Latest news, weather, high school sports for Michigan’s Upper Peninsula

KINGSFORD, CRYSTAL FALLS -- The 4^th of July is one of the biggest travel weekends of the year.

While nationally travel will likely drop, tourism is expected to be strong in the U.P. this weekend.

"It's extremely important, it sets the tone, and I think we can judge what the summer's going to be like when we see what happens on the 4^th,” said U.P. Travel and Recreation Executive Director Tom Nemacheck.  “All the indications are it's going to be a good weekend."

Gas prices have slowly declined over the last month but shot back up into the $3.70s this week for regular unleaded.

But high gas prices haven't been felt in popular destinations like Bewabic State Park in Crystal Falls, which is expected to be near capacity this weekend.

"It is a relief that everyone enjoys the park so much that they're willing to spend what money they do have to spare to come to the park, and we're really excited about that,” said Bewabic Park Ranger Kari Panske.  “It's a great opportunity for us."

While the 4^th of July is usually the kick off to summer tourism in the U.P., Nemacheck said the real test will be if those visitors continue coming back all summer long.

"We've had two good summers in a row--two years ago in '09 and then again last year in '10--each year being up substantially from the year before,” he said.  “You generally do well by compounding your interest, and we're hoping that's what's going to happen here."

A majority of U.P. tourists drive to the area which means less long-term planning like booking flights.    

So in many ways it’s a guessing game for those who operate campgrounds and cabins when it comes to determining how strong of a weekend it will be.