Union River 'Big Bear' Campground

06/12/2026

Your soul doesn't want a bigger inbox. It wants this. 🏔️🌅
A rocking chair. A hot cup. Mountains that don't care what day it is. When's the last time you actually gave yourself that?

06/01/2026

The perfect end to the day...

06/01/2026

It's a beautiful evening here by the lake, 60 degrees, sunshine, fire burning, even the hummingbirds are loving it, and the best part....no bugs! Your bench is waiting...

05/30/2026

🌲 KNOW OUR AREA: THE KONTEKA – A WESTERN U.P. ICON 🌲

For more than 70 years, the Konteka has been a landmark in White Pine and a destination for visitors exploring Michigan's Western Upper Peninsula.

The story begins in 1955, during the height of White Pine's copper mining boom. As the White Pine Mine began production and families poured into the area, the community needed a place to gather. The Konteka was built to be just that. Designed by renowned Michigan architect Alden B. Dow, it quickly became the social center of town, offering lodging, dining, entertainment, and services all under one roof.

In those early years, White Pine was a thriving mining community filled with opportunity and optimism. Mine workers, local families, and visitors alike gathered at the Konteka for meals, celebrations, bowling leagues, and community events. It wasn't just a business—it became part of the fabric of everyday life.

When the White Pine Mine closed in 1995, much of the town changed. Like many Upper Peninsula mining communities, White Pine faced challenges as its primary industry disappeared. Yet through it all, the Konteka remained.

Today, the Konteka continues to be one of the Western U.P.'s most unique destinations. Visitors come from across the Midwest to enjoy comfortable lodging, great food, a welcoming atmosphere, direct access to snowmobile and ATV trails, and one of the area's most famous attractions—watching wild black bears from the dining room windows.

While many businesses have come and gone over the decades, the Konteka has stood the test of time. It remains a living connection to White Pine's mining heritage while continuing to create new memories for generations of travelers.

Whether you're stopping in after a ride through the trails, exploring the Porcupine Mountains, or simply looking for a true Upper Peninsula experience, the Konteka continues to showcase the hospitality, history, and character that make Michigan's Western U.P. such a special place.

Have a favorite Konteka memory? Share it with us below!

https://www.thekonteka.com/

05/30/2026

Peaceful evening at the Porkies...

05/22/2026

First fire in the new fire pit, thank you Mark Hyzer for custom making this for us!

05/19/2026

The first hummingbird is here...🥰🥰🥰

Send a message to learn more

05/16/2026

Rock moving day...

05/11/2026

Vibrant colors this morning...