Carrie S - MI
“Great little store with unique items and top-notch customer service. If you're looking for something you wouldn't find at a big-box retailer, this is your store!"
Daniel N - MN
"Winding Road Collective goes way beyond the run of the mill tourist fare you usually find in this town. We purchased great gifts for everyone on our list, and we didn't break the bank. A must-stop location in the Soo."
Nancy W - OH
“Arrived at this store after a ten hour road trip. We wanted local maple syrup - check. We wanted UP souvenirs - check. We wanted a few local themed puzzles - check. One stop shopping for this tired crew!"
ABOUT US
Who are we? We are Danna and Terry Sanderson; parents of two grown sons, small business owners, historic property developers, marathon runners, nature enthusiasts, beach combers, rockhounds, hikers, birders, fishermen, hunters (Terry) and very contented Midwesterners! And we are endlessly proud of this region we call home.
Danna was born in Madison, Wisconsin, but grew up in Northern Ontario, Canada. Her father was a research scientist for Forestry Canada, and a good part of her early years were spent in the woods. The family even lived in a tent during the summer months, when her father was conducting field research. To this day, Danna concedes she is more at home in a forest than anywhere else. She also notes she has spent most of her life living within a mile of Lake Superior and can't imagine living anywhere without an abundance of lakes and rivers.
Terry is originally from the Upper Peninsula (for those who aren't familiar with the state of Michigan, it's divided into two separate land masses. The southern of these is referred to as Lower Michigan, and includes cities such as Detroit, Grand Rapids and Lansing. The northern most part of the state is a completely separate land mass known as the Upper Peninsula, or The U.P. as it's often referred to. The U.P. includes cities such as Sault Ste. Marie, Marquette and Houghton/Hancock.) He literally grew up in the woods of the U.P., and knows more about the plants, animals, birds and fish than most textbooks. Except when he's working, Terry can usually be found outside running, hiking, fishing, hunting and just enjoying life in the great outdoors!
Terry and Danna met while attending Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste. Marie, MI. They found a shared love of the outdoors and one of their first dates was a lengthy hike on property owned by Terry's family. The couple married in 1989. Danna agreed to live in the U.P. "for a few years" while they determined where they wanted to settle down and raise a family. Now, 36 years later, Danna admits she loves the U.P. as much as any true "Yooper" (the official nickname of anyone from the Upper Peninsula). And while over the years Terry has developed a passion for the western states and western hunting in particular, he will always consider the Upper Peninsula of Michigan home.
