division, 5 mile walk and 2 mile run/walk. This point to point race offered so many different distances that runners of all ages and abilities would be able to enjoy. Runners were able to park in downtown Hancock and board buses which took athletes to their various start lines. The course took runners along the Portage Canal, with several elevation changes as runners worked their way back.
The race finished in downtown Hancock, where runners are able to walk to the many parking areas where vehicles had been left earlier in the morning. This is incredibly well organized, and well attended. I was not able to race the event this year, but I’m hopeful that I can return and partake in the fun next year. This is definitely a race that you should keep on your radar for 2025.
On Saturday afternoon, we visited downtown Houghton Michigan with one of our first stops being the Copper Country Running Company. This small local business had all of the name brand running gear that any fitness enthusiast could want. It reminded me a lot of our local stores in Chicago, with friendly staff assisting patrons, and running events posted throughout the store. It was nice to have a little piece of home so far away.
We then grabbed a cup of coffee at the oldest coffee shop in the U.P., Cyberia Cafe. This local cafe had everything from smoothies to specialty crafted coffee drinks. There were board games and cozy seating throughout the shop. We ended up returning back to this coffee shop on Sunday morning prior to leaving because it has such great character and fantastic drinks to get the morning started.
We also visited a few of the local stores, including Chickadees, Michigan Made, and Surplus Outlet. The charming downtown area of Houghton are full of small local businesses and the friendliest people. Around the corner from the commercial area, you are quickly hit with the beauty of Lake Superior. There is a waterfront path that you can walk along to enjoy the lakefront beauty that is the upper peninsula. We spent quite a bit of time wandering the area and taking in all of the sites.
I was amazed with how many hills lined the streets of Houghton and Hancock. Thankfully, my son is just finishing up drivers’ education and is well-versed on the techniques of downhill and uphill parking. It’s been quite a while since I had to turn my wheels up, up and away on an uphill park.
We left the downtown area and headed to the Nara Nature Trail Boardwalk. The Nara Nature Trail Boardwalk is a 4,500 foot long elevated wood boardwalk running along both banks of the Pilgrim River. This boardwalk has fishing sites, benches, and access for launching kayaks and canoes.
“A historic thunderstorm dropped over 7 inches of rain on the area in just a few hours in the early morning of June 17, 2018. The flooding that followed wiped out the wetland boardwalk system throughout Nara Park. The City of Houghton worked with FEMA to fund the cleanup of the debris and repairs the boardwalk. A project to clean up and rebuild the boardwalks was designed and the new boardwalks were constructed in the fall of 2020.
The new boardwalks were upgraded to current accessibility standards which include regrading, width, and railings. The boardwalks “float” on the soils within the wetland sections. At key points large screw-type anchors support the structure to keep the boardwalks in place during high water events while minimizing impact to the wetland soil structure. City of Houghton Website”
This walk is something that even young children can do but I would be hesitant to bring a stroller on the boardwalk, as it’s just as it sounds with several boards making up the entire walkway. It’s narrow-ish and I’d think the bumping along would be difficult with a stroller. It’s an out and back though, so you can easily cut the walk shorter for little legs.
We finished the day off with dinner at The Ambassador, a local restaurant in Houghton, Michigan. This restaurant had stained glass windows and worn comfy seating for patrons. The food was incredible and had lots of gluten free and healthy options.
I would highly recommend a trip to Keweenaw County and a stay at the Keweenaw Waters Resort. Watch Chicago Athlete for announcements of other endurance events in this area!
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