It takes a special kind of person to live in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Between the potential hundreds of inches of snow and long distances of travel to get to other areas of the country, the UP really does it all on their own.

Phizzy
Phizzy
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But, one town with only 300 people in the UP is going above and beyond each year to make something that millions see, but rarely wonder where it came from.

The small town of Amasa, Michigan is known as a mining town. In fact, it's one of the last remaining ones in the north. But their biggest export is something you see every year and may not realize: custom sports flooring.

Connor Sports
Connor Sports
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For decades, whenever the NCAA would have tournaments, the floor would remain the same design as what the home team had, which while not that big of a deal, could be confusing to people unaware of the tournament play they may be watching on TV. That's when Connor Sports of Amasa and the NCAA teamed up in 2006 to start customizing the floors for gameplay.

NCAA Women's Basketball Tournament - Seattle Regional
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If you're like me and were unaware of Connor sports, they're one of the biggest and premiere sports flooring companies in the country. From dance to basketball, if you need it, they can make it.

Tiktok user @tyler.m.webb did a really great job of explaining and showing the process of how each floor is made.

@tyler.m.webb Does every person in this town work here? 😅🏀 #sportsbusiness #marchmadness #collegebasketball ♬ original sound - Tyler

But here's the real question: Since it's such a small city, does EVERYONE in Amasa make the floors? Not quite... but it is an insane 4+ month process that takes all hands on deck to make sure all of the floors that needed for each phase of the tournament are created and shipped out in time for the big dance.

So, yet again the UP proves that it's unmatched when it comes to being one of the best parts of the state. And thank you to the great people of Amasa and all of Connor Sports nationwide for giving Michigan another gold star on our vest.

Hidden Gems of Michigan's Upper Peninsula

No matter what you're into - dining, boating, hunting, outdoor sports, and everything in between, you'll find something you'll love in these small towns in Michigan's Eastern Upper Peninsula.