UP Art Scene: Top 5 Cultural Spots in Upper Peninsula
So, you are looking to discover some art and culture while kicking around Michigan’s Upper Peninsula? It’s almost like the UP, that scenic stretch of land bordering three Great Lakes, is brimming with attractions and opportunities to grow an appreciation for everything from local artisans to Native American history. The Upper Peninsula offers lots for anyone that appreciates artistic things in their lives.
1. The DeVos Art Museum at Northern Michigan University
That DeVos Art Museum, found on the campus of Northern Michigan University in Marquette, it’s almost like a cultural beacon for the central UP. It seemingly holds a collection featuring a mix of modern and historic pieces and traveling exhibits. Always showcasing new perspectives, the museum features works from local, national, and international artists, so the exhibitions vary enough that most visitors will be satisfied. The museum is located centrally for the residents and students of the city, offering regular programs such as artist talks and hands-on workshops that make art much more accessible.
Visiting the DeVos, well it is really something. The wide variety of pieces really causes pause, making viewers consider current concepts and more aged artistic representations of the human experience. Is that there always seems to be an engaging collection, from paintings and sculptures to mixed media and photography, so there’s likely something for most artistic palettes.
Many people comment about DeVos Museum making them feel at home because there are no fees required to view the beautiful exhibits. Visiting this art museum is something that makes for a stimulating afternoon or a place for artistic and reflective meditation for visitors and NMU faculty or students. So the next time you’re near the campus, make it a point to give the DeVos a look-see to appreciate their artistic gifts for your appreciation.
2. The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at Michigan Tech
The Rozsa Center for the Performing Arts at Michigan Technological University in Houghton, in some respects it serves as a cornerstone for the cultural events found in the Copper Country. Is that the facility hosts many events including concerts, theatrical productions, and dance performances, and the yearly Keweenaw Symphony Orchestra concerts. So it’s where artistic talents are brought to life!
There’s seemingly lots on tap at The Rozsa, for pretty much everyone. From symphonies and theatrical productions that engage audiences of all sorts to smaller performances for the community. So, students have somewhere close by to enjoy live performance. Additionally, guest artist performances make for an enjoyable variety so there’s sure to be something interesting on offer no matter when one chooses to attend.
Are the seats and the auditorium quite the things to enjoy at Rozsa, making for a comfortable environment. Many are happy with its accessibility so there are more opportunities to see plays and other performances.
3. Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Nature’s Art
Tahquamenon Falls State Park in the eastern Upper Peninsula shows off art in the most natural kind of display, well it is not the traditional display of canvas and sculptures. The “Rootbeer Falls” gets its amber tint due to tannins leaching from cedar swamps which is something the park offers guests. Very popular spots for nature fans, this is something that artists often paint.
While maybe lacking an obvious showing, this State Park has all kinds of beautiful sceneries from that of the gigantic Upper Falls to the sprawling, shallower Lower Falls. Tahquamenon Falls has walking paths. It seemingly lets individuals embrace its wonder with walks among pristine forests.
Seeing what Mother Earth has built, the Tahquamenon Falls are like nothing else. Its amazing that with each passing moment it keeps shifting colors and displays! That in either time of year that you are there you’ll be blown away. It makes one wonder just how long nature worked to shape them!
4. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Located along the Lake Superior coast between Munising and Grand Marais lies Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and seemingly it exhibits just the splendor of nature in the Upper Peninsula. Is that sandstone cliffs rise as high as 200 feet from the water with hues of different kinds that makes you think of a landscape piece painted by the gods. If one is to hike, boat, kayak, or go on a scenic cruise, Pictured Rocks offers unmatched scenes that makes many think about their role in the universe!
One is probably very shocked seeing Pictured Rocks’ tall rocky expanses and crystal streams from many different angles. Seeing Miners Castle by walking, seeing it up close can really add on the enjoyment, yet taking a boat offers another viewing angle for many.
The sandstone features, such as Lovers Leap and Chapel Rock, are all uniquely and dramatically formed. In some respects it inspires creatives through the variety of form and texture. The constantly moving Lake Superior further accentuates this land’s ethereal magnetism.
5. Iron County Historical Museum
Yet Iron County Historical Museum located in Caspian, in a way it’s an indoor treasure in that it has a dedication towards preserving history. Very big, it’s practically an attraction with many aged buildings that have relics from way back. This shows the impact iron mining had on the Midwest back in the day.
Visitors walking around will notice thousands of interesting relics to study as if that’s what a history museum does! It might seem that a local favorite might be the mine tunnel display, and the schoolhouse for pupils, where visitors understand more about Iron County through stories from decades long gone!
This site gives some information regarding the lives of individuals which lived around Iron County many decades long gone with many photographs, artifacts and written text. In some respects, many discover here new ways the cultural ethos, including arts as affected from iron mining within such part during the late nineteenth to mid twentieth centuries.