Fresh Lives Here: A Perfect Catch in the Upper Peninsula
Some say a visit from Gordon Ramsay for an episode of “Uncharted” put Cap'n Ron's Fish & Chips on the Munising map, but word of mouth has been an even more powerful force over the years.
Five generations of Matsons have been fishing in the Great Lakes with Matson’s Fisheries, a tribal fishery since 1898. In 2021, when the late Ronald “Captain Ron” Matson, Jr., brought to life his vision of a food truck serving fresh catches straight from the fish house, it was an immediate attraction. With hand-painted signs, a food truck and waterfront views, Cap'n Ron's Fish & Chips has the charm of both a casual roadside stop and a sought-after culinary destination.
Learn about local restaurants that will cook your own catch for you!
“We’ve always had regulars coming to the fish house for our smoked fish and fish sausage,” says Katy Matson, who runs the family business alongside her mother. “Now we make our food just like how we make it at home. Nice and simple with our homemade tartar sauce.”
Matson points out that Yoopers might gravitate toward the lake trout while out-of-towners often choose the whitefish, but the Cap’n’s Basket offers the best of both worlds. And when she chats with diners from England, their reactions are, “I feel like I’m at home” and “This is how fish and chips is supposed to be.”
On top of raising her daughter and running the family business, Matson is also pursuing her doctorate in biochemistry and molecular biology – which leaves little time for rest, but she still has her favorite places to explore with family.
As Outdoor Enthusiasts
“I can’t tell you how many times I’ve gone on Lakeshore Trail, which is about 42 miles along Lake Superior. I enjoy backpacking between Grand Marais and Munising, or I’ll even just go for a day trip.”
“Marquette is great for kids. We love the Upper Peninsula Children’s Museum and Lower Harbor Park – and the Lower Harbor Ore Dock is right there. Going up Sugarloaf Mountain is always a beautiful day together.”
For a Change of Scenery
“We’re in the upper half of the Upper Peninsula, and the southern half is definitely a bit warmer. So we love going south to Manistique on the coast and to Kitch-iti-kipi springs in Palms Book State Park.”
Family Traditions
“Munising Falls is my favorite waterfall. My daughter and I love going there and look forward to going back when it reopens.”
Find more family-friendly attractions in Michigan, and don’t miss our Ultimate U.P. Bucket List.