from the editor
At Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV, last month we celebrated the teamwork between this magazine, the I-500 committee, and Owosso Speedway (the I-500 title sponsor). This month, I am again amazed at the passion that supports our tracks, trails and local chapters in Michigan. This issue describes some great happenings on old favorites and some impressive upgrades to newly reopened trails. Make sure to make plans to get out and enjoy one or all of these great areas.
Jay Haven does an
incredible detailed job describing an off the beaten path adventure in the Keweenaw that could include an overnight camp for anyone with big ideas and the right skills. Keep in mind, cell service is very limited in most of this area (perhaps a blessing to some). This area is so amazing and a favorite of Scott and I’s each fall. Make sure to check out Mike Olmstead’s description of Rocks and Valleys Offroad Park located in Harrison, MI. Rocks and Valleys is an owner created 200 acre off road park. The rules have been kept pretty simple,
VOLUME 57 - NUMBER 9
Founded September 1967
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New Lothrop MI 48460 810.348.1325 scottd@faragoassoc.com www.michsnowmag.com
THE MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER+ORV is an independent publication endorsing the goals of MISORVA, and other associations. Opinions expressed herein are the opinions of the editor or contributing writers, and do not necessarily reflect the official opinions of the MSA, or their board of directors. Reproduction of material in whole or part is prohibited, unless authorized in writing by the publisher - all rights reserved.
yet the safety record stands for itself with no 911 calls needed yet! For more information check them out at rocksandvalleys.com. Then – and it can NOT be overstated – take time to read the articles by Winch and Connie Diller and Kim Kisner. Each article describes the work done on our trail system by the chapters supporting each trail. Winch and Connie do an amazing job giving credit to the volunteers that support the Manistique area trail system. This system allows all of us travelers access to the many amenities we enjoy while riding in the Manistique area. Winch and Connie gives us insight into how the volunteers coordinate the off season maintenance of the trail, early maintenance of the base and how they deal with limited snow in the not so perfect years.
Hope you found
PUBLISHER | Peter Farago
EDITOR | Ann Drzewiecki
inspiration to do something new, talk with someone new or eat somewhere new within our pages! As always at Michigan Snowmobiler and ORV, we hope each of you is enjoying good health while dreaming of fun and the sound of revving engines after reading our magazine! We look forward to seeing everyone at local events, chapter meetings and volunteering in support of Michigan Snowmobiling and ORVs. Please remember to keep all our veterans and first responders in your thoughts and prayers. Please feel free to reach out to us. We love to hear from our readers. Be safe and enjoy the tracks and trails until our next issue.
As alway, you can reach out to us at Michigan Snowmobiler at scottd@faragoassoc.com
ADVERTISING MANAGER | Scott Drzewiecki
CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR | Michelle Sheridan
SOCIAL MEDIA DIRECTOR | Chelsie Dzbanski Fontenelle
WEB MANAGER | Kelly Kosek
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS | Ric Federau, Patrick Grzebinski ,Terri Norey, Mike Olmstead, Dominic Santina, Jay Haven, Joyce Wiswell
SALES | Scott Drzewiecki, Peter Farago
DESIGNERS | Kelly Kosek, Kaitlyn Schoen
MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER and ORV INC., The Michigan Snowmobiler is published 10 times per year, September through February and May through August. Call or go online for your subscription today 810.348.1325 | michsnowmag.com
Haywire Grade Manistique
WINCH DILLER PRESIDENT OF THE SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTY MOTORIZED TRAILS ASSOC. (SCMTA)
BY WINCH AND CONNIE DILLER CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
As the President of the Schoolcraft County Motorized Trails Association (SCMTA) and half of the Driver Coordinator team I am privileged to work with, and guide the training of, a great group of volunteers who continuously show their pride and dedication to the art and practice of “Trail maintenance”. We are Blessed with a diverse group whose backgrounds range from fabrication and all forms of welding to engineering, “wrenching” and administrative wizardry, They are also the best at managing low snow conditions. My tenure as Club “Prez” started in 2016, and no one seems to want my job, so I’ll
continue… But I digress… Let’s talk about the TRAIL!
Trail 2 is the “East/West” trial that runs concurrently with the Grade as it approaches and transits through the city of Manistique, MI. Access to Manistique from the trail offers a great variety of food, night life, multiple lodging choices, gas, oil and in extreme cases, repairs. Many groups base there stay in the Manistique area as it is centrally located and affords access to the U.P. trail system via the 2 trail from the city trail system. This trail connects to the #7 trail in our system that runs North/South as well. And gives access to The Palms Book State Park and the Big Springs itself. continued on page 8
‘Haywire Grade’ also known as Trail 41 is the link to the trail system that transits to the northern U.P. It is a 35-mile trail that goes through half a dozen forest “types” of hardwoods, older growth with the transition to and from these types that have water, rivers and lakes alongside the trail itself. The trail intersects with the 413 trail that connects to the 7 trail and is a popular “Loop” run on the grade. Easily identified on all map systems. While relatively flat, the trail gives access to hills “off trail” via county roads and/or U.S. Forest Service seasonal roads. As I mentioned, it being flat, it travels through some intense swampy areas and leaving the groomed trail is not advised. Yes, there are designated “Boondocking” areas and the opportunities for “off trail” are out there but, some of the swampy areas have been known to swallow machines. Let’s say its not advisable unless there’s been a real intense hard freeze and there’s a good snowpack… (read “sometime in February”)
‘Haywire Grade’ also known as Trail “J” is the ORV section of the trail from Manistique to Shingleton and mirrors the “41”. The trail reveals a sharp contrast from the winter months when riding through the Hiawatha National Forest areas of the trail and coming out of Manistique. There is a continuous “Canopy” through many areas of hardwoods and upland areas. The wildlife viewing and “Birding” is great, as
there are many habitat changes throughout the ride. Maintaining the trail base to accommodate the various side-by-side and ORV traffic is accomplished by a tractor with various types of earth moving and earth shaping attachments as well as scheduled surface grooming throughout the ORV season as weather permits. The trail does NOT have “boondocking areas” for ORVs along the trail, so please, remain on the trail.
To have a great trail system requires maintaining the trails surfaces. This has been a continuous process involving trail base improvement and upgrading the various bases in locations showing the effects of traffic. We learned that a smooth trail in the winter is directly related to a smooth trail base to start out. To that end, the club, through State Grant applications, has invested well over $450K in
continued on page 10
DEER PARK
GRAND MARAIS
continued from page 8
trail maintenance and repair in my tenure with this organization.
There has been an ongoing and identified need to repair and upgrade trail surfaces every summer. Identifying these areas come from the men and women who volunteer with the club that do the work and often prep and mark the areas for the contractors who do the “heavy lifting” on these projects.
I mentioned grooming for informational purposes: In winter, the trail is initially “packed in “after” there is sufficient cover snow on the trail (usually 6”-8” in December) and contrary to popular opinion, there are several “Types” of snow, and they all impact how and when the grooming either starts the season or how they manage the snowfall on the trail. When the season gets going after the initial pack in and panning establishes the base for the trail, the 41 trail gets groomed daily from the Jackpine Trail head to Shingleton and the 410 into Boot Lake/M94 and from Manistique to the Jackpine Trailhead. These daily runs go on an “as needed basis. These conditions happen when there is plenty of snow ON the trail but insufficient new snow to bind and build the base.
You may or may not have read or heard the term “snow science” when dealing with grooming, believe me, it’s real.
We start the ORV season as soon as possible on the Grade after “Break up”, which can be extremely wet (remember I said there were swamps along the trail?) swamp overflow can cover the trail and ANY traffic causes damage to that area of trail bed. After the runoff has subsided we grade and plane out the surface and evaluate any repairable damage and do the spring maintenance
for signage and posting.
As of this writing the SCMTA has 4 separate trail repair and upgrade projects pending bids and startup. All projects are short term and are not likely to close the trail to traffic. We are proud of our trail and the trails in our system, We hope you can enjoy them as much as we do. Remember: Ride Safe, Ride Right, Ride Sober. •
East Jordan Bursting with New Projects
If you haven’t been to East Jordan before or haven’t visited the community lately, you need to put us on your “must do” list for this year! Our community is bursting with so many “completed” major projects. The renovation and addition of the universal kayak launch at Sportsman’s Park has been finished this spring and is ready for use. Launch your kayak onto the wild and scenic Jordan River to experience nature at its finest. The Jordan Art Walk, now in its fourth year, will be welcoming six new sculptures to the poplar art walk. The Art Walk Committee will be conducting a Ribbon Cutting and Dedication of the sculptures on Wednesday, June 12th at 10:00 AM starting in Memorial Park. The artists will cut a ribbon at their sculpture with their sculpture sponsor(s). Several of the current and incoming sculptures are for sale. Be sure to check the website at jordanartwalk. org for complete information on the artists, sculptures and prices.
The magnificent Don and Eileen Klein Trail and Boardwalk over the Jordan River will officially be dedicated at a special ceremony and Ribbon Cutting on Saturday, June 8th at 10:00 AM. The amazing universally accessible boardwalk will allow everyone to get out into “nature” and onto the Jordan River. Experience the spectacular flora and fauna that the Jordan River Watershed offers. A photographer’s and bird watchers paradise await you year-round! The Klein Trail is accessible at the Friends of the Jordan Watershed Building and Property or from the Rogers Family Homestead Nature Preserve parking lot. While in East Jordan, don’t miss stopping at the newly landscaped and renewed Grand Army Republic Park on Main Street. Home to the one-of-its-kind Jordan Honor Star sculpture. The park has been completely renovated with a new pavilion, flag display, GAR Memorial and refurbished gazebo. Made possible by the Rebec-Hosler Sweet
American Legion Post #227, the East Jordan Shoe Club, East Jordan High School Welding Class Students and many community members and organizations. The student members of the East Jordan Shoe Club also interviewed local veterans, wrote and published a book “Stories of Service – in their own words” which is now for sale at several locations in East Jordan including the Chamber of Commerce Office for $25.00. The students will be completing their once-in-a-lifetime project by visiting Gettysburg in Mid-June. Looking forward to seeing you in East Jordan! We have so much to showcase! Don’t forget to enjoy shopping, dining and visiting our many cultural and recreational amenities!
For more information, contact us at The East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce – 231-536-7351 or info@ ejchamber.org •
Mary H. Faculak East Jordan Area Chamber of Commerce
EAST JORDAN
ADVENTURE BEYOND BOUNDARIES
BY RIC FEDERAU
Like It
Some like it hot. Some like it cold. Then the two shall come together. That’s exactly what happened midweek at the Owosso Speedway during the “Bob Finley Memorial” night June 19th.
The I-500 embarked upon the Owosso Speedway for its second stop out of 12 auto race venues we’ll be visiting throughout our “ I-500 Pure-Michigan Summer Tour”. For those of you who don’t know, the SOO I-500 is on a summer tour visiting race venues to promote the sport of Snowmobile oval ice endurance racing. It just so happens that Wed. June 19th. was one of the hottest days on record in Michigan temps in the high 90’s. It’s kinda crazy when you think about it.... Here we have representatives promoting Michigan’s premier winter racing event where temps are in the single digits promoting our snowmobile race with auto race fans on a blistering heat night at one of Michigan’s premier auto race venues. “And the two shall come together”........ Promoting the I-500 and knowing how accommodating the Owosso Speedway is for their race fans, this was a perfect setting for the I-500 representatives to promote the sport of Snowmobile Oval Ice Endurance Racing. If you can imagine, a midweek auto race that had thousands of race fans attending gave the I-500 the opportunity to share information about the race and sport. On this blistering HOT night, so many fans who visited the I-500 booth asked the question.... “ Would you prefer
95F temps for racing or single digits for racing? For those of us from the SOO working the booth we all said, “ We’ll take the single digits”. However, judging by the thousands of spectators on site it was obvious to us YOOPER types that extreme heat doesn’t keep them away. These auto race fans are “die-hard” race junkies who embarked on a fun filled night that guaranteed them exciting front row action all night. Those of us who are fans of the I-500 and snowmobile racing it was so COOL to see the loyalty and support given the race teams and the Owosso Speedway. The stands were packed all night, the parking lot was full and the race teams throughout the night of racing gave spectators a top flight night of racing excitement. In past articles I’ve written about the hospitality offered by Owosso Speedway, they didn’t waiver from their commitment to provide race fans with outstanding races and entertainment. Don’t head to the pits quite yet folks as I want to share more information about the quality racing Owosso is committed to providing. Ownership of Owosso is totally committed to the fans as well as to the race teams who race there. The teams and drivers are some of the best of the best from around the country and the competition is second to none. “Build it and they will come” That’s what is happening at Owosso Speedway. The objective to build the most pristine short tracks in America isn’t slowing down one continued on page 16
I-500
continued from page 15
bit. Owner Rex Wheeler efforts to build the track all race teams will want to race at is on course and full speed ahead.
I had first hand experience finding this out. As I toured the pit area during time trials with Mr. Wheeler I was introduced to so many top flight drivers which is a testimony supporting the efforts Mr. Wheeler is putting into making Owosso Speedway the track to race at
for cream of the crop drivers. Let me paint a picture for ya of what I personally experienced during the tour down pit row at Owosso.
It was like walking down the middle of a giant runway sixty feet wide. Both sides of pit row were plastered with race teams and their colorful canopies and cars. It was cool to see all the drivers in their colorful race apparel. You could simply feel the electricity in the air.
As we walked down pit row, teams would fire up their engines. When race cars are started it grabs your attention and if you’re a race fan it’s sure to give you goosebumps. From one end of pit row to the other which is hundreds of yards, there were teams housed for racing all in their own designated pit area. Ya never know who you’ll see while walking down pit row.
continued on page 18
LEFT TO RIGHT: Ric Federau, Ken Schrader and Rex Wheeler
Ryan and Cameron Spencer
I-500
continued from page 16
Given that Mr. Wheeler is building America’s future tashmahal of short track racing venues, he’s bringing top-flight talent here to race. The “ Who’s, who” of auto racing are finding out more and more what Owosso has to offer. It’s working as I personally met with legendary race driver Kenny Schrader”. I was feeling like we were with royalty during the time spent together. It was really cool as I got to share conversation with Mr. Schrader and had the opportunity to mention information about the International 500 Snowmobile race Mr. Schrader got his ear bent a little as I shared information with him about the International 500 snowmobile race to give him a perspective he’s never experienced until now. The fact that people such as Ken
Schrader are attending races at Owosso Speedway is an indicator as to what the future holds for the success Owosso Speedway will experience. moving forward.
On behalf of the International 500 Board of Directors, we wish to thank Mr. Wheeler for his support and the opportunity for us to share information with race fans about the SOO International 500. Being able to promote the sport of snowmobile oval ice racing at auto race venues is important. During our down season at the I-500 we enjoy sharing information about the I-500. What better way to gain recognition for the sport of Oval ice racing? So let me end by sharing a friendly reminder for you as our reader. NOW is the continued on page 20
WHITE LAKE
continued from page 18
time to secure lodging for the 56th. running of the International 500 at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. Visit our I-500 web site at: .www.i-500.com In addition, should YOU be visiting one of the auto race venues the I-500 will be at, please stop and visit us.
THE REMAINING SCHEDULE OF “SUMMER TOUR” VENUES ARE AS FOLLOWS:
7/12/2024:
Birch Run Speedway, Birch Run, Mich.
8/3/2024:
Merritt Speedway, Merrit, Mich.
8/7/2024:
U.S. 31 Speedway (Berlin)
8/10/2024:
Owosso Speedway
8/24 & 25th:
Laird Speedway (SSM Canada)
8/30/2024:
Kinross Speedpark, Kinross, Mich.
9/1/2024:
Norway Speedway, Norway, Mich.
9/13, 14 & 15/ 2024:
Great Lake Power Sports Show * US- 31 Speedway (south of Grand Rapids, Mich)
9/21/2024:
Owosso Speedway, Owosso, Mich.
11/ 1,2 & 3/ 2024:
NOVI SNOWMOBILE EXPO, Novi, Mich.
There’s a lot of racing at Owosso Speedway throughout the summer months and early Fall. Please visit: www.owossospeedway.com for more information. •
LEFT TO RIGHT: Ken Schrader, Chad Finley, Mike Finley, Rex Wheeler, Madison Wheeler and Ric Federau
t h e e n d o f irst part of
t i n J u n e
g o t t h i s e -
g m e o v e r brats, corn and a few
-
u e s l a t e l y ook a good s e p i l l b o tnow what I
w h e n I g o t
n t o l d m e
s t d e c i d e d
p to June.
l o n g n a p
e m s t h a t
they made the move to make the move
Anyhow, it worked out pretty good Martin said, “We ha d a rea l l y g o o d t u r n o u t . Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery ”
A s f o r m e , o f course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, o f c o u r s e S o , I c a n
s a y t h a t w i t h o u t a doubt that the burgers were really good. The c o r n o n t h e c o b w a s
awesome Martin and I
b o t h c o m m e n t e d o n
t h e f a c t t h a t t h i s w a s really tasty corn for the e a r l y p a r t o f s u m m e r.
A n d , t h e f u n k y g r e e n marshmallow fluff stuff
w a s a l s o d o w n r i g h t tasty. Plus, Prince, my
l i t t l e f i v e p o u n d S h i -
Ts u m i x s i d e k i c k t o l d
m a n y S S A a l w a y s
a v e s o m earound the
p i c n i c , s o
m e t h a t t h e h o t d o g s were also just perfect
T h e n , I w a t c h e d a s
M a r t i n ’s b r o t h e r A l
t o a s t e d u p s o m e
m a r s h m a l l o w s o v e r
For
t h e f i r e f o r h i s g r a n d
d a u g h t e r A l e x a S h e really seemed to enjoy
t h e t r a d i t i o n a l t a s t y
treat of summer Howe v e r, I d i d s o m e w h a t of a faux paux. At first, m i s t o o k A l e x a f o r a
h i m O K , s h e i s 1 3 , s k i n n y, a n d h a d s h o r t hair But, not a him A her Anyway, back to the S S A M a r t i n h a p p i l y t o l d m e t h a t t h
Taking it to the Limit
Rocks and Valleys Offroad
Park offers a top-tier experience for 4x4’s and sideby-side enthusiasts
BY MIKE OLMSTEAD CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Tucked away smack dab in the middle of Michigan’s mitten you will find the Rocks and Valleys Offroad Park. The park is centrally located in the state, just a 2½ hour radius to much of Michigan’s population. That 2½ hour window makes Rocks and Valleys just close enough to a couple million enthusiasts to do an off road adventure ‘day trip’!
Rocks and Valleys sits on 200 acres of mid-Michigan forest, and is a pleasant off-road park that caters to full size 4x4s and the popular side-byside vehicles (In the interest of safety there are no ATVs and dirt bikes at Rocks and Valleys).
The park is owned and operated by Jeff & Jess Brockway. Jeff & Jess also own the Snow Snake Ski & Golf right down the road from the park. Though the two businesses have the same owner they are not affiliated.
The park opened in 2010 after Jeff attended a Jeep Jamboree USA event in Tennessee. At that time the property that is now Rocks and Valleys was a part of the Snow Snake Ski & Golf enterprise. Jeff shared that after he saw the kind of trails that the Jamboree were on, he thought “Hey, I have couple hundred acres doing absolutely nothing for me (except maybe some deer hunting in the fall!), I have a bulldozer, excavator, backhoe, and other sundry earth moving equipment… maybe I can build my own trails!”
Which is exactly what he did! Although at first it might have been a small operation with limited public access, it wasn’t long until Jeff realized that there is a market for this activity! And in 2010 he opened up the Rocks and Valleys Off Road Park!
Besides the obvious trail system, the park’s features include a large staging & parking area, rustic camping, picnic area, and lots of trails! About the only amenity they don’t offer right at the park is a food concession or snack bar. However, if you didn’t pack a lunch, the grill at Snow Snake Ski & Golf is less than five minutes away and is usually open, plus there are a number of restaurants and convenience stores within a half hour of the park. Vehicle requirements are relatively simple at Rocks and Valleys: Depending on the vehicle you roll in with you may be subject to a quick once-over by the staff. But the “gotta haves” for any vehicle riding Rocks and Valleys trails are: 1) Vehicles must either have a full steel roof, or roll cage 2) no open headers or exhaust 3) seatbelts 4) safety flags. (Don’t worry if you don’t have a safety flag, they have them for sale at the park!) Also, vehicles do not have to be Secretary of State licensed to run at the park.
We talked about safety at the park, and Jeff and Jess both expressed their satisfaction with the park’s safety record. They haven’t had a 911 emergency call in over 10 years! That’s not to say there haven’t been any incidents - this is an offroad park where vehicles and drivers sometimes take things to the limit! Contributing to the safety
Reser vations: 8
Email : newberryabvi@gmail.com www.redlion.com/newberry.com 12956 State Route M-28 - Newberry
Arrowheads and one Dubie Looks like the trails will be kept in great shape this winter
As for the Trail situation, Martin noted that the stretch between the Soo and Kinross has improved greatly They have fixed most of the problems in that area. As you may recall, there
was a photo that went viral a couple years ago featuring an SSA groomer sunk in that area Then, there are a couple of culvert projects W hich, if they work out, should go un-noticed by most sledders And, a reroute in the Raco area Moving a bit of Trail just a bit. Maybe this year Probably
next year
is a small cadre of volunteers, sometimes referred to as ‘the park rangers’. These are the folks who patrol the park and offer assistance from time to time.
Finally - the reason we’re here: The trails!! As you can see from the trail map in the sidebar (downloadable from their website) there are a lot of trails in this place! If I had to describe the park in two words, it would be tight and twisty. There are two areas with some very entertaining and challenging hill climbs (Stump Hill and Big Valley). There are also a couple ‘scramble areas’ with their own challenges and obstacles to play around in and test your rig and your skills.
Anyhow, as of June, the SSA is looking good Good membership Good leadership And, a good plan to keep the Trails groomed and open Also, they keep remembering the Number One Rule: When you have a summer picnic, you have to invite the reporter T hanks again guys As always What Martin said, “Good food Good fun Good comradery ”
Although there is a lot of diversity among trails on one hand, on the other hand they all bear similarities: tight, twisty, off-camber, rocks of all sizes, with a few muddy sections thrown in! Some of my favorite trails are “Pack a Lunch” (tight, twisty, small hills, rocks), “Sidewinder” (lots of off-camber switchbacks) , “Undertaker” (tire trap at start, large rock to steer around), and “Adventure Route” (fair number of ups and downs combined with lots of turns).
The park is open from April 1 through October 31. Normal hours are:
Fridays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Saturdays: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Sundays: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Trails are all rated as to their difficulty: Stock - Green, Modified – Blue, and ‘Must Have Lockers’(!) – Black. In addition, signage in the park is fairly decent – in my opinion better than the signage I’ve seen at similar parks.
And the three ‘holiday’ Mondays for Memorial Day, 4th of July and Labor Day weekends.
Although the ‘normal’ hours are as noted above, the park will open through the week for those looking for some mid-week wheeling; the
SAULT STE MARIE
only requirement is that arrangements have to be made in advance to take advantage.
Another interesting sidenote about the park that demonstrates its popularity is that the park can be rented out for your group or special activity. Area ORV dealers have rented the park to demonstrate their products to prospective customers.
Rocks and Valleys also has a number of special events each year (see sidebar), which typically include promotional pricing and special activities. See the Rocks and Valleys website for more information.
More information and pictures are available on their website at: www. rocksandvalleys.com
So! If you have a Jeep, 4x4, or side-by-side and you’re looking for a place to ‘stretch your legs’ that’s a reasonable drive from most of Michigan’s major metro areas, Rocks and Valleys could be the place for you! Give ‘em a look! •
Venture into remote scenic rides on
Keweenaw Peninsula
LEFT: Walk the same grounds as miners once worked at the Painesdale Mine.RIGHT: Horseshoe Harbor is one of the most tranquil rock beaches in the Keweenaw
BY JAY HAVEN KEWEENAW TRAILBLAZE/ CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Pack your compass, a miner’s lunch, and top off your fuel tanks – you’re ready to ride the Keweenaw. Stretching out into Lake Superior from Michigan’s Western Upper Peninsula, the “Copper Island” offers adventure to those who seek it. This wild land is shaped by the glaciers and is dotted by quiet parks, cozy cabins and thick forests that engulf you in the outdoors at every turn. Imagine yourself navigating the rugged terrain, discovering hidden trails and basking in the serene beauty of this remote wilderness. It’s just you and your ORV in Michigan’s Copper Country this summer – get your Michigan ORV trail
pass and book the trip with these tips in mind.
WHERE TO GO
Looking to get off the beaten path? Try trailering to Calumet and embarking on a ride in the heart of the Keweenaw. You can park at the AmericInn on 6th Street. This charming town will welcome you with sights of tall, sandstone buildings and some of the hottest cups of coffee you can find. Head for a historic ride south to explore some of the region’s copper mining past. Take the new and improved trail out of Calumet for ORV riders: Trail BD through Lake Linden and Dollar Bay. You’ll pass by a variety of old mining buildings and machinery with waterfront views: like the Quincy Drege on Torch Lake in the community of Mason. Continue along the canal and catch a scheduled escort across the Portage Lake Lift Bridge on your ORV. Inquire about the crossing schedule or request an escort at 906-482-2121 with the Houghton Police Department. Check out the following below the bridge: the Painesdale Mine and Twin Lakes State Park. Both are located along the Bill Nichols Trail which runs 41 miles from Houghton to Mass City. Look for the towering Painesdale
continued on page 30
off the beaten path...
Mine and Shaft House once you pass South Range and Trimountain. You can stop at the grounds to eat a lunch or book a historic tour on Saturdays in the afternoon.
Beat the heat and dip your toes at Twin Lakes State Park. It’s just across the street from a trailhead, a gas station, and the Parkview Lodge and Grill, which offers a great menu and family-friendly lodging. Arrive on your ORV from the north or use Twin Lakes State Park as your home base.
“TECHNICALLY ON TRAIL B”
“Most people go north up to Copper Harbor,” said Sue Buschong, owner of the Trailside Lodge in Calumet, Michigan. “Some people like to make it out to High Rock Bay. We are technically on Trail B – when you go north of us Trails B and BD meet again.”
You can make a circle from the Trailside Lodge down the Jack Stevens Trail to the city of Hancock and back up BD through Lake Linden before heading north for an alternative ride. The Trailside Lodge
is comfortable and has rooms for a whole squad of riders. The property doubles for her ORV rental service: Copper Country Rentals. This excellent lodging option is past Calumet, giving you the true north feeling of the Keweenaw while still leaving many trails to explore. The Trailside Lodge gives a cabin vibe and the parking lot doubles as a trailhead. Check out the range of Can Ams on site for a side by side or four wheeler if you need a new set of wheels to rent for the day.
Another recommendation for big views is Cliff Drive near the lodge. This former mining town on a hill is long abandoned, but some ruins remain tucked away off in the woods. BE AWARE: there is minimal to no cell signal in this area and you must have a high clearance 4WD. Never ride above your ability and avoid going alone. Look for a two track path just off Cliff Drive near US-41. There may be some water pooling near the entrance but keep right along the trail and you’ll make it to a scenic lookout over the Cliff area and north to Pheonix. Historic
graveyard enthusiasts: check the Alltrails app for a walking path to visit the Cliff Cemetery. Please be respectful if you choose to go to this spot.
KEWEENAW COUNTY’S LAST FRONTIER
Dial in your compass for true north to reach one of the Keweenaw’s most coveted spots. Here, you can see the northern lights and dream peacefully next to cobblestone beaches. Pack an overnight bag complete with a tent and some dinner and you’re ready to grip the challenging terrain to High Rock Bay. It’s another highclearance ride over exposed rocky roads and is more than 7 miles from the end of US-41.
The Keweenaw is home to some of the darkest skies in the midwest. On a clear summer night at High Rock Bay, the stars and moon will light the sky. From the bay, you may spot Manitou Island and the smaller Gull Rock Lighthouse.
Far from amenities, you must follow leave no trace principles at these beloved destinations. Be
Stay at the Trailside Lodge to ride north or south in the Keweenaw. It’s a perfect inbetween for day trips and a place to stay on the trail after remote camping.
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e athletics are the reason for the wonrful things the Wertz warriors do.
le Racing circuits many many oth-
T h e n , t h e r e w a s “ t h e B i r d ” c h , a n o t h e r f a -
s D e t r o i t Ti g e r.
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The athletics are the reason for the wonderful things the Wertz warriors do.
things the Wertz warriors do
thering me just does t seem that bad after . Over the years, I beme friends with any of the Warriors. ome, like Vic Batanni, former President, d Ken Mattei, anher President, who I t to know because of eir ranking in the oup Then, others ch as Dave White, a deographer, and ayne Reams, who I ew from the Snowmobile Racing circuits Plus, many many others.
he athletics are the reason for the won-
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prepared to pack out what you pack in and be mindful of noise pollution for other users. After the pavement ends in Copper Harbor, you enter a different world of wilderness, winding through the rolling hills of the Keweenaw. Enjoy the ride, take it slow and find your favorite spot on these trails. If you’re looking for a hike: stop at Horseshoe Harbor (shaped like a “U”). It’s a moderately easy halfmile roundtrip path to Lake Superior that brings you to a red stone beach with a magnificent stone wall formation protruding from the coast.
L i k e Vi c We r t z , M a r k w a s a l s o h u g e l y f amous from his days as a Ti g e r. A n d , l i k e Vi c , Mark was totally dedi-
The athletics are the reason for the wonderful things the Wertz warriors do
The athletics are the reason for the wonderful things the Wertz warriors do.
The athletics are the reason for the wonderful things the Wertz warriors do.
Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger.
Avoid hot rodding in the Keweenaw –these trails can be tight, technical, and rough. However, they reward you with Lake Superior views, fresh air, and the thrill of riding 4WD through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Keweenaw County is calling you this summer to hitch up your trailers and ride Michigan’s northernmost
Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger.
Then, there was k “the Bird” ych, another fas Detroit Tiger.
day And, have overcome And, are so very happy All of a sudden, whatever it is that’s bothering me just does not seem that bad after all
Like Vic Wertz, Mark was also hugely famous from his days as a Tiger. And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-
trails. Make sure to pick up an ATV Map from a local welcome center or ATV business to ride with a physical copy. In the Keweenaw – you can ride to your heart’s content while enjoying peace and quiet at every stop. It’s a perfect ride for families, friend groups and a place to build your riding skills this summer. •
Continued on page 28 ile Racing circuits. , many many oth-
Continued on page 28 of the Warriors. like Vic Batanni, mer President, Ken Mattei, anPresident, who I know because of ranking in the Then, others s Dave White, a grapher, and e Reams, who I from the Snowmobile Racing circuits Plus, many many others.
Like Vic Wertz, Mark was also hugely famous from his days as a Tiger. And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-
Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger
Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger
REST UP AND RIDE RESPONSIBLY
Over the years, I became friends with many of the Warriors
Some, like Vic Batanni, a former President, and Ken Mattei, another President, who I got to know because of their ranking in the group Then, others such as Dave White, a videographer, and Wayne Reams, who I knew from the Snow-
Like Vic Wertz, Mark was also hugely famous from his days as a Tiger. And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedig
Like Vic Wertz, Mark was also hugely famous from his days as a Tiger And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedin
Like Vic Wertz, Mark was also hugely famous from his days as a Tiger And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-
Continued on page 28
Continued on page 28
After a long day of riding in the remote northern tip of Keweenaw County – stop at the Mariner North for a tasty fish dinner and other hot comfort food. The wooden interior and tall ceilings feature maritime decor and make you feel like a sailor docking at a port. The Mariner offers an incredible value on lodging with multiple bedroom cabins and comfortable kitchens. If you’re looking to camp with amenities you can try Fort Wilkins State Park or Lake Fanny Hooe Resort.
The athletics are the reason for the wonderful things the Wertz warriors do
circuits Plus, many many others
Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger
Vic Wertz, Mark
also hugely
mous from his days as a Tiger And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-
Continued on page 28
