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Regional Map Calendar of Events Lighthouses Canoe Trips Antique Shops Community Information
2008
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Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Northeast Michigan Vacation Travel Guide The 2008 Northeast Michigan Vacation Travel Guide brings you closer to your vacation with a wide variety of ideas designed to take the guesswork out of planning your next adventure. Inside you will find a state highway Map of Northeast Michigan provided by the Michigan Department of Transportation on Page 26-27. This very popular map has been updated and enhanced to give you a better look at vacation destinations. Where to stay listings have been provided in several areas of the guide. Lodging information is available in this guide with a compilation of hotels, motels, resort listed by community. Campgrounds are listed by county to assist in locating the right place for you. A complete Calendar of Events has been compiled to provide a look at what is happening while you are visiting the region. We have also provided a listing of charter fishing captains, chambers of commerce, along with convention and visitors bureaus with telephone numbers and web addresses. The US-23 Sunrise Side Coastal Highway continues to be featured in a number of state and national publications, we have featured it as well in this guide. This 200-mile trek along US-23 from Standish to the Mackinac Bridge brings visitors along the Lake Huron shoreline, providing an opportunity to learn more about lighthouses, historic sights and more. The River Road National Scenic Byway is also found within the boundaries of Michigan’s Sunrise Side. This recently designated national heritage route provides visitors with an introspective look at the logging industry, the AuSable River Valley and more. Wherever you travel in Northeast Michigan, we are glad you are here and look forward to your return time and time again. Michigan’s Sunrise Side Travel Association 1361 Fletcher St. • National City, MI 48748-9666 800/424-3022 • 989/469-4544 Fax: 989-469-4232 www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com E-mail: misunriseside@charter.net
TABLE OF CONTENTS Accommodations..................................... 42 Alcona County ........................................... 9 Alpena...................................................... 11 Antique Shops ......................................... 40 Arenac County......................................... 19 Atlanta ..................................................... 33 AuGres ..................................................... 19 AuSable .................................................... 30 Barton City ................................................ 9 Black River................................................. 9 Calendar of Events .................................... 4 Campgrounds .......................................... 49 Canoeing.................................................... 7 Chambers of Commerce.......................... 48 Cheboygan ............................................... 23 Clear Lake ................................................ 33 Convention & Visitors Bureaus.............. 48 Curran........................................................ 9 East Tawas ............................................... 32 Fairview ................................................... 39 Fall Color Tours ....................................... 29 Fishing ..................................................... 46 Geocaching .............................................. 24 Glennie....................................................... 9 Golf .......................................................... 45 Greenbush ................................................. 9 Harrisville.................................................. 9 Hillman.................................................... 33 Hubbard Lake ............................................ 9 Indian River............................................. 34 Lewiston .................................................. 33 Lighthouses ............................................... 8 Lincoln ....................................................... 9 Lupton ..................................................... 37 Luzerne.................................................... 39 Mikado....................................................... 9 Mio........................................................... 39 Montmorency County............................. 33 Ogemaw County...................................... 35 Omer........................................................ 21 Onaway .................................................... 41 Oscoda ..................................................... 30 Oscoda County ........................................ 39 Posen........................................................ 41 Presque Isle County ................................ 41 Regional Map........................................... 26 Rogers City .............................................. 41 Rose City.................................................. 37 Skidway Lake........................................... 37 Snowmobiling.......................................... 46 Standish................................................... 21 Sunrise Side Coastal Highway ................ 47 Sunrise Side Heritage Bike Tour............. 22 Tawas Bay ................................................ 32 Tawas City................................................ 32 West Branch ............................................ 35 WiFi Access............................................. 51¡
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2008 Northeast Michigan
May 17 Tawas Bay Silver Valley Run Mio/West Branch Kirtland Warbler Festival May 23-26 West Branch Memorial Day Weekend Sidewalk Sales - Tanger Outlet Center May 24-26 Hawks Spring Fling Rogers City 40-Mile Point Lighthouse Open House and Arts & Crafts Show May 24-25 Tawas Bay Shoreline Arts & Crafts Show
Calendar of Events MARCH 2008 March 21 Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill March 22 Skidway Lake Easter Egg Hunt March 23 Mio Easter Egg Hunt March 28-30 Alpena MI Regional Sportsmen’s Show March 29 Oscoda Klondike Canoe Race March 30 Oscoda 5K-10K Run/Walk
APRIL 2008 April 11-12 Cheboygan Home Show 2008
April 12 Mio Mio-AuSable Schools Craft Show April 18 Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill April 19 West Branch Art Walk and Wine Tasting April 24-26 West Branch Pioneer Power Club Antique Tractor and Swap Meet April 26 Tawas Bay Corsair Concert Series
May 24 Harrisville Sturgeon Point Lighthouse Opens for the Season Hillman Brush Creek Mill Yard Sale Mackinaw City Mackinaw Memorial Bridge Race Memorial Day Parade May 25 AuGres Memorial Day Parade May 26 Cheboygan Memorial Day Parade Indian River Memorial Day Parade West Branch Memorial Day Parade May 27-28 Lincoln Alcona Habitat for Humanity Garage Sale and Silent Auction
MAY 2008
June 7-8 Free Fishing Weekend June 7 Mio Classic Car Cruise June 13-14 Alpena 9th Lafarge Downtown Alpena Riverfest June 13-15 Mio Nor-east’r Music & Arts Fest June 14-15 Lewiston Classic Car Show Cruise & Swap Tawas Bay Tawas Point Celebration Days June 14 Glennie Glennie Car Show Harrisville Community-wide Garage Sale June 20-22 Alpena Alpena Blues Festival Tawas Bay Art on the Bay June 20 Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill June 21-22 Fairview Michigan Magazine Craft Sow June 21 Presque Isle 16th Annual Presque Isle Harbor Wooden Boat Show Tawas Bay Eagles Club Sailboat Race
May 1-3 Cheboygan Rivertown Follies
June 26-28 Mio Annual Show & Swap Meet - AuSable Valley Engine & Tractor Club
May 9-10 Mio Annual Plow Days - AuSable Valley Engine & Tractor Club
June 27-29 Millersburg Presque Isle County Fair June 28-29 Fairview Century of Fashion-Steiner Museum Oscoda Red, White & Blue Collar Festival Art on the Beach
May 10-11 Oscoda Sunrise Side Woodcarver’s Show May 10 Fairview Maple Syrup Festival Lewiston Morel Mushroom Celebration and Craft Show Mio Mio Mud Bogs Classic Car Show May 16-19 Tawas Bay Tawas Point Birding Festival West Branch Victoria Days Weekend Sidewalk Sales - Tanger Outlet Center May 16 Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill
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JUNE 2008
May 28 Harrisville National Log Cabin Day - Old Bailey School at Sturgeon Point May 30-June 1 Hillman Blessing of the Bikes, Bike Show, Community Tours, Contests May 31 Alpena Elk Khurafeh Shrine Parade Lincoln Memorial Day Celebration
June 28 Mio Blessing of the Bikes Bump and Run June 29 Alpena Besser Museum Log Cabin Day June 30 Rogers City Double Handed Sailing Challenge
JULY 2008 July 2 Harrisville Concert in the Park
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July 21-26 Hale Iosco County Fair July 23 Harrisville Concert in the Park July 25 Rogers City Nautical City Queen’s Pageant July 26-27 AuGres Car Cruisers Cruise & Show Grayling to Oscoda AuSable River Canoe Marathon Oscoda Gaguwon Traditional Pow Wow July 3-6 West Branch Heritage Days
July 6-13 West Branch Ogemaw Hills Bike Rally
July 27-August 3 Alpena 134th Annual Alpena County Fair
July 3 Hale Independence Day Celebration
July 9 Harrisville Concert in the Park
July 28 Harrisville Sunrise Side Garden Club Garden Walk
July 4-5 Alpena Independence Day Celebration
July 11-13 Tawas Bay Summerfest
July 4-6 Hillman Mill River Days
July 12-13 Harrisville Antique and Collectibles Show Oscoda Curley Memorial Canoe Race
July 4-7 West Branch 4th of July Weekend Sidewalk Sales - Tanger Outlet Center July 4 Alpena Thunder Bay Maritime Festival Barton City 4th of July Fireworks Cheboygan Independence Day Fireworks Curran Parade & 4th of July Events Fairview Chicken BBQ Glennie 4th of July Fireworks Indian River 4th of July Parade Mio Fireworks Downtown, Parade Onaway 4th of July Festival Oscoda 4th of July Parade & Celebration Rose City 4th of July Festival & Fireworks Rose City Fishing Derby Skidway Lake 4th of July Parade & Fireworks Tawas Bay 4th of July Parade and Fireworks West Branch 4th of July Parade & Fireworks July 5-6 Harrisville Craft Show - Craftmakers’ Cabin July 5 AuGres Fireworks at mouth of AuGres River Harrisville 5th of July Fireworks Harrisville Lions Duck Race Luzerne Parade and Fireworks Presque Isle Independence Day Parade and Picnic at Lighthouse Park
July 12 Lincoln Depot Strawberry Social Tawas Bay Garden Tours July 13-15 Mio Annual Fishing Tournament July 14-15 Lewiston Classic Car Show July 16-20 Indian River Indian River SummerFest July 16 Harrisville Concert in the Park July 17-20 West Branch Pioneer Power Club Antique Tractor & Flea Market
July 29-August 3 Rogers City Rogers City Nautical Festival July 30 Harrisville Concert in the Park
AUGUST 2008
August 8-10 Alpena Antique Tractor & Steam Engine Show Hillman V-J Day Celebration Rogers City Rogers City Fishing Tournament August 9-10 West Branch Victorian Art Fair August 9 Harrisville Historical Day and Strawberry Shortcake at Sturgeon Point August 10-16 West Branch Ogemaw County Fair August 11-12 Fairview Michigan Country Music Show August 11 Glennie, Mio, Oscoda AuSable River Canoe & Clean West Branch Dwayne Rau Memorial Road Race August 13 Harrisville Concert in the Park August 15-17 Oscoda Paul Bunyan Festival
August 1-3 Atlanta Blue Grass Festival Lewiston Timbertown Festival & Arts Show Mio Northern Michigan Relief Sale August 1-4 West Branch Back to School Sidewalk Sales Tanger Outlet Center August 2-3 Tawas Bay Tawas Bay Waterfront Fine Arts Festival West Branch Rods & Relics Car Show
July 18-19 West Branch Honda Gold Wings Rally
August 2 AuGres 2nd Annual Pirate Festival Harrisville 2nd Annual Regatta at Sturgeon Point Lighthouse Mio Bump and Run
August 15 Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill
July 18-27 Alpena Michigan Brown Trout Festival
August 3-9 Cheboygan Cheboygan County Fair
August 16-17 Indian River Top of Michigan Boat Races
July 18 Harrisville 50’s Dance at the Harbor Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill
August 6 Harrisville Concert in the Park
August 16 Cheboygan Churchill Classic 5K Run Grand Lake Arts & Crafts Show
July 19-20 Alpena Art on the Bay July 19 Harrisville Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival at the Harbor
August 7-9 East Tawas Sidewalk Sale Days National City Sand Lake Festival August 8-9 Alpena Ramblin’ Rods Car Show
August 18-23 Lincoln Alcona County Fair August 18 McKinley McKinley Fun Day (Continued on Page 6)
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2008 Calendar of Events (Continued from Page 5) August 20 Harrisville Dragon’s Day at Harrisville Depot August 22-24 Tawas Bay Blues by the Bay August 23-24 Fairview Heritage Days - Steiner Museum Mio “First Dam” Canoe Race August 23 Alpena Wings over Alpena Air Show August 29-September 1 West Branch Labor Day Weekend Sidewalk Sales - Tanger Outlet Center August 30-31 Harrisville Harmony Weekend in Harrisville Millersburg Millersburg Homecoming Rose City Rose City Fall Festival Tawas Bay Labor Day Arts & Crafts Show August 30 Fairview Gun Show - Steiner Museum Mio Mio Mud Bogs
August 31 Harrisville Labor Day Parade
SEPTEMBER 2008 September 1 Cheboygan State Street Bridge Walk and Community Picnic September 5-7 Northeast Michigan Sunrise Side Heritage Bike Tour Posen Posen Potato Festival September 5-6 Lincoln Antique Car Cruise and Show Rogers City Last Chance Super Tournament September 6 Hillman Alternative Energy Forum Lincoln Historical Social Quilt Show Oscoda AuSable River Kayak Race September 13 Rogers City Fall Festival September 16 Hillman An Afternoon Affair - A Fun Day
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November 8 Hillman St. Augustine Craft Show
September 26 Lincoln Humane Society Garage Sales
November 14-16 West Branch Hunting Widows Revenge Promotion - Tanger Outlet Center
September 20-21 Curran Black Bear Festival September 27-29 Atlanta Elk Festival September 27-28 Mio Fall Fest West Branch Northern Michigan Lamb & Wool Show
OCTOBER 2008 October 3-24 Oscoda Haunted House and Hayride (Friday & Saturdays) October 3-6 West Branch Columbus Day Weekend Sidewalk Sales - Tanger Outlet Center October 4-5 Oscoda Tour de “AuSable Bike Ride October 4 Alpena Fall Harvest Day - Besser Museum Hillman Applefest at the Mill West Branch American Cancer Society Health Event - Tanger Outlet Center Home Tour of West Branch Homes October 10 Rogers City Night at the Lighthouse 40-Mile Point Lighthouse October 11 West Branch Ogemaw Trails Ghost Towns and Legends Tour October 9-12 Alpena Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival Tawas Bay Lighthouse Festival October 16-26 Hillman Quilt Show at the Mill October 17 Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill
West Branch-Ogemaw County, MI I-75, Exit 212 | 989.345.2594 Mon-Sat 9-9 Sun 10-7 www.tangeroutlet.com buy direct from the manufacturer
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NOVEMBER 2008
October 31 Tawas Bay AutumnFest
November 15-30 Hillman Chamber Buck Pole - Downtown November 17 Alpena Season of Light - Besser Museum November 18 Tawas Bay Holiday Tree Lighting November 21 Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill November 28-30 Alpena Light up the Season Weekend November 26 Rogers City Light Up the City November 28 Alpena Holiday Parade and Tree Lighting Indian River Christmas Craft Show An Indian River Christmas November 29 AuGres Chamber Lighting & Parade Cheboygan Christmas Craft Show Mio Holiday Light Parade
DECEMBER 2008 December 1 Lewiston Holiday Light Parade December 5 Lincoln Festival of Lights West Branch Art Walk & Wine Tasting December 6-7 Hillman Christmas at the Mill December 6 Harrisville Christmas in the Village Sturgeon Point Lighthouse Christmas Activities Oscoda Northern Lights Christmas Parade Rose City Christmas Tree Lighting December 13 West Branch Christmas Parade & Tree Lighting December 19 Hillman “Hoedown” Country Music - Mill
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Enjoy the Adventure of Canoeing One of Our Great Rivers Canoeing in northeast Michigan has become extremely popular. Families can enjoy the experience of floating down one of the many beautiful rivers that make their home in the region. Whether you choose the world famous AuSable River, the Rifle River or Sturgeon River, you will find plenty of good streams to ply your canoe. AUSABLE RIVER Alcona Canoe Rental and Campground Located near Glennie on the AuSable River, this canoe livery features rental camping cabins, campsites, a party store, canoes, kayaks, tubes, rafts, rowboats and more. Alcona Canoe offers trips that are 2½ hours to seven days in length. They are open from April to October each year. 6351 Bamfield Road, Glennie. 800/526-7080 for reservations. Visit their web site at www.alconacanoes. com Rainbow Resort Rainbow Resort features canoes, kay-
aks and tubes on the AuSable River. They offer trips ranging from 1½ hours to three days. They also have seven
cabins open all year. Rainbow Resort is located at 731 Camp Ten Rd. near Mio. 800/737-4133. Their web site is www.rainbowresortmio.com RIFLE RIVER Russell Canoes and Campgrounds The Rifle River is known as Michigan’s “fun river” for family canoeing, drifting, kayaking or tubing. Moments after launching, you’ll be in the land of the past: a quiet, rich, lovely wilderness of long ago. The rippling water of the Rifle River provides challenges to
make your trip interesting and puts nature at your fingertips for your enjoyment. If avoiding crowds is important to you, pick any day but Saturday during June, July and August. 989/653-2644 for reservations and information. Michigan toll free, reservations only 800/552-4928. Visit their web site at www.michcampgrounds.com/russellcanoes STURGEON RIVER Big Bear Adventures Located across from Burt Lake State Park in Indian River, Big Bear Adventures offers exciting canoe, kayak, raft & tube trips down the beautiful, crystal-clear Sturgeon River - the Lower Peninsula’s fastest! They offer trips of varying lengths for all ages/ skill levels from challenging high adventure to relaxing family floats. Family Fun Center with 18-Hole Adventure Golf, Snack Bar, General Store & Subway® Shop. Youth/Group Packages and even Guided Winter Rafting Trips! They also have several lodging options and are located at 4271 S. Straits Hwy. in Indian River 231/238-8181. www. bigbearadventures.com.
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Lighthouses Dot The Lake Huron Shoreline
M
ichigan is home to more lighthouses - 124 -- than any other state in the nation. These aids to navigation beckon travelers and provide a fascinating view of the 19th century life on the Great Lakes. The lights appearing on this page are all found here in Northeast Michigan, each accessible via Michigan’s expansive highway network, illustrating an impressive array of beacons illuminating the Great Lake State’s 3,200 miles of coastline. The New Presque Isle Lighthouse towers 113 feet above Lake Huron, it is the tallest structure on the Great Lakes. Built in 1870, the tower and attached keeper’s dwelling and museum are located on a beautiful Lake Huron peninsula south of Rogers City near US-23. The lighthouse features its original Fresnel lens.
Lake Huron’s Lighthouses
3. Tawas Point Lighthouse 4. Sturgeon Point Lighthouse 5. Thunder Bay Island Light 6. Alpena Light 7. Middle Island Light 8. Presque Isle Old Rear Range Light 9. Presque Isle Old Front Range Light 10. New Presque Isle Lighthouse 11. Old Presque Isle Lighthouse 12. Forty Mile Point Lighthouse 13. Poe Reef Light 14. Fourteen Foot Shoal Light 15. Old Cheboygan Lighthouse Ruins Twenty lighthouses are located along 16. Cheboygan Crib Lighthouse the Lake Huron shoreline. Many are ac- 17. Cheboygan River Front Range cessible to climb and explore. They also Lighthouse 18. Round Island Lighthouse provide a great photo opportunity. 19. Bois Blanc Island Lighthouse 1. Gravely Shoal Light 20. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse 2. Charity Island Light
has proven to be infectious. People from around the world come to NorthA wide variety of other lights, 21 in all, east Michigan to view the lighthouses are located along the Sunrise Side, each and enjoy the experience they bring. possessing wonderful views, making The history behind these majestic excellent backdrops for family picnics, structures is a wonderful tribute to the outings and just plain relaxing. men and women who sailed the Great lakes during the last two centuries. The Spectacle Reef Light, located off the commerce that has passed beside these coast of Northeast Michigan near Che- 40 Mile Point Lighthouse lights could tell stories for endless boygan, was featured on a United States postage stamp hours. Historians have spent years chronicling the lives of celebrating the heritage of lighthouses. This lighthouse the light keepers. Now you have an opportunity to visit is accessible by these lights and get a first water only and hand impression of their Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is not visible importance to navigation from the Che- on the Great Lakes as boygan shore- well as to understanding line. life as it was at the turn of the twentieth century. The attraction of Michigan’s Alpena hosts their anl i g h t h o u s e s nual Lighthouse Festival during the second week of October. During this event, you will find photos, histories and Enjoy the wild and scenic AuSable reenactments of life River, located in the Heart of the Tawas Point Lighthouse as a lighthouse keeper. Huron National Forest. You are also able to take Ask about our all new walking tours and drivCamping Cabins ing tours of the many lighthouses that dot the Lake Huron shoreline.
Canoes • Kayaks • Tubes • Rafts
ALCONA CANOE RENTAL AND CAMPGROUND
Reservations: 989/735-2973 or 800/526-7080 Open April 1 to September 30, 2008 www.alconacanoes.com 8
Check our web site, www.visitmisunrisessunriseside. com for more information or contact one of the chambers of commerce or convention and visitors bureaus in the communities where lights are located.
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Alcona County
• Barton City • Black River • Curran • Glennie • Harrisville • Hubbard Lake • Lincoln • Mikado
A
lcona County, on US-23 Sunrise Side Coastal Highway has something for everyone. Its 694 square miles stretch inland, encompassing lush forests, sparkling lakes and streams, it is bordered by some 30 miles of Lake Huron shoreline. The area offers four seasons of recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking and hunting. Alcona County is home to several golf courses. It is an angler’s paradise with over 60 inland lakes and numerous streams. This is a perfect place for viewing breathtaking sunrises over Lake Huron, watching boats coming and going out of beautiful Harrisville Harbor, visiting historic Sturgeon Point Lighthouse and camping at Harrisville State Park. Alcona County is home to: Barton City is located in central Alcona County on beautiful Jewell Lake, Barton City has a National For-
est Campground; excellent fishing for trout, bass, pike and pan fish; Reid Lake foot travel area; snowmobiling and access to thousands of acres of public lands. Black River provides access to three miles of Lake Huron shoreline; boasts of sandy beaches; swimming; trophy fishing, including trout and salmon; 9,000 acres of public land; ball fields; tennis courts and five shipwrecks near Black River Island. Curran is located in the center of hunting country at the edge of the Huron National Forest. Visitors frequently see deer and wild turkey. There is good trout fishing on the nearby AuSable River. Camping is available at McCollum Lake State Forest Campground. Glennie, the heart of the Huron National Forest, is proud of the excellent fishing on its 1200-acre Alcona Pond; canoeing the scenic AuSable River; hiking; cross-country skiing; snowmobiling and deer hunting. Camping is available at Alcona Park, Alcona Canoe and Campground, Horseshoe Lake National Forest and Pine River National Forest. Greenbush, located along the shores of Lake Huron, is home to sandy beaches, scenic Cedar Lake; an historic old country school; sport
fishing; golf, snowmobiling and beautiful home sites. Harrisville is the focal point for salmon and lake trout fishing on Lake Huron. It provides a State Harbor of Refuge and boat launch; Harrisville State Park; historical Sturgeon Point Lighthouse; golf and the Labor Day Harmony Weekend. Hubbard Lake, the largest inland body of water in northeast Michigan and a favorite vacation spot, features fishing, swimming, sailing, scuba diving, water skiing, Manjidiwin Days Celebration and a walleye challenge. Lincoln offers a complete commercial district and aggressive industrial program, including an historic depot, the Alcona County Fair at the Alcona Recreation Area, Alcona Health Center, Alcona elementary and secondary schools, swimming, fishing and championship snowmobile racing. Mikado is situated on the east side of the Huron Manistee National Forest. It includes the Pine River campground, blueberry picking, hiking and snowmobiling. For more information on Alcona County contact the Huron Shores Chamber of Commerce, P.O. Box 581, Harrisville, Michigan or visit their web site at www.huronshoreschamber.com. 800.432.2823
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It’s a shore thing…
Lighthouses · Diving Shipwreck/Island Tours Charter Fishing Canoeing · Kayaking Parks and Trails Museum · Live Theater Golf · Shopping · Dining Year ’Round Events
Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau 235 W. Chisholm St. Alpena, Michigan 49707 989-354-4181
www.alpenacvb.com
1-800-4-ALPENA 10
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Alpena County
S
ituated on Lakes Huron’s Thunder Bay, Alpena is a premier location for Great Lakes maritime heritage and recreation. Visit the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center to learn about the shipwrecks in Thunder Bay or see them up close scuba diving, snorkeling or kayaking! Step aboard one of the tall ships that routinely visit the community in the summer or visit seven lighthouses in the Alpena area. You can take a boat tour to visit an island lighthouse or enjoy a relaxing sunset harbor cruise! Check out maritime exhibits at the Besser museum and the Huron Lights Nautical Museum. Stroll along the new the new Maritime Heritage Trail in downtown Alpena or visit one of Alpena’s thirteen parks and beaches along the city’s Bi-Path. Land a big salmon aboard a charter boat or rent a canoe and explore the Thunder Bay River! A number of annual festivals and events celebrate Thunder Bay’s unique history and recreational opportunities and a visitors will find other fun attractions like adventure golf, go-carts, extreme laser tag and even a garden
populated by dinosaurs! Deer and other wildlife are often seen by golfers as they play four courses in the area. Alpena is one of Michigan’s “Cool Cities” for its commitment to building a vibrant, energetic and attractive city with a solid foundation of arts and culture. Northern Lights Ice Arena is a “cool” place for hockey and great events and is the home of the Alpena Ice Diggers, an NAHL Junior A Hockey Team. Taste locally-made wine at a country winery or visit a local brewery where a fun time is always on tap. Enjoy hot coffee and conversation at a downtown café or dinner at a historic saloon. Come and explore maritime heritage, outdoor recreation, cool attractions and events in Alpena, Michigan’s Advenshore!
Attractions
Alpena IceDiggers
751 Woodward Ave., Alpena • 989/356-9812 • web site: www.icediggers.com
mail: alpena@arzo.com
Featuring Golf Driving Range, Mini Golf, Go-Kart Track, Batting Cages, Ferris Wheel, Video Games and More. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day, 7 days a week. ARZO…Making All Your Sports and Fun More Enjoyable! Dinosaur Gardens, LLC
11160 U.S. 23 South, Ossineke 877/823-2408 Fax: 989/471-8032
Features life-size reproductions of over 25 prehistoric birds and animals, and an 80’ long 60,000 pound Brontosaurus, an 18-hole mini-golf course, and a snack bar. Set on a 40-acre tract of land split by Devil’s River. Special rates available for school groups in the spring. Open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., 7 days a week. Open 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Weekends in September after Labor Day. Elk Viewing Carriage/Sleigh Ride, Gourmet Dinner & Wine Tasting Thunder Bay Golf and RV Resort 27800 M-32, Hillman 800/729-9375 or 989/ 742-4502 • web site: www.thunderbayresort. com • e-mail: tbg@thunderbaygolf.com
For hockey fans, nothing beats the excitement of watching a live game. When visiting Alpena, be sure to include an Alpena IceDiggers hockey game. The Alpena IceDiggers are an NAHL Junior A Hockey Team based at Northern Lights Ice Arena. Call or check web site for schedule.
Award winning event features Elk, massive draft horses, and a superb gourmet dinner prepared before you on antique wood cook stoves at the “Elk Antler Log Cabin”! Available Summer, Fall & Winter. Call for FREE DVD!
ARZO Park
1120 U.S. 23 North, Alpena • 989/354-4414 www.jjsawesomeacres.com
6051 U.S. 23 North, Alpena • web site: www.arzo.com • e-
JJ’s Awesome Acres
Voted #1 People’s Choice, challenging
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(Continued on Page 12)
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18 holes of adventure mini-golf with waterfall, most exciting go-kart track in the area with Formula K go-karts. Modern and safe equipment. Wet and Wild bumper boats and a water cannon, game room, pavilion available for groups and parties, airbounce for the little ones. Open Memorial Day through Labor Day 7 days a week. May and September weekends only. American owned and operated. Laser Team ChallengeExtreme Laser Tag
(989) 464-4937 www.LaserTeamChallenge.com
Outdoor adventure at it’s best! Unlike laser tag, participants divide into teams and conduct military-style “missions”…it’s like playing a real live video game! Mission Director briefs each mission’s objectives, conditions of victory and basic strategy hints. Game lasts approximately 3 hours and includes five to eight missions. Choose from our indoor or outdoor location or a private booking in a setting of your choice. Great activity for a group of friends, organizational activity, family reunion, birthday party, or company team building. Are you ready for the challenge? Visit our web site or call. The Haunted Village at Scarecrow Village
5390 M-65 North, Lachine • 989/379-2272 www.scarecrowvillage.com
2008 marks our 7th screaming season of terrifying fun! 3 Big Haunted events at one location! It’s the “Horror-ween” Party of the Century and you’re invited…if you dare! Open in October. Not for little ones. For more information and details, please call or visit our web site. Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center
500 W. Fletcher St., Alpena • 989/356-8805 Admission: Free • Hours: Please call for hours web site: www.thunderbay.noaa.gov
Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary preserves a national treasure, nearly 200 historic shipwrecks in and around the bay. You can explore the history and archaeology of these wrecks at the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center, the Sanctuary’s 20,000 square foot river front headquarters. With exhibits on Great Lakes maritime history and shipwrecks, NOAA’s Science on a Sphere exhibit, a sanctuary store, state of the art education spaces, highdefinition theater, and archaeological conservation lab, the admission-free Center is a great destination and the best place to begin exploring Thunder Bay. Please call for current hours of 12
operation. Opening in the summer of 2008: The Shipwreck Century Exhibit! This 8,000 square ft. permanent exhibit will combine elements of a traditional maritime museum with a hands on discovery center, with life-sized recreations of historic ships and shipwreck sites, artifact displays and interactive learning stations on technology and diving. Please call ahead for opening date. Wreck locations are available on our web site. While visiting Alpena, you may want to explore the Thunder Bay Sanctuary Research Collection, one of the largest archival collections of Great Lakes maritime history in existence, located at the Alpena County George N. Fletcher Public Library. Lighthouses 800/4-ALPENA
The only lighthouse on Alpena’s coastline is a skeletal structure called “The Alpena Light.” View it from the transient docks at the Alpena City Harbor 989/354-4181. Take a boat tour to see the tower and building on Middle Island, or experience the life of a keeper by spending the night. Call 989/6191013. One of the oldest light stations on Lake Huron is located on Thunder Bay Island. Call 989/356-6743 for more information. Two of the oldest and most interesting lighthouses on the shores of Lake Huron are located within one mile of each other in Presque Isle, about 20 miles north of Alpena. The “Old Light” was built in 1840 and the “New Light” was built in 1870. Towering 113 feet above Lake Huron, the “New” is the tallest light structure on Lake Huron (see additional listings, this section). Other nearby lighthouses include the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse near Rogers City and the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse near Harrisville. Most lighthouses are open mid-May through mid-October. A selfguided driving tour of key northern Lake Huron lighthouses coastline destinations is available at the Community Development Building at 235 W. Chisholm St. in Alpena. The tour follows the journey of the Durston during the Great Storm of 1913. For more information, call 989/354-4181. New Presque Isle Lighthouse
4500 E. Grand Lake Rd., Presque Isle 989/595-9917
The Presque Isle Light Station includes three historic buildings. The light tower, which connects to a keeper’s dwelling, was built in 1870 and is the tallest lighthouse tower accessible by the public on the Great Lakes. An unattached keeper’s residence, constructed in 1905, has been painstakingly restored and now serves as a museum.
The buildings are situated on a 99-acre township park featuring a playground, picnic area, pavilion and nature trails. The park is open to the public from mid-May to mid-October. A gift shop is located in the original keeper’s quarters. Visitors, for a nominal fee, may also climb the 130 steps to the top of the tower for a breathtaking view. The buildings and grounds are open mid-May through mid-October, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., daily. The 1905 House is open from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday; 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; closed Mondays. For more information, visit the township web site at www.presqueisletownship.org or call 989/595-5419. Old Presque Isle Lighthouse
5295 E. Grand Lake Rd., Presque Isle 989/595-6979
The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse is one of the oldest surviving lighthouses on the Great Lakes. Built in 1840 by Jeremiah Moors of Detroit, the harbor light operated until 1871 when the keeper transferred to a new, taller, coastal lighthouse a mile to the north. Visitors can climb the hand-hewn stone steps of the thirty feet tall tower for a panoramic view of the Lake Huron shoreline and Presque Isle Harbor. The keeper’s dwelling serves as a hands-on museum. Here, visitors can blow foghorns and examine other interesting artifacts. They can also ring the bell from the Lansing City Hall clock tower and pose for the perfect photo opportunity with head and hands in an old set of stocks. The buildings and park grounds are open to the public daily, from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m., mid-May through mid-October. A nominal fee is charged for tower climbs.
Tours
Green Road Gold Maple Syrup 13644 Green Rd., Lachine 989/379-4548
15 miles west of Alpena off of M-32 on Green Road. This small family-run tree farm produces maple syrup in a maple woods setting. Visitors are welcome to come and tour the operation during production season, which runs roughly from about March 10-April 10. More information and the uninitiated please call. Green Road Gold Maple Syrup is available year ‘round. Middle Island Light Station Tours
7406 U.S. 23 North, Suite B., Alpena 989/619-1013 • web site: www.middleislandlodge.com • e-mail: captmike@core.com
Narrated 3-4 hour tour includes short boat ride, viewing of restoration efforts, up-close photo opportunities
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
and miles of groomed nature trails. Passengers depart at 10:00 a.m. Saturdays. Special arrangements for five or more people. May through mid-October, weather permitting. Must make reservations ahead of time. Call for details. J.C. Charters Sunset Cruises
740/627-7376 • web site: www.rogerscitychamber.com/JCCharter.htm
Relax and enjoy the sunset! View the Lighthouses of Presque Isle Harbor and watch freighters go by. Up to six people. Trip last 1-2 hours. Bring your camera! Cut Your Own Christmas Tree Morning Star Evergreens 13021 Behning Road., Ossineke 989/ 471-2095
Open the day after Thanksgiving through Christmas Eve. Hours on opening day and weekend are 11 a.m. until dark daily. After opening weekend, the farm is open Saturdays 11 a.m. until dark, Sundays 1 p.m. until dark and weekdays 3 p.m. until dark. Sleigh rides (or wagon rides if there is no snow) are offered on the first two Saturdays of December. To find the farm, go to the blinker light in Ossineke and follow the signs for two miles, 1 mile west on Nicholson Hill Road, then 1 mile south on Behning Road. Sleigh Ride! Darrell and Lee Spragg (Spragg’s Belgians) offer this popular and traditional activity on winter weekends for any size group up to 100. The ride usually lasts 2 1/2 hours and involves climbing aboard a horse-drawn sleigh and then winding through scenic (and at night, moonlit) forest trails. Bring your own grub (hot dogs, s’more fixings, etc.) and enjoy a winter cookout at the waiting campfire before the return trip. There is a bathroom and a warming station. For more information, call 989/379-4403.
Self-Guided Tours
Historic Homes Visitors can enjoy beautifully restored and preserved historic homes along tree-lined Washington Avenue and the U.S. 23 and M-32 corridors. Alpena’s historic homes, some dating back to the 19th century, capture the look and spirit of a long-past era. Examples of Gothic Revival, Italianate, Romanesque and early 20th century Commercial, Beaux arts and Renaissance revival structures can be found. Pick up a free brochure at the Community Development Building or at the Alpena County Library.
Take the “Lights of Northern Lake Huron Tour.” In the days before shipto-shore radio and global positioning systems, lighthouses were the only signposts on the Great Lakes. If you couldn’t see them or the stars and sun, you were driving blind. This self-guided driving tour encompasses 20 key maritime destinations while following the journey of the Durston during the great storm of 1913. You can check out the tour by going to www.michigan.org and then scroll down “driving Tours” to Maritime Tours. Or type the following into your web browser: www.michigan.org/travel/driving tours/?m=9;4. A printable tour is available on the web site. You may also stop by the Community Development Building in Alpena and pick up a printed copy of the tour. For more information, call 989/3544181. Sinkholes There are about 200 of these natural wonders in the Alpena area, but only the Stevens Twin sinks and the Bruski sink are open for public viewing. Pick up a brochure at the Community Development Building to find the site, near Maple Lane and Leer Road.
Quilting Retreats Thunder Bay Resort
27800 M-32, Hillman 800/729-9375 or 989/742-4502 web site: www.quilterretreat.com E-mail: pam@thunderbaygolf.com
Fabulous 4 day/3 night retreat in the “Quilt Barn” with demonstrations, workshops, vendors, prizes, trunk show, square swap, spa treatments, show and tell and great food! Whirlpool suites, villas and chalet lodging. Elk Viewing, Carriage/Sleigh Ride Gourmet Dinner and Wine Tasting is included!
Dining, Beer, Wine Tasting CW’s Barbeque
Inside The Alpena Holiday Inn 1000 U.S. 23 North, Alpena • 989/356-2151
The best new place to eat in Alpena! Enjoy great taste, selection and value from “soon to be famous” BBQ to delicious desserts. New expanded menu - More than just Great BBQ! Churchill Pointe Inn
5700 Bennett Rd., Hubbard Lake 989/727-2020 or 800/727-2078
Hubbard Lake’s historical lakefront country inn, Northeast Michigan’s premier destination restaurant. The finest lake perch, prime rib, whitefish, steaks, lobster tail, and Maryland-style crab cakes.
The Dining Room at White Pine National Golf Resort
3450 N. Hubbard Lake Rd., Spruce 989/736-3279 web site: www.whitepinenational.com • e-mail: info@whitepinenational.com
Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. We serve fresh food, made fresh and served fresh! Open daily 7 am - 8 p.m. (9 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays) April through December. Jack’s Landing Restaurant 20836 Tennis Rd., Hillman • 989/742-4370
Full-service restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open seven days a week May-September and four days a week January through midMarch. Piker’s Cove Bar offers pool, shuffleboard, fish stories and great times in season Fridays and Saturdays. Hours and days of operation for both the restaurant and the bar vary based on the season. Beer and Wine Tasting Fletcher Street Brewing Company 124 W. Fletcher St., Alpena • 989/356-2314 web site: www.fletcherstreetbrewing.com
Whether you are a confirmed beer lover or would just like to try something new, an enjoyable time is always on tap at Fletcher Street Brewing Company’s Tasting Room in Alpena. Eight different microbrews are available for sampling, including the award winning “Lumber Lager Red.” Six different sodas may also be sampled including “RipSaw Root Beer.” The Fletcher Street Brewing Company is part of a major redevelopment of the former Fletcher Paper Mill, which includes the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center. Hours are 4 p.m. - 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4 p.m. to Midnight Friday and Saturday. Meet the Brewers every Wednesday 68 p.m.. Brewery tours are available for groups. Stoney Acres Winery 4268 Truckey Rd., Alpena • 989/356-1041
Taste and purchase locally-made wine at Stoney Acres Winery in Alpena. Stoney Acres makes several different kinds of grape and fruit wines including Silver City White (Reisling), Silver City Red (Merlot), and more than a half-dozen fruit wines including several berry varieties and cherry, pear and apple. Stoney Acres carries a full line of beer and wine-making supplies and is open Tuesday through Saturday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday noon until 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Liquor, Fine Wine, Deli
Cracker Barrel Party and Deli
At Eighth and Chisholm Streets, Alpena 989/356-4721, fax: 989/356-6540
Fine wine cellar, specialty sandwiches, luncheon catering, wedding and party catering, gourmet foods, cigar humidor, microbrew beer, seafood. Deli seating and open air terrace. The Cork and Olive
At Eighth and Chisholm Streets, Alpena 989/358-2051
Alpena’s first wine and martini bar featuring a wine preservation system. Full bar available. Great food. Smoke free. Take 5 Deli
130 W. Chisholm St., Alpena • 989/354-0400 web site: www.Take5Deli.com
Try our Specialties! Sandwiches, Soups, Grilled Hamburgers and Fresh Salads. Deli Trays and Box Lunches. Dine In, Take Out or Delivery. We are located in Downtown Alpena. For complete dining, deli and coffee shop information, visit our web site at www.alpenacvb.com
Shopping
Recreation
Bike Rental Summit Sports
224 E. Chisholm St., Alpena • 989/356-1182
Canoe, Kayak Rental Alcona Canoe Rental and Campground
6351 Bamfield Rd., Glennie 989/735-2973 or 800/526-7080 web site: www.alconacanoes.com
Canoe, tube, kayak and raft trips on the wild and scenic AuSable River. Family trips from 2-5 hours and overnight excursions. Camping, camp store, row boats, laundry, hot showers, camping cabins. Open April 1-September 30. Camper’s Cove RV Park and Canoe Livery
5005 Long Rapids Rd., Alpena 989/356-3708, Reservations: 888/306-3708 web site: camperscovecampground.com E-mail: CampersCove@Charterinternet.com
Summit Sports
989/356-1182
Canoes, Kayaks, Waterskis, Wakeboards, Kneeboards
Fishing Charters
Alpena Mall
2380 U.S. 23 South, Alpena • 989/356-9016 web site: www.alpenamall.com
Shopping enthusiasts will find no shortage of opportunities. There is a growing list of national chain stores and specialty shops. The Alpena Mall offers shops and services from major chains to trendy boutiques. Downtown Alpena
989/356-6422
Nestled between the shores of Lake Huron and the Thunder Bay River, historic Downtown Alpena’s 200 businesses provide old-fashioned personal service and quality, combined with the very best selection of retail, service, dining, and professional needs. Experience the excitement in Downtown Alpena. Farmers Market
Bluebird Charters
P.O. Box 70, Gladwin MI 48624 989/820-4381 web site: www.luebirdcharters.com E-mail: captron@bluebirdcharters.com
Enjoy catching King Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout and Walleye on Lake Huron aboard a 30’ Sea Ray Weekender. We are a complete charter service and furnish all equipment. No experience is necessary! We fill up fast, so book early! Bounty Hunter Fishing Charters
4029 El Cajon Beach Rd., Alpena, 989/354-3855, Mobile: 989/350-2168 web site: www.bountyhunteralpena.com E-mail: bountyhunterch@hotmail.com
27’ Sportscraft fishing charter up to 6 fishermen and women. Salmon, lake trout, steelhead, brown trout. US Coast Guard certified. Private marine toilet. If out fishing, leave a message.
989/356-6422
Make a memorable picnic with the fruits of local farmers’ labors, brought to town at the Alpena Farmer’s Market, behind City Hall. See what’s new each week! The market is open every Wednesday and Saturday from 8 a.m. ‘til about 2 p.m., mid-July to mid-October. Call ahead to confirm days and hours of operation and special event dates. For complete shopping information, visit www.alpenacvb.com 14
J.C. Charters
740-627-7376 web site: www.rogerscitychamber.com/JCCharter.htm
Sport fishing out of Presque Isle or Rogers City aboard a 25-foot Sportcraft Fisherman. Also Sunset Cruises. Call Captain Jeff Schwartz for information and/or brochure. Lake and Stream Fishing Charters 13395 Park Rd., Lachine 989/379-2617, Mobile: 989/464-6436 web site: www.fishalpena.com
E-mail: rangd@charter.net
30’ Sea Ray with the latest equipment and tackle for a fish-catching, safe, comfortable trip on clean Lake Huron. Private bathroom, comfortable seating area. Call or visit web site for details and reservations. Wipe Out Charters
916 Ford Ave., Alpena MI 49707 989/356-3220 web site: www.wipeoutcharters.com E-mail: rick@wipeoutcharters.com
Come fish with Capt. Rick on the fantastic waters of Lake Huron. Cast your line off the “Wipe Out”, a 27 foot sports craft, fully equipped, DNR inspected, US Coast Guard licensed and insured. We also offer Lake Michigan (Manistee) charters in the fall for big King Salmon.
Golf
Alpena Country Club
6373 Werth Rd., Alpena • 989/354-5558 E-mail: alpenacc@core.com
Country Club: Golf, Dining (w/bar), Pool, Tennis Courts, Driving Range. Alpena Golf Club
1135 E. Golf Course Rd., Alpena 989-354-5052 web site: www.alpenagolfclub.com E-mail: agci@alpenagolfclub.com
Experience two different styles of golf courses. The front nine reflects an authentic 1930’s style design with larger landing areas and small greens. The back nine is more contemporary with longer holes, larger contoured greens and wooded rolling terrain. Thunder Bay Resort
27800 M-32, Hillman 800/729-9375 or 989/742-4502 web site: www.thunderbayresort.com E-mail: tbg@thunderbaygolf.com
Featuring challenging golf, deluxe condo-style lodging, state-of-the-art RV Park, attentive staff, Quilt Retreats and our unique and memorable elk viewing sleigh/carriage ride, gourmet dinner & wine tasting. Par 73, 6,712 yds., slope 120 to 131. Carved from mature forests. $19.00 twilight walking to $39.00 w/cart weekends. White Pine National Golf Resort 3450 N. Hubbard Lake Rd., Spruce 989/736-3279 web site: www.whitepinenational.com E-mail: info@whitepinenational.com
Championship course rated 3-1/2 stars by Golf Digest. Lodging available. Pro shop, driving range, practice facility. Kids play free. Senior discounts. Great course, food and service!
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Jet Ski Rental
Dodge Marine and Storage 2111 Long Lake Park Rd., Alpena 989/595-5040
Pontoon and Jet Ski rentals, boating supplies. Full service center.
Scuba Diving
Captain Mike’s Dive Charters
7406 U.S. 23 North, Suite B., Alpena 989/619-1013 web site: www.middleislandlodge.com E-mail: captmike@core.com
Captain Mike’s 30-foot Island Freighter II provides divers with lots of room for donning gear and easy entry and exit from the water. Room for nine divers. Diving from Presque Isle to Thunder Bay Island with extended range. Great Lakes Dive Charters
989/356-2908 Mobile: 614/581-9196 web site: www.greatlakesdivecharters.com E-mail: fmrosinski@hotmail.com
Enjoy exciting, safe and comfortable diving with Captains Frank Rosinski and Paul Rebori. Check out our web site…see what other divers have to say about us! We are committed to your complete satisfaction.
You don’t need to be a scuba diver to see some of Thunder Bay’s famous shipwrecks up close. All equipment needed is available for rental including masks, fins and Wet Suits. A Wet Suit rental makes a chilly lake comfortable, allows you to float with out effort, and avoids sunburn. Novices welcome!
Snowmobiling
Depart from Alpena and enjoy miles of scenic trails in northeast Michigan. Park, stay and ride from Alpena Best Western (800/528-1234) or Alpena Days Inn (800/582-9050). Park behind Stanson Floor Covering and Furniture on M-32. Enter the trail head between Stanson’s and Best Western or use the DNR parking lot on Indian Reserve Road 6 miles west of Alpena on M32. In addition to the Devils Lake and Norway Ride trail systems in Alpena County, you can continue on to the Elk Country Trail System in Montmorency County and ride all the way to Mackinaw on marked, groomed trails. For trail conditions, a map and more visit the Alpena Snowdrifters Club’s web site at www.alpenasnowdrifters.com.
Northern Lights Arena
Sportsman’s Club
It seems as though something special is always going on in Alpena. Festivals and events that celebrate Independence Day, antique steam engines, classic cars, lighthouses, Santa Claus, the Thunder Bay River, and a fish called “Big Brownie” are just a smattering of the special events that take place in Alpena year ‘round.
Alpena Sportsman’s Club
4260 M-32, Alpena, 989/354-2582
Great Lakes Divers
301 N. Third St., Rogers City 989/734-7590 or 989/734-2866 web site: www.greatlakesdivers.com E-mail: diving@greatlakesdivers.com
We offer recreational and extended range wreck diving charter opportunities from Alpena to Whitefish Point. Full-service dive shop, sales, repair, air, nitrox, trimix, rentals PADI and PSAI training. Thunder Bay Scuba
413 South Ripley Blvd., Alpena 989/356-6228 or 888/4-ALPENA web site: www.TBscuba.com E-mail: joe@TBscuba.com
Open year-round, weekdays 9:00-5:30, weekends Memorial Day to Labor Day 11:00-4:00, open by appointments as well. Air/Nitrox fills, Equipment Rentals, Snorkel & Dive Charters, Information Center, Full Service Dealer. UpNorth Charters 2961 Werth Rd., Alpena • 989/464-7241
25-foot Sea Ray, dive-ready, 6 passengers. Captain Paul Labrecque is a 100ton US Coast Guard certified master.
Snorkeling
Thunder Bay Scuba Snorkeling Tour 413 South Ripley Blvd., Alpena 989/356-6228 or 888/4-ALPENA web site: www.TBscuba.com E-mail: joe@TBscuba.com
cardiovascular and strength training equipment, group exercise classes, Women’s Express (30-minute circuit), personal training, massage therapy and more! BAC also offers member day care services and the Sunprint Café - their own juice and coffee bar. Day passes, monthly and annual memberships available. For more information, call or visit web site.
12 station sporting clays, trap, skeet, archery, 3-D archery, 100 to 600-yard rifle ranges and muzzleloader range. Open to the public year-round.
Geocaching
www.nmg-geocaching.org
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for GPS users. Pronounced geo-cashing, it is the sport of treasure hunting using a Global Positioning Unit instead of a map. There are many caches hidden in the Alpena area and a regional organization meets regularly and hosts events. For more information, visit their web site.
Indoor Recreation/Fitness Alpena County Plaza Pool
3303 S. Third Ave., Alpena 989/354-8287 or 800/816-0575 (pager)
Swimming lessons from infant to adult, open swims, lap and exercise swims, senior citizen swims and any age (family fun) swims. Water walking, rehab and water aerobics are also offered. The pool is also available for rental. Bay Athletic Club
1501 W. Chisholm St, Alpena • 989/356-5600 web site: www.bayathleticclub.com
Alpena’s newest fitness club is dedicated to improving health and inspiring life. Located in Alpena Regional Medical Center’s new HealthPlex, Bay Athletic Club (BAC), offers a wide array of
751 Woodward Avenue, Alpena • 989/356-1878 www.northernlightsarena.org.
Northeast Michigan’s premier twinsheet facility featuring ice sports, an indoor walking track, the NL Legers Walking Club and much more! Entertainment events--comedy shows, an indoor rodeo and concerts take place throughout the year. Thunder Bay Recreation Center
701 Woodward Avenue, Alpena • 989/356-1945
Recreation facility featuring indoor tennis courts, gymnasium, conference rooms. Call for more information on rentals and programming.
Events
Great performances at the Alpena Fine Arts Shell, Alpena High School Auditorium, the Alpena County Library and Alpena Community College’s Granum Theatre are scheduled throughout the year. See the 2008 Calendar of Events in this publication for a listing a major annual events including Riverfest and the Blues Festival in June, the Independence Day Celebration, Maritime Festival, Michigan Brown Trout Festival and Alpena County Fair in July, Ramblin’ Rods Car Show, Antique Tractor and Steam Engine Show and Air Show in August, the Great Lakes Lighthouse Festival in October and Light Up The Season Weekend in November. Visit the Alpena Area CVB website at www. alpenacvb.com for a complete events calendar or call 800/4-ALPENA.
Art, Theater, Museums, Library Alpena Civic Theatre
401 River Street, Alpena • 989/354-3624
Live theatre performances for over 40 years. All-volunteer membership, offering fine entertainment from musicals to drama and comedies. For a complete schedule or tickets call today!
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Alpena County George N. Fletcher Library
211 North First Ave., Alpena • 989/356-6188 web site: www.alpenalib.org
Special collections: Genealogy, BestSellers, Large-Print, Audios, Videos, CD-Roms, Internet, Word Processors, 12 Newspapers/ 242 Magazines. Largest collection of 19th century Great Lakes ship photographs and records in the entire world! Authors in the Fall and Children’s Book Club. Alpena Symphony Orchestra
web site: www.alpenasymphony.com E-mail: webmaster@alpenasymphony.com
The A.S.O. is North East Michigan’s only orchestra. It was founded in 2004 to give both players and listeners in the area a chance to appreciate, participate, and enjoy classical music. The priority of the Alpena Symphony Orchestra is to share the beauty of orchestral music to the residents of Alpena and the surrounding community. The ASO season runs from May – December, and includes three full orchestral concerts and two small ensemble concerts. For concert dates or more information, see their web site. Art In The Loft at Gallery 109
109 N. Second Ave., Alpena • 989/356-4877 web site: www.artintheloft.com
Art in the Loft at Gallery 109 is a fine arts gallery featuring the work of local, regional and nationally recognized artists. Reasonably priced artwork is available in a wide range of media. Artists staff the gallery and apply their techniques in demonstrations and workshops. Visitors are welcome to observe and participate and a variety of special events are featured. Art In The Loft is open for two primary exhibit seasons, Summerview Season, which runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day and Winterview Season, which runs from mid-November until the end of January. A month-long Young Artists exhibit is held during the months of April and May. Call ahead or see web site for firm dates. Art in the Loft at Gallery 109 is located in the Center Building, 109 North Second Ave. Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan
491 Johnson St., Alpena • 989/356-2202 web site: www.bessermuseum.org E-mail: adozier@bessermuseum.org
Regional AAM Accredited Museum focusing on History, Art and Science topics. History exhibits featuring Northeast Michigan’s Native American, lumber, maritime and industrial heritage. Local, state and national Art exhibitions. Local geology, natural history and astronomy featuring premier exhibit of Michigan taxidermy and the 16
Sky Theatre Planetarium. 19th Century Historic Village on the grounds including the National Historic Register exhibit of the Katherine V Fish Tug. Open 7 days a week, year round. Call ahead for admission and Planetarium hours. Brush Creek Mill
121 S. State Ave., Hillman • 989/742-2527 E-mail: mkirby@nemichigan.com
Brush Creek Mill was constructed on a site where previous mills once stood. Built on the banks of the Thunder Bay River, it was named for Brush Creek, which meets the river, flowing from Atlanta to Alpena. The mill demonstrates the power of moving water with a 22’ stainless steel water wheel, capable of grinding corn and wheat. The mill features a museum, meeting room/classroom and gift store featuring handmade crafts made by local artists and crafters. A wide variety of classes are offered including jewelry making, acrylic painting, fly tying, computer classes and more. The mill is open Memorial Day through midOctober. Hours are Tuesdays through Saturdays 11 am - 3 p.m. and Sundays noon until 3 p.m. Closed on Mondays. Tours are available for groups. Thunder Bay Arts Council
309-1/2 Second Ave., Alpena • 989/356-6678
Visit the Thunder Bay Arts Council’s new gallery! Exhibits change every six weeks and feature local artists. Hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. - noon. TBAC is located inside the Waterfront Building at Second Avenue and Carter Streets by the Second Avenue Bridge. Thunder Bay Theatre, Inc.
400 N. Second, P.O. Box 314, Alpena 989/354-2267
The only year-round live theater in Northern Michigan. Located in a historic building in “Old Town” Alpena, the theatre provides a year-round schedule of programs, including mainstage productions, in-house and touring children’s shows and drama workshops. The theatre is committed to entertaining its audiences with high-quality productions, utilizing its resident professional company, augmented by community talent. Call the box office for up-to-date show information. Handicap accessible.
Parks and Trails Alpena Bi-Path
989/354-1700
Approximately 16 miles long, the path travels through several of Alpena’s scenic city parks and beaches along the Thunder Bay River and Lake Huron. Parking is available at several sites along the path. An excellent
tour of the city by foot, rollerblade, or bike. Maritime Heritage Trail This historically-oriented walking tour along the Thunder Bay River in downtown Alpena begins at South Riverfront Park (behind the Armory on Water Street), following the river north, crossing over the Ninth Avenue Bridge, then following the river south and ending at South Riverfront Park. The walk includes boardwalk, interpretive signs, a new pedestrian bridge behind the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and integrates a portion of the city’s 16 mile Bi-Path. The overall objective of the trail is to demonstrate the importance of Lake Huron and the Thunder Bay River in the development of Alpena and its unique maritime culture. Besser Natural Area
989/354-4181
One-mile foot trail, through an area formerly inhabited by the people of the Village of Bell. Some remains of buildings, a virgin stand of white pine trees, a lagoon and beautiful beach. 14 miles north of Alpena.
City Parks/Beaches
Duck Park and Island Park see separate listing this section. Bay View Park Fine Arts Shell, basketball and tennis courts, play area, picnic area. Mich-E-Ke-Wis Park Swimming beach, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, children’s play area, picnic area, open area for kite flying, outdoor ice rink and shelter building. McRae Park/Ballfields Basketball and tennis courts, play area, picnic area and shelter building. Washington Avenue Park Picnic area with beautiful view of Thunder Bay River. Blair Street Park Swimming, picnic area, boardwalk/ pier. Starlite Beach (Lifeguard-supervised) swimming, picnic area, play area including play structures. Thomson Park Swimming, picnic area. Several other smaller parks are scattered throughout the city including LaMarre Park with a fishing deck and picnic area, Avery Park with a picnic area and benches, North Riverfront
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Park with a picnic area and boat ramp and South Riverfront Park with a picnic area. Arthur E. Sytek Park Small boat launch, wheelchair-accessible fishing deck, picnic tables Manning Hill Park 989/379-4462- 18 miles west of Alpena or 3 blocks East of M-65 South or 1 block West of M-65 North. Beautiful view, small pavilion, picnic tables, rustic rest rooms. Duck Park and Island Park Located within city limits at the corner of U.S. 23 and Long Rapids Road, Duck Park and Island Park are located on a portion of the city’s 600-acre wildlife sanctuary. Cross a bridge to get to Island Park, which features nature trails and fishing platforms. Duck Park offers fishing and a picnic area and provides a great vantage point for viewing a large variety of bird species in the sanctuary area.
Cross-Country Ski Trails
Norway Ridge Five miles south of Alpena, features 10 miles of forgiving, groomed terrain for beginning to intermediate skiers. Chippewa Hills Pathway 20 miles southwest of Alpena, offers a more challenging terrain for beginning through advanced skiers. Over 14 miles of hilly, heavily wooded terrain await you on this trail. Besser Natural Area 20 minutes north on Grand Lake Road is a flat terrain - good for beginning skiers. Thompson’s Harbor State Park 24 miles north of Alpena. Three trails ranging from 1.4 miles to 2.6 miles. Park at trail head off of US-23. Intermediate skiers.
and go 1.5 miles to the day use parking area. No services, no camping.
downtown shopping, events, accommodations, dining and coffee shops.
Riverside Skate Park Skateboarders and rollerbladers can try their skills at this free park. Located on Ninth Ave. east of the bridge, Riverside Skate Park features 15,000 square feet of surface with 14 ramps and elements, including a halfpipe and a Mini Skate Park designed for the beginning skater with ramps 3-4 feet high. Safety equipment is recommended, and skating enthusiasts use at their own risk. For more information, call Direct Skate Shop at (989) 354-7758.
Meetings, Conventions, Groups
Thompson’s Harbor State Park
Transportation Alpena County Regional Airport
1617 Airport Rd., Alpena • 989/354-2907 web site: www.alpenaairport.com E-mail: BilliMcRoberts@alpenacounty.org
Passenger service by Northwest Airlines, 800/225-2525. Full service, allweather airport. For information on airport services, industrial park or land development, see our web site or call 989/354-2907, ext. 222. Indian Trails Bus Station
Negwegon State Park
Visitor Information
Mysterious, remote and undeveloped, Negwegon State Park is a hidden treasure with 10 miles of hiking trails and one of the most beautiful beaches on Lake Huron. Negwegon is located on US-23 12 miles north of Harrisville. Drivers should be wary of the entry route to the park…part of it is a sandy two-track road. To get to the park, take Black River road off of US 23 to the east 1.5 miles, turn north on Sand Hill Rd. and go 2.5 miles, turn right or east at the Negwegon State Park sign
Community Development Building The Community Development Building is the home of the Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce, Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, Target Alpena EDC and the Alpena Downtown Development Authority. The building is located at the corner of Chisholm and Fourth Streets in Alpena and is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. The Visitor Center in the reception area offers extensive area information. Ask for information on
989/724-5126
Deborah Pardike, Director 235 W. Chisholm St., Alpena • 989/354-4181 web site: www.alpenacvb.com
The Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau welcomes the opportunity to assist your group in planning your event! We offer a number of services to groups, including media coverage, welcome packets, coupons, banners, coupons, tours and activities, dignitaries and entertainment. Let us know how we can help you!
989/734-2543
Located 24 miles north of Alpena on US 23 North, this natural area encompasses 5,000 acres of sand dunes, upland and marsh. In Michigan, there are fewer than 50 remaining examples of “forested wet swale communities” of this quality. The area supports one of the largest known populations in the world of the federal and state-threatened dwarf lake iris, Michigan’s state wildflower. Thousands of iris shoots, and several other plant species of special concern grow in the area. Situated along seven and a half miles of Lake Huron shoreline, this undeveloped park provides a rustic retreat for hikers exploring the park’s six miles of trails. Park at the trail-head off of US-23.
Cross-Country Ski, Snowshoe, Snowboard Rental Summit Sports 989/356-1182
Alpena Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
Located inside Lud’s Restaurant 1223 State Ave., Alpena • 989/356-6899
Annual AuSable River Clean Up August 11 The eleventh annual AuSable River Canoe and Clean Up takes place on Monday, August 11 in Glennie, Mio and Oscoda. The annual clean up project has continually produced a wide variety of river debris. The annual AuSable River Clean Up is coordinated by Oscoda Canoe Rental and Alcona Canoe Rental, located near Glennie, in cooperation with Michigan’s Sunrise Side Travel Association and the Rainbow Resort in Mio, working with the Chamber of Commerce for Oscoda County. Consumers Energy assists by lowering water levels along the river at their hydroelectric dams. Canoe liveries feel that it is important to keep the river as clean as possible and those that use the river should assist in making certain that the AuSable River remains safe for all to use. The AuSable River Clean Up begins at the Rea Road Bridge with volunteers cleaning to the Whirlpool, emptying canoes and continue to Oscoda Canoe Rental. The Glennie clean up begins at Alcona Canoe Rental from McKinley to Glennie. The Mio clean up will begin at the Rainbow Resort. Volunteers are needed for the AuSable River Clean Up. Clean up will begin at 9 a.m. and continue throughout the day. Volunteers are asked to call Oscoda Canoe, 989/739-9040; Alcona Canoe, 800/526-7080; or the Chamber of Commerce for Oscoda County at 800/800-6133.
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Second Annual AuGres Pirates Festival Set For August 2 You may want to mark you calendar of Saturday, August 2 and head up north to the city of AuGres where the Second Annual AuGres Pirates Festival is being held.
test and race. Plans also call for a treasure hunt and adult and children’s costume contests. Food and beverage tents are also planned.
Pirates in AuGres? Well, why not? If communities can celebrate perch, brown trout, Venetians and an elk, why not Pirates?
The raft-building contest promises to be the highlight of the day with entry forms requiring contestants to include several features to ensure a homemade vessel. The raft, for example, cannot have a conventional hull; it must boast its own stay afloat materials. The raft must also have a name, fly a Jolly Roger, or pirate’s flag and display citrus fruit to fight off scurvy.
Organizers of this event are planning on throwing a party that will help draw attention to the City of AuGres and the great opportunities for vacations that abound in this area. The annual goal of organizers is to have live bands, pirates in costume, authentic sword-fighting by a theater combat group, “Ring of Steel,” and a homemade raft building con-
Solid Oak Furniture Home Accents Amish Crafted Items
989.876.6385
Located on US-23 between AuGres and Omer in a Big Red Barn • End, Coffee & Sofa Tables • Tables & Chairs • Heritage Lace • Beds & Mattresses • Unique Gift Ideas • Curios & Hutches P.O. Box 566 • AuGres, MI 48703 • Chris & Debbie Boensch, Owners Monday thru Saturday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
C A M P I N G
AuGres Pedestrian Bridge
• 109 Campsites • Tennis Courts • Sanitation Station • Concrete Boat Ramp • Lighted Riverfront Walkway • Modern Bathhouse • Pedestrian Bridge to Downtown Area
Located on the AuGres River
AUGRES CITY PARK 989.876.8310
PO Box 121 • AuGres, MI 48703
AuGres Library
Chapel in the Park Rental Information 989.876.8811
Whether you’re here for a weekend or a lifetime, please make yourself at home!
AuGres City Pavilion for rent 989.876.8310 Harbor of Refuge Boat Slips for Rent 989.876.8811
City of AuGres 989.876.8310
www.cityofau-gres-mi.org 18
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Arenac County City of AuGres
T
he City of AuGres has been undergoing a very quiet and purposeful transition over the last ten years and it is beginning to show. AuGres is a small town with a riverfront downtown nestled in a beautiful, natural setting. It is located on Saginaw Bay and is part of the undiscovered region known as Michigan’s Sunrise Side. AuGres offers a four season playground geared to family outings and adventures. Whether you are here in the summer to enjoy our beaches, rivers and bay or a visitor during the winter months, you will find a great deal of activity. Here you can spend an enjoyable day with your family where downtown is a million mind miles away from home.
If variety is part of your requirement for your vacation you can find that here in AuGres. A wide range of convenience businesses to satisfies the daily needs of all types of visitors. AuGres very fortunate to have a growing number of specialty retail businesses and quality food establishments that are important to vacationers. From the unique shopping experience at Treasures Forever, located just south of the city, to an enjoyable dinner at Dunleavy’s Eatery and Pub or H&H Bakery and Restaurant, to name a few, you will find that they are ready to meet or exceed your expectations. Streetscape improvements, harbor de-
velopment and other amenities have transformed AuGres from a community to drive through to a place to drive to. Here you will find a downtown that draws customers with its natural beauty, great shops and restaurants, budding arts and crafts venues, and small town friendliness. There are a number of reasons to spend some time during your vacation in AuGres. As you travel along the US-23 Sunrise Side Coastal Highway you will find a number of quaint small towns. AuGres is one of the first small communities that you will come to along the route heading north. Here you will find a nice mixture of summer residents, mixed with the permanent population. You will find a unique mixture of people here during the season including those interested in heritage, ecotourism, agritourism, sportfishing and more. AuGres is the perfect launching site for access to Saginaw Bay, Charity Island and the great walleye fishery that these waters hold. Here you will also find the AuGres Mooring Facility, DNR State Boat Launch, the AuGres Riverfront Park and the pedestrian bridge over the AuGres River. (Continued on Page 20)
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AuGres
(Continued from Page 19)
If family fun is on the agenda, you will find a great time at the AuGres Water Funland facility located on US-23 and a short walk from the Arenac County Historical Museum. During the year, the community hosts a wide variety of special events that are fun for the entire family. The AuGres Car Cruise and Show, Walleye Tournaments, Craft Shows, Halloween Hollow and Christmas Parade are a few of the activities that take place on an annual basis in the community. The second annual Summer Pirate Festival will take place on Saturday, August 2. The AuGres Pirate Festival is worth adding it to your summer plans. The Arenac County Public Beach is located nearby. Huron Breeze Golf and Country Club and Pine River Golf Course are two very good golf courses that are located a few short minutes drive from downtown. These golf courses feature 18 holes with water hazards, sand traps and other challenges that make them worth the visit. Another unique golf venue is Knollview Golf Course, an 18-hole layout built on a former gravel pit just south of AuGres. A variety of golf packages are available from the Best Value Har-
bor Inn to the Econolodge. As part of the designated Sunrise Side Coastal Highway, AuGres has a reputation for being convenient, safe and friendly. In addition, AuGres’ downtown is undergoing continuous improvements and enhancements. The Sunrise Side Coastal Highway is designated as a scenic, historic and recreational route, which brings the area additional recognition, publicity and visitors. Today, the AuGres River and Saginaw Bay have earned a reputation as a fish-
erman’s paradise. There are a number of annual fishing tournaments hosted in the AuGres area for both walleye and bass. Access to the river and Saginaw Bay is provided by a state-owned, city operated launch facility at the river mouth. There are several fishing charter services available in the AuGres area to take advantage of great fishing. Brown’s Landing offers perch and walleye charters for the entire family. Call 989/362.3737 for more information. Charity Island lies six miles east of Point Lookout in Saginaw Bay, and was first written about in 1629. It has Arenac County’s only lighthouse, built in 1857, and commemorated by Presi President Abraham Lincoln. The island served as a base for a commercial fish fishing venture in the 1920s. Today din dinner cruises to the island have become very popular. Charity Island Trans Transportation provides ferry service to the island and lighthouse. For more information about the Au AuGres area, contact the AuGres Cham Chamber of Commerce at 989/876-6688.
MICHIGAN’S
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Standish - The Gateway to Up North, Saginaw Bay
I
n today’s hectic world, a chance to relax and enjoy a quiet vacation with the family seems to be high on everyone’s priority list. In Standish and the immediate area, families will find the perfect spot for relaxation, activity and togetherness. Whether you enjoy a round of golf, the serenity of a day on Saginaw Bay fishing for perch and walleye, or just taking in the atmosphere that “up north” has to offer, you have found the perfect place in Standish. Camping, hiking, biking and other outdoor activities are all here, too. We are also a great place to stop on your way further north along the Sunrise Side Coastal Highway (US-23) or I-75. We are just two hours from Detroit and 2½ hours south of the Mackinac Bridge and Mackinac Island.
Golf Standish is the home of Pine River Golf Course, an 18-hole layout with plenty of water, trees and challenges for golfers of all levels. It is part of the balance that makes Standish an ideal stopping point for the outdoor enthusiast who enjoys a wide variety of activities. Canoeing Canoeing is a popular summertime activity in northeast Michigan and Standish offers easy access to several
of the area’s finest canoe liveries. Canoers are joined on the river by tubers and fishermen who find good catches of pan fish and perch. Saginaw Bay Fishing Fishing in the Saginaw Bay, one of the world’s finest walleye fisheries, is part of the spectacular vacation that everyone dreams about. You will enjoy the quality of the waters of Saginaw Bay as well as the ease of access to the water. Bait and tackle shops stand ready to assist with various “tall tales” of fishing successes as well as good advice on what lure is the most popular with the
resident walleyes. The Pumpkin Farm The Pumpkin Farm located near the I75 expressway is a treat for the whole family to enjoy. Visitors will not only find the usual farm animals -- chickens, ducks, geese, cows and pigs -but some exotic animals as well. The Pumpkin Farm is open to the public during the month of October for great fun and family entertainment. Visitors to the Pumpkin Farm will ride through an enchanted fairyland where you will see all types of fairy tale characters created from pumpkins. You will enjoy a ride in an old-fashioned farm wagon (complete with steps, side rails and other safety features) through the fields of the Pumpkin Farm. Children of all ages, and even mom and dad, will enjoy this trip to the farm. Standish is a great place to spend a weekend, a week or a few hours. We look forward to your visit this year. For more information about the Standish area and all we have to offer, call the Standish Area Chamber of Commerce at 989/846.STOP or write to: P.O. Box 453, Standish, MI 48658. Visit our Web site - www.sunrisesidemi.com/ standish.
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Sunrise Side Heritage Bike Tour - September 5-7 The weekend after Labor Day, northeast Michigan will play host to more a wide variety of motorcycles as part of the third annual Sunrise Side Heritage Bike Tour. According to event organizers motorcycles will take advantage of the great September weather and embark upon on the 411-mile trek starting in Standish and finishing in West Branch. A one-day ride on Sunday is also planned for those not wishing to spend two days riding. Participation in the Sunrise Side Heritage Bike Tour is not limited to anyone brand of motorcycle. Organizers are looking for anyone interested in participating to join in the fun. Along the way motorcycle enthusiasts
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will travel along US-23 from Standish, north to Mackinaw City, then south along M-33 through the interior counties of the region ending in West Branch on Sunday evening. Participants will be treated to a closing ceremony that will announce winners in various categories including ugliest bike, sharpest bike, worst dressed and best dressed. An old-fashioned picnic featuring hot dogs, brats, potato salad and cookies will also be served. A GPS contest, best and worst bike and rider contests are also on tap for the ride. Riders from around the Midwest will have the opportunity to sample the hospitality that Michigan’s Sunrise Side has to offer. Such offerings as the Hopps of Fun Festival in Mackinaw
City, the Posen Potato Festival, the Rogers City Salmon Tournament and other similar events will keep riders busy.
Fall in northeast Michigan is a spectacular time to visit. With children back in school after the Labor Day Weekend the region has a good availability of rooms and a reduced traffic load on its highways. Planners hope that the motorcyclists will have the experience of enjoying great weather, beautiful views of the Lake Huron shoreline, then travel through the woods and hills of the region’s interior counties. Registration forms are available by calling the Michigan’s Sunrise Side offices at 800/424-3022 or by sending an email to: misunriseside@charter.net. Registration forms are available online at www.visitmichiganssunriseside. com.
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Cheboygan County
C
heboygan and the Straits Area are perfect vacation spots for any season. Winter, spring, summer, or fall each season brings an array of activities for the entire family to enjoy. Winter Here we do winter right with lots of white, fluffy snow and clear blue skies. If it’s the crisp winter air you love, Cheboygan offers over 500 miles of groomed snowmobile trails for hours of winter adventure. Cross-country skiing trails are also plentiful, with a series of beginner, intermediate and
advanced trails at Black Mountain Recreation Center. For those who prefer downhill skiing, two outstanding ski resorts are 45 minutes away. Our indoor ice rink offers men’s, women’s and children’s hockey. Locker rooms, concessions and skate rental are available. If you are in Cheboygan for the holidays, you are in for a real treat. Special activities surround the Christmas season include the famous Christmas Parade of Lights, Community Caroling and Retail Open House. Spring Spring in Cheboygan offers many unique recreational choices. Fishermen come to the area in search of their prize catch. With 50,000 acres of lakes and 80 miles of rivers and streams, there are plenty of places to land a perch, walleye, trout, salmon or bass. The woods surrounding Cheboygan come alive in springtime! Venture out in search of delicious morels during our “Celebrate Spring and Mushroom Hunt and Sturgeon Guided Tours” event, held the third Saturday in May. While in search of morels, you discover the elegant trilliums along the countryside. Keep your eyes open for glimpses of wandering
wildlife, too. Summer One of the area’s highlights is the Inland Waterway. This unique waterway system connects Lake Huron with 38.2 miles of inland lakes and rivers. The waterway begins at Crooked Lake and travels through Indian River and Cheboygan. Two of Michigan’s largest inland lakes, Mullett and Burt, are part of the chain. Both bodies of water are perfect for swimming, water skiing, jet skiing, or fishing. Miles of public shoreline, including Aloha and Burt Lake State Parks provide for more recreational opportunities. Amenities along the route are plentiful. Shopping is within walking distance of the river. Restaurants offer first-rate food and accommodations along the way offer a convenient and pleasurable experience. Several full service marinas are easily accessible, as are public boat launches. Fishermen can participate in our Annual Cheboygan Michigan Salmon Tournament, held the first weekend in August ,as well as cleaning their catch at the new cleaning station located at the boat launch near the County Marina on the Cheboygan River. Boaters can enjoy a journey to historic
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(Continued on Page 24)
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Geocaching Your Way Through Northeast Michigan Geocaching is the hottest new sport to attract thousands of international players. Featured in hundreds of news stories around the globe, geocaching is a worldwide, high-tech treasure hunt using Global Positioning System receivers and the Internet. The Global Positioning System (GPS) enables people to pinpoint specific geographic locations accurately anywhere
Cheboygan County (Continued from Page 23)
Mackinac Island, 15 minutes away, or explore Les Cheneaux Islands, North Channel or Boise Blanc Island. Fall You won’t find many places where fall colors are as spectacular as they are in northeast Michigan. Cheboygan has its share of winding country roads that offer miles of blazing color and an excellent AutumnFest Fall Color tour and map for automobiles and bicycles covering 25, 50 and 100 mile color tours. To celebrate fall, Cheboygan hosts Autumnfest during the first weekend in October. This fun-filled event features a craft show, apple/pumpkin bake-off, scarecrow building contest, food court and many other local events. Hunting enthusiasts love the fall for the wild array of game in season. Whatever season you choose, Cheboygan is the place for year-round activities, from concerts in the park to oldfashioned county fair. You can tour the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw, the largest Great Lakes Icebreaker. Visit Cheboygan’s Historical Museum, which presents a journey through time. Housed in the old county jail, the museum features vignettes of days gone bye. Cheboygan’s Opera House plays host to lecture series, stage plays, symphony orchestras and more. For more information on things to see and do, contact the Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau at 800/968.3302 or www.cheboygan.com. 24
in the world using a GPS receiver. Once a person has hidden a treasure (or geocache) and recorded the location, another player can locate the geocache using his or her GPS receiver.
coins, yo-yo’s, or playing cards for example. Some are just a collection of interesting stuff, and some are only a logbook to enter your name. Another rule is that you can not damage the environment or force people to violate Geocaching became feasible in May trespassing laws in order to reach the 2000 when then President Bill Clin- geocache. So far, the sport has been ton signed the executive well policed by it’s parThe odds are that sometime order to turninoff ticipants. theselective past few availability ofyears the you’ve governwithin a mental GPS been system. Until There are very few items few feet to a then, GPS was only accuyou need to get started iles of a rate to within 1000ft for in geocaching. The two geocache and everyone except the US essential items are ac acdidn’t even military. With a flip of the cess to the internet and switch, selective availabila GPS. Additionally, you ity was turned off and GPS should still carry a good instantly became accurate map and a compass if en ento within 30ft or less for all GPS users. tering a remote area (you never know When this happened, a man named when those batteries will die). Finally, Dave Ulmer realized the potential of if you are heading into the wilderness this new accuracy for a treasure hunt to find the geocache, you should equip sport. The next day he hid a “geocache” yourself the same as you would for any containing several items in the woods other outdoor adventure. As your innear his home and practiced finding it terest in the sport grows, you can purfrom several directions with his GPS. chase mapping software and upgraded After convincing himself of the new GPS units to better manage data and accuracy of the GPS, he posted the find new caches. coordinates of his geocache on an internet USENET group and the sport of Hopefully you are now interested in geocaching was born. trying geocaching or at least interested in learning more. In either case, check From that point on, geocaching has out www.geocaching.com. There you grown to well over 200,000 caches hid- can learn more about the sport, or just den in 210+ countries, and most likely enter your zip code in the search box one or more are hidden near you. In to get a list of geocaches in your area. addition, there are new variations of Print out the info page, load the coorthe game being started frequently, dinates into your GPS, and head out some combine geocaching with orien- on your first hunt. teering, or using traditional treasure hunt methods to find the numbers Just select a cache consistent with that make up the final geocache coor- your physical ability and outdoor dinates. Geocache sites vary in diffi- skills. Geocaching is also a great family culty ranging from sites you can reach activity. Mom and dad will be glad to with your car, to sites that require be out of the house and the kids can mountaineering skills to reach. The combine their techno skills with some difficulty is determined by the person good outdoor activity and adventure. placing the geocache. There are a number of sites in NorthThere are very few official rules for east Michigan where you will find geogeocaching but there are some guide- caches. Geocache organizations can lines that the geocaching community help you get started. The Michigan hold in high regard. For example, if Geocashing Organization can be conyou take something from the cache tacted at www. migoonline.org or by you should leave something else in the calling them at 877/644-6669. Now cache. Some geocaches are themed; get out and have some fun!
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Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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West Branch/Ogemaw County
There’s Something for Everyone
Whatever your family enjoys doing, they can do it right here in West Branch/Ogemaw County. Whatever the season or the reason, West Branch/Ogemaw County is your vacation headquarters in northern Michigan.
For More Information Call 800/755-9091 or 989/345-2821 • Golf • Fishing • Snowmobiling • Cross-Country Skiing • Boating
Badlands Entertainment Complex
989/685-3950 • 606 N. Williams (M-33) • Rose City, MI 48654 www.badlandsentertainmentcomplex.com
Clear Lake Resort
• Just Plain Relaxing • Shopping Victorian Downtown • Tanger Outlet Shopping Center Quality Inn
Forward Conference Center 989/345-3503 • 2980 Cook Rd at I-75 • West Branch, MI 48661 www.choicehotels.com
Scenic Motel 989/345-2459 • 3802 Grass Lake Rd. • West Branch, MI 48661 www.clearlakeresort.info • E-mail: reservations@clearlakeresort.info 989/685-2668 • 618 M-33 • Rose City, MI 48654 www.scenicmotel.com • E-mail: scenicmotel@m33access.com
Lake George Resort
989.345.343.0856 • 4195 Lake George Road • West Branch, MI 48661 www.cabinsonlakegeorge.com • E-Mail: lakegeorgeresort@M33access.com
LogHaven Bed, Breakfast and Barn
989/685-3950 • 1550 McGregor Road • West Branch MI 48661 www.loghavenbbb.com • E-mail: gotter@m33aceess.com
Super 8 Motel
989/345-8488 • 2596 Austin’s Way • West Branch, MI 48661 www.super8.com
Tri Terrace Motel
989-345-3121 • 2259 S. M-76 (I-75 Bus.Loop) • West Branch, MI 48661
Welcome Motel
989-345-2696 • 3308 W. M-76 (I-75 Bus. Loop) • West Branch, MI 48661
Visit Our Web Site: visitwestbranch.com 28
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Mother Nature’s Golden Touch Creates Fall Colors The three color tours shown on this page are representative of the many fall color tour opportunities you will find in northeast Michigan. While space does not allow us to show you all the possibilities, it will give you a strong feeling for the type of spectacular fall color you will see as you journey through state and national forests. Enjoy scenic vistas of Lake Huron and countless bays, and experience the beauty that only Mother Nature can provide. Many of the region’s chambers of commerce and convention and visitors bureaus have additional maps and suggestions that should prove beneficial as you explore the beauty of northeast Michigan.
Tour #2 Alpena • Gaylord • Mio Approximately 200 miles (Late September to mid-October) Highlights include: Thunder Bay, Island Park and Wildfowl Sanctuary, Manning Hill overlook and Pigeon River Country State Forest (elk viewing, Otsego State Park, Hartwick Pines State Park, farm markets and cider mills.
We have provided you here with an “idea” as to the best time to view fall colors and when to expect peak colors. As fall approaches we will have current color conditions and best times to see the colors.
of all ages. As you plan your fall color tour, be sure to include a visit to our Web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com for more information and a look at current color conditions.
The colors will hit their peaks at different times during the season due to such factors as their nearness to Lake Huron, the type of weather (heavy winds, rain, dry conditions, etc.) and the occurrence of a killing frost.
One of the keys to enjoying the fall color season is to allow plenty of time to take in all there is along your route. For instance, a trip along the River Road Scenic Byway can include a ride on the AuSable River Queen, a paddle wheel boat that takes you down the AuSable River to enjoy not only the fall colors, but provides an opportunity to spot wildlife along the banks of the river or stop at the Lumberman’s Monument Visitors Center or hike down the more than 200 steps to Iargo Springs located along the byway.
Tour #1 Rogers City • Cheboygan • Indian River Approximately 200 miles (Late September - mid-October)
The driving tours are just the beginning for a great adventure. Fall is a great time to visit northeast Michigan. Often the weather is pleasant, the scenery spectacular and, in many cases, the crowds from the summer season have come and gone. Take time to enjoy nature and the fall color season on Michigan’s Sunrise Side. Tour #3 Oscoda • West Branch • Tawas City Approximately 190 miles (Late September to mid-October) Highlights include: Historic Mill Creek State Park, Cheboygan State Park, P.H. Hoeft State Park, Forty Mile Point Lighthouse, Thompson’s Harbor State Park, Besser Natural Area, Old and New Presque Isle Lighthouses, Ocqueoc Falls, Aloha State Park and Burt Lake State Park.
Plan your trip early enough in the season to insure that you have hotel rooms in or near the communities you plan to visit. You may also like to plan a hike in the woods, a wagon ride on an elk viewing excursion, a visit to a pumpkin farm or a number of other activities available throughout the region. Many communities are home to cider mills and pumpkin farms that can provide an exciting afternoon for children
Highlights include: Lake Huron shoreline, River Road National Forest Scenic Byway and Iargo Springs, Lumberman’s Monument, Rifle River State Park, Tawas Point State Park, Tawas Point Lighthouse, Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Refuge, and farm markets.
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Oscoda-AuSable Area Offers a Diverse Playground
V
isitors to the Oscoda-AuSable area have a fine selection of golf courses to test their skills. Lakewood Shores Resort offers three 18-hole courses. The serene and picturesque Serradella Course is known for its immaculate condition and beautiful flowers. The Gailes, a true Scottish links course is found at Lakewood Shores Resort. The newest jewel in the crown is the Blackshire, a challenging 18-hole track carved from a woodlot, offering an intriguing round for golfers.
Just north of Greenbush on US-23, about 10 miles north of Oscoda is the Greenbush Golf Club. With spectacular views of Lake Huron, this nine-hole course features trees, ponds and island greens for challenging play. Scenic trails entice nature lovers no matter what the season. Iosco County has been designated the “Cross-Country Ski Capital of Michigan.” Just 2½ miles west of downtown Oscoda on River Road is Eagle Run, featuring 11 miles of groomed trail through marsh and meadow along the AuSable River. Spectacular views abound including the Highbanks Trail found just 14 miles west of Oscoda. While this system is
not groomed, frequent use by skiers and the panoramic vistas of the AuSable River make it a favorite of skiers. Oscoda is the eastern gateway to Michigan’s snowmobile trail system. From Oscoda, riders can select an all-day trip through scenic terrain in the immediate area, or they can travel across the state or north to the Upper Peninsula. There’s excitement for fishermen all year round in the Oscoda area. Spring ushers in fresh runs of steelhead trout in the AuSable River. Brown trout season begins in January and ends in September, although the best time is usually after the ice melts in the spring. Browns in the 5-8 point class are taken below Foote Dam. Spring also heralds the arrival of smelt on their annual trek into the mouth of the AuSable, where they are dipped from the water. Walleye fishing is highly anticipated in late May, with the best fishing near the mouth of the AuSable River. Walleye
Over 500 Campsites on the AuSable River • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
225 Modern Sites 300 Primitive Campsites Modern Shower Buildings (3) Playgrounds Rowboat Rentals Old Orchard Grocery & Bait on Site Pavilion - Boat Ramps Beach Area Dump Stations Programmed Recreation Memorial Day - Labor Day 3 Bedroom Cabin Available Fall Fishermen and Hunters Winter Sports/Sled Hill
Old Orchard Park 8 Miles West of Oscoda 881 E. River Road • Oscoda, MI 48750 (989) 739-7814 • www.oldorchardpark.com
30
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Iosco County
up to 12 pounds are not uncommon. In September, fishermen from across the Midwest and Canada travel to Oscoda for pink and Coho salmon. Fishing for menominee is becoming popular in the fall from the pier at the mouth of the AuSable River. Iosco County continues to produce some of the finest whitetail hunting in the state, both on private and public land. With thousands of acres of Huron National Forest and state forest lands available, deer hunters head for the Oscoda area each season. A bountiful wild turkey population provides a successful spring hunt each year. Grouse are again becoming plentiful after a low cycle. The same is true of snowshoe hare. Water fowlers will find the AuSable River backwaters, as well as many local ponds, teeming with targets. A 5,000 acre wildlife preserve in the Huron National Forest is a must see spot for nature lovers. Tuttle Marsh Wildlife Area is home to deer, fox, muskrat, beaver, otter, weasel, water-
fowl and many species of songbirds. The marsh has a great blue heron rookery and osprey nests. Reid Lake Foot Travel Area, south of M-72 in Alcona County, is open throughout the year. Beaver activity can be observed along the trails. Visitors can also expect to see small game, waterfowl, and a variety of birds and fishing in Reid Lake. Hoist Lake Foot Travel Area is a 10,000 acre semiprivate area along M65 north of Glennie. Steep rolling hills and a network of trails offer hiking, cross-county skiing, backpacking and camping enthusiasts an ideal spot to
enjoy northern Michigan’s outdoors. The Oscoda-Wurtsmith Airport (OSC) provides convenient year-round access to Michigan’s Sunrise Side. Located at the former Paul B. Wurtsmith Air Force Base, the airport can reduce your travel time. Oscoda offers a unique variety of specialty shops. A guide to antique markets offers directions to help find the shops in out-of-the-way locations. For additional travel information, visit our Web site at www.oscoda.com. To received a free travel guide, call 800/235.4625.
The Scenic AuSable River Provides A Spectacular Legacy to the Past Situated at the mouth of the AuSable River on the shores of Lake Huron against a backdrop of the Huron National Forest, Oscoda is an ideal family vacation destination. Accommodations can be found to suit every taste and budget. Beds and breakfast, deluxe and economy motels, condominiums, cottages, rustic cabins and campgrounds are all avail-
able. Most of the area’s lodgings are conveniently located along the Lake Huron shoreline or on one of the inland lakes. The River Road National Scenic Byway is a 22-mile stretch of two-lane road that roughly parallels the south bank of the AuSable River. The route is designated a National Scenic Byway by the
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Come, Stay and Play on Beautiful Tawas Bay A walk on the beach, a stroll through history, the fun and excitement of family festivals - the communities shouldering on Tawas Bay offer this and much more. Hospitality is the key and, whether you come for the weekend or stay for a week, your visit to Northeast Michigan will be a memorable one! Springtime on Tawas Bay means the return of migrating birds. Hundreds of species of birds use the Lake Huron shoreline as a trail, stopping long enough to rest and relax before moving on. Tawas Point State Park, Tuttle Marsh and Sandy Hook Nature Trail
Oscoda-AuSable (Continued from Page 31)
Federal Highway Administration. At Iargo Springs there is an observation deck offering breathtaking views of the river valley. A 294 step wooden staircase leads to an elevated walkway along the river’s edge and the springs. Once considered sacred by the native Chippewas, the springs still provide a mystical experience to those who venture there. Another way to enjoy the AuSable River is from the water, aboard the historic paddle wheel riverboat, the AuSable River Queen. Color tours operated in September and October are so popular that reservations are a must. The clear, clean, cool waters of the AuSable River offer a variety of canoeing experiences. A series of six hydroelectric dams along the river’s course between Mio and Oscoda create large impoundments for canoeing enjoy-
are prime birding sites. Fishermen prospect streams for smelt, steelhead and other species as the season progresses, golfers rediscover the greens and fairways of Red Hawk Golf Club, Wicker Hills, and Lakewood Shores, turkey hunters take to the ridges and fields, and spring flowers and mushrooms pop up to complete the panorama of spring. Memorial Day weekend, the gateway to summer, is highlighted by the Tawas Bay Shoreline Arts and Crafts Show. Summer means sunshine, water, sand beaches, wind surfing, swimming,
ment. Recognized as the “toughest spectator sport in the world,” the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon is held the last weekend in July. Thousands of race fans follow the 122 mile race over some of Michigan’s roughest terrain. Oscoda is northeast Michigan’s premier fishing destination. From lake and brown trout to salmon, steelhead, pike, walleye and perch - you are guaranteed to find excitement on your line. Whether you choose to launch your own craft, take advantage of an experienced charter captain or throw on your waders - make Oscoda the destination for your next fishing trip. With more than 35,000 acres of unique Michigan hiking and cross country skiing trails in and around the Oscoda area, hikers, backpackers and skiers will see some of the State’s most spectacular natural treasures.
The Highbanks Trail, offers hikers and backpackers a view of the towering bluffs along the AuSable River’s scenic byway to Lumberman’s Monument and Iargo Springs. Eagle Run and Corsair Trail which varies from level to gently US-23 and Downtown East Tawas rolling and some170 Modern Campsites with Full Hook-Ups what hilly, with Cable TV • Sandy Beaches quiet and remote OPEN YEAR ROUND settings which alAdjacent to Michigan State Harbor of Refuge lows visitors to experience and enjoy 989.362.5562 nature first hand.
East Tawas City Park
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boating, water skiing, sailing, offshore fishing, strolls through the shops and visits to the fine restaurants in the communities of Tawas City and East Tawas. Hike for 45 miles along the relaxing pathways of the Corsair Trail system in the Huron National Forest or bike along the shoreline of Tawas Bay, using the lighted paved trail that extends for nearly 10 miles from the city limits of Tawas City north to Tawas Point State Park. The Fourth of July, features a parade and, at dusk, a brilliant fireworks display over Tawas Bay. A tradition for more than 45 years, the Tawas Bay Waterfront Fine Art and Children’s Art Festival welcomes 100 artists for the two-day show on the first weekend in August. The second weekend in August features the Tawas Bay Antique Market Show and Sale, in Tawas City Park. The final event for August is the popular Blues by the Bay Festival. The two-day Labor Day weekend Labor Day Arts and Crafts Show features 250 exhibitors. It is the final arts and crafts show of the summer season. Sportsmen too, discover the bounty of Tawas Bay’s fall season with hunters arriving for waterfowl, deer and small game seasons. Fishermen enjoy the fall runs of steelhead and salmon that ascend the Tawas River. Held the first weekend in February, Perchvlle USA has been a tradition on Tawas Bay for more than 56 years! The three-day winter festival features polar bear swims for the brave-hearted, a fishing contest, demolition derby, ice carving, dog pull, a parade and hospitality tents. Cross-country skiers will find more than 56 kilometers of groomed trails in the Corsair Ski Trail System, all located in the heart of the Huron National Forest. Snowmobilers easily access hundreds of miles of groomed trails from the trail head in Tawas City. Come, stay and play on beautiful Tawas Bay. For information contact the Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce at 800/55.TAWAS, the Tawas Bay Tourist & Convention Bureau at 877/70.TAWAS, or visit the www.tawas.com.
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Montmorency County Atlanta • Hillman • Lewiston
V
isitors to Atlanta, Hillman and Lewiston will find that the wilderness surrounds you, from wellgroomed snowmobile trails, to backpacking adventures to some of the best golf packages available in northern Michigan. Outdoor enthusiasts will experience the opportunity to enjoy biking along clearly marked mountain bike trails carved through acres of public forest land. Keeping your eye on the trail may prove difficult with the wide variety of spectacular vistas you will see along the trails. Birders will find a significant collection of our fine feathered friends with
eagle, osprey, Kirtland’s warbler, blue heron, rookeries, sandhill cranes, ducks, geese, hawks, owls and numerous song birds. Be sure to bring along your favorite pair of binoculars for this wildlife adventure. Campers will also find plenty of places to unwind on the thousands of acres of public land that comprise Montmorency County. Waterfront sites at fishing camps and resorts located along Fletcher’s Pond, Grass and Rush Lakes are easily accessible along state trunk lines. State forest campgrounds, along with Clear Lake State Park near Atlanta and Emerick Park located in Hillman round out your choices. Superb canoeing and fishing are available along the scenic Thunder Bay River. Canoe rentals are available in Atlanta. Michigan’s premier elk herd calls northeast Michigan home and with a little luck you might catch a glimpse of these elusive and majestic animals. No matter what the season, you should be able to find elk roaming about. Thunder Bay Resort offers an alternative to those who may
not be as adventuresome. There you can join a guided ride around the resort and the chances increase to 100%, Elk-viewing packages are offered by the resort. Dinner is an excellent meal prepared over an authentic wood cook stove at the rustic gas lit “Elkhorn Cabin.” If fishing is part of your vacation plans, you have come to the right place. Fletcher’s Pond is one of Michigan’s largest inland waters, encompassing more than 8,600 acres of warm water habitat. The “Floodwaters” is famous for northern pike, perch and pan fish. Hundreds of miles of excellent trout streams wind their way through Montmorency County, as well as many lakes offering great fishing during all four seasons. Swimming is available in several county lakes. East Twin Lake in Lewiston, Clear Lake State Park in Atlanta and Ess Lake near Hillman provide a beach for swimming activity. Golfers will also find a good opportunity to get in a round of golf while visiting. Golf and lodging packages are available at Thunder Bay Golf Resort. The nationally recognized Elk Ridge Golf Course, located near Atlanta and
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Indian River is Home to Nature’s Wonderland Come to Indian River in the summer to boat, fish or soak up the sun along the 38 miles of Michigan’s largest Inland Waterway; snowmobile over 200 miles
of groomed trails in the winter; experience nature’s colorful splendor while elk-viewing in the fall; or to just take solace in the quieter times of spring
Montmorency County
rooms can be found in the vast tracks of hardwood forest. Lewiston features a Mushroom Festival in early May for those interested in participating in a weekend of gourmet delights.
(Continued from Page 33)
Garland at Lewiston highlight the quality golf courses in the area. Backpackers and hikers will find that Montmorency County has a perfect trail just for them. Hike and camp along the 10-mile “High Country Pathway” through Elk Country or follow hundreds of miles of trails that crisscross the landscape.
Off-road vehicles (ORV) will find that there are miles of designated ORV and motorcycle trails available. You have heard about “sink holes” that are created by limestone pockets and, this is where you can find them. Explore these geological formations found in the northern part of Montmorency County.
Hunters will find deer, turkey, elk, grouse, woodcock, rabbits, bobcat, coyote, ducks, geese and bear. Guided hunts on private land for archery, rifle and muzzle loader deer seasons are available.
Snowmobilers will enjoy miles of wellgroomed and maintained trails. Trails in the county are connected to the state When early May arrives, it signals the snowmobile trail system, allowing visistart of mushroom season. Tasty mo- tors to travel virtually unlimited miles rel mushrooms and beefsteak mushand participate in one of Michigan’s ATLANTA C OF C HILLMAN C OF C most popular winwww.atlantamichigan.com Phone: 989/742-3739 ter activities. Blue Grass Festival August 1, 2 & 3, 2008
Mill River Days July 4, 5 & 6, 2008
Elk Festival September 27, 28 & 29, 2008
V-J Day August 8, 9 & 10, 2008
ONTMORENCY ontmorency
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LEWISTON AREA C of C www.lewistonchamber@i2k.com Timbertown Festival & Arts & Crafts in the Park August 1, 2 & 3, 2008 Timbertown Sprints Sled Dog Races January 2, 3 & 4, 2009
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We have not forgotten the crosscountry skier. There are a number of groomed trails at resorts, as well as opportunities for wilderness trail breaking. For more information, contact the Atlanta Chamber of Commerce at www.atlantamichigan.com; Hillman Chamber of Commerce at 989/742.3739 or Lewiston Chamber of Commerce by e-mail at lewistonchamber@i2k. com.
fishing, mushrooming and sturgeon viewing. Indian River is your gateway to Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula. We are conveniently located on I-75 at exit 310, with simple access to M-27, M-68 and nearby US-31, just minutes from anywhere in the tip of the Mitt. Visitors and residents alike are drawn to Indian River for many reasons, including experiencing the Cross In The Woods, the world’s largest crucifix; taking pleasure in camping and strolling the sandy beaches at Burt Lake State Park and DeVoe Beach just blocks from downtown; elk-viewing in the nearby Pigeon River Country State Forest; boating and fishing on Burt and Mullet Lakes and Sturgeon and Pigeon Rivers; or simply relaxing at Cooperation Park and enjoying the afternoon. Northern Michigan’s Big Buck Contest is a huge draw for our deer hunters. We are also planning a Fall Farmer’s Market to showcase our bountiful harvest. You will enjoy the hundreds of miles of groomed snowmobile and cross-country ski trails. Take a short drive to nearby downhill ski hills, plan a family outing at local ice festivals, ice fish or take a guided winter rafting trip down the Sturgeon River.
Additional Michigan Information For travel information in other area’s in Michigan:
Upper Peninsula Travel & Recreation Association PO Box 400 • Iron Mountain, MI 49801 800/562-7134 • 906-774-5480 www.uptravel.com West Michigan Tourism Association 950 28th St. SE, Suite E-200 Grand Rapids, MI 49508 800/442-2084 www.wmta.org
Travel Michigan
PO Box 26128 • Lansing, MI 48909 888/78-GREAT • www.michigan.org
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Ogemaw County
W
hen the time comes to plan your summer getaway or a long weekend in the fall, Ogemaw County is just the place for you. A visit to Ogemaw County is one that you and your family will remember for a long time to come. Enjoying the beautiful Ogemaw Hills, the Rifle River Valley and the many nature trails that provide hours of relaxation will be one of the many rewards you will find here. During your visit, you will become enthralled by the beauty this region holds.
Ogemaw Hills offers miles of trails for you to explore. The West Branch/Ogemaw County Travelers and Visitors Bureau can help you find your way. You can reach them at 800.755.9091.
Canoeing and Fishing
The beauty of this region lies in its wide variety of hills, lakes and streams. Canoeing, trout fishing, swimming and hiking are just a few of the many recreational activities that you will find in this four-season playground. Let your mind wander back to your childhood. Remember the fun you had enjoying the beauty of nature and the renewal that came with your adventures in the great outdoors? If hunting and fishing are some of your favorite past times, then this is the place for you. Ogemaw County is home to many trout streams, pan fish lake and exciting timberlands. Here you will find an abundance of deer, squirrel, rabbits and other small game. Deer are plentiful throughout both the archery and firearms
hunting seasons. Many hunters are successful in their quest for a trophy buck. Michigan Department of Natural Resources access sites to streams and lakes are designated at many locations throughout Ogemaw County. Bait shops and sporting good stores will be able to help you find them or stop by the West Branch Chamber of Commerce office for detailed information about the area launch sites, trail maps and much more. Just stroll in and ask, “how’s the fishing?”
Shopping Downtown
If you prefer indoor activity, you will find the shopping in Ogemaw County just right for you. Enjoy quaint, Victorian West Branch, complete with a wide variety of speciality shops. Whether you are browsing or on a mission, there is something special just for you in downtown Victorian West Branch.
Outlet Shopping
Get ready for an exciting shopping experience at the Tanger Outlet Center, located at Exit 212 on Interstate 75. There, you will find over 26 factory
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
(Continued on Page 36)
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Ogemaw County’s Offers a Variety of Year Round Activities (Continued from Page 35)
outlet stores, including Liz Claiborne, Reebok, Polo and more just waiting to be explored. Enjoy all the comforts of shopping in the beautiful setting of West Branch. In addition to downtown and Tanger, a new Wal-Mart and Home Depot have opened on the I-75 business loop, adding still more dimension to your shopping experience. You will find good value and friendly, courteous sales people in an atmosphere that says “we’re glad you’re here!” Rose City, West Branch and the surrounding areas have all become great shopping spots.
Golf in Ogemaw County
Maybe an afternoon of golf is more to your liking. Golf enthusiasts can do just that at the West Branch Country Club, Green Briar, The Dream and The Nightmare, Apple Valley, and Edgewood Greens Golf Club. The Nightmare is the latest addition to the stable of high quality golf courses opening in the West Branch area. These golf courses are all within easy reach of your hotel, motel or campground.
Several area hotels offer golf packages which include golf, cart and lodging. By using a golf package you take the worry out of planning your trip to the area. Packages are available from midMay through the fall color season in October. Enjoy watered fairways, challenging bunkers, and the quality golf you have come to expect as part of the northern Michigan golf experience. Our golf courses cater to the golfer who appreciates the beauty of the area and a great round of golf. Enjoy some of the finest golf in northern Michigan without having to travel a great distance. Only 2½ hours from Detroit means that we can have you on the first tee in no time at all.
Snowmobilers will find some of the finest groomed trails in Michigan right here in Ogemaw County. Easy access to snowmobile trails is one of the many pluses. Check with your motel for the easiest route to any of the trails in the
Ogemaw County is an ideal place to spend a day, a weekend or an entire vacation. We are a destination that has something for every member of the family, whether your interest lies in the outdoors, shopping or just plain relaxing. Everything you can imagine is here for your enjoyment. We offer many great scenic adventures, wonderful dining and outstanding accommodations. Best of all, we offer all this throughout the year!
Fall Color
Some of Michigan’s most spectacular color can be found in Ogemaw County. The hills of the AuSable State Forest and the HuronManistee National Forest surround the communities located in the county. You will never be disappointed during a fall visit to this area. Trees are ablaze with golds, reds and oranges giving way to the splendor of the hills.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowmobiling
Winter is a terrific time to visit us. Ogemaw County is 36
well-known for its cross-country ski trails. A must for any cross-country skier is the Ogemaw Hills Pathway, located at the corner of Fairview and Clear Lake Roads. This well-marked trail winds through 16 miles of the AuSable State Forest. Because of its location, skiers can usually count on six to 10 inches more snow on the trails than in the lower areas around downtown West Branch.
system. Current snow and trail conditions are available 24 hours a day by calling 800.755.9091 or visit our Web site at www.visitwestbranch.com. We look forward to helping you plan your winter weekend getaway. Whether you visit us in the spring, summer, winter or fall, you will find Ogemaw County the perfect vacation spot. No matter how often you travel to our hills, their beauty always manages to keep you spellbound. For every taste, for every age, there’s something unique about Ogemaw County. For more information about Ogemaw County, call the West Branch/Ogemaw County Travelers and Visitors Bureau at 800/755.9091 or visit our Web site at www.visitwestbranch.com and request additional information.
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Ogemaw Communities Offer Canoeing, Shopping and More The communities of Ogemaw County each offer a varied, unique and exciting way to spend a vacation. Canoeing, hiking, shopping, golfing, or just plain relaxing on the beach make these communities an ideal destination for the vacationer. Rose City Rose City is located on M-33 about 10 miles north of M-55. You can reach Rose City by taking Exit 202 off I-75 and following M-33 north. The community, along with Lupton, is host to a wide array of outdoor activities. You will find everything from well groomed snowmobile trails to superb fishing streams and lakes as well as a plentiful supply of hiking trails at the Rifle River Recreation Area.
include beaches, swimming and picnic areas. Hunters, trappers and anglers enjoy many opportunities in the area’s wilderness setting. Ruffed grouse, ducks, geese, woodcock, rabbit, squirrel, raccoon, fox and deer can be hunted in season. Trappers will find beaver, otter, mink and muskrat. Fishermen can cast for bluegill, bass, northern pike, yellow perch and trout in any of the 10 lakes. Miles of streams yield brook, brown and rainbow trout. The area is ideal for a number of activities like hiking, biking, canoeing, ice fishing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing.
ORV’s are permitted on the shoulders of county roads in townships where an ORV ordinance has been adopted. Rose City is one such area.
For more information on park regulations, permits and camping reservations, contact the Rifle River Recreation Area at 989.473.2258.
Rose City hosts a number of activities each year, including its annual Rose Sale, which takes place during the July fourth weekend. In addition, the community sponsors several ATV races, a 5K Run for the Roses (twice each summer) and a variety of other fun events.
Skidway Lake Located in the southeast side of the county bordering on Arenac County, Mills Township is a dynamic, growing community with a permanent population of over 5,000 residents, which easily swells to over 10,000 during the summer months. Mills Township is anchored on the south by the community of Skidway Lake which owes its name to the old lumbering days when logs were skidded across the lake to be transported to the railhead in Prescott, and on the north by the rapidly growing resort community of Lake Ogemaw.
Lupton A trip to Ogemaw County is not complete without a visit to the scenic Rifle River Recreation Area located in the Ogemaw State Forest. The wilderness area is in Lupton, 15 miles northeast of West Branch and about five miles east of Rose City. Formerly a private hunting and fishing retreat called Grousehaven, the Department of Conservation bought the 4,500-acre tract in 1945. Agents used the renamed Rifle River Area as a field laboratory for fish and game research. In 1963, the department’s Parks Division acquired the land, turning it into the Rifle River Recreation Area. Some areas are still used for fisheries research. The area includes an 80-site modern campground, plus three rustic camping areas with a total of more than 100 sites. In addition, there are rustic cabins available for rent. Day use facilities
Lakes abound throughout the township with 30 lakes within a 30 minute drive, among these are Feeding Grounds Lake, which was the site for the main lumberjack camp, Lake Ogemaw is one of the state’s largest manmade lakes, as well as Mill, Hughey, Elbow, Bush, Birch and Long lakes, just to name a few. In addition, the Rifle River, famous for its excellent fishing and exciting canoeing, winds its way from north to south on its journey to Lake Huron. Mills Township is the ideal spot for vacations and retirees as it lies 17 miles southwest of West Branch and one hour north of Saginaw.
Wild turkeys, deer, pheasant and grouse are frequently seen as one drives around the area and the fall colors brings many visitors to the area. Clear Lake If you are looking for a spot to enjoy outdoor recreation year round, this is the perfect place. Located in Foster Township, about 11 miles north of West Branch, Clear Lake is a gold mine for all kinds of hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, boating and swimming -- the opportunities are endless. Every season boasts ongoing activities for all to enjoy. Bow and rifle hunters, anglers and other sportsmen try to out-do one another in contests to determine the biggest rack, largest bear, best turkey and most outstanding catch of fish. One of the most popular events is the annual winter broomball tournament, where teams take to the frozen waters of Clear Lake for a fierce, hockey-like competition. However, Clear Lake isn’t just for contests. The beautiful waters, wooded landscape and attractive scenery make for a relaxing vacation spot. In the winter, snowmobilers have many miles of trails to explore, while summertime visitors can splash in the lake. Fishermen will find walleye, pike, bass, pan fish, perch and crappie in Clear Lake. The DNR access site is on Horseshoe Lake Road Whether it’s winter, spring, fall or summer, you are sure to find excitement in downtown Clear Lake. I-75 travelers can find the area by getting off at Exit 212 and heading north on the Business Loop to Fairview Road. Take Fairview Road five miles north to Clear Lake Road, then follow Clear Lake Road west into town. For more information about these communities contact their local chamber of commerce or call the West Branch/Ogemaw County Travelers and Visitors Bureau at 800.755.9091 or visit their web site at www.visitwestbranch.com.
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Ogemaw County is Host to Many Great Attractions Listed here is a compilation of attractions that make Ogemaw County a perfect vacation destination. Don’t leave the area without taking the opportunity to explore and enjoy the many wonders of the region. DOWNTOWN WEST BRANCH Visit the newly renovated Victorian downtown, where you will find a variety of shopping, dining and lodging. IRONS PARK Located on South Valley Street, Irons Park provides a picnic area, playground, pavilion, and tennis and basketball courts. The beautiful Rifle River runs through the park and offers shallow trout fishing for children. INDIAN VILLAGE I-75 Business Loop. Take the entire family for a round of 18-hole miniature golf with rolling fairways and waterfalls, a swing in the batting cage or a few frames of bowling. OGEMAW NATURE CENTER West of Rose City on Rose City Road. Take a lunch and spend a day feeding the tame deer. THE BIG FLOW Off Gray Road on Maes Road. Take a drink from the largest free flowing well in Ogemaw County. OGEMAW HILLS SNOWMOBILE TRAILS Cool off on the 90 miles of groomed snowmobile trails located throughout Ogemaw and neighboring counties. OGEMAW HILLS PATHWAY Six miles north of West Branch on Fairview Road. Take a run on the 16 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails throughout the winter, or take a hike on the beautifully wooded pathways in the off-season. OGEMAW COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM Our logo is the Chief Ogemaw, created by Millie Miller. He is the official insignia of Ogemaw County. He takes his name from the Ogemaw Ke-Ke To chief speaker of the Chippewas. 123 S. Fifth Street. 38
TANGER OUTLET CENTER Shop over 26 outlet stores. While you are there, stop in the Public Corridor Area and take a trip through time with a 100 foot mural on the history of Ogemaw County. Business Loop I-75 (Cook Road) at Exit 212. CHAMBER OF COMMERCE RAILROAD DEPOT Built in 1874, the Train Depot represents the onset of the area’s history. Downtown West Branch in the Old Train Depot. APPLE VALLEY GOLF COURSE Enjoy a round on this 18-hole course featuring rolling fairways, or take a swing on their driving range. 2100 Maes Rd., northeast of West Branch. EDGEWOOD GREENS GOLF COURSE This nine-hole course is ideal for the beginner or someone looking for a relaxing afternoon of golf. Sage Lake Rd. and M-55 east of West Branch. WEST BRANCH COUNTRY CLUB Open to the public, the country club provides 18 holes of championship golf with a complete pro shop, driving range and pleasant dining. 1095 Fairview Rd., West Branch. GREEN BRIAR GOLF COURSE This 18-hole golf course provides quality golf in a relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy a sandwich or a meal in the restaurant. Sage Lake and Shady Shores Rd, Lupton. THE DREAM This 18-hole golf course is adjacent to I-75 and travelers can’t wait to give it a try. Located on old M-76 west of Exit 215. 888/TE.DREAM. THE NIGHTMARE The newest golf course in the area. This 18 hole track provides challenging golf and beautiful vistas. Located just west of its sister course, The Dream, on Old M-76. J&P SPORTING GOODS 3-D ARCHERY COURSE Fling your arrows at 30 McKenzie targets on this challenging course. On
I-75 Business Loop near Exit 215 in West Branch. BERG’S TROUT FISHING 3-D ARCHERY COURSE Bring the family to fish the ponds with free use of poles and bait; available for all skill levels. 676 Oyster Rd. in Rose City. RIFLE RIVER RECREATION AREA Enjoy the great outdoors in this super state park facility. Camping, hiking and fishing make this a great place to spend a day, a weekend or longer. Just east of Rose City on Rose City Road in Lupton. FRANK ALLEY MEMORIAL PARK This park serves as the trail head for many of Ogemaw County’s snowmobile trails. Enjoy the warming house in the winter or just spend some time taking in nature. Fairview Road. ORV TRAILS These trails provide the ORV enthusiast with many hours of fun and exciting challenges. Located near Rose City. FISHING Enjoy many of our fine fishing lakes. Call the West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce at 800.755.9091 for a complete fishing guide of our area. CANOEING This sport is very popular in Ogemaw County. The Rifle River offers miles of pristine water for canoeing enthusiasts. Contact the West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce for a list of canoe liveries in the county. OGEMAW COUNTY FAIR This fast growing county fair is a must for every family. Enjoy carnival rides, visit the displays and enjoy the animals. The fair takes place annually in August. Rifle River Trail, near M-55. ANTIQUE VILLAGE This village is an educational experience. Step back in time and enjoy these restored buildings, including a covered bridge. Located at the Ogemaw County Fairgrounds on Rifle River Trail near M-55.
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Oscoda County
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ucked away in the heart of the Au Sable River Valley is Oscoda County. It has one of the most valuable jack pine ecosystems in the nation, and it is a home to many forms of unique wildlife and plant life. Kirtland’s Warblers, American Bald Eagles, bluebirds, loons, wood turtles, Great Trilliums, secretive locusts, Hill’s Thistle, rough fescue, and Houghton’s Goldenrod are only a few of the endangered species found here. Oscoda County’s main attraction is the world famous AuSable River. Canoeing, hiking, fishing, morel picking, bird watching or fossil collecting will keep every member of any family entertained for days. A popular attraction in Oscoda County is Michigan’s largest community of Amish and Mennonites, located between Mio and Fairview. As you drive through this area notice horse and
buggies, unique clothing, solid architecture and beautiful crafts and gardens. There is an Amish store on Kittle Road where many go to browse, and enjoy buying bulk products from this little country store with skylights instead of electricity. You might also enjoy one of the many baked goodies, the fabric shop, greenhouse, harness shop or a stop at a field to watch a community work together in weeding the garden on a warm evening. In addition to the AuSable River, Oscoda County has lots of recreational activities, including golf, snowmobiling, and excellent hunting and fishing.
The annual Relief Auction held at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds each August provides bidders with the opportunity to acquire some of the finest handmade quilts in the world. The fairgrounds is also home to the annual Forestry Expo each July. With miles of hiking trails, snowmobiling and horse back riding trails make Oscoda County an outdoors person’s paradise. The next time you think about taking a vacation and getting back to nature, we’re certain that you are thinking about Oscoda County.
Golf courses in Comins, Fairview and Garland provide plenty of recreation for avid golfer. Some of the best fly-fishing for trout in the world can be found between Mio and Glennie along the AuSable River. Public access to these sites are readily available. Float fishing along the river is also a popular activity.
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Your Hunt for Great Antique Deals Starts Here Following is a partial list of antique shops found in Northeast Michigan. We hope that you enjoy your “hunting” experience with us.
989.724.5072. Open by chance & appointment. Pottery, glass, coins and lamps. We buy & sell. Kenneth Roy Antiques 312 US-23 S. 989.724.5600. Buying and selling quality antiques and collectibles. Open by appointment only. E-mail: kenb@kwcom.net
ALPENA
Antique Mall of Alpena 207-209 N. Second Street, 989.354.6036 or 989.354.3876. Open 7 days a week --yearround. 25 dealers in 12,000 sq. ft. with a complete line of antiques, coins, supplies, gifts, collectibles, Nascar and metal detectors. Country Cupboard 102 N. Second Street, 989.356.6020. Open all year, Monday-Friday 10-5:30, Saturday 10-5. “Unique old drug store.” Antiques, collectibles, medicine bottles and pharmacy paraphernalia. Also complete line of country gifts. 5th Avenue Antiques & Appraisals 305 S. 5th Avenue, two blocks SW from Chisholm St. (US-23). 989.356.2356. Summer hours 1-4 daily. After Labor Day, Saturday 10-4; Sunday 1-4 or by appointment. Quality antiques and furniture. Jerry’s & Mary’s Antiques & Collectibles 107 N. Second St. 989.358.8500. Open 6 days a week, closed Thursdays. Always giving good deals on antiques and collectibles.
CHEBOYGAN
Yesteryear Antiques 10871 N. Straits Highway (M-27) 231.5799722. Two shops filled with antiques and other unique items. Summer hours 7 days 11-5. Winter hours Wednesday -Saturday 11-5.
GREENBUSH
Nuffer’s Sunrise Antiques 1823 Sunrise Drive (behind Greenbush Golf Course). 989.724.6703 Open by chance or appointment. General line, specializing in oak furniture and primitives. The Cedar Closet 4034 US-23 South. 989.739.2632 (after 5 p.m.). Open April through November, Monday-Saturday 10-4 or by appointment. Antiques and collectibles, furniture, primitives, glassware, tools and bottles.
HARRISVILLE
Anchortiques & Gifts Located in the Harbor Town Mall across from the IGA. 989.724.6166. Open 10-5, 7 days a week, winter closed on Sunday. Antiques, Victorian and nautical items. We also carry fresh flowers. E-mail: kgonzalez@akwcom.net Daisy’s 115 Lake Street. 989.724.6229. (Between harbor and bank). Open 11-5, Sunday 12-4, closed Tuesday. Antiques, collectibles and homemade fudge. E-mail: pcone83@yahoo. com Ed’s Antiques & Collectibles 5414 M-72 (½ mile west of traffic light).
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HUBBARD LAKE
C. Leigh’s Favorite Things “Old Postmaster House,” 13822 Hubbard Lake Road. 989.727.2362 or 989.727.3244 (1 mile north of lake next to post office) Open MayNovember most days. Buy, sell and decorated with fine antiques and collectibles.
LEWISTON
Antique Depot 5030 County Rd. 612. 989.786.4897 or 989.785.2167. Under new ownership. Open May through October, Monday-Saturday, 10:30-5:30, Sunday, 12:30-5:30. Call for winter hours. Broad selection of antique and costume jewelry, doilies and linens. Fine porcelain to primitive pottery, furniture.
OMER
Quilt Patch Antiques 429 E. Center St. (US-23). 989.653.2332. Open May-Novmeber. Winter by chance and appointment. Antiques, collectibles and furniture. E-mail: kearl@centurytel.net
OSCODA
The Cat’s Meow Antiques & Collectibles 4720 F-41, 1 block off US-23. 989.739.3900. Open May till November, 11-5, by chance Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday. Furniture, glassware, pottery and nostalgia items. We also sell custom window treatments. Hobart’s Antique Mall (Hobart Plaza) 4239 S. US-23 (1.7 miles south of Oscoda). 989.873.8213 or 989.739.4000. We do appraisals and estate sales. Summer: daily 10-5; Sunday 12-4. Winter, weekends only. Antiques, collectibles, used furniture and gold jewelry. Indoor Flea Market 317 S. State (Across from National City Bank). 989.739.5310. Open Thursday-Saturday 115, Sunday-Wednesday by chance. Please call before coming Sunday-Wednesday. You will find bargains and treasures that you can’t find anywhere else. Second hand to antiques. McNamara Antique Mall 2083 N. US-23. 989.739.5435. Home 989.739.9322. 4½ miles south of AuSable River Bridge. E-mail: thinkirish@famvid. com. Summer daily, winter Friday-Monday 10-4, Sunday 11-4. 3000 sq. ft. of antiques, collectibles, furniture, primitives, cement and wood yard ornaments. Ryland Co., Inc. 2091 N. Huron (US-23 5 miles south of Oscoda across from Point Road). 989.739.0810. Spring, Summer, Fall: Friday-Sunday, 115:30. Open by chance and appointment dur-
ing the week. Clocks and whatever I can find. Wooden Nickle Antiques 110 Park St. 989.739.7490 or 989.739.2896. E-mail: roip@chartermi.net. Two blocks south of downtown traffic light and ½ block east of US-23. Summer hours 11-5 daily. Winter hours Friday-Sunday 11-5. Antiques and collectibles, estate sales and appraisals. We buy and sell “fine things.”
OSSINEKE
This “N” That - Antiques & Stuff 11211 US-23 South. 989.471.8150 Open May-January; closed Tuesday. Hours vary. Furniture, glassware, kitchenware, toys, books and jewelry. Consignments accepted.
ROGERS CITY
Big North Antiques 208 E. Michigan Ave. (corner of Michigan and Second). 989.734.3319. Open all year. A general line of antiques and collectibles, jewelry, pottery, glassware and books. Also, furniture in “restoration shop.”
EAST TAWAS
Antique Lady 1026 River St. 989.362.2278. Take M-55 to Nunn Road, turn right. Follow Nunn Road until across the bridge; take first right at River Street. Fourth house on right. Open April-October by appointment. Primitives, antiques, furniture and collectibles.
TAWAS CITY
Time After Time Antiques 729 M-55 (2 miles west of US-23). 989.362.2298. Open daily all year, 10-5. Wednesday and Thursday by appointment. Antiques, glassware, primitives, furniture, jewelry, etc. E-mail: eternity@i-star.com. Web site: timeaftertimeantique.tripod.com Uncle Winnie’s 402 Lake St. (US-23) Liberty Building. 989.362.6644. Over 2200 sq. ft. of antiques, collectibles and estate furnishings. Consignments accepted; open daily April-December, otherwise weekends only.
WEST BRANCH
Abigail’s Antiques and Collectibles 305 W. Houghton Ave. (downtown 3rd Street and Houghton) 989.345.0350. Open 10-5, Monday-Saturday. 5,000 sq. ft. of antiques. 22 vendors. We buy and sell. The Potato Barn Antique Mall 615 W. Houghton Ave. 989.345.3333. (Downtown behind China Inn Restaurant) Open Monday-Saturday 10-5, Sunday 12-5. Antiques and collectibles. West Branch Antique Mall 318 W. Houghton Ave. 989.343.1391. 10-5 Monday through Saturday (Summer Sunday 12-5). Large selection of quality antiques. Let us list your items on Ebay or handle your estate sale! Buy, Sell, Trade. E-mail: WbranchAntiqueMall@m33access.com
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Presque Isle County
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ummer festivals are quite popular in and around Presque Isle County. Hawks celebrates the Spring Fling on Memorial Day weekend; Presque Isle hosts an extremely popular Antique Wooden Boat Show in their harbor on the third weekend in June. Onaway sponsors a star-spangled July 4th celebration; Rogers City is next with their Nautical Festival and Salmon tournament in August; Millersburg hosts the Presque Isle County Fair the last weekend in August, followed by their Labor Day Weekend Festival; Posen welcomes thousands of people for foot-stomping fun at the Potato Festival the weekend following Labor Day; finally, the second Saturday in September, Fall Fest is held in Rogers City’s beautiful Westminster Park, home of the much photographed historic gazebo.
Rogers City offers numerous restaurant choices from fast food to home cooked specialities such as Chinese, Greek, Italian, Polish and American, all at affordable family prices.
is a perfect stop for boaters on their way to the North Channel of Lake Huron. There are 145 slips for sail and power boats, along with a six-lane boat launch and viewing platform.
Accommodations in Presque Isle County are plentiful and range from motels with pools and balconies overlooking Lake Huron to new lake side log cabins with fireplaces, to beds and breakfast and lodges.
The Huron Sunrise Trail, a walking and biking trail, beginning in Rogers City meanders through city parks, along the waterfront and shoreline, over the Trout River, through a wildflower meadow and into Herman Vogler Conservation Area, a 270-acre forested property with over seven miles of hiking, biking and skiing pathways. The trail then heads north five miles to Hoeft State Park.
Presque Isle County wants to be your destination for family vacationing, boating, sightseeing, fishing, swimming, hunting, or even looking for a retirement second home “Up North.” The Rogers City Country Club’s 18 hole golf course features well maintained greens and fairways that are extremely playable for all skill levels. Featuring elevated tees, rolling terrain, a beautiful vista of Lake Huron, with water on 6 holes. The Rogers City Yacht Harbor, one of the best on the Great Lakes,
The Presque Isle County Historical Museum is located in the former limestone company official’s home, just a block from the “Avenue of Flags” which honors Rogers City’s maritime heritage. The museum, regarded as one of the finest small museums in the state, includes exhibits of the limestone industry, Indian artifacts, and vintage clothing, as well as “revolving displays” of items pertaining the Presque Isle County. Additional information is available by contacting the Presque Isle Tourism Council at 888/854.9700. Their web address is www.presqueisle.com.
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Accommodations from Hotels to B&Bs and Resorts Listed here are a wide variety of places to stay while visiting Northeast Michigan. Those properties listed in bold face are members of Michigan’s Sunrise side.
Alger Arenac County Alger Motel - 989.836.2312
AuGres
Arenac County AuGres Guest House - 989.876.7010
Alpena
Alpena & Presque Isle County Agape’ on the Bay - 989.471.5006 Alpena Bay Motel - 989.356.6137 Alpena Motel - 989.356.2178 Alpena Best Western - 989.356.9087 Alpena Days Inn - 989.356.6118
Alpena Holiday Inn
North Bay Bed & Breakfast - 989.595.5209 Northwood Shores Resort - 989.595.2681 Oakapiney Beach Cottages - 734.665.8876 Pine Trace Cottage - 989.736.3279 Presque Isle Lodge B&B - 989.595.6970 Presque Isle Resort - 248.332.3064 Shelby Resort - 248.332.3064 Sunrise Cottages - 989.471.2141 Thunder Bay Resort - 800.729.9375 Trelawny Resort - 989.471.2347 Triple H Ranch - 989.356.4069 Water’s Edge Motel - 989.354.5495
989.356.2151 • 1000 US-23 North. Features indoor recreation area, pool, sauna, whirlpool, games, movie channels, free HBO, LodgeNet®. Kids stay and eat free, complete banquet services, CW’s Barbecue Restaurant, lounge, newly remodeled rooms. www.holiday-inn.com/alpenami E-mail: holiday@speednetllc.com Alpena Properties, LLC - 989.766.3188 Bell Bay Hideaway - 248.332.3064 Bell Bay Resort - 248.332.3064 Bell Bay Shore Summer Home - 248.332.3064 Big Bear Lodge - 989.354-8573 Brown’s North Shore Resort - 989.742.4166 Cedar Lane Vacation Home - 989.595-2695 Churchill Pointe Inn - 989.727.2020 Dew Drop Inn Motel - 989.356.4414 40 Winks Motel - 989.354.5622 Friendship Lodge - 561.722.1878 Grand Lake Evergreen Cottage - 517.204.3403 Grand Lake Wishing Well Cabins - 248.887.3800 Jack’s Landing Resort - 989.742.4370 Lake Front Cottages - 989.595.6969 Long Lake Cabin - 989.595.5040 Long Lake Hideaway - 248.625.0724 Maple Lane Lodge - 989.736.3279 Maple Street Cabins - 248.363.5852 Middle Island Keepers Lodge - 989.619.1013 NettieBay Lodge and Resort - 989.734.4688
Best Value Harbor Inn
989.876.8131• 324 E Huron (U.S.-23). Indoor pool. Near shopping, dining, harbor, parks and amusement park.
Econolodge and Suites
989.876.4060 • 510 W. US-23. 30 Rooms, indoor pool, in-room Jacuzzi suites. Charity Island Lodge - 989.739.2231 Floriday’s Huron Haven Resort - 989.362.2626 Hammel Beach Motel & Cottages - 989.876.8154 Taylor’s Motel & Cottages - 989.876.7317 Whitestone Point Cabins - 989.876.2775
Atlanta
Montmorency County A-Win Sands Motel - 989.785.2337 Atlanta Motel - 989.785.4509 Briley Inn B&B - 989.785.4784 Rush Lake Resort - 989.785.3377 Timber Lodge - 989.785.3339
Black Lake
Cheboygan County Boygan House - 734.944.0509
Black River
Alcona County Black River Cabins - 989.471.0021
Black River
Cheboygan County Sturgeon Bay Resort - 231.625.2052
Burt Lake
Cheboygan County Cedar Bay Properties LLC - 313.714.7080 CMG LLC/Cottage Corner - 248.541.9451 DTN Management - 517.349.4229 Happy Hour Resort - 231.548.5188 Miller’s Guest House - 231.238.4492 Rohn House & Farm - 231.548.3652 Sunset Shores Resort - 248.477.2503
Cheboygan
Cheboygan County Aloha-Mullett Lakefront Cottages - 248.642.6497 Al’s Place - 866.785.9378 Asbury Drake - 248.348.3772 Aunt Jesse’s Cottages - 231.627.7680 Batey’s Cottage - 231.625.2549
Best Western River Terrace
231.627.5688 Birch Haus - 231.627.5862 Budget Inn Monarch Motel - 800.276.9382 Chateau North - 231.625.9322 Continental Inn - 231.627.7164 Cordwood Cabins - 313.278.4849 Days Inn - 888.705.4085 Dutch Village Resort - 231.625.9661
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Eddies Cottages - 231.627.9124 Fleetwood Inn & Suites - 231.627.3126 Gables B&B - 231.627.5079 Galbraith Resort - 231.627.6624 Gower Resort - 231.625.9979 Grand Resort at Mullett Lake - 231.627.3000 Hillcross Beach Resort - 231.627.5289 Jeanne’s Place - 419.885.5663 Joe’s River Escape - 231.627.7680 Johnson’s Motel - 800.780.4435 LeDuc’s Creekside Motel - 231.627.4696 McIntaw Lodge - 216.767.1226 North Country Inn - 866.745.6681 North Country Property Management - 231.625.8834 Northwoods Lodge - 231.238.7729 Our Place on the River - 231.625.8421 The Perzyk Place - 888.719.9209 Pine River Motel - 231.627.5119 Rose Cottage - 231.625.9020 Sturgeon Bay Resort - 231.625.2052 Summer’s Breeze Cottage - 231.627.2591 Vincent Lake Cabins - 231.537.2544
East Tawas Iosco County
Aaron’s Wood Acres Resort
989.362.5188 • 968 N. US-23 • 1, 2, & 3 bedroom cottages with kitchen, fireplace, screen porch. Enjoy horseshoes, basketball fire pits and more. www.aaronswoodedacres.com Bambi Motel - 989.362.4582 Cabana Cove Resort - 989.362.2750 Captain’s Quarters - 989.362.3600 Cavemans Resort - 989.362.5343 Danny’s Resort - 989.362.2622
East Tawas Junction Bed & Breakfast Inn & Chickadee Guesthouse
989.362.8006 • 708 E. Bay St (US-23) www.east-tawas.com. Charming Country Victorian, in town, overlooks Tawas Bay and beach. 5 guest rooms pb,tv,wi-fi ,dvd. Sumptuous breakfasts. Separate guesthouse accommodates 7. Northland Beach Cottages - 989.362.2601 Riptide Motel & Cabins - 989.362.6562 Stoney Shores Resort - 989.362.4609 Sunrise Cabins - 989.362.2463
Tawas Bay Beach Resort
103 spacious rooms. Over half the rooms have a view of beautiful Tawas Bay Harbor. Cable TV, irons & boards, direct dial phones with free local calls, coffeepots, hair dryers, and free wireless internet for guest use. Guest services include wake up calls and Room Service featuring breakfast, lunch, dinner or pizza. 989.362.8601 www.tawasbaybeachresort.com Tawas Inn Resort - 989.362.2561
Timberlane Resorts, LLP
248.647.9634 or 248.797.0208 • Located on beautiful Tawas Point. Seven cabins within walking distance to lighthouse, marina nearby. Woodland Beach Cottages - 989.362.6996
Fairview
Oscoda County Fairview Motor Court - 989.848.2949 Kauffman Motel - 989.848.2757
Greenbush
Alcona County Blue Haven Resort - 989.724.6771
Greenbush Cottage
Beautiful, cathedral ceiling cottage, nestled in 2 acres of woods, with 200 feet of sugar sand, Lake Huron, beach. Call 989.790.2209 or visit us at www.thegreenbushcottage.com
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Hawks Presque Isle County
Nettie Bay Lodge
989.734.4688 8811 W. 638 Highway. Cabins on Lake Nettie. Learning center, resort and outfitter. • www.nettiebay.com
Hillman Montmorency County Angler’s Hideaway - 989.742.4565 Benny’s Landing - 989.742.4053 Charley’s Landing - 989.742.4166 Hillman Motel - 989.742.4123
Jack’s Landing
6 waterfront cabins on the shore of Fletcher Pond. Cabins are modern, include 2 bedrooms, 1 bathroom, a fully equipped kitchen/dining area, and a living area. Cabins provide guests with view of lake and private docking space. 989.742.4370 www.jackslanding.com Killon’s Landing - 989.742.7385 Lyon’s Landing - 989.742.4756 Moore’s Landing - 989.379.4057 Paradise Lodge Resort - 231.379.2628
Thunder Bay Golf Resort Pappa’s Motel - 989.739.6840 Paradise Beach - 989.739.7847 Pine Haven Resort - 989.739.7635 Shorewood Motel - 989.739.5010 Sid’s Resort - 989.739.7638 Sunnyside Cottages - 989.739.5289
Glennie Alcona County
Alcona Canoe Rental,
Cabins & Campground 800.526.7080 or 989.735.2973 • 6351 Bamfield Rd., 3 miles west of Glennie. Cabin Rental - Sleeps 8 plus new camping cabins. www.alconacanoes.com Pines Bed & Breakfast 989.735.3661 • 4135 Bamfield Rd., located in the heart of the Huron National Forest. Charming country cottage, three bedrooms, fully equipped kitchen. Alaskan-style breakfast, wildlife viewing and more. Oak Ridge Resort - 989.728.2911 Stanger’s Bavarian Motel - 989.735.3174
800.729.9375 • 27800 M-32 E. 30 lodging units, 18-hole golf course, 24 RV campsites. Featuring Elk View Sleigh Rides. www.thunderbaygolf.com Whispering Pines - 989.379.4348
McKinley Oscoda County
McKinley Corner Inn
989.848.7255 • 4680 McKinley Rd. Access to snowmobile and ORV trails from the motel. Canoeing nearby on AuSable River.
Mio Oscoda County
AuSable Valley Inn
National City
Harrisville
When you think of a romantic B & B getaway on the Sunrise Side of Michigan, The Widow’s Watch will provide both romance and fun. 401 N. Lake Street • 989.724.5465 www.thewidowswatch.com West Wind Cottages - 989.727.2816 Whispering Pines Log Cabins - 989.724.6855
Oscoda County Bear Paw Cabins - 989.826.3313 Lost Creek Sky Ranch & Lodge - 989.826.9901 Ma Deeter’s Log Cabin Inn - 989.826.5558
Indian River
231-238-7729. 2390 S. Straits Hwy. Unique log lodge w/ 15 “northwoods” themed rooms, beautiful Jacuzzi Suite, Hot Belgian Waffles. Canoe, Kayak, Raft & Tube Trips. Direct access to snowmobile trail, 1/2 mile from beach, golf, & lakes. www.bigbearadventures.com. Star Gate Motel - 231.238.7371 The Woodlands - 231.238.4137
Widow’s Watch B&B
Luzerne
Alcona County Bayview Resorts - 313.427.0844 Churchill Point Inn - 989.727.2020 Gravlin’s Cottages - 989.727.9952 Hubbard Lake Motor Lodge - 989.727.3311 Len & Layne’s Cottages - 989.736.6418 Lone Pine Resort - 989.727.3224 Red Cabin - 989.727.2214 Sands Resort - 989.727.2711 Villas at Mt. Mariah - 989.736.8118 West Wind Cottages - 989.727.2816
Hubbard Lake
Hale
Alcona County Alcona Beach Motel - 989.724.5471 Big Joe’s State Park Motel - 989.724.5334 Copper Inn - 989.724.7338 Four Seasons Motel - 989.724.6220 Northside Cabins - 989.724.6227 Seaver Country House - 989.724.6939 Springport Inn - 989.724.9360
Ogemaw County Berry’s Woods & Waters Resort - 989.473.2525 Driftwood - 989.473.2440 Euper’s Sage Lake - 989.473.2283 Grand Lakes Resort - 989.473.2211 Rifle Lake Haven - 989.473.2342
989.826.1737 • M-33 just north of Mio overlooking the beautiful AuSable River. 28 rooms • www.ausablevalleyinn.com Autumn Hills Resort - 989.848.2250 Big Creek Preserve - 989.826.3606 Four Seasons Motel - 989.826.3267 Hinchman Acres Resort - 989.826.3267 Holiday Motor Inn - 989.826.3740 Mio Motel - 989.826.3248 Mio Pine Acres - 989.826.5590 Mio Songbird Motel - 989.826.5547 Pine River Motel - 989.826.3704 Northern View Motel - 989.826.3830 North Star Motel - 989.826.6115 Rainbow Resort - 989.826.3423 Teaspoonful Antiques B&B - 989.826.3899
Cheboygan County Brentwood Lodging - 231.238.7310 Coach House Motel - 231.238.9370 Holiday Inn Express - 231.238.3000 Indian River Motel & Cottages - 231.238.7406 Johnson Topinabee Motel - 231.238.7541 The Landings - 231.238.9955 Nor-gate Motel - 231.238.7788
Iosco County AuSable River Camp - 989.728.3287 Bear Store - 989.728.9981 Colonial Inn Motel - 989.728.4061 Four Seasons Resort - 989.728.5884 Long Lake Resort - -989.257.4310 Rollway Resort - 989.728.3322
Lupton
Northwoods Lodge
Lewiston
Montmorency County
Garland
800.4.GARLAND or 989.786.2211 • 4700 N. Red Oak Rd. Featuring the largest log structure east of the Mississippi. Challenging golf, cross-country skiing, hiking and biking. Gorton House B&B - 989.786.2764 Lewiston Hotel - 989.786.2330 Lewiston Lodge - 989.786.5261 Lewiston Shady Oaks - 989.786.2330 Little Wolf Lake Resort - 989.786.2272 Northshore Resort - 989.786.2223 Redwood Inn - 989.786.2226
Iosco County Good Tour B&B - 989.362.7047 Island View Cottages - 989469.3438 Little Island Lake - 989.469.3835
Omer
Arenac County Rifle River B&B - 989.653.2911
Onaway
Presque Isle County Knost’s Cottages - 989.733.6577 Lakeside Motel - 989.733.4298 Lyon’s Motel - 989.733.8821 Onaway Motel - 989.733.8213 Schell Resort - 989.733.8601 Stillmeadow B&B - 989.733.2882 Timo Rentals - 989.733.9710
Ocqueoc
Presque Isle County Shaginapi Resort - 989.733.2052 Anderson’s Pi-No-La - 989.733.8969
Oscoda
Iosco County All Seasons Lakefront Cottage - 989.739.8663 Americinn® Hotel & Suites - 989.739.1986 Anchorage Cottages - 989.739.7843
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Lodging - Where to Stay (Continued from Page 43)
Oscoda (continued)
Presque Isle Lodge - 989.595.6970
Rogers City
Aspen Motor Inn
800.892.7736 or 989.739.9152 • 115 N. Lake St. 22 units located near shopping, harbor, fishing and a short walk to beaches. Aurora Resort Motel - 989.739.9801
AuSable River Resort
989.739.5246 • 718 W. River Rd. Three cabins on the beautiful AuSable River, canoeing, Huron National Forest and shopping nearby. Barefoot Beach - 989.739.1818 Bauer’s Beach Resort - 989.724.5055 Blue Haven Resort - 989.724.6771 Blue Horizon Court - 800.524.5201 Cedar Lane Resort - 989.739.9988 Chippewa Landing Resort - 989.739.7008 Coastline Cottages - 989.739.5741 Deerborn Cabins - 989.739.0123 El Cortez Beach Resort - 989.739.7884 Holiday Shores Motel - 989.739.5741 Huron House B&B - 989.739.9255 JJ’s on the Beach - 248.6961.8232 Lake Trail Motel - 989.739.2096 Lakeland Resort - 989.739.5875 Lakewood Shores Resort - 989.739.2073 Lillar’s Landing Resort - 989.739.4039 MacBea Cottages - 989.739.5465
Margie’s on the Lake
989.739.9600 • 205 Pack Dr. 180 feet of private beach, and beautiful view of the lake located in the center of town. Marlene’s Landing - 989.739.0651 Miami Beach Resort - 989.739.8765 New AuSable Beach Resort - 989.739.9971 Nor’East Shore Resort - 989.739.7633 Northern Traveler - 989.739.9261 Oscoda Resort - 989.739.2714
Oscoda Surfside Cottages
One and two bedroom fully furnished and equipped cottages located within the Surfside Resort on Lake Huron’s sugar sand beach. All linens are provided. Boating, fishing, canoeing, golfing, hunting, hiking and snowmobile trials are nearby. BBQ grills, lake front fire pits, boat/boat trailer parking and playground are within the Resort. Units are non-smoking and dog friendly. 810.519.1049. URL: www. oscodasurfsidecottages.com Pappas Resort - 989.734.6840 Pines on the Lake - 989.739.5741 Pink Shell Beach - 989.739.0739 Redwood Motor Lodge - 989.739.2021
Presque Isle County Captain’s Quarters Motel - 989.734.7866 Driftwood Motel - 989.734.4777 Hi-Way Motel - 989.734.3272 Manitou Shores Resort - 989.734.7233 North Star Motel - 989.734.4314 Presque Isle Huron Shores Motel - 989.734.4060 Rogers City Motel - 989.734.3707
Rose City
Ogemaw County Badlands Entertainment Complex - 989.685.3950 Henrick’s Island Lake Resort - 989.685.2325 Loon Lake Resort - 989.685.2407
Rose Hills Resort
989.685.3978 • www.rosehillsresort.com A truly peaceful year-round family get away on Bear Lake north of Rose City. Spacious new cabins sleep up to 8. Full kitchens and gas log fireplaces. Scenic Motel - 989.685.2668
Skidway Lake
Ogemaw County Skidway Lake Motel - 989.873.5188
Standish
Arenac County In Town Inn - 989.846.6247 Standish Motel - 989.846.9571 White’s Beach Resort - 989.846.9684
Tawas City
Coleman’s Resort - 989.362.3962 Crow’s Nest Inn - 989.362.4455 Dale Motel - 989.362.6153 Days Inn - 989.362.0088 Maica’s Cottages - 989.362.8925 North Star Motel - 989.362.2255 Paradise Beach Resort - 989.362.3234 Smith’s Pine Haven Resort - 989.362.2321 Surfside Motel/Marina - 989.362.6915 Tawas Motel - 989.362.3822 Tawas Bay Resort - 989.362.4290
West Branch
Ogemaw County Clear Lake Motel - 989.345.0685
Clear Lake Resort
989.345.2459 • 3802 Grass Lake Road West Branch, Michigan 48661. 8 cabins and 9 boats. E-mail: reservations@clearlakeresort.info LogHaven Bed, Breakfast & Barn - 989.685.3527
Quality Inn Forward Conference Center
989.345.3503 • 2980 Cook Rd. Located next to Tanger Outlet Center, Lumberjack Restaurant, convenience store, indoor pool and recreation area. 80 rooms. Red Rose Motel - 989.345.2136
Super 8 Motel
989.345.8488 • 2596 Austin’s Way. 41 rooms, 3 Jacuzzi suites. Next to Tanger Outlet Center, Lumberjack Restaurant. Tri-Terrace Motel - 989.345.3121 Welcome Motel - 989.345.2896
Whittemore
Iosco County Whittemore Inn - 989.756.4705
Iosco County Bayview Resort - 989.362.4361
Rest-All Inn
989.739.8822 • 4270 N. US-23. 24-hour indoor pool, whirlpool and sauna. Sandcastle Resort - 989.739.9881 Sandpiper Motel - 989.739.2108 Scenic Resort - 989.739.7751 Shenandoah on the Lake - 989.739.3997 Sid’s Resort - 989.739.7658 Stefan’s R&R Resort - 989.739.2778
Surfside Motel and Condos
989.739.5363 • 6504 N. US-23 overlooking Lake Huron just north of Oscoda. 41 units. Surfside Heights II - 989.739.9955 Thomas’ Parkside Cottages - 989.739.5607 Twelve Oaks Resort - 989.739.7813 Wallace’s Lakeside Cottages - 989.739.5999 Whispering Winds - 989.739.3777 White Sands Cottages - 989.739.5786 Wolverine Court - 989.739.4906
Presque Isle
Presque Isle County Cabin Shores Resort - 989.595.6221
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Loading ships at Rogers City’s Calcite Plant,
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Golf
on Michigan’s Sunrise Side
If golf is on your radar for this year’s summer vacation then northeast Michigan should be the place to find outstanding golf and golf values. With a varied offering of golf layouts, you are certain to find one that fits your needs.
Cheboygan Cheboygan Golf & Country Club
Everywhere across the region you will find wonderful golf courses from Standish to Mackinaw City and from I-75 east to Lake Huron. This list of golf courses provides you with a wide selection from which to choose.
East Tawas Red Hawk Golf Club
In a recent survey northeast Michigan was home to four of the top eight public golf courses in the state. Golf Digest recently named Black Lake, The Gailes at Lakewood Shores, Red Hawk near Tawas Bay and Elk Ridge, near Atlanta as four of the top eight public golf courses in Michigan. With that type of notoriety, northeast Michigan is a perfect place for your next vacation.
231.627.4264 • 1431 Old Mackinaw
989.354.5052 •1135 Golf Course Rd.
Atlanta Elk Ridge Golf Course
989.785.2275 • 9400 Rouse Rd.
AuGres Huron Breeze Golf Course
989.876.6868 • 5200 Huron Breeze Drive
Knollview Golf Course
989.876.4653 • 1010 E. Huron Rd.
989.848.5810 • 1481 Caldwell
231.627.5971 • 1096 Mullett Lake Rd.
Oscoda Lakewood Shores Resort
989.848.2792 • 3757 Weaver Rd.
Onaway Black Lake Golf Course
Mullett Lake Golf Country Club
Comins Cedar Valley Golf Club
1.877.REDHAWK • 350 W. Davison Rd.
Greenbush Greenbush Golf Course
989.724.6356 • 1981 US-23
Hale Wicker Hills Golf Course 989.728.9971 • 7287 Wickert Rd.
Harrisville Springport Hills Golf Course 989.724.5611 • 5184 E. Springport Hillman Thunder Bay Resort 800.729.9375 • 27800 M-32 Hubbard Lake White Pine National Golf 989.736.3279 • 3450 N. Hubbard Lake
Indian River Indian River Golf Course
Alpena Alpena Golf Club
Mio Fairview Hills Golf Club
231.238.7011 • 6460 Chippewa Trail
Lewiston Garland
877.4.GARLAND • N. Red Oak Rd.
Lupton Green Briar Golf Course 989.473.4900 • 3379 Sage Lake Rd. Mackinaw City Mackinaw Club
7751 Cedar Lake Rd. • 989.739.2075
989.733.4653 • 2800 Maxon Rd.
Stoney Links Golf Course 989.733.2683 • 19011 M-68
Prescott Edgewood Forest Golf Club 989.873.5427 • 2160 Sage Lake Rd.
Rogers City Rogers City Country Club
989.734.4909 • 4796 Golf Course Rd.
Standish Pine River Golf Club
989.846.6819 • 2244 Pine River Rd.
Tawas City Singing Bridge Golf Course 989.362.0022 • 1920 Noble
Tawas Golf Course
989.362.6262 • 1022 Monument Rd.
West Branch Apple Valley Golf Course
989.345.2971 • 2100 E. Maes
The Dream
888.TE.DREAM • 5266 W M-55
The Nightmare
989.345.150 • 5745 Old 76
West Branch Country Club 989.34.2501 • 198 N. Fairview
Wolverine Wildwood Lake Golf Course 231.525.8949
231.537.4955 8700 Mackinaw Club
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Enjoy Fishing on Northeast Michigan’s Bountiful Lakes, Streams Join Michigan’s Free Fishing Weekend Celebration on June 7-8, 2007 when all fishing license fees will be waived for these two days for residents and out of state visitors on both inland and Great Lakes waters. A similar Free Fishing Weekend takes place during the middle of February each year. All fishing regulations still apply. How do you participate? Watch for free fishing clinics or stop by your local bait shop and ask for more information. If you are an experienced angler, the Free Fishing Weekend presents a great opportunity to pass on Michigan’s fishing tradition to a new generation of anglers. Both youngsters and beginning adult anglers alike will thank you for sharing your fishing expertise and for helping them discover what rich and rewarding aquatic resources Michigan has to offer. Michigan boasts some of the greatest freshwater fishing resources in the world! With more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, over 11,037 inland lakes and 36, 350 miles of rivers and stream. Included are 12,600 miles of trout waters, approximately 1,000 miles are considered Michigan’s finest blue ribbon streams. Many of those streams are located here in northeast Michigan. With a little planning you can put together a great fishing trip and discover how much fun Michigan fishing can be! A fishing license is required for all persons who have reached their 17th birthday, including those serving in the Armed Forces. When purchasing a fishing license, you may use a valid 46
Michigan driver license, a State of Michigan ID Card (issued by the Secretary of State) with additional proof of residency, or a MDNR Sportcard (purchased from a license agent). If you have a MDNR Sportcard from a previous year and it is still accurate, you may continue to use it. When hunting or fishing, you must carry your license and the identification you used to purchase the license with you. Licenses are valid from March 1 of one year through March 31 of the following year.
For additional information on fishing in Michigan visit the Michigan Department of Natural Resources web site at www.michigandnr.com. There you will find maps, fishing information and other data that will be helpful in planning your fishing vacation to Michigan’s Sunrise Side. This is a good site to get maps of inland lakes, streams and other outdoor information. You can also visit our web site at www. visitmichiganssunriseside.com for links to fishing reports and other updated information.
Snowmobilers Enjoy Hundreds of Miles Of Outstanding Groomed Trails Michigan has become well-known by avid snowmobilers across the nation for its unique combination of abundant and dependable snow, exciting terrain and extensive trail network. Hotels, motels and restaurants cater to the needs of snowmobilers from mid-December through the end of the season in March. Over 5,900 miles of designated snowmobile trails are located throughout the state in six state forests, three national forests and many acres of privately owned lands. In fact, Michigan is one of only three states that offer a large system of interconnected snowmobile trails. Northeast Michigan is no exception. Groomed trails dot the landscape throughout the region. More than 100 grooming tractors are used by 11 DNR offices and by 60 plus grant program sponsors to groom the 5,900-plus mile trail system. Registration fees and snowmobile permit fees account for over $2.5 million annually allocated for trail grooming and maintenance. A $25.00 trail
permit is required on all snowmobiles using the state’s trail system. Permits expire on September 30 of each year. They are available for purchase throughout the snowmobile season at most licensing agents, snowmobile dealers and convenience stores. Northeast Michigan has a number of snowmobiling “hot spots” that provide excellent trail conditions. Check the Michigan’s Sunrise Side Web site for snowmobile trails, trail conditions and other information relating to this outstanding winter pastime at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com. Always check snow condition reports before you travel north for the week or weekend. Many times, when one area has great snow conditions, another may not be as good. By calling ahead you can get a good idea not only how the trails are but what type of weather to expect once you arrive. Snowmobile rentals are available in the region. Most area convention and visitors bureaus or chambers of commerce can provide you with a list of dealers in the area.
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Sunrise Side Coastal Highway - Standish to Mackinaw City The Sunrise Side Coastal Highway (US23), stretches 200-miles along Lake Huron from Standish to Mackinaw City, providing travelers with opportunities for exploring the natural wonders of the region, along with its rich history, culture and recreation.
shore for salmon, lake trout and other species of game fish. The River Road Scenic Byway begins in the downtown area of Oscoda. Beaches and plenty of hiking and biking are available here. Spectacular views of Lake Huron are found north of the community.
The Sunrise Side Coastal Highway begins at Interstate 75 Exit 188 in Arenac County (Standish exit). It continues north through quaint, welcoming communities, past inviting beaches, Great Lakes shipping ports, harbors of refuge for pleasure crafts and wooded forests.
Greenbush, Harrisville, Black River Greenbush is filled with small cottages and summer homes that are often rented to travelers. Visitors find this a great place to stop and stay because the beach, views of Lake Huron and laid back atmosphere make it an ideal place to kick back and enjoy quality family time.
Standish, Omer and AuGres Once you leave the Interstate 75, you are officially “up north.” Standish provides a warm and friendly welcome to travelers as they begin their journey along the Sunrise Side Coastal Highway. A visit to the historic railroad depot located at the corner of US-23 and M-61 provides a unique Welcome Center to the region. The communities of Standish, Omer and AuGres are the first in a string of unique and interesting places to visit along the way. Omer is home to the Rifle River and canoeing, while AuGres is known as the “Perch Capital” of Michigan with its harbor and marina located right on US-23. AuGres is the gateway to Saginaw Bay walleye and perch. Alabaster, Tawas Bay and Oscoda Entering Iosco County, visitors will find a gypsum mine where rock from the mine is used to make wallboard (drywall) for the construction industry. During the shipping season, large lake freighters can be seen at Port Gypsum loading. Tawas Bay is a very popular spot for travelers and anglers alike. The walleye fishery is superb. The twin communities of Tawas City and East Tawas share the inner bay -- Tawas Bay -- of the Saginaw Bay. The area is known for its spectacular beaches, quaint downtown shopping and perch and walleye dinners. Visitors can explore Lumberman’s Monument and enjoy cross-country skiing (Iosco County is the Cross Country Ski Capital of Michigan). Oscoda, north along the Sunrise Side Coastal Highway, is home to the beautiful AuSable River and Paul Bunyan. Each year, anglers ply the river and near
Harrisville and its State Harbor of Refuge host a wide variety of watercraft during the summer. The Harrisville State Park, located along the Lake Huron shoreline has easy access to the downtown area. Harrisville sponsors several major events during the year including, the Sunrise Side Wine and Food Festival and Harmony Weekend. The hills north of town near Black River provide an opportunity to enjoy the woods with great views of Lake Huron. A visit to the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse is a must. Ossineke and Alpena Ossineke offers travelers a chance to relax and enjoy the beaches and a little known state park -- Negwegon State Park. This natural, undeveloped state park is an excellent place to hike during the summer months. The beaches along the Lake Huron shoreline have been called some of the best in all of Michigan. The park is a little difficult to find, but well worth exploring. The City of Alpena, the largest city in northeast Michigan, is home to the Great Lakes only National Marine Sanctuary and Underwater Preserve. Tours of the shipwrecks allows even those who are not accomplished divers to enjoy the sights below the water line. The community also sponsors an annual Lighthouse Festival each October. The Michigan Brown Trout Festival, the longest running event of its kind, brings hundreds of boats and thousands of spectators to the community in July of each year. Shipping is a part of the heritage of the community and is reflected by the emphasis that Alpena has on its harbor in the
downtown area. Presque Isle and Rogers City As you enter Presque Isle County, you will see Grand and Long Lakes along the US23 corridor. The small harbor community of Presque Isle is home to the Old and New Presque Isle lighthouses as well as a harbor that hosts countless boats during the summer season. The area is filled with beautiful white birch forests and outstanding hiking opportunities as well as venturing into another undeveloped state park --Thompson’s Harbor State Park. Traveling north, visitors reach the Nautical City -- Rogers City. This harbor community features an avenue of flags commemorating the rich history of the shipping industry that called the area their home port for many years. Rogers City is also home to the largest limestone quarry in the world. Visitors can take a view of the quarry at Quarry View, just off US-23 on the business loop. Downtown is a quaint and fun place to visit. Just north of town is one of the most spectacular beaches right along side of US-23. The beach is popular in the summer. A new bicycle path follows the shoreline to Hoeft State Park. The rocky coastline is extremely photographic and the view shed makes it difficult to leave. Cheboygan and Mackinaw City The route continues north to the harbor community of Cheboygan, the home of the Coast Guard Cutter Mackinaw and the terminus of the Inland Waterway. The Cheboygan River has a set of locks near the downtown area that is an interesting place to visit. The community also features the Cheboygan Opera House, a tribute to the arts that showcases the community’s commitment to history and tradition. A short detour along the river and into the Black Mountain Recreation Area will provide hiking and biking enthusiasts with a great diversion from the automobile ride along the Lake Huron shoreline. Further north, US-23 rejoins Interstate 75 at the Mackinac Bridge. Here, you will find unique shops and a jumping-off point for Mackinac Island.
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Michigan’s Sunrise Side Chambers of Commerce The Chambers of Commerce located within Michigan’s Sunrise Side are great resources for additional information about attractions, accommodations and everything happening in their communities. This travel guide provides you with some basic information that can be used in planning your vacation. The local Chambers of Commerce and Convention and Visitors Bureaus can help in providing you with more detailed information. Please give them a call. Many have recorded messages that will tell you what is happening, what fish are biting and much, much more.
MACKINAW CITY
ALPENA
OCQUEOC (see Presque Isle Tourism Council)
Alpena Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 65 • Alpena, MI 49707 800/4-ALPENA • 989/354-4181 www.alpena.com
Greater Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce PO Box 856 • Mackinaw City, MI 49701 231/436-5574 www.mackinawchamber.com
MIO
Chamber of Commerce for Oscoda County PO Box 670 • Mio, MI 48647 800/800-6133 • 989.826.3331 www.oscodacounty.org
ONAWAY
Onaway Chamber of Commerce PO Box 274. • Onaway, MI 49765 800/711-3615 • 989-733-2874 info@onawaychamber.com
OSCODA
Oscoda/AuSable Chamber of Commerce 4440 N. US-23 • Oscoda, MI 48750 800.235.4625 • 989.739.7322 www.oscoda.com
ATLANTA
Atlanta Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 410 • Atlanta, MI 49709 989/785-3400 www.atlantamichigan.com
POSEN
Posen Chamber of Commerce PO Box 75 • Posen, MI 49776 989.766.8128
AUGRES
AuGres Chamber of Commerce PO Box 455 • AuGres, MI 48703 989/876-6688
PRESQUE ISLE COUNTY
AUSABLE (see Oscoda)
Presque Isle County Tourism Council PO Box 96 • Rogers City, MI 49779 888.854.9700 www.presqueisle.com
CHEBOYGAN
ROGERS CITY
Cheboygan Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 69 • Cheboygan, MI 49721 800/968-3302 • 231/627-7183 www.cheboygan.com
Rogers City Chamber of Commerce 292 S. Bradley Hwy. • Rogers City, MI 49779 800.622.4148 (MI) • 989.734.2535 www.rogerscitychamber.com
ROSE CITY
FAIRVIEW (see Mio) GREENBUSH (see Harrisville)
Rose City/Lupton Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 100 • Rose City, MI 48654 989-685-2936
HARRISVILLE
Huron Shores Chamber of Commerce PO Box 151 • Harrisville, MI 48740 800/432-2823 www.huronshoreschamber.com
SKIDWAY LAKE
HILLMAN
STANDISH
Hillman Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 506 • Hillman, MI 49746 989/742-3739
INDIAN RIVER
Tawas Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 608 • Tawas City, MI 48764 800/55-TAWAS • 989/362-8643 www.tawas.com
LEWISTON
Lewiston Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 656 • Lewiston, MI 49756 989/786-2293 www.lewistonchamber.com
WEST BRANCH
West Branch Area Chamber of Commerce 422 W. Houghton Ave. West Branch, MI 48661 800/755-9091 • 989/345-2821 www. wbacc.com/chamberofcommerce.htm
WHITTEMORE
(See Presque Isle County Tourism Council)
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Standish Chamber of Commerce PO Box 458 • Standish, MI 48658 989/846-STOP www.sunrisesidemi.com/standish/
TAWAS BAY
Indian River Chamber of Commerce PO Box 57 • Indian River, MI 49749 800/EXIT-310 • 231/238-9325 www.irchamber.com
LINCOLN (See Harrisville) LUPTON (See Rose City) MILLERSBURG
Skidway Lake Area Chamber of Commerce PO Box 4041 • Prescott, MI 48756 989/873-4150
Whittemore Chamber of Commerce PO Box 178 • Whittemore, MI 48770 989/756-5231
Convention and Visitors Bureaus Listed below are the convention and visitors bureaus located on Michigan’s Sunrise Side. They can provide a great deal of information as you plan your vacation. ALPENA AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
235 W. Chisholm • Alpena, MI 49707 800/4-ALPENA • 989/354-4181 www.alpenacvb.com
AUGRES AREA TRAVELERS AND VISITORS BUREAU 989/469-4231 • www.augres.com
CHEBOYGAN AREA TOURIST BUREAU P.O. Box 69 • 124 N. Main St. Cheboygan, MI 49721 800/968-3302 • 231/627-7183 www.cheboygan.com
GARLAND AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU
4800 N. Red Oak Road • Lewiston, MI 49756 877/4-GARLAND • www.garlandusa.com
INDIAN RIVER TOURIST BUREAU P.O. Box 414 • Indian River, MI 49749 800/EXIT-310 • 231/238-9325 www.irtourism.com
MACKINAW TOURIST BUREAU 708 S. Huron Ave. • P.O. Box 160 Mackinaw City, MI 49701 231/436-5664
OSCODA AREA CONVENTION AND VISITORS BUREAU 4440 N. US-23 • Oscoda, MI 48750 800/235-GOAL • 989/739-7322 www.oscoda.com
ROGERS CITY TRAVELERS AND VISITORS BUREAU
540 W. Third St. • Rogers City, MI 49779 877.230.2840 • www.presqueislemi.com
TAWAS BAY TOURIST AND CONVENTION BUREAU
402 E. Lake St. • P.O. Box 10 Tawas City, MI 48764 877/70-TAWAS • www.tawasbay.com
WEST BRANCH/OGEMAW COUNTY TRAVELERS AND VISITORS BUREAU
422 W. Houghton Ave. West Branch, MI 48661 800/755-9091 • www.visitwestbranch.com
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Northeast Michigan Recreational Campgrounds Alger
Greenwood Campground - 989.345.2778 44 campsites. Troll Landing Canoe Livery & Campground - 989.345.7260
Alpena
Alpena County Fairgrounds - 989.356.1847. 60 sites Camper’s Cove RV Park - 80 sites. 989.356.3708 Long Lake Campgrounds - 989.595.2401 Sunken Lake Campgrounds - 989.379.3055 Thunder Bay River Campground - 989.732.3541, Thunder Bay RV Park & Campground - 989.354.2528
Atlanta
Avery Lake State Forest Campground 989.732.3541. 16 sites. Big Oaks State Forest Campground - 989.732.3541. 27 sites. Clear Lake State Park - 989.785.4388. 200 campsites Ess Lake State Forest Campground - 989.785.4388. 27 sites. Jackson Lake State Forest Campground 989.785.4388. 18 sites. Tomahawk Creek Flooding State Forest Campground 989.732.3541
AuGres
AuGres City Park - 989.876.8310, 87 campsites. Point AuGres Marina Campground - 989.876.7314. 75 sites.
Cheboygan
Aloha State Park - 231.625.2522. 286 campsites. Black Lake State Park - 231.785.4251. 50 campsites Bluff’s Resort - 231.625.8443. 21 campsites. Cheboygan State Park - 231.627.2811. 78 campsites. Mackinaw Huron Shores RV Campground - 231.627.4407. 50 campsites. Roberts Landing - 231.627.2285. 50 campsites. Twin Lakes State Campground - 989.785.4251 - 12 campsites Waterways Campground - 888.882.7066. 50 sites.
Curran
McCollum Lake - 989.826.3211. 20 campsites.
East Tawas
East Tawas City Park
989.362.5562. Newman Street at US-23. Full service campground with 170 campsites. Tawas Point State Park - 989.362.5041. 210 sites
Glennie
Alcona Canoe Rental Cabins & Campground
800.526.7080 or 989.735.2973 • 6351 Bamfield Road, 3 miles west of Glennie. Campsites and cabin rental. alconacanoes.com
Hale
Bloomfield Landing Resort - 989.728.5221 Community of Christ - 989.473.3160 Logan Hills Campground - 989.473.2778 Rollways - 989.362.4477.
Hillman
Jack’s Landing Resort
989.742.4370. Modern campsites with power and water. Showers, fire pits, picnic tables, camp store, dump station, propane fill station, picnic tables, waterfront park, playground, boat launch service. www.jackslanding.com Lyon’s Landing & Campground - 989.742.4756 Long Lake Resort & Campground - 989.742.4347; 17 campsites. Sorenson’s Grass Lake Resort - 989.742.3412
Thunder Bay RV Park & Campground
800.729.9375. 23 campsites, level, pull through, full service with water/sewer, premium satellite TV, 20.30/50 amp electric service and high speed wireless internet access. www.thunderbaygolf.com
Harrisville
Harrisville State Park - 989.724.5126; 195 campsites.
Indian River
Burt Lake State Park - 231.238.9392; 300 campsites. Indian River RV Resort & Campground - 888.792.2267; 144 campsites. Pigeon Bay Campground - 231.238.9617; 55 sites Yogi Bear Jellystone Park - 231.238.8259; 172 sites.
Lachine
Beaver Lake Campgrounds - 989.379.4462; 55 sites
Lewiston
Onaway
Onaway State Park - 989.733.8279; 84 sites Shoepac Lake State Forest Campground - 989.785.2451; 28 sites. Tomahawk Lake State Forest Campground - 989.732.35451; 26 sites.
Oscoda
Acres & Trails KOA - 989.739.5115 Golden Arrow Stables - 989.739.7800
Huron National Forest
989.739.7814. Forest campsites from Loud Dam to Oscoda, Tawas City. 86 campsites.
Old Orchard Park
989.739.7814. 883 East River Road. Over 500 campsites on miles of the AuSable River - Open all year. www.oldorchardpark.com Van Ettan Lake - 989.876.8336
Little Wolf Lake State Campground - 989.732.3541; 28 sites. Shady Acres Campground - 989.786.3000; 55 sites Wolf Lake State Forest Campground - 989.732.3541; 24 sites.
Ossineke
Lupton
Sunken Lake Campgrounds - 989.379.3055. 55 sites.
Birchwood & Water Resort - 989.473.2525 Driftwood Resort - 989.473.2440; 25 campsites. Lost Valley Campground - 989.473.2201. Parkview Acres - 989.473.3555 Rifle River State Park - 989.473.2258; 181 sites.
Warbler’s Cove
3426 E. Sage Lake Road 989.473.2211 • 320 campsites. Open March to December. Heated outdoor pool, basketball, horseshoes, adult and kid activities, Sunday pancake breakfast. www.warblerscove.com
Luzerne
Lakewood Campground - 989.826.3280; 25 sites. Luzerne Park - 989.826.5992; 12 campsites. Parmalee Bridge - 989.826.3211; 7 sites. Rainbow Bend State Forest Campground - 989.826.3211
Mackinaw City
Mackinaw City KOA Campground - 231.436.5643; 110 sites. Mackinaw City Campground - 231.436.5219; 80 sites.
Mackinaw Mill Creek Camping
231.436.5684; 600 campsites. 200 full hookups, heated pool (June 9 through Labor Day), flush toilets, 3 shower buildings, new cabins (lakeview and bridgeview), 1 mile of shoreline, free shuttle to island ferry, 2 playgrounds, arcade, camp store, high speed wifi internet access. www.campmackinaw.com Tee Pee Campground - 231.436.5391; 100 sites. Wilderness State Park - 231.436.5381; 250 sites.
Mio
Mio Pine Acres - 989.826.5590; 40 sites. Mio Pond - 989.826.3211; 24 sites. Muskrat Lake State Forest Campground - 989.826.3211 Oscoda County Park - 989.826.5114; 152 sites.
National City
Round Lake Campground - 989.362.4477.
Omer
Russell Canoes & Campgrounds
800.552.4928 or 989.653.2644. 146 Carrington St. 30 campsites.
Ossieneke State Forest Campground - 989.732.3541, then press “0.” 42 sites.
Posen
Prescott
Hardwood Lake Campground - 989.826.3211 22 sites. Ogemaw Pines Campground - 989.873.4537
Rogers City
Ocqueoc Falls State Forest Campground 989.732.3541 P.H. Hoeft State Park - 989.734.2543. 144 sites.
Rose City
Ambrose Lake Campground - 989.826.3211 State forest campground. 30 sites. Loon Lake Campground - 989.685.2407 Ogemaw Sport & Trail Center - 989.685.2999
Spruce
Paul Bunyan Kampground - 989.471.2921
Standish
Big Bend Campground - 989.653.2484. 70 sites. Plantation Campground - 989.846.9991
Sterling
Rifle River Campground - 989.654.2333. 50 sites. Riverview Campground - 989.654.2447. White’s Canoe Livery & Campground - 989.654.2654
Tawas City
Brown’s Landing RV Park - 989.362.3737 East Branch River RV Park - 989.362.8000 Lumberman’s Monument - 989.362.4477. 86 sites. Shady Oaks Campground - 989.362.3947 Tawas River Trailer Park - 989.362.4988 Trails End Campground - 989.362.3393
West Branch Beaver Trails Campground
989.345.5121 4408 Grass Lake Road. Large clean sites, modern shower house, dump station, horse shoes, playground, small private lake, near restaurants and stores. Groups and pets welcome. 28 beautiful sites 15 minutes from West Branch, 10 minutes from Rose City. www.beavertrailcampground.com. Lake George Campground - 989.345.2700 Long Lake Campground - 989.742.4347
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Towering Success
Entrepreneur Wilson brings 21st-century technology to Northeast Michigan When Glenn Wilson, one of the world’s leading authors of cuttingedge software, sold his Colorado business and brought his family back home to Northern Michigan, he planned to hang a consulting shingle from his home on a 60-acre horse ranch and earn his living writing complex computer code. All he needed was an Internet hookup. That was in 1999, and he couldn’t get an account. When most of the developed world, and even much of the undeveloped world, had widespread access to the Internet, the Information Superhighway was still very much under construction in rural Northeast Michigan.
The precious few unreliable dial-up Internet accounts were doled out by a local librarian who advised Wilson that it would be many months before he would get Internet service to his home – if he was lucky. So out of necessity, Wilson started up his own company, building a tower behind his home and signing up neighbors and friends as his first customers. And M33 Access, named for the road that travels through the heart of his coverage area, was born. Nine years, 53 towers and thousands of customers later, his company boasts one of the most unique networks in the world. Wilson is widely praised as a pioneer in the filed of broadcasting a single-broadband signal across a wide area to bring much-needed high-speed 50
service to a depressed countryside surrounding his home town of Rose City, the Ogemaw County village located directly between West Branch and Mio. “Wilson figured out how to buy a hodgepodge of parts from Floridabased online retailer HyperLink Technologies and rig up the country’s first renegade high-speed wireless ISP,” thestreet.com reported in January 2004. In 2006, after years of butting heads with the big traditional phone service providers, Wilson created Michigan Access, a subsidiary of M33 Access, which gives customers in his region a choice of carriers and allowing his business to bundle important services at highly competitive prices. “I wanted to prove a point,” Wilson told The Bay City Times in a Feb February 2003 feature story. “I wanted to show that a business can succeed in rural Michigan with rela relatively low overhead costs and at relatively low cost to the customers. And it’s a mission to bring high-speed Internet services to people who can’t otherwise get it.” But why make it his mission, investing his life savings in a company so challenged by a sparsely populated region whose customers often live in remote valleys, or surrounded by the great tall pines of Northern Michigan? Especially in such difficult economic times? For the children, he insists. “I’m a big believer in the saying, ‘Those who can, must,’ Wilson said. “When I get it so every kid has high-speed Internet in my area, I’ll feel good. “I want digital learning for every child, period. End of story. When a kid in Moscow has better service than the kids in Northern Michigan, well, that’s just wrong. In order for our kids to compete tomorrow, we need the tech-
nology now.” It’s here, and it’s been well-appreciated. “We took a risk going with M33. We could have gone with Charter, the cables were here and had a sure thing,” said Guy Skarin, technolog y director of Tawas Area Schools. “But Glenn’s attitude sold us. He’s pa ssion ate about getGlenn Wilson ting the Internet to people who can’t get it. And he’s proved his technology works – at a very reasonable price.” That kind of appreciation works both ways. Wilson and his wife, Tracie, show their gratitude to the customers who helped build their business by throwing a huge Festival each July. And what was once a pleasant little company picnic has grown over the years to become the signature event of the summer in the region, drawing upwards of 6-8,000 people the past few years. The annual Festival and Concert Fundraiser features family activities, kids games, food, drinks, a custom classic car show, spectacular fireworks and fabulous concert. It’s all free for customers, but thousands of non-customers pay a nominal admission for a full day and night of fun. Camping is available. Last year, the Festival raised more than $20,000 for a variety of local charities and youth groups. This year, M33 Access hopes to top $30,000 for charity. For more information about M33 Access and it’s annual Festival, visit www.m33access.com, or phone (888) 686-5999.
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
Visit our web site at www.visitmichiganssunriseside.com
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Indoor recreational center with pool, Whirlpool, sauna and games Movie channels Special Event Service Free HBO LodgeNet速
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