Huron
Mountains, Upper Peninsula, Michigan
(view below)
The Huron Mountains are in the state of Michigan,
U.S. located
mostly in Powell Township, Marquette County overlooking Lake Superior on the
Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Coordinates Big Bay, MI, a popular jumping off
point, are 46.8° N 87.7° W.
The mountains are the remnants of
much higher peaks, dating back to the Precambrian period, which have gone
through successive periods of uplift and erosion. The outcroppings of
granite and metamorphic rocks bear the evidence of more recent glacial
action. Geologically, this area is part of the Canadian shield.
The region is characterized by the boreal vegetation and
unusually diverse habitats. The mountains are the largest remnant of substantially
undisturbed old-growth forest in the upper Great Lakes region. Forests on
the uplands are dominated by hemlock and northern hardwoods. Forests on the
steep slopes and mountain ridges are dominated by pine-oak stands.
The area has been preserved largely due to the influence
of the highly exclusive Huron Mountain Club (HMC), which owns a large tract
of land in the mountains, including a portion of the Salmon Trout River. The
club reportedly commissioned noted naturalist Aldo Leopold to create a preservation
plan for the area. However, the private club zealously restricts access to
its property, which is unfortunate for white water rafting enthusiasts since
the Salmon Trout is rumored to be one of the best rafting rivers in Michigan.
According to some versions of a story, the exclusive club even put Henry Ford
on a waiting list. Reportedly, in order to gain favor with the club, Ford
blocked the construction of a planned extension of Michigan State Highway
35 through the mountains. After gaining membership, Ford commissioned noted
architect Albert Kahn in 1929 to build a $100,000 cabin for his use.
In the late 1950s, the Huron Mountains were a candidate for
becoming a national park. However, the HMC was influential in undermining
the proposal.
Big Bay, Michigan
Big
Bay's "claim to fame" is the filming of
Anatomy of a Murder in 1959. Filming took place at
The Thunder Bay Inn, the
Big Bay Lighthouse Bed and Breakfast, The Lumberjack
(scene of the real crime on which the film is based) and
location of the summer chili cook off,
Perkins
Park Campground, and various other locales.
People there are very friendly, have a
wilderness attitude and are welcoming. Tourism makes this
area thrive. Visit the General store in town for a "real"
cup of coffee or some imported Molson's XXX, as well as for
general needs.
Map
of the Huron Mountains The dominant town is
Big Bay, MI
(View of the Huron Mountains)
