Featuring more than 130 color photos of the U.P.'s most beautiful, historic, and natural locations
I've spent many years exploring the wilderness of Michigan's Upper Peninsula (U.P.), and one thing has become apparent: no matter what part in which you find yourself, fascinating sights are around every corner. There are parks, wilderness areas and museums. There are ghost towns and places named after legends. There are trails to be walked and waterways to be paddled. In the U.P., life is meant to be lived to the fullest. In this book, I've listed 40 destinations from every corner of the U.P. that have places of interest. Some reflect rich history, while others highlight the natural wonders that abound. So, join in the adventures. The Upper Peninsula is an open book--the one that's in your hand.
Winner of the 2020 State History Award from the Historical Society of Michigan
"Without a doubt, Mikel Classen's Points North needs to be in every library, gift shop and quality bookstore throughout the country--particularly those located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Not only does Classen bring alive the U.P. through his polished words, his masterful use of color photography also makes this book absolutely beautiful. Points North will long stand as a tremendous tribute to one of the most remarkable parts of our country." --Michael Carrier, author, Murder on Sugar Island
"Mikel Classen's love for Michigan's Upper Peninsula shines from every page in Points North, a fascinating insider's guidebook to the exceptional beauty and history of Michigan's far north. Whether you're still in the planning stages of your trip, or you're looking back fondly on the memories you created-even if you wish merely to enjoy a virtual tour of the Upper Peninsula's natural wonders from the comfort of your armchair, you need this book." --Karen Dionne, author of the international bestseller, The Marsh King's Daughter
"Many of the places in Points North may sound familiar, but Classen has spent time exploring them all, finding out the wonders others drive by and miss. And some of them may baffle you as much as they did me: the UP has a WWII glider museum? Classen has scoured every inch of the UP, visiting every campground, ghost town, lighthouse, waterfall, and beach that you may have never heard of. This book is full of surprises for even the most knowledgeable visitors to the UP. And if you're like me, you'll find yourself marking up the pages, making notes of places you have to visit next time you're up north." --Steve Lehto, author of Death's Door: The Truth Behind the Strike of 1913 and the Italian Hall Disaster and Michigan's Columbus: The Life of Douglass Houghton
"Until I read this book, I had not realized the large number of hidden treasures that the U.P. has. More than just an interesting history, this book is a descriptive roadmap to these treasures. Points North can be used as a guide to an adventure you would never have known about on your own. The pictures and place descriptions here are fantastic These hidden locations have suddenly become easy to find with this book. I recommend it highly." --Bob Hruska, author of Humorous Hunting, Fishing, and Camping in the U.P. and Canada
"Unlike a typical travel guide, a two- to four-page essay is devoted to each site. The author's love for the U.P. is obvious on every page. Whether a museum, a state park, or a 17,000-acre wilderness area Classen's descriptions are vibrant, enticing, and thorough. This sparkling collection of essays makes for great reading. Color photographs, most of which were taken by the author, complement the essays" -- Tom Powers, Michigan in Books
Learn more at www.PointsNorthBooks.com
From Modern History Press www.ModernHistoryPress.com
Industry Reviews
"Without a doubt, Mikel Classen's Points North needs to be in every library, gift shop and quality bookstore throughout the country--particularly those located in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Not only does Classen bring alive the U.P. through his polished words, his masterful use of color photography also makes this book absolutely beautiful. Points North will long stand as a tremendous tribute to one of the most remarkable parts of our country."
-- Michael Carrier, author, Murder on Sugar Island
“Mikel Classen's love for Michigan's Upper Peninsula shines from every page in Points North, a fascinating insider’s guidebook to the exceptional beauty and history of Michigan's far north. Whether you're still in the planning stages of your trip, or you're looking back fondly on the memories you created—even if you wish merely to enjoy a virtual tour of the Upper Peninsula's natural wonders from the comfort of your armchair, you need this book.”
-- Karen Dionne, author of the international bestseller, The Marsh King’s Daughter
"Many of the places in Points North may sound familiar, but Classen has spent time exploring them all, finding out the wonders others drive by and miss. And some of them may baffle you as much as they did me: the UP has a WWII glider museum? Classen has scoured every inch of the UP, visiting every campground, ghost town, lighthouse, waterfall, and beach that you may have never heard of. This book is full of surprises for even the most knowledgeable visitors to the UP. And if you're like me, you'll find yourself marking up the pages, making notes of places you have to visit next time you're up north."
--Steve Lehto, author of Death's Door: The Truth Behind the Strike of 1913 and the Italian Hall Disaster and Michigan's Columbus: The Life of Douglass Houghton
“Until I read this book, I had not realized the large number of hidden treasures that the U.P. has. More than just an interesting history, this book is a descriptive roadmap to these treasures. Points North can be used as a guide to an adventure you would never have known about on your own. The pictures and place descriptions here are fantastic! These hidden locations have suddenly become easy to find with this book. I recommend it highly.”
-- Bob Hruska, author of Humorous Hunting, Fishing, and Camping in the U.P. and Canada
“…Who needs cities when one can find an abundance of parks, museums, ghost towns, wilderness areas, hiking trails, rivers, lighthouses, and more? This wonderful book has forty destinations, each with a write-up of two to five pages that includes beautiful full-color photographs and a detailed accounting of what the place has to offer. When appropriate, there is also history woven in. The writing is lively and shows the passion author Mikel B. Classen has for his subject. He has been to all these places and describes them in great detail. The photos were taken by Classen, and are a great addition to the book. Every page will entice readers to hit the road and head to the north country to uncover these delightful destinations for themselves, but even if one is merely an armchair traveler, this book will be a great addition to their library. It is so well-written and designed, that it will satisfy every type of adventurer.”
-- Rosi Hollinbeck, Seattle Book Review
"Profusely illustrated, impressively informative, ideal for planning all manner of day trips, weekend adventures, and vacation itineraries, Points North is unreservedly recommended for personal, family, and community library Travel Guide collections."
-- The Travel Shelf, Midwest Book Review
