ON THE COVER TWISTED TRAILS OFF ROAD PARK

on the cover

Twisted Trails Off Road Park Off Road Park

Get Down...Get Dirty...Get Twisted

BY DOM SANTINA CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Whether you are looking for a place to take your ORV, an outdoor adventure or a good time with some music, Twisted Trails ORV camping for RVs, trailers and tents. The sites are spacious and set in a nicely wooded area with easy access. Running water is available on the property, while park has it. The park is located in Copemish just off Cadillac Highway. Copemish is located northwest of Mesick and southwest of Buckley.

The park is the largest privately-owned ORV park in the state of Michigan, covering a total of 400 acres. The park is owned and operated by siblings Dale and Donna Humphrey. Dale and Donna are very committed to making sure you get the best experience out of your time at their park. They offer options that appeal to everyone, from slow trail riders to the fun and adventurous mud boggers. The property includes items such as sand drags, numerous trail rides, mud bogs and three different rock formations. The rock formations are affectionately referred to as Holy Moley, Picker Valley and Twisted.

The park also features the Twisted Trails Off-Road Park Campground. The campground offers rustic only a few sites offer electric hookup. The campground is generator friendly and open from May to October. Several upgrades are planned for the campground in 2022 including an expansion of the number of campsites and a bathhouse. The park is also going to start an off-road tours program, allowing people to rent side by sides or quads. Providing another great option for people who would like to visit the park but do not have their own vehicles to do so. While there are plenty of things to do at the park to enjoy your time. The biggest draw and staple of the Twisted Trails ORV Park is the 20 or more events that they offer throughout the season. There are so many events that take place between May through October each year at Twisted Trails, that

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they are grouped by either Off Road or Race Events:

OFF ROAD EVENTS

Mudathon - The park has had quite a few events already this year. Next on the schedule is the Mudathon. The event will kick off with some mudding on Friday night. On Saturday, there will be a 4 wheel beater race. As described, you can basically bring any 4 wheel drive vehicle to compete. On Saturday evening the fun continues with a freestyle mud pit challenge. The festivities conclude with some action on stage as Peacemaker performs some rock and roll favorites.

WTCM Country Campout - A brand new event in 2022, the Country Campout is piggybacking off another very popular campout event later in the year. In partnership with Midwestern Broadcasting Company, Twisted Trails will host a charity event, while giving an option for up-and-coming country artists to perform. The event will run from June 24 – 26. The concert stage will open at 5:30 on Friday evening through 10:00 pm. The park on Saturday will host a cornhole tournament, a freestyle mud pit, concert performances and an after-hours bonfire. The weekend will conclude on Sunday with a Country Gold breakfast from 8 am though 1 pm.

The park will host the Summer Dog Party on August 5-7, which features mud and trail riding. Along with camping, music and fun. The big draw for the Summer Dog Party is the poker run which starts at 9 am in the morning and includes a trip through the Copemish Heritage Days Parade.

On August 13, the park will be changing out motor vehicles for running shoes. As they will host the DK5K. Which is a tough run obstacle course. The goal of the 5k is to raise awareness for veterans that go through challenges every day. If you are interested, you can visit DK5K.info.

The park has many other events, including Kamp Omelet also in partnership with Midwestern Broadcasting Company and which has enjoyed massive success in previous years. The camp will run from September 9-11.

The park is still working on details for the Pumpkin Run which is from October 14-16. The park will feature a customer appreciation day on November 5, where the park will be open from 9 o’clock in the morning until 9 o’clock at night. The park also has a few events through the winter months as well.

Spring events to watch for in 2023 include the Spring Fling and Keep Jeepin. Be aware of the challenges of not knowing what to expect with Northern Michigan weather changes. The Spring Fling

and Keep Jeepin are usually held in April.

RACE EVENTS Trail Master Challenger

Event Series - is a three day summer series taking place on May 14, July 30 and September 17. Each event is a 90 minute endurance race that pushes both racer and equipment to the brink. In 2021 the 60 entrants were from all over the country including Pennsylvania and Missouri.

The first is an unlimited class, which has a 40inch or above tire size. The Mod class is a 39.5inch tire and smaller. The street stock class has a few more restrictions. With the street stock, they must have 35 inch or shorter tires, no buggies and must retain a mostly stock frame. The vehicle must not have any bypass shokes, no coil over shokes, must retain stock style suspension. The fourth and final class is the UTV class which has no restrictions.

There are three more divisions that each have their own classes as well.

Bounty Hole Event

Classes - There are four classes for this group as well and again it mostly differs in tire size. There is a 26 inch, 30 inch and 31 inch tire class, the final class is the unlimited which is any tire bigger than 31 inches.

Short Course Race

Classes - There is four classes for this type of racing as well, but this has its own different classes. There is the junior truck class which is for 12-16 year old drivers with a 4 cycle truck. The Stock 2 Wheel Drive Truck class is for just that 2 wheel drive 4 cylinder trucks. The stock 4 wheel drive truck class is for 4 wheel drive 6 cylinder trucks. Then once again the UTV class has no restrictions.

SXS Race Classes -

This race group has five different classes. There is a modified class, stock forced induction and stock naturally aspirated classes. The final two classes are for the younger racers. A youth class if for 12 and under with a machine no larger than 570cc. A junior class is for 16 and under with a machine no larger than 1,000 cc.

You can always check out their website at TwistedTrailsOffRoadPark. com/events for information about any events, tickets or future fun.

The park also operates a few events during the winter months as well.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Park is proud to help out with multiple non-profit and local organizations, especially students and veterans. Dale and Donna make a goal of ensuring everyone feels welcome and appreciated when riding at their park. They want visitors to feel like friends so they come back and keep coming back.

Just outside the park, there are other ORV trails all over Benzie County, which would allow you to get out and travel while using the campground as base camp. The park is approximately 24 miles from the Lake Michigan Shoreline, which allows visitors another change of pace.

There are plenty of other outdoor activities that can be done in the area as well including hiking, kayaking, and fishing just to name a few.

The park is open from May through October. The park is open from 10 a.m. until 6 p.m. The cost is $20 per day per adult, 16 years and up. Anyone ages 6-15 is only 10 per person and anyone under the age of 5 is free.

You must check-in before you can enjoy your time at the park. If you are coming Monday through Friday, you must check-in at the Copemish Service Center, which is about 1.5 miles away from the park. When you come on Saturday and Sunday, the check-in is at the Twisted Trails General Store. For more information, call or text 231-651-9548 or email TwistedTrailsOffRoadPark@Gmail.com. •

10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately nd really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move. Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect. Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.

Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about

Sault Celebrates

Summer With 10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 By Stephen King OK, there is rushing it a bit and then there is rushing it a bit. But, when it comes to snowmobiling, there really is no rushing it, because in the heart of all true snowmobilers, snowmobile season never really ends. But, that being said, on June 18th, the Sault Snowmobile Association held their annual Summer Picnic. Maybe rushing the The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. season just a bit. When I got the email from SSA Presi- 150 members. Then, dent Martin Cottle, I did kind of a double they also have about take. Had me a real Rip Van Winkle mo- 30 Commercial memment. You see, they usually have their pic- bers. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in CanAm RENTALS itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three 2022 groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. Book Online at They are pulling twoFISHANDHUNTSHOP.com

nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately and really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I mean. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move.

Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.

Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.

Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about

150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI

906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY

2020

Parts, Clothing, Services,

Rental Packages with Lodging

Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney

The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan 906. 586.6950

Sales & Service Rental

VISIT THE

CURTIS Visit the Curtis area this winter

AREA 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700

HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:42 AM Page 10 10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019

Sault Celebrates Summer With Picnic

By Stephen King OK, there is rushing it a bit and then there is rushing it a bit. But, when it comes to snowmobiling, there The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything really is no rushing it, happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa because in the heart of Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. all true snowmobilers, snowmobile season never really ends. But, that being said, on June 18th, the Sault Snowmobile Association held their annual Summer Picnic. Maybe rushing the season just a bit. When I got the email from SSA President Martin Cottle, I did kind of a double take. Had me a real Rip Van Winkle moment. You see, they usually have their picCURTISMI.COM

Bar & Grill Open

® TM Trademark of Bombardier www.pinebluffresort.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates

nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately and really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I mean. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move.

Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.

Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.

Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about

150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI

906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY

2020

Parts, Clothing, Services,

Rental Packages with Lodging

Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney

The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan 906. 586.6950

Sales & Service Rental

VISIT THE

CURTIS Visit the Curtis area this winter

AREA 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700

HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:42 AM Page 10

Sault Celebrates

Summer With 10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019

Picnic

By Stephen King OK, there is rushing it a bit and then there is rushing it a bit. But, when it comes to The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. snowmobiling, there really is no rushing it, because in the heart of all true snowmobilers, snowmobile season never really ends. But, that being said, on June 18th, the Sault Snowmobile Association held their annual Summer Picnic. Maybe rushing the season just a bit. When I got the email from SSA President Martin Cottle, I did kind of a double take. Had me a real Rip Van Winkle moment. You see, they usually have their picCURTISMI.COM

Bar & Grill Open

® TM Trademark of Bombardier www.pinebluffresort.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates

nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately and really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I mean. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move.

Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.

Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.

Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about

150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI

906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY

2020

Parts, Clothing, Services,

Rental Packages with Lodging

Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney

The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan 906. 586.6950

Sales & Service Rental

VISIT THE

CURTIS Visit the Curtis area this winter

AREA 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700

10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:42 AM Page 10 By Stephen King

Sault Celebrates OK, there is rushing it a bit and then

Summer With Picnic there is rushing it a bit. But, when it comes to snowmobiling, there really is no rushing it, because in the heart of all true snowmobilers, snowmobile season never really ends. But, that being said, on June 18th, the Sault Snowmobile Association held their annual The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. Summer Picnic. Maybe rushing the season just a bit. When I got the email from SSA President Martin Cottle, I did kind of a double take. Had me a real Rip Van Winkle moment. You see, they usually have their picCURTISMI.COM

Bar & Grill Open

® TM Trademark of Bombardier www.pinebluffresort.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates

nic around the end of July or the first part of August. Not in June. So, when I got this email, inviting me over for burgers, brats, corn on the cob, and a few toasted marshmallows, for a second there, I thought I had taken about a month long nap. Had some health issues lately and really took a good look at those pill bottles. If you know what I mean. But, when I got there, Martin told me that they just decided to move it up to June. (Whew! No long nap taken.) Seems that each year, many SSA members always seem to have something to do around the time of the picnic, so they made the move to make the move.

Anyhow, it worked out pretty good. Martin said, “We had a really good turn out. Some really good fun. And, some really good comradery.” As for me, of course I had to sample all of this, in the name of journalistic integrity, of course. So, I can say that without a doubt that the burgers were really good. The corn on the cob was awesome. Martin and I both commented on the fact that this was really tasty corn for the early part of summer. And, the funky green marshmallow fluff stuff was also downright tasty. Plus, Prince, my little five pound ShiTsu mix side kick told me that the hot dogs were also just perfect.

Then, I watched as Martin’s brother Al toasted up some marshmallows over the fire for his grand daughter Alexa. She really seemed to enjoy the traditional tasty treat of summer. However, I did somewhat of a faux paux. At first, mistook Alexa for a him. OK, she is 13, skinny, and had short hair. But, not a him. A her.

Anyway, back to the SSA. Martin happily told me that the club has about 60 Family memberships, which translates into about

150 members. Then, they also have about 30 Commercial members. Martin also told me that at the moment, they groom about 102 miles of Trails. Including 9 miles within the City Limits of the Soo. Which is pretty cool, in itself. A+ for the Soo on being sledder friendly. The SSA has three groomers, two Tuckers and a Piston Bully. They are pulling two www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com ONLY 1 HR WEST OF MACKINAC BRIDGE IN CURTIS, MI

906-586-9531 SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $229.00 PER DAY

2020

Parts, Clothing, Services,

Rental Packages with Lodging

Rentals available in Newberry, Hulbert, Paradise, Curtis and Seney

The Up’s Premier Four Season Resort Curtis, Michigan 906. 586.6950

Sales & Service Rental

VISIT THE

CURTIS Visit the Curtis area this winter

AREA 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700

HEARST.qxp_HEARST 8/26/19 11:42 AM Page 10

Sault Celebrates Summer With Picnic

The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard.

CURTISMI.COM

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® TM Trademark of Bombardier www.pinebluffresort.com Recreational Products Inc.or its affiliates

2021

Book Online at shandhuntshop.com CURTIS www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com

Only 1 Hour West of Mackinac Bridge in Curtis, MI

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