Meet the Upper Peninsula: Extraordinary Views, Endless Opportunities

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan, or more affectionately known as the U.P., might be the superior peninsula, depending on who you ask. While we won’t play favorites, the U.P. is a haven for those hoping to get away from it all while offering great jobs in emerging industries and incredible outdoor recreation.

Looking U.P.

• 1,700 Miles of Shoreline (Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association)
• 300+ Waterfalls (Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association)
• 8.4 Million Acres of Pristine Forest (Pure Michigan)

Who’s Hiring?

• Northern Michigan University
• Resolve Surgical Technologies
• Aspirus Health
• Calumet Electronics
• Enstrom Helicopters
• Orbion Space Technology
• Able Medical Devices

Off the Clock

• Explore Tahquamenon Falls State Park, Michigan’s second-largest state park, which features the largest waterfall in the Midwest.
• See what’s on tap at Blackrocks Brewery, one of the best beermakers in the state
• Take a boat tour of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and get an up-close view of the spectacular 200-foot sandstone cliffs along Lake Superior.
• Walk through Uncommon Ranch’s Lavender Fields and discover ultimate tranquility
• Learn at the Museum of Ojibwa Culture, a National Historic Landmark
• Experience Kitch-iti-kipi, a.k.a “The Big Spring,” Michigan’s largest and unbelievably clear natural spring.

What’s New

• Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) programs have invested over $22 million toward affordable housing in the Upper Peninsula.
• An MEDC grant is helping to launch “Storytelling and Semiconductors” STEM education in elementary classrooms in the Western U.P.

Partners (with Additional Resources for Job Seekers)

• Return North is an online community that connects professional job seekers with employers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
• WorkLiveUP features job postings from around the U.P. and other resources for those interested in working and living up north.
• Keweenaw Young Professionals is a nonprofit focused on providing opportunities for young professionals to connect and grow through community engagement.