BELLEVILLE, Wis.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Grab your flannel and pack your bag, one of America’s hidden travel gems awaits you. Michigan’s Upper Peninsula was just named the Most Flannel City in America by Duluth Trading Company. To earn this distinction, “Yoopers” (those living in the Upper Peninsula, or “U.P.”) secured more than 40 percent of all bracket votes in Duluth Trading Co.’s Flannel City Face-Off competition, defeating 15 of the toughest cities in the nation.
“Michigan’s Upper Peninsula offers a bounty of outdoor recreation opportunities and rich cultural experiences for flannel and travel enthusiasts,” said Leslie Hornung, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Public Relations at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “The passion that propelled the U.P. into a decisive victory in the Flannel City Face-Off is what makes traveling throughout the region such a unique and unforgettable experience.”
In honor of this victory, Duluth Trading Co. and Pure Michigan are sharing five reasons why you should pack your suitcase, grab your flannel and head to the U.P. today:
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Escape to unspoiled beauty.
Henry Ford knew what he was talking about when he described the U.P. as “one of the prettiest places in the world.” From wetlands to ancient mountains, flannel fans rough it on stunning hiking trails and tranquil campsites year-round. Pro-tip: You can also unwind in historic inns and cozy cottages if you prefer to wear your plaid cotton for relaxing. -
Do winter right.
In the winter Yoopers don’t just survive – they thrive. The U.P.’s Keweenaw Peninsula averages more snowfall than most places in the United States. All that powder makes the region a mecca for snowmobiling, but those who prefer a quieter trek through the trails can jump on a fat tire bike in Marquette, or experience the thrill of a dogsled team at Nature’s Kennels in McMillan. Backcountry skiers won’t want to miss Mt. Bohemia’s 900-foot vertical drops and 94 un-groomed runs. Armed with layers of flannel and the region’s famous Stormy Kromer hat, you too can do winter the Yooper way. -
Enter a sportsman’s paradise.
Reconnect with old buddies while stalking your next dinner. There is an abundance of public lands in the region to hunt deer, elk, bear, waterfowl and other wildlife. The Great Lakes and Michigan’s 11,000 inland lakes boast the world’s largest freshwater fisheries with species including salmon, walleye, bass and pike. -
Walk in Paul Bunyan’s footsteps.
The ultimate flannel quest lies before you. Follow Paul Bunyan and Babe The Blue Ox’s footsteps throughout the U.P., notably in Castle Rock. Other legends await you on your journey: Yoopers of old constructed some of the greatest engineering wonders of the world, such as the Soo Locks, which traverse the 21-foot drop in elevation between Lake Superior and Huron. -
Experience the hearty joy of a meat-filled pie.
Explore the U.P.’s comforting cuisine, especially the pasty – a palm-sized meat and vegetable filled pie. When you leave, you’ll know that even while temperatures drop in this northern region, you won’t find a warmer place in America. Genuine hospitality is always on the menu.
“We are thrilled to celebrate Yoopers’ hard-working, tough-as-nails culture by naming it the most flannel place in the U.S.,” said Scott DeRuyter, Duluth Trading Co. “We hope many Americans visit the U.P. to experience the flannel culture firsthand.”
About Duluth Trading Co.’s Flannel City Face-Off
The
Flannel City Face-Off was a month-long competition that pitted 16 cities
against each other, with public voting deciding each round’s outcome.
Though technically not a city, Duluth Trading decided that they could
not deny the U.P. a place on the list.
Rounding out the Top 5 Most Flannel Cities in America are Duluth, Anchorage, Denver and Missoula. More than 65,000 votes were cast in 4 rounds to determine the winner.
Duluth Trading Company is an omni-channel retail workwear brand based in Madison, Wisc. Visit www.duluthtrading.com for more information and stop by one of five stores in Mount Horeb and Port Washington, Wisc., and Duluth, Bloomington and Fridley, Minn.
About Pure Michigan
Pure
Michigan is a brand representing business, talent and tourism
initiatives across Michigan. These efforts are driven by the Michigan
Economic Development Corporation, which serves as the state’s marketing
arm and lead advocate for business growth, jobs and opportunity with a
focus on helping grow Michigan’s economy.
For more on the MEDC and its initiatives, visit: michiganbusiness.org. For Michigan travel news, updates and information, visit michigan.org.
