Reviewer: Sharon Brunner
Leslie Cieplechowicz’s Michigan Revealed: Exploring the Wilds of Upper Peninsula offers a historical and scenic view of the sparsely populated and heavily forested land north of the Mackinac Bridge. The author divided this book into four chapters covering the northeast, southeast, northwest and southwest regions of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan (U.P.). Various characters made an appearance such as tribal communities (Ojibwe, Odawa and Huron), tribal leaders, Christopher Crisp (a sailor and Lifesaving Station Keeper), Jesuit explorer Father Jacques Marquette (established St. Ignace with a mission), Douglas Houghton (State’s first geologist), Eli P. Royce (Surveyor and founder of the city of Escanaba) and Bishop Baraga known as the Snowshoe Priest. The book includes colorful details through narrative and photographs of various locations in the U.P.
One of the themes is intriguing and captivating points of interest in the U.P. Cieplechowicz entices the reader by clearly delineating various locations. Presque Isle Park in Marquette is covered with a lofty forest and amazing views of Lake Superior. The east side of the park includes sandstone cliffs that plunge into the indigo waters. I have visited the park on multiple occasions and have found it absolutely beautiful. Cieplechowicz gave a description of the “Mirror of Heaven” located at Palms Brook State Park at the city of Manistique, Michigan. This body of water is known as Michigan’s largest freshwater spring. She described it as crystal clear 45 degrees waters that bubble at 10,000 gallons per minute from fissures in limestone. I asked my husband if we could visit this location after I read the paragraph out loud to him describing the area. We plan on making a trip to Manistique.
Many parts of this book I found relatable to my life. I am referred to as a bonafide “Yooper” who currently lives in Sault Ste. Marie which is mentioned in the book. A beautiful city with the famous Sault Locks. I have lived in the U.P. all my life and have explored many locations in the scenic paradise. My experiences have exposed me to a multitude of locations in the four regions described in this book. The author described the Ojibwa museum in St. Ignace. During the 90s I served on the board for said museum. My ancestor, Antoine Paquin, helped build the first Catholic Church in St. Ignace which happens to be the current Ojibwa Museum. The front cover of this book has a picture of the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. My husband and I have visited the falls two to three times each year. It’s breathtaking. We have visited the Porcupine Mountains, Copper Harbor and other locations and some of our family have lived in Escanaba and Munising, two communities in the U.P. All locations mentioned in the book.
When reading this book, the book that came to mind is “Company Towns of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula” by Christian Holmes. It is a book about the historical logging and mining company towns that were located in various locations in the U.P. Cieplechowicz mentioned on multiple occasions about the predominance of mining and how towns were established as a result of the mining businesses. The movie that came to mind was the 2015 movie “Superior” which was a drama about two high school graduates on a 1,300 mile bike trip around Lake Superior. The beauty and vastness of Lake Superior was mentioned several times in this book.
Cieplechowicz provides a road trip throughout a variety of locations in the U.P. She clearly delineates tracts of wilderness with amazing land features and endearing towns and cities. The brave at heart can sleep under the stars near moose and wolves at Isle Royale. Another area I want to visit after reading this book. Michigan Revealed: Exploring the Wilds of Upper Peninsula takes the reader on an intriguing and informative trek through the U.P. with dazzling photography depicting the beautiful and timeless aviance of an enchanting wonderland.
Title: Michigan Revealed: Exploring the Wilds of Upper Peninsula
Author: Leslie Cieplechowicz
