In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula stands a testament to family perseverance and agricultural tradition. Lake Superior Woolen Company, born from a farm in Rudyard, Michigan, weaves together the past and present in every blanket they produce.
Their story begins in 1915, when Fred R. and Elizabeth Wallis established their homestead in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. More than a century later, their legacy lives on through their great-grandson Eric Wallis, who transformed the family’s traditional sheep farming operation into an innovative wool products company. This May, Eric’s oldest daughter, Kristy, opened Lake Superior Woolen Company’s storefront in Mackinaw City.
The farm is proudly certified by the Michigan Centennial Farms Association and still maintains its original farmhouse and historic barns—physical reminders of the family’s enduring connection to the land. As a wool supplier for Stormy Kromer, we spoke with Lake Superior Woolen Company to hear about their journey and what the future holds for them.
Like Stormy Kromer, you are a family-owned business. As a fourth-generation-run company, how do you maintain the integrity of the company while keeping space for innovation?
We stand by our product and always will. Sheep need to be shorn in order to maintain their health and vitality, but there is little to zero money in raw wool. Many farmers are currently mixing their wool with manure and spreading it onto their fields and into their gardens in order to, at some level, refrain from wasting this incredible fiber. We are, and will always remain, adamant that one of the oldest fibers known to the earth (wool) has multifaceted benefits and uses. We are unwilling to compromise our quality or standards and remain firm in this stance. Although we are hoping to utilize our wool in more products, the quality and love that is placed inside every item will forever remain the same.
Your unique story and products have a great heritage, can you tell us a bit what you want to see for the future of Lake Superior Woolen Company?
As my father transitions out of the company, he will always remain a steadfast icon and face of Lake Superior Woolen Company. Our goals are threefold – To get our blankets (and upcoming product offerings) into the homes of as many others as we can reach, share the knowledge of all the benefits wool has to offer, and help support other local Upper Peninsula shepherds by purchasing their raw wool and placing it in our blankets.
Photo provided by Kristy Currie
How has partnering with other companies, such as Stormy Kromer shaped your mission of serving a local community?
We love our story, our humble beginning, and our path is not all too different from Stormy Kromers. We hope to support our local shepherds by purchasing their wool and using it in our finished products. The storefront aims to support local vendors and artists by showcasing and selling their products in our store.
The company’s growth has been marked by meaningful partnerships throughout the years, including with the Upper Peninsula’s very own Stormy Kromer. This partnership represents more than just a business arrangement—it’s a celebration of local craftsmanship and shared values between two family-owned companies dedicated to quality and heritage.
A Heritage of Innovation
Lake Superior Woolen Company’s journey from a traditional sheep farm to a producer of premium wool products demonstrates how innovation can coexist with tradition. While the methods and products may evolve, the core values of quality, family, and community support remain unchanged.
As they look to the future, Lake Superior Woolen Company stands as a model of sustainable agricultural enterprise, showing how traditional farming can adapt to modern markets while maintaining its integrity and connection to the land. In the ever-changing landscape of American manufacturing, Lake Superior Woolen Company proves that there’s still a place for family-owned businesses that prioritize quality, community, and tradition while embracing the future with innovation and purpose.
If you’re looking to purchase some premium wool, you can shop their online storefront here or follow their journey on Facebook to stay updated on new products, collaborations, and the continuing story of this remarkable family enterprise. This Winter, wrap yourself in the warmth of authentic Michigan and a piece of Upper Peninsula heritage.
