Saint Ignace is a small town on the end of the Upper Peninsula. This town is alive with tourists and travelers in the summertime. In the winter it comes to a screeching halt. In this town rising fuel prices, one small grocery store, and the end of tourist season makes this coming winter a bit more challenging. 

Whether it is a diesel or gasoline vehicle prices are rising rapidly throughout Northern Michigan. According to the Detroit News gasoline has risen an average of .62 cents a gallon in the last seven days. This rise brings the state average to $4.93 with many stations topping $5.00. Having to drive approximately an hour for groceries takes a toll on those that live in Saint Ignace. 

Michigan Public talks about food islands in the Upper Peninsula, while Saint Ignace has a small grocery store it is very overpriced compared to those that are located between 30 minutes and one hour away. “my wife works an hour away and she picks up the grocers on her way home to save us gas money” Mach stated. 

The rising cost of grocery prices has been seen over the last several years. Between the cost of fuel and what Rural Insights calls the upper peninsula food price premium it adds additional costs to those that call this home and chose to reside here year round. 

The harsh winters add additional drive time and hazards to what is already an extended drive just for grocers or vehicle parts.