What “Up North” Things Are You Thankful For?

This Thanksgiving, we at Up North Action magazine and upnorthaction.com reflected on what about this region we call “Up North” that we are thankful for. We know how much our readers love this region, so we thought we would share this gathering of gratefulness with you.

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“I am grateful to call northern Wisconsin “home sweet home.” Having lived in other parts of Wisconsin, I can honestly say this is the best fit for me (the journey was long but well worth the wait to move Up North in 2018).”

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“People who live and visit northern Wisconsin are able to experience all of their senses come to life with genuine appreciation of beauty and nature, enjoy four vibrant seasons, authentic hospitality, smiles/laughter, slower pace, rest & relaxation, pet-friendly atmosphere, heightened sense of adventure, lifelong learning, crackling fires, fantastic food, strong family ties and a sense of well-being & belonging.”

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“Living in northern Wisconsin is such a blessing. To narrow the list down to a few of my favorites is quite hard. I love the beauty of Up North, from silent forests, to still lake scenes. Each of our Seasons bring its own individual beauty. Our fall season lights the forest a blaze in colors of orange and reds, which takes my breath away when it is at its peak. There is nothing much prettier and peaceful than hunkering in on a winters day next to a fire place, watching the falling snow outside pillow our pine trees, or sitting lakeside in the summer, watching our kids play and splash in the lake.  I feel very thankful to live here and to be so close to true nature. To hunt, fish, hike and explore Up North. To be a short drive to dirt roads that lead to quiet destinations is a blessing in itself.”

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“I am thankful for the innumerable trails and country roads that have inspired me to keep running and to become healthier. And so I’ve run on long and winding trestles, over streams, along the shores of lakes, in dense forests, all without even having to hop in my car to get to the trailhead. Along the way, I’ve been humbled by sightings of bald eagles and other humongous raptors overhead, ponderous black bears, cunning coyotes, and skittish turkeys. I generally see far more wildlife than humans on any given run in the Northwoods. I love it.”

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“I am thankful for summer weather in the Northwoods and all of our local lakes.”

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“I am most thankful for the slower pace of life. My entire life I have vacationed Up North, and every time I have visited, I never wanted to leave. When I decided to move North full time as a 23 year old, many people thought I was crazy. There isn’t a Target within 100 miles and I can’t walk down the street to the nearest Starbucks, but what I found was much more valuable than the convenience of the city. I was finally able to slow down and appreciate every aspect of life. The lakes, pines, and sunsets have always soothed my soul. Whether I am stressed, sad, upset, or just need a refresher, the lake is where I escape to. There is something so special about being in a place that hasn’t been taken over by city lights, bumper-to-bumper traffic, and modern-day technology. The people of the North cherish the time spent outside and amongst one another. There may not be great cell service, but that allows for more time to look up, to look around, and to realize how beautiful the world truly is if you take a moment to appreciate what is around you. There is a lot to learn about the world and yourself in the Northwoods, and that is something to be thankful for.”

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“I am thankful to live in an area that is so gorgeous in every season. Even in the winter. I’m not a huge fan of the cold, but when it looks so much Christmas card with the snow covering the forests and the cute small towns, I can’t help but love the winter here, too.”

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“I’m thankful for the friendly, down-to-earth people I have found here. There’s always someone willing to help you make a connection and find your way.”

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“Living in the Northwoods has given me an amazing “up close” experience with wildlife of all kinds. I have photographed albino deer in Boulder Junction and albino squirrels in my backyard in Minocqua. I have scuba dived Lake Katherine in Hazelhurst and have been inches away from curious panfish and bass. I’ve seen wolves and black bear. New experiences are just around the corner – and up a mountain. Got my first look this fall of the beautiful vista from top of Wolf Mountain found in the Ottawa National Forest in Gogebic County, Michigan.”

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“I’m thankful for the passion, spirit, and unique traditions of the area.”

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“I’m thankful for the lakes, big and small. I have spent most my life on the East Coast and was always drawn to the ocean. When I was planning my move to Wisconsin, I was worried that I would feel lost, being so “landlocked.” But as it turns out, I can’t even go for a short drive without encountering multiple lakes and rivers. I live on a small lake, and I discovered I like it even better than being by the ocean. The peace of kayaking on a still lake—or even just sitting on the dock with a mug of coffee and waiting for a duck or loon to swim by—is a transformative experience.”

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“I’m thankful for all four seasons. I like the changing of the seasons. I’m also thankful for the people, and the atmosphere of the small towns.”

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And, of course, we are also so grateful for our readers, like you. We invite you to take some time today to reflect on what you are thankful for. And we would love to hear from you. For those of you who live in this region or have spent some time here, what Up North things are you thankful for? We wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving.