VOLUME 58 - NUMBER 7
Founded September 1967
PUBLISHER | Peter Farago
EDITOR | Ann Drzewiecki
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
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER | Faith Taylor
SALES | Scott Drzewiecki, Peter Farago
DESIGNERS | Kelly Kosek, Kaitlyn Schoen
We hope you enjoyed an epic season of riding the trails in Gaylord, Michigan this past winter! With over 200 recordbreaking inches of snowfall, there was no shortage of fresh powder. While Gaylord is renowned for its exhilarating snowmobile trails during the winter, the fun doesn’t stop when the snow melts away. In fact, Gaylord transforms into a vibrant outdoor playground in the summer, offering activities that cater to adventure seekers who aren’t afraid to get wet. Now that you’ve experienced Gaylord as the ultimate winter wonderland, it’s time to switch gears and appreciate all we have to offer as a water wonderland!
While we may not have the big water found in coastal communities, Gaylord has more than its fair share of water. With over 90 inland lakes and the headwaters of five major rivers, our county is an angling, paddling and boating paradise.
There’s no shortage of water to explore when it comes to fishing in Gaylord - our county is a mecca for anglers seeking to reel in their catch of the day. Otsego Lake, stretching along Old 27 South for five miles, is the largest lake in our county and a favorite destination for serious anglers in search of trophy-sized fish. From pike, walleye, bass and robust panfish, these waters teem with life.
While also a hotspot for swimmers, tubers and sunbathers, many don’t realize the living fossils you’ll find just beneath the surface. That’s right, we’re talking about the elusive lake sturgeon. These behemoths
were originally stocked in Otsego Lake in the 1980s and have called it home ever since. Fun fact: while you won’t always pull in a beast, lake sturgeon can grow up to seven feet long and weigh up to 200 pounds!
Another enticing spot to cast a line is Heart Lake, known for producing perch, largemouth bass and rainbow trout that will give you a fight. Small but mighty, Heart Lake is only 63 acres in size but reaches depths of 117 feet, making it the deepest body of water in our county. You won’t need to go far to find dark water, as the drop-off rests shortly past the boat launch.
If you’re limited on time, enticing angling opportunities can be found just minutes from downtown Gaylord at Dixon Lake and Big Lake. The public access sites at both lakes feature paved parking, restroom facilities and wellmaintained docks to launch your vessel. Venture out a bit further and you’ll find a fisherman’s paradise at Opal Lake, Big Bear Lake and Big Bradford Lake, just to name a few.
Along with our endless array of lakes, the Gaylord area is home to the headwaters of five rivers full of the north’s famous trout. Headwaters for the Manistee, Black, Sturgeon, Pigeon and AuSable Rivers all flow from Gaylord. Take a short drive in any direction and you’ll find rivers teeming with trout for eager anglers.
For those seeking expert guidance on the rivers of northern Michigan, White Pine Guide Service offers professional fishing expeditions led by US Coast Guard Captain Dakota Mack.
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Whether you’re a novice angler or a seasoned veteran, Dakota’s years of guiding experience and expertise ensure an unforgettable fishing experience on our waterways. Contact Dakota at 989-906-2505 or learn more at www. whitepineguideservice.com.
Whether you want to just dip your paddle to create a ripple or go high octane and make waves, Gaylord’s waterways welcome you to dive in!
You’ll see the full summer assortment of watersports on sprawling Otsego Lake, where there’s enough water for jet skis and speedboats to share the fun with fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks and paddleboards. Drop your vessel in at the Otsego Lake State Park or Otsego Lake County Park. Another noteworthy option is Thumb Lake, just north of Gaylord. Covering 484 acres, this enticing lake has plenty of room for boating enthusiasts to the west side and sunbathers to the east.
Paddlers will appreciate peaceful shorelines to explore with an abundance of wildlife. Opal Lake, known for its namesake turquoise waters, features a picturesque, uninhabited island to circle around. Big Chub Lake is a kayaker’s dream come true with a small channel that connects you to a series of other small lakes. Keep an eye peeled for bald eagles that frequent the area. If you’d rather let the water do the work, visit
Sturgeon River Paddlesports in Wolverine or Big Bear Adventures in Indian River. Get your crew to embark on a rafting or kayaking adventure along the swift, cool waters of the Sturgeon River and make epic summer memories. Better yet, pick a hot day and cool off with an effortless tubing trip. www. sturgeonriverpaddle.com; bigbearadventures.com.
Find full descriptions of our lakes and rivers at www.gaylordmichigan.net.
Before you embark on your water adventure, stop by Jay’s Sporting Goods for all your fishing, paddling and outdoor equipment needs. With a huge selection of recreational items and knowledgeable staff, Jay’s has everything you need to make the most of your time. Visit Jay’s just south of downtown Gaylord at 1151 South Otsego Avenue or www.jayssportinggoods. com.
You don’t have to haul your own gear to head out into Gaylord’s great wild. Recreational rentals include fishing boats, pontoons, kayaks, paddleboards and rafts. A full list of equipment rentals is available at www. gaylordmichigan.net.
While we all have a special fondness for winter in Gaylord, we know you’ll find the same enthusiasm for our warm weather offerings. Sit back and relax on a pontoon, make waves on a jet ski or cast your line in the evening sun – the options are endless when you explore our water wonderland. •
Located in Reese, Michigan, Finishline Shocks specializes in high-performance suspension solutions for trail riding enthusiast . Owned and operated by Dave Hausbeck, a seasoned competitor in Alaska’s renowned Iron Dog Snowmobile Race, the company is driven by expertise and passion for the sport. Dave personally builds and tunes each set of shocks to ensure peak performance, durability, and customer satisfaction. Elevate your trail ride with custom-crafted shocks tailored to take your snowmobile to the next level.” We specialize in Walker Evans and Polaris skids, but can build multiple other brands of shocks.
“Dave is the man to see for shocks on your Polaris sleds. I’ve had him do a few sleds for me over the years, and they have turned out great. Anyone who rides my sled with the finish line shocks on it is blown away of how well they ride compared to stock sleds. If you want the full potential out of your sled, go see Dave. You will not regret it.”
Coastal views, good eats & hot saunas, what more could you ask for?
Get deep in the woods and break in your wheels this summer.
The crack of spring bears freshly budding blooms, storming waterfalls and the smell of snowmelt rejuvenating the flora and fauna of Michigan’s Copper Island. As locals would say, there’s no more “snow in da bush” (the woods) after a 300+ inch winter and that’s something to be excited about! The Keweenaw Peninsula – the northernmost point in Michigan – is a haven for year round outdoor exploration and the ORV scene is thriving. The region features 160+ miles of groomed wilderness trails connecting two counties worth of Hallmark Movie towns. Nothing compares to the raw, natural environment and authentic locals of the Keweenaw. If you’re itching to fire up your ORV, you need to plan an epic early-summer adventure for the whole family on Lake Superior.
The Keweenaw is four hours north of Green Bay and about eight to nine from Detroit. This Michigan trails mecca can’t help but show its scenery and copper mining past everywhere you look. Pinpoint your start from Houghton or Hancock to ride scenic Trail BD to Dollar Bay and Lake Linden for an immediate glimpse of the Keweenaw’s origins. Starting at the iconic Portage Lake Lift Bridge, you’ll go northeast on BD past the Quincy Smelter. This iconic structure is one of the last of its kind in the world showcasing the Cornish mining influence. During summer, it opens for tours that share an inside look at copper’s final refinement before being exported across the Great Lakes from the Quincy Mine up the hill.
BD’s curved, winding coast hugs the Portage Canal. As you get closer to Lake Linden, Torch Lake comes into view on your right. It’s all Lake Superior waters, the largest freshwater lake in the world (by surface). Keep an eye out for the old Quincy Stamp Mill off to the right on BD. It’s a great photo op –but don’t trespass any private property signs. Quincy’s in Dollar Bay is the first trailside eatery along BD heading north and is a local gem. If you get into Lake
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Linden – the Loading Zone II is another hotspot for the ORV crowd and has great lunch and drink specials most days. The towns are open to ORVs for trailside stops and filling up your fuel tank.
Are you planning to start your ride from Houghton or Hancock yet? Pro Tip: ORVs are allowed to cross the Portage Lake Lift Bridge, but only with a police escort. The good news? Escorts are regularly scheduled, and if you’re riding outside those times, you can always call the non-emergency line on either side of the bridge for assistance. Easy peasy — and it’s one heck of a cool way to kick off or finish a trail day.
FROM LAKE LINDEN & CALUMET NORTH: CHOOSE YOUR NEXT ADVENTURE!
Once you hit the gorgeous
community of Lake Linden, it’s time to start thinking about your next steps. You’ll need to go through Calumet to go North – but you may want to take a pit stop along the way. Calumet has major history and is the headquarters for the Keweenaw National Historical Park. Calumet’s downtown is ORV friendly so don’t be scared to book a guided downtown park ranger tour on your itinerary. The Calumet and Hecla Mining Company was king in the late 1800s, when it produced half of the nation’s copper. Many of the buildings and streets still tell the story of a time when copper mining was the region’s economic engine. Stop for lunch at the U.P. Pub (some locals say it has the best burger around) or grab a hearty, home cooked meal (with love) from Jen’s Kitchen. Pro-tip: try the Italian sub
and add crunchy jalapenos and mayo. Once you pass Calumet, go north on Trail B to work your way up the Keweenaw’s rugged side. It can take six or more hours with minimal stops to go north and back from Houghton – so plan accordingly for a whole day of riding!
Around Phoenix and Cliff – don’t forget to fuel up at the General Store, built in 1873. Just down the trail from the General Store is the Cliff View Bar. Anyone who rides in the Keweenaw will hear about Cliff View. It’s been a community staple for years and the parking lot is never empty. Cozy up inside and gaze at the Cliff Range, once home to one of the Keweenaw’s earliest mining communities. Sip on some of the Keweenaw’s best cocktails with a revamped food and drink menu. Don’t worry – the classic foot-long hot dogs are still on the menu and have tasty new topping options. Sit back and rest your eyes on the gorgeous rolling hills of the Keweenaw. Avoid drinking and driving, bring a designated driver!
TWO TRAILS TO AVOID! “Sept. 8-11 the High Rock
Trail will be closed to all traffic. The ATV Club is having a large culvert installed at Union Creek,” said Daryl St. John, Keweenaw ATV Club President. “There will be work on the trail before and after those dates so users must be careful around the heavy equipment. The trail from Vansville to Thayers Lake (Gay) will be closed for logging.” Riders should stay off the Freda Trail this summer too until repairs can be made.
If you make it all the way to Copper Harbor, reward yourself. The Mariner North is a must-stop for both food and rest. The hearty menu has options for everyone—from loaded burgers to Lake Superior whitefish—and the cozy lodge-style rooms are perfect for a trail-weary crew. It’s one of the best stays in the Keweenaw if you’re looking to spend a night at the tip of the peninsula with easy
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connecting two counties worth of Hallmark Movie towns.
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access to ORV routes, gift shops, and even Lake Superior sunsets.
On your way back down the trail, take a breather in Hancock and check in at the Ramada—a reliable basecamp with trail access right outside. For a true Keweenaw experience, wind down in a traditional Finnish sauna at Takka Portage, located right along the trail next to the hotel. You’ll soak in the history and the heat, just like the locals have done for generations. As you approach you’ll smell the lovely scent of the wood-fired stoves.
For those who want to stay right in Houghton, the Quality Inn & Suites is another rider-friendly hub with clean rooms and a hearty breakfast to kick off another day on the trails. These two spots have plenty of room for your trailer, and your friends!
One of the best things about ORVing in the Keweenaw? The days are packed with adventure— but the nights are just as special. Whether you’re staying in Copper Harbor, Hancock, or anywhere in between, step outside after dark and look up. You’ll find some of the clearest night skies in the Midwest—perfect for stargazing or even catching the northern lights. If you need a nudge to stay up late, download an app like My Aurora Forecast for alerts when it’s time to go out and look!
And don’t miss some of the Keweenaw’s easily accessible waterfalls while you’re riding. Eagle River Falls is a favorite just off M-26, and Haven Falls in Lac La Belle is a peaceful spot to stretch your legs and snap a few photos.
Before your ride, don’t forget to check trailhead locations, parking info, and real-time ORV updates at www.visitkeweenaw.com It’s a locally managed site packed with accurate, up-to-date info on trails, conditions, local businesses, events, and more. You can download maps from the DNR online or pick them up from gas stations and businesses in the Keweenaw.
Whether you’re out chasing waterfalls, grilling trailside, or navigating the curves of Trail BD with your crew, the Keweenaw has an unforgettable ride waiting. Respect the land, wave at the locals, and start planning your next trail day up north. •
BY STEVE ANTUNES CONTRIBUTING WRITER PHOTOGRAPHY BY NORTHERN EXPOSURES PHOTOGRAPHY
When it comes to family-friendly vacations, finding a destination that offers adventure, relaxation, and unforgettable experiences is key. Elliot Lake, a charming City nestled in Ontario’s northern wilderness, is just such a place. With its stunning natural landscapes, well-maintained ORV trails, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere, Elliot Lake is the ideal location for families looking to enjoy an ORV adventure together. Whether you’re seasoned riders or new to the sport, Elliot Lake provides a perfect setting for family bonding, outdoor exploration, and memories that will last a lifetime.
Located just two and a half hours from the Sault Ste Marie Border Crossing, Elliot Lake is home to over 185 miles of OFATV insured and marked ORV trails. The backdrop for your ORV adventure in Elliot Lake is nothing short of spectacular. Known for its natural beauty, the City is surrounded by dense forests, sparkling lakes, and trails that wind through diverse landscapes of breathtaking terrain. As families explore the trails, they’ll be treated to stunning views of the Canadian Shield and untouched landscapes that make this region so special.
In addition to the increadible landscapes, the region is also home to an abundance of wildlife. As you ride through the forest, you may spot moose, deer, black bears, and various bird species. This is an exciting and educational opportunity for children to observe wildlife in their natural habitat, helping to foster an appreciation for nature and conservation.
The best part? All of the trails surround a compact full service continued on page 18
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community where access to fuel, food, a full service hospital, retail stores and even 2 power sport dealers are never more than a short drive or ride away.
One of the standout features of Elliot Lake as an ORV destination is how attractive it is to all family members, regardless of their experience level. Families with children or young teens can easily enjoy a relaxing ride along the wide, forested trails, while parents and older children looking for more excitement can venture onto steeper paths or tackle some of the rockier sections.
As families ride together, parents can encourage their kids to explore nature, marvel at wildlife, and enjoy the unique experience of navigating through beautiful landscapes. This is a fantastic way for families to bond while also learning about the natural surroundings, making the adventure both exciting and educational.
Many of the trails lead to crystal clear scenic lakes some with sandy beaches. This offers an opportunity to stop and relax while enjoying the fresh air and peaceful surroundings. This is a perfect setting for a family picnic, some
shore fishing or a refreshing swim before heading back out on the trails.
Elliot Lake is well-equipped to accommodate families, with a variety of family-friendly accommodations that make it easy to turn your ORV adventure into a full vacation. Whether you prefer cozy cabins by the water at Laurentian Lodge, scenic views from Dunlop Lake Lodge, a full service hotel experience at the Hampton Inn, a whole home Air B and B or campgrounds, there’s an option for every family. Many of the accommodations are located close to the ORV trails, making it easy to hop on your machines and head straight into the wilderness.
In addition to comfortable lodging, the town also offers 17 dining options, ranging from fast food and takeout to casual family friendly restaurants. Most restaurants also offer kid-friendly menus, ensuring that younger family members have access to age friendly fare after an exciting day outdoors.
Elliot Lake also offers various recreational activities beyond ORVing that families can enjoy together. After a fun-filled day on the trails, families can wind down by exploring other outdoor
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continued from page 19 experiences or simply enjoying the tranquility of the area. From hiking and fishing to mountain biking, golfing, geocaching, exploring local parks, swimming and lounging at one of our two beaches, there’s always something to do. For the family member that prefers indoor pursuits, there are many retail and boutique shops, entertainment events, an arts centre, spas, a 5-pin bowling alley, gyms and indoor recreational facilities right in the community.
The people of Elliot Lake are known for their hospitality, and families who visit the town often remark on how welcoming and friendly the locals are. Whether you’re asking for directions, recommendations on the best trails, or
tips on local attractions, you’ll find that the community is always happy to help.
Elliot Lake’s tourism infrastructure is designed with families in mind, ensuring that you have everything you need to have a safe and enjoyable trip. Additionally, the town is home to a strong network of ORV enthusiasts through the Elliot Lake ATV Club. This group offers club rides and special events that are open to all visitors. Outside of power sports there are countless outdoor groups who maintain our infrastructure and host events allowing visitors to quickly feel like part of a larger outdoor adventure community.
The Elliot Lake region is a 4-season destination for outdoor adventure.
While the summer months offer warm temperatures and clear skies, fall is another fantastic time to visit, with the forest coming alive in a breathtaking display of autumn colors. The winter months bring a new charm to the area, with the snow-covered landscapes offering a stunning contrast to the green forests of summer. Though winter conditions are best suited for snowmobiling, families can still enjoy a range of winter activities such as ice fishing, snowshoeing and both downhill and cross country skiing in the area. Elliot Lake’s commitment to outdoor recreation and family-friendly activities means that no matter the season, families can enjoy an actionpacked trip to the area. With a little
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Arrowheads and one Dubie Looks like the trails will be kept in great shape this
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
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 ”
“Elliot Lake is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones.”
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creativity, winter visitors can still enjoy the beauty and peace of the region, whether it’s through winter hikes or a cozy retreat after a snow-filled day.
Elliot Lake is a hidden treasure for families seeking an ORV adventure in the heart of Ontario’s wilderness. With its expansive network of familyfriendly trails through diverse landscapes, stunning natural beauty, and commitment to welcoming visitors, it offers an unforgettable experience for riders of all ages.
Elliot Lake is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re looking to experience the thrill of off-road riding or simply enjoy some quality time together in the great outdoors, Elliot Lake is the ideal destination for a family-friendly ORV trip. So, pack your gear, bring the whole family, and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime! •
BY RIC FEDERAU CONTRIBUTING WRITER
What we notice when we go to every race track regardless of the style of racing are those huge corner boards, banners and flags that add so much color to every venue.You as a reader and fan of racing can take a moment to reflect back on any of the race venues you’ve attended and you’ll mentally see the images of corner boards, banners and flags. They serve a huge purpose for everyone whether you realize it or not. I’m talk’n sponsorship support for race participants, sponsorship awareness from the fans and a valid means for sponsors to have their respective corporate names being placed in front of the eyes of high volumes of potential clients. These various media of promotion can provide a ton of information that sponsors want people to see and know about. It’s a life-line of sorts for enhancing corporate and local business
recognition. Seriously, I ask you ..... Can you see in your mind what I’m speaking of? I personally can’t “Un-see” them and that’s the whole basis behind the path to market and promote products from companies who KNOW their name and additional information will be viewed for all to see. It’s why sponsorship partners support the various sports they do.
I’m going to take y’all on a couple laps around the track so you have a visual of what I’m talking about that comes from your own experiences as a fan and sponsor. I hope to express the overall value for sponsors and fans alike and why sponsors feel investing in promotion through supporting sporting events is a checker flag for everyone. It’s more than enhancing the aesthetics of race venues. It drives sales, production and yes even enhances employment. Why do sponsors want to invest in sponsoring such
events? Oh, man..... There are a number of reasons, many of which I’ll share within this article. I’m speaking of the facts behind the decision to sponsor and promote as a good, solid, investment with measurable return showing results that speak for themselves. Sponsors utilize the venues as a platform to reach potential customers for obvious reasons. Let’s take a closer look and the logic behind their respective decisions to sponsor racing events across the country and beyond. First and foremost sponsors recognize the advantages of corporate sponsorships when putting their name in front of captured audiences increasing brand visibility and awareness. Sponsors of racing realize their exposure at these venues can be more impactful than traditional advertising generating the potential for more sales.
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The athletics are the reason for the wonderful things the Wertz warriors do.
continued from page 24
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and e Reams, who I from the Snowers. Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger. mous from his days as a Tiger And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-
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Sponsoring races enhance sponsors’ reputation and provides a means for building community support which is so important.
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
Continued on page 28
Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger
Like Vic Wertz, Mark was also hugely famous from his days as a Tiger And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-
Like Vic Wertz, Mark was also hugely famous from his days as a Tiger And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-
Like Vic Wertz, Mark was also hugely famous from his days as a Tiger And, like Vic, Mark was totally dedi-
January, 2020 - MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER 27 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
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-
It’s informational and provides product information to a wide audience base. Sponsorships build corporate commitments towards social responsibility.
Sponsorship also has potential to connect with others outside the targeted audience through word of mouth and logo recognition. It also portrays a positive image through potential customer loyalty.
This allows businesses to be able to select a level of sponsorship participation that fits their marketing budgets.
Continued on page 28
Continued on page 28
The athletics are the reason for the wonderful things the Wertz warriors do
mobile Racing circuits
Plus, many many others
Then, there was Mark “the Bird” Fidrych, another famous Detroit Tiger
It’s a means for corporations to develop relations with other corporate sponsorship partners.
Sponsors will find that sponsoring racing events there are various levels of sponsorship participation.
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
The sponsorship benefits go way beyond the facts I’ve mentioned in this article. With “on site” venue platforms and the current world of social media we live in, sponsors can benefit from fans viewing their information first hand and.... there is a lot of “LIVE STREAMING” which will be viewed with the potential to reach millions. Results from social media sponsorships are amazing. It’s having the ability to reach potential customers worldwide resulting in major viewership with high impact benefits and results.
Sponsorship involvement is detrimental to racing at all venues. Historically, it’s a means that businesses have believed in and supported racing and fan participation for decades on end.
More and more business and corporate sponsorships have become a wise investment enjoying high volumes of visibility and product recognition.
industry. The returns are measurable and beneficial to all with venues promoting your sponsorships on their own social media platforms.
Sponsorship recognition at race venues is certainly important and with social media presence in today’s society it allows for fast pace promotional media to provide information in seconds and viewed by millions.
Let’s hope sponsors continue to realize the values and benefits from sponsoring at venues throughout the racing
I know first hand as we at the International 500 snowmobile race have developed a sponsorship package level program that will fit every sponsor’s budget needs with the ability to reach potential customers numbered in the millions. Having exposure at all venues on site along with social media sponsorship potential, it’s a win, win.
Break out the checker flag........
Quoting the legendary “Walter Cronkite”...... “ And.... that’s the way it is. ”
To become an I-500 sponsor, visit our sponsorship link at: www.i-500.com.
Till next time.......
“ It’s all left turns from here”... •
BY KIM KISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER
For those who live for the thrill of Michigan trails—whether on a snowmobile during the winter months or an ORV in the other three seasons — there’s a place that offers everything you need to ride, relax, and return season after season. Tucked deep in the Manistee National Forest, just outside Cadillac, Coyote Crossing Resort has become a must-visit
destination for trail lovers across the Midwest.
When Pete and Julie Finch packed up their family and left Indianapolis in 2010 to buy Coyote Crossing Resort in Cadillac, Michigan, they were taking what Pete calls a “leap of faith.” With two young children in tow and a lifetime of family vacations in the area behind them, they made the bold
move to turn a beloved destination into their full-time way of life.
“We had vacationed here my whole life,” Pete says. “When the resort became available, we decided to go for it. We moved with our 8- and 10-year-old kids and never looked back.”
Originally built in 2001, the resort was primarily a snowmobiler’s haven when the Finches took over.
But as winters became less predictable, Pete and Julie recognized the need to evolve. They expanded the resort’s offerings and embraced fourseason recreation—fishing, hunting, skiing, canoeing, and golf. The real gamechanger came three years ago when wheeled vehicles were legalized in the Manistee National Forest.
“That opened the door to a whole new audience,” Pete explains. “We worked with the Cadillac Area Visitors Bureau to help create a mapped scenic ride through the forest. It’s made a big difference, especially in the shoulder seasons.”
Today, Coyote Crossing Resort is a magnet for snowmobilers, ORV riders, and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. The resort sits on 50 acres surrounded by Manistee National Forest and offers direct access to trail systems.
With 10 deluxe twobedroom cottages, guests can settle into a home away from home. Each unit features a queen bed, double and single beds, a pullout couch, a full kitchen, satellite TV, and WiFi. But what really sets the resort apart is its full-service on-site bar and restaurant.
“It’s a knotty pine, Northwoods-style bar—really comfortable,” Pete says.
“We do higher-end American fare, Friday fish fry’s year-round, and popular theme nights like Mexican Wednesdays and smoked BBQ in the summer.”
Coyote Crossing has also grown into a popular summer music destination, hosting 12 to 13 paid-cover concerts each year. Thursdays are reserved for
open mic nights, adding another unexpected layer to the resort’s laid-back charm. “It’s a fun surprise for a lot of our guests,” Pete notes. Beyond snowmobiling and ORV riding, the resort offers access to some of Michigan’s best outdoor experiences. The Pine River, just five minutes away, is one of the Midwest’s top canoeing and
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kayaking rivers. The Manistee River, only ten minutes from the resort, draws anglers from across the country for salmon and steelhead fishing. And, within 30 to 60 minutes, guests can visit Lake Michigan beaches, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City, or downtown Manistee for shopping and dining.
The Finches’ personal touch is felt throughout the property. “We used to live on-site, and we’re still very hands-on,” Pete says. “Julie’s ability to take care of guests so personally, and our longterm staff, really give the place a family feel. We have guests coming back year after year.”
That sense of loyalty extends to snowmobiling groups, many of whom book their trips well in advance and return season after season. The resort’s proximity to the Cadillac Trail System—150 miles of groomed snowmobile trails—makes it a top destination. For ORV riders, a mapped 50-mile scenic loop through the national forest connects to other nearby trail systems in Lake County, Baldwin, Luther, and Irons.
“What I love most is meeting the people,” Pete says. “Everyone’s in a good mood, looking to relax and have fun. You can’t beat that.”
Guests come from near and far.
While the bulk of visitors are from Michigan and surrounding states, Pete and Julie have welcomed anglers from Texas and California, and even hosted snowmobilers from France.
“The fishing crowd especially brings in people from all over the U.S.,” he says.
While snow conditions remain a yearly wild card, Pete says the legalization of OHVs in the national forest was a welcome and unexpected boost. “It’s done wonders for the local economy and extended our season. We’ve really leaned into it.”
And while Coyote Crossing is all about
fun, Pete makes a point to advocate for responsible trail use. “We always ask our guests to be aware and appreciative of the environment they’re riding through,” he says. “Tread lightly. Leave a minimal impact so future generations can enjoy it too.”
Fourteen years in, Pete and Julie have no regrets. “It’s been a rewarding adventure. Not an easy one, but a good one,” Pete says. “We created a great life here, and now our kids are grown and married—and they met their spouses up here. It’s been more than we could have hoped for.” •
