Fresh Lives Here: My Home in the Upper Peninsula

For those who are lucky enough to live in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, they’re more than happy to share what they love about their chosen home.

When he’s not at his day job as a school superintendent, Bryan DeAugustine is probably outside with his family. He’s been rock climbing for over 30 years and considers his twins to be his best climbing partners.

“They do all the things we do. They mountain bike, surf, ski and climb, and it happened organically,” he says. “We let them choose their own paths and they happened to follow the ones we embarked on.”

Being outside is second nature to Nathan Miller, who is the executive director of the Copper Harbor Trails Club. Not only is he excited about the abundance of hiking and biking trails but he’s surrounded by people who share his passion for gardening, homesteading and other outdoor pursuits.

“Even if you’re not a hardcore hiker or biker, you can drive right up to places like Fort Wilkens State Park and Brockway Mountain on the spine of the Keweenaw,” recommends Nathan for those who are visiting. “We also have longer hikes that take you through amazing old-growth forests, rugged shorelines and incredible waterfalls.”

Last but not least, we chatted with Kamila Fassbender who moved from then-Czechoslovakia to make her home in the United States. As an exchange student in Chicago, she discovered the Upper Peninsula on one of her summer vacations. Now she’s dedicated to introducing more people to the outdoors, whether it’s rock climbing, biking or hiking.

“There is a rock for everybody. If you want to climb, I will find you a rock and I will find you a road. It’s just about the smiles at the end of the day,” says Kamila.