Detroit Free Press

February 21, 2026

Carol Cain

Mother Nature has been downright generous this winter, dropping record snowfall amounts as folks involved in tourism across both Michigan peninsulas applaud the sound of registers ringing up dollars like they’ve not done in years.

Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MichAuto, part of the Detroit Regional Chamber, hails from Marquette and spends much time traveling from Detroit to the U.P., including recently. “Snowfall has been steady and that means ski resorts and snow-related events are very busy,” Stevens said. “I saw this in Marquette at the sled races — huge crowds, restaurants full.”

He added that the uncertain economy may be working in Michigan’s favor. “There is a general sentiment of caution with the state of the economy and inflation,” Stevens said. “However, that often means that people do more things last-minute and tend to stay closer to home. That’s not always a bad thing.”