Upper Michigan forgotten towns - what you find on the backroads

Upper Michigan forgotten towns - what you find on the backroads: Taking a drive along some backroads we head into Upper Michigan where we set out to explore a couple of forgotten towns. Along the way we encounter one of the funniest things we've ever seen AND discover Upper Michigan's small city version of Mayberry!!! To find out what had us laughing so hard outside of one of the tiniest cities in Upper Michigan, watch this episode of SightseeingSally.
About me: I grew up in a small town the Midwest. Now I drive America's backroads exploring small towns, forgotten places, local history and more!
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Photo used in the video, no changes made:
Traditional Yooper Pasty Munising MI 2009
Bobak Ha'Eri, CC BY 3.0
creativecommons.org/licenses/..., via Wikimedia Commons

[@danielschmude]

Gary Peretto started those two food stores in Wallace and Stephenson. Now two of his kids own the two stores.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you! I knew one of you would know this.

[@living-wellon-less5669]

US Hwy 41 runs from Copper Harbor, Michigan all the way to Miami, Florida

[@Botoburst]

I was stationed at KI Sawyer years ago, got to know the UP very well. Wisconsin got robbed! lol The government gave Michigan the UP over a strip of farmland dispute with Ohio.

[@CoolBlue71]

It was over Toledo, Ohio.

[@batymahn]

It's funny how Uppers tell you "Yield" at railroad crossing while Trolls just tell you to "Stop".

[@shirleybalinski4535]

More trains, more people down below!!

[@wasntme3651]

Yoopers not uppers haha. Common mistake.

[@phunlovin72]

The buildings where lumber was stored in Wallace used to be the Wallace building supply, which was owned and ran by relation of mine(my Grandpa Philipps' nephews and their kids. They also used to build homes and such. Where you saw the snake in the pop machine was outside the 'Wallace Mall', sort of a liquidators type place. I believe it's only open on weekends. In Ingalls, the river you saw going under the bridge was the Little Cedar River. The Little Kelley Creek runs into that and together the enter the Menominee River. The little brick building in Stephenson was actually a small service station.

[@GregoryPailKid]

Nobody calls Michigan's U.P, "The Yoop"! lol

[@dudeindawoods914]

I live in the yoop and everybody calls in the yoop

[@wasntme3651]

@@dudeindawoods914 Family been here since 1890 and never heard anyone call it the yoop. More like DA’ U.P. Not yoop 🤦🏼‍♂️

[@markwilkerson9785]

Once again thanks for the journey back into the backroads from long ago. The Sunday drive on a Tuesday afternoon is a brilliant poetic masterpiece of tranquility!

[@jr9486]

Thanks for visiting my home state Michigan!!

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re welcome JR! Hope to come back and do more exploring here real soon.

[@domilontano]

I just got back from the yoop the other day after visiting my family. I was born and raised in Keweenaw county, a weird but beautiful place.

[@JohnShinn1960]

Thanks for the tour Sally and Marty! Stayin tuned! 🤠👍

[@briantickler1637]

I was born and raised in Wallace. My sister and brother-in-law own the Gary’s store there. I currently live east of Stephenson.

[@briantickler1637]

Herman a small town up north had 300+ inches of snow this winter..

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Grew up along the $Soo Line RR tracks in the UP.. That old Line played a big part in UP history with many memorie for many people. Those engines look marvelous. Boy, I can hear that whistle now!!]

[@navynurse03]

I haven't finished the video yet, but if you went to Wallace and didn't stop at the DeYoung Zoo, turn around right now and get back there!!!

[@SightseeingSally]

I have yet to make it to the DeYoung Zoo. One of these days I’m going there!

[@phunlovin72]

@@SightseeingSally A place you must visit!

[@lars277]

When I saw that, I immediately knew it was a coal chute. The first two houses I lived in with my family had coal chutes. Both houses had been converted to oil, so they were not used. One of those houses had a cistern as well. That house was a Montgomery Wards house that was built in the 20s.

[@aleischer]

Might want to find a book called "Michigan Ghost Towns Of The Upper Peninsula"

[@KurtG-nn2cz]

That was a foxsnake . They are fairly common in parts of the UP. Some folks call them a pinesnake. They are very beneficial because they eat rodents . Harmless but they may bite if you try to pick them up

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks! I definitely won’t be picking one up 😂

[@garybryant6148]

Another outstanding video Sally and Marty. Definitely that was a snake!! Don't know what type. I love those sleepy towns. Thank you for sharing look forward to the next video. Be careful on your travels. Thank you.

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks! I was told it was a pop snake? Hahaha j/k don’t know what kind either

[@badgerpa9]

I think the "Gingerbread House" was a restaurant with the old pepsi sign hanging on the post back in late 1990 or early 2000. If I am right the road allowed you to park right up to the building and I stopped there with the crew I worked with back then. But there could be a building similar in another small town and I am wrong. Maybe someone that lived there will know.

[@justnerdystuff]

You came to the Snakes land of Oz and he was sticking out his head to tell you that "Orders are nobody can see the Great Oz! Not nobody, not nohow!" And slunk back into his kingdom of old shiny cans.

[@SightseeingSally]

Hahaha that’s a good one Jen!

[@sealyoness]

What a riot - a garden snake living in a soda machine!!! Never would have dreamed of seeing that. Thanks!

[@angelagonzalez9175]

Enjoyed your video😊 Would love to see Battle Creek Michigan

[@joannunemaker6332]

I enjoyed this video. Wonderful scenery. Thank you!

[@SightseeingSally]

You’re welcome Joan 😊

[@DeeMoback]

I can truthfully say that my life would not be the same without the tours provided by you and Marty.....FACT.... good tours....yup

[@DeeMoback]

Yup

[@SightseeingSally]

Thank you Jay 😊 that’s the best kind of compliment 🥰

[@badgerpa9]

Pastys are great, In Madison Wisconsin just off the Capitol square by the Historical Museum and State Street there is a place called Teddy Wedgers. The original owner passed away a while ago but they still had great Pastys there the last time we stopped in, been about 10 years though. Every thing has changed and many food places went out of business from the plague. I hope it is still running his crew had kept it going for a while and they were nice people. Escanaba has some great Pasts also. Nice drive hope you guys stay safe and healthy.

[@JSB1882]

Actually if you head down around Mineral Point, Wisconsin, you'll find a lot of pasties in the restaurants.

[@erbewayne6868]

Good ones in Calumet and long ago Lake Linden. I haven't been in Lake Linden in a long time.

[@tplugnickel]

Pretty country, Thx for the tour.

[@michaelwilliams374]

Always puts a smile on my face when I see you guys pop up. Although Marty's a little to energetic and stingy with the ice cream..lol

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Michael! That’s what I’m saying, more ice cream lol

[@bonniekaye]

7:35 Love Marty's laugh!!!!

[@SightseeingSally]

He really got a kick out of the snake story

[@browngreen933]

On July 6, 2023, WDIO tv showed a pile of dirty snow still at the Duluth airport.

[@stucook8622]

Thanks for another cool video!

[@scottharper9645]

T😢his looks like all of the entire midwest I grew up in during the 60’s and 70’s. This is why my wife and I moved to Hawaii in 1990 and didn’t move back to the midwest until 2018 when we retired and decided to spend half the year traveling around the world.

[@juliogonzales5441]

Welcome back Marty.....great video Sally

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Julio, Marty says hi 👋🏻

[@wildforjesus5806]

The Paulding Light would be up your alley, for eagle eye Marty too.

[@1954shadow]

Marty-isms, gotta love ‘em!

[@SightseeingSally]

Yep! There should be a book on Marty-isms.

[@johncronin5311]

I enjoyed this thank you

[@SightseeingSally]

Glad you enjoyed it John!

[@aowbsx]

I’m from the lower peninsula and I feel like I rarely ever hear the term “Upper Michigan”, but man, it’s much more pleasing to the ear over “the U P” 👍🏽

[@hm12460]

You guys rock!

[@toyo1267]

Stephenson, what a pretty little town , Thanks for giving us a tour. Was Marty setting you up with a rubber snake? Thanks you, Lynn & Steve

[@SightseeingSally]

No it was definitely a real snake 🐍

[@toyo1267]

Have a great weekend you two😎@@SightseeingSally

[@travelobs57]

A lovely and interesting video. All your videos are good in my opinion.

[@SightseeingSally]

Awww 🥰 thank you

[@jonathonhansen6005]

Love the video. 10:20 Bob's Custom Creations.

[@galvaautovued.i.8460]

Aha! So I learned a little tidbit about Marty's past: buying the projectors from the Tivoli. Was Marty a theatre projectionist or tech? Or was he referring to concession equipment? If only he woulda splurged for ice cream at the "Palace," we could seen inside how they'd fit the parlour inside the old theatre!😅 I've never seen pasties beyond the entertainment variety!😂

[@SightseeingSally]

More like Marty has a fascination for mechanical items and is a collector with eclectic interests 🤷🏼‍♀️😂

[@karenlarson380]

.....enjoyable.

[@onrycodger]

It's a sneaky snake 🐍 Yes, a sneaky snake!😁

[@SightseeingSally]

A sneaky snake 🐍 that lives in a Seven Up machine hahaha

[@garybryant6148]

But the pop machine didn't have any Root beer.

[@SightseeingSally]

@@garybryant6148 Don't you mean Sasparilla lol?

[@yuvegotmale]

This looks nice now but what is it like in the dead of winter? I hear the Michigan winters can get pretty severe.

[@yogiman3615]

Yep

[@shirleybalinski4535]

Overall the winters are not rough with the LENGTH may be the worst...anywhere from 6-9 months. Snow can remain in the woods or in piles as late as July. Winter severity varies whether you live on the Lake Michigan side or Lake Superior side. The Superior side can be very hazardous while the Michigan side is known as the Banana pBelt!! lol.

[@bonniekaye]

Awesome video! 🙂👍❤️❤️

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks beautiful Bonnie ❤️

[@bonniekaye]

@@SightseeingSally You're welcome, Gorgeous Sally! You are truly loved! ❤️

[@frederickbueltemann7953]

I had many meals at the Stepenson Family Restaurant always good food

[@erbewayne6868]

Years ago I had a good friend in Carney.

[@kpelt]

all that snow melted quick, and it was rainy, so guess what? mosquito breeding grounds! they are terrible right now UP here. Trying to get yardwork done this week and between them and the 90 degree weather 🤨🦟🦟🌞🌞

[@SightseeingSally]

I feel for you Kevin!

[@erbewayne6868]

Mosquitoes, the state bird of Minnesota, eh.

[@hubertvancalenbergh9022]

Looks like a nice place to settle down. You look absolutely gorgeous, Sally! ❤

[@thumbygreen]

thanks for the map

[@joshb.guptill5127]

Marty: man of many words!😊

[@SightseeingSally]

It’s how he rolls 😂

[@DeeMoback]

I enjoyed the tour of the Boeing 747 manufacturing plant

[@Frannieville]

Upper Michigan is actually in the “middle” of the state or the upper half of “the mitten”. The UP is the UP. The thumb is the thumb.

[@Asarlai-1]

UP = Upper Peninsula

[@orionwarren4244]

Yooper dee do to you and Marty too, Sally! 🤣😎

[@SightseeingSally]

Lol 😂

[@Headbangin_Boogie]

Marty, but Triple S all the ice cream she wants. What’s wrong with ya!? 😅😅😅

[@rhondaoberto7476]

Head up to Bessemer, my home town.

[@kevincondit79]

Looks like snakes are scared of you.😂

[@stephenmorton8017]

i wonder how many forest fires were started by steam trains hauling lumber. nice drive into peaceful towns. gads it's up there, a good place to read long novels.

[@harrytazzia4133]

US 41 goes all the way to Copper Harbor, MI. or Miami, Fl. Your choice.

[@glennjudd2467]

Nice !

[@SightseeingSally]

Thanks Glenn! Hope you’re seeing signs of summer by you.

[@glennjudd2467]

@@SightseeingSally a little ! Still in the 40s at night ,!

[@glennjudd2467]

@@SightseeingSally another nice town & yes , it does reminds me of Mayberry !

[@51Lorie]

Yeah, so, I won't be forgetting about the snake in the pop machine anytime sssssoon!

[@SightseeingSally]

Hahaha me either Lorie!

[@DeeMoback]

Plead the fifth Marty.....or better yet drink the fifth

[@SightseeingSally]

With a bit of seven up that fifth will go down nicely 🥃😉

[@charausten5242]

​@@SightseeingSally but don't be getting your 7Up out of that old soda machine 😂

[@DeeMoback]

@@charausten5242 LOL

[@justnerdystuff]

The Ingalls also lived in Michigan for a little bit.

[@SightseeingSally]

Did they? I wonder if there’s any relation. I did a quick google search and came up with zilch but I didn’t really look that hard tho

[@justnerdystuff]

@@SightseeingSally I was wrong, it was Minnesota. Walnut Grove. I always get those northern M states mixed up

[@SightseeingSally]

@@justnerdystuff isn't that where Little House was set? In Walnut Grove? I had no idea there was a real Walnut Grove!

[@marknowak6683]

I have been thinking of moving back to my native state of Michigan. Thank God I watched this episode of yours to remind me of why I got the heck out of there in the first place! THANK YOU!

[@TomTobin67]

My wife is from England, and pasty is the pastry. We eat them all the time.

[@Frannieville]

?

[@wasntme3651]

My family came here in 1890 from Finland 🇫🇮 eh! 😎

[@shannonsidebottom9490]

We have to know. What breed of snake likes a seven up once in while ❤I'm getting ready to go to Antigo Wisco have u guys been there yet

[@1954shadow]

Now that was a, SSSSSeven-Up! SSSSo refreSSSSShing.

[@SightseeingSally]

Hahaha that’s for sure 😂🐍

[@phillipgarrow2297]

In 1979 I worked all over the upper peninsula changing mechanical computers in gas pumps when gas went higher than 99 cents a gallon. I seen a abandoned town with closed gas station, tennis court and hotel I can remember where remember where it was I've looked all over for it recently i can't find it

[@davezepnick1161]

Sorry, Sally Marty made me drive all the way up to Wallace and put that snake in that machine for you. LOL Sorry. 😅😅😅 p.s. I’m pretty sure it’s a pine snake harmless

[@SightseeingSally]

I knew it was a set up hahaha 🤣

[@michaelroucoulet3294]

it said hi! sally!

[@bigdaddyrat7854]

Forgotten town? They're not forgotten by the people who live there. You want a forgotten town, go find where the town of Northland was...not the bar that sits on the side of the highway but the old logging town and rail spur.

[@alanl4104]

Where's your sense of adventure, you should'a tried to get a pop. Technically they are milk cans not jugs and they are pronounced Pasties (pa as in grandpa,- sties). Most likely the old building by the tracks was the old train station. The railroad bridge is a type call an overhead iron/steel truss bridge. The overhead structure supports the tracks below. Mind you not being critical , just enlightening. Thanks for the video please enjoy you trip and hope to see more.

[@erbewayne6868]

If you get a pasty, get it with gravy

[@davidboda1640]

Slap you

[@erbewayne6868]

U. S 41 ends at Copper Harbor.

[@michaelbruchas6663]

And you guys are in a classic Prius…

[@ITSHAA-yn5zc]

Go to R Place in Spalding for the Friday night fish fry.

[@DaveMathison503]

That's the favorite delicacy of the Inn's meat pies that Sweeney Todd so graciously furnished the fix'ens for. 🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🤔🙄

[@SightseeingSally]

Now why do I suddenly feel like watching “The Office”??? Lol 😂

[@garyedlund1809]

I am From Iron Mountain, - Yup Life in Da U.P --Eh

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

Big Trucks/Trucksters! We used to have Dinkies! Late 70's!

[@SightseeingSally]

What’s a Dinkies?

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

@@SightseeingSally Dinky, small cars, Sally Matchbox, small cars that fit in your palm!

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

@@SightseeingSally Don't you remember?

[@SightseeingSally]

@@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434 I do now. We just never called them dinkies

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

@@SightseeingSally Well what did you?

[@cleobean8723]

Common here to enjoy a Pasty w/ ketchup.

[@erbewayne6868]

Gravy!!

[@96HC12]

Thanks for the great video. You two are a hoot. Marty talks way too much.

[@josephwezran5273]

Where are all the people

[@daviddaughenbaugh1080]

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreat

[@SightseeingSally]

Woohoo 🥳 thanks!

[@thomaslockwood8870]

Make 7-UP yours!

[@SightseeingSally]

It’s the real thing baby

[@joesmith1574]

In da Moonlight.

[@garynelson5086]

sally i have chihuahua puppies take your pick one state south of you

[@SightseeingSally]

Sadly Marty doesn’t agree with me on this 😢

[@uprebel5150]

You drove past my house. Don't do that again.

[@SightseeingSally]

Should we have stopped in for some beer and a bratwurst?

[@josephgrasser3746]

Looked like a western fox snake.

[@babakpakbaz]

up is a forgotten area of usa

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

Gen. Wallace

[@ahmedhumayunrasheed2434]

Ocean Blue RayBan your favourite!

[@frederickknapp5340]

Wallace is like the town of Channing. A sign was put up for a railroader by the name of Channing so he knew where to get off the train.