U.P. of Michigan

[tjl_48 0]

I have a job opportunity in Escanaba that I am looking at. I was wondering not only what the hockey situation is like up there but just in general what it is like. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

[Rustpot 1]

Escanaba is unfortunately not the most exciting area. Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette are better areas IMO, but if you're going to be there...

My dad is from Manistique, which is just a little ways east along Michigan. It's a really nice place to be, slow and very much an outdoorsy type of atmosphere. The whole UP is pretty much geared more towards hunting, camping, etc. Escanaba is luckily a bit larger so you've got shopping and entertainment, but don't expect anything spectacular. You're close enough to Green Bay to go there for things, Marquette as well.

I have no idea what hockey is like, but I imagine you could easily get a few acres and build a backyard rink, though that side of the UP is a bit more temperate than the Superior coast where I've been. Lots and lots of unspoiled nature.

Be ready to drive a lot, the UP is really spread out, but that also brings a lot less constraint. I don't know what type of area you live in now

[tjl_48 0]

I live in an area where I have to drive quite a bit already. So that isn't a big concern. I am an outdoors person but I have also grown up in a decent sized town. Just not sure about living in an area that has so few people. I think I would maybe get bored. Thanks for the info Rustpot.

[Rustpot 1]

It all depends on what you're looking for. I'm the type of guy who likes routine and a laid back lifestyle. Get a home and just keep making it better, getting toys like boats, ATVs, snowmobile, 4x4 truck, etc.

My grandparents lived in Manisitque their whole lives and we always loved going to visit when I was kid. Walk everywhere in town, take a trip out to a small lake nearby, that sort of thing.

I live in Houghton, which is a small college town north of Marquette. There's great activity there from the MichiganTech campus, especially being a student. Ski hill, several rinks, WCHA D1 NCAA team, golf course, unspoiled Copper Country. Right now I'm outside Philadelphia and I'm none too thrilled about it. Takes 40 minutes to go 5 miles, rushed atmosphere, can't really use my car to get around in Philly too easily. I'm sure if I was here long-term I'd adapt, but I just like the small town life a lot more.

What are you looking for?

[tjl_48 0]

I am kind of the same way. I do a little of everything you mentioned. I think I would like it. Only thing I am worried about now is the rink situation.

[joshy207 15]

There's ice in Escanaba, the Wells Sports Complex has 2 sheets. It's not year-round though. They have youth and High School hockey, I'm guessing they have seniors too, but I'm not positive.

There are also a few rinks within a 60-90 minute drive.

[zingbergeur 0]

I lived in the Escanaba area for several years. The last time I played up there was probably 5 years ago, and they did have adult leagues at that time. There are no hockey shops in Escanaba anymore, but there was a little pro-shop at the rink when I was there that had tape and laces.

You will get bored. Escanaba is a ghost town. There is a movie theater and a Walmart. That is your entertainment.

Actually, if you like to snowmobile, hunt, fish, boat, ride dirtbikes/4wheelers you can have some fun. The problem is finding people to do those things with you.

In my opinion, Escanaba is a great place to visit for a weekend/week, but I will never live there again.