This Bridge Perfectly Embodies The Spirit Of Michigan

There is constant discussion about the stereotypes and oddities that come with living in a state like Michigan, where the four seasons lead to different times of year that result in plenty of idiosyncrasies that make Michiganders and Yoopers who they are.

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Yoopers especially are in a breed of their own, from their accent to their hobbies, and even the way they get around. When you live in an area that gets over 100 inches of snow a year, life is going to be different, and this double-decker bridge in the Upper Peninsula has a curious quirk that completely encapsulates what makes Yoopers so, well, yooper.

Portage Lake Lift Bridge: Snowmobiles & Cars

Houghton, located on the Keweenaw Peninsula and known for its 200 inches of snow annually, is an essential city to pass through if you're attempting to reach towns like Copper Harbor or Traverse Bay. Why, you ask?

It is home to the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, which connects Houghton to Hancock and serves as the true peninsula to the rest of the Upper Peninsula. It is the world's heaviest and widest double-decked, vertical-lift bridge in the world.

At first glance, this is any old lift bridge. If a boat needs to get through, it lifts up, and boats travel underneath. However, it's the second level of this bridge that makes it so peculiar.

The top layer is dedicated to car crossings, but during the winter, the lower level is designated as a snowmobile crossing, which is plowed, and city crews cover the bridge with snow so snowmobiles can cross.

Why Snowmobilers Are On The Bottom Level

If you're like me, you're probably wondering why the snowmobile lane is at the bottom, requiring snow to be manually put on it, while cars go on top where the snowfall lands. The short answer is that when the bridge was created, the top level was designated for cars while the bottom level was designed for trains. 

READ MORE: The Strange Story of the Russian Jet Stuck in Michigan

During the summer months, cars drive on the bottom level when the bridge is lifted. But since the bridge doesn't lift in winter and trains no longer run on it, it is designated for snowmobilers. You can view a video of someone riding on the bridge here.

If you're interested in trying this route for yourself, the Department of Natural Resources has mapped out all the snowmobile trails around Michigan, which you can view here.