16 minute read

COME FOR THE SMOKED FISH STAY FOR THE TRAILS AND HOSPITALITY

Welcome to the Evan’s Cut River Store, Cabins and Campground, a veteran family-owned establishment in Epoufette, MI where people travel from as far away as Thailand to get a taste of the coveted smoked fish, take pictures with Big Foot, and hop on Trail 473 with access to virtually anywhere in the UP.

This cozy and welcoming establishment changed hands in 2021 and the backstory is truly fitting of the UP lifestyle. Ray and Melissa Evans had lived in Epoufette for about five years and frequented their neighborhood store and loved it. When the pandemic hit, the previous owners retired and placed the business up for sale. Ray and Melissa missed the store – a lot. The Evans decided they loved it and missed it so much, they’d buy it, and that is just what they did!

Since then, they’ve renovated and upgraded the store and three cabins. They strive to create a restful, comfortable atmosphere that feels like a good home base for people visiting the U.P. The cabins are fully stocked with dish wear dishwashers, full size refrigerators, Direct TV, internet and even free coffee. They have already had several repeat visitors.

“We think of Epoufette as a place of rest and a scenic and charming spot to visit. It’s peaceful. We want the store and cabins to feel the same way and people seem to really appreciate that,” said Melissa.

They’ve also made some advancements and additions to their reputable smoked fish and dips.

“Luckily Bob Wheaton, the Fish Manager at the store, remained with us after we purchased the establishment. Bob has free reign to test some things and he came up with several specialty items, such as Garlic Parmesan Salmon, Sweet Heat Salmon and Maple

BY KIM KISNER CONTRIBUTING WRITER

EPOUFETTE

Evan’s Cut River Store

W5954 US-2, NAUBINWAY, MI 49762 CABINS AND CAMPGROUND

OPEN 7 DAYS PER WEEK WWW.CUTRIVERSTORE.COM

(906) 292-5517 Skyline Motel

EASY ACCESS TO TRAILS

Direct TV and Showtime • Discount Rates Sunday - Wednesday 906.292.5556

5951 US HWY 2 | EPOUFETTE, MI

cialrollcall,eachofthe equipment representativesandvendorspresentwerecalledtothe podium,introduced,and giventheopportunityto speakaboutwhatthey had brought to demo andwhatelsetheymay have available at the shop.First timetothis event,Wisconsinbased vendorTrackit,adealer oftheeveningwasdedicatedtosocializingand networking,withsponsor clubs meeting face-tofacewithDNRcontacts fortheirareasandsurroundingzonesorhavingsomepersonaltime todiscusspeculiaritiesof theirparticularbrands. Asusual,theresortstaff wasonhandtoprovide excellent service with outswererepeatedso everyonehadanopportunitytoattendeachone ofthem.Severalattendees,mostlythoseon thecurrentlisteligiblefor equipment replacements,wereanxiousto getoutsideandcheck outthevariousbrandsof tractors and other groominggear.

Among the several

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and Brown Sugar Salmon. Now, we cannot keep them in stock!” said Ray.

Having sold 6 tons of smoked fish in 2021, they are clearly onto something. Beyond the fish, the full-service store sells groceries, wine, liquor, gifts and outdoor needs. Trailer parking for customers and firewood are available and they work to keep the prices reasonable.

When it comes to snowmobiling, you’d be hardpressed to find a place as centrally located and connected. Evan’s Cut River Store is located about 28 miles west of the Mackinaw Bridge on Hwy 2 and sits right next to the 473 trailhead. It’s perfectly situated between several attractions. Cities such as Tahquamenon Falls, Newberry, and even Marquette are all accessible by trail.

If you get hungry or thirsty during your adventures in the area, there is tasty food and drink to be found. Check out the Cut River Inn right next to the cabins and store or the Bayview Inn right across the street.

Looking for something fun and interesting to do off the trail? Stop by the Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum where the history of snowmobiling comes to life.

So, if the UP is calling your name, and you want a cozy, home-away-from-home, place that’s geographically located to facilitate endless fun and exploration, give Evan’s Cut River Store, Cabins and Campground a try. And don’t forget to get your picture with Big Foot before you leave! •

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DRUMMOND ISLAND10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019

Sault Celebrates

Summer With

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 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

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

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Visit the Curtis area this year

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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 some- Find Us on thing to do around the time of the picnic, so Facebook!

www.FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com SALES • SERVICE • RENTAL 906.586.9531 2022 Book Online at FISHANDHUNTSHOP.com

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

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 marshmal- The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything lows, for a second happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa there, I thought I had Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. 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 CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700

Sales & Service Rental

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

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

10 MICHIGAN SNOWMOBILER - September, 2019 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 The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. 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 CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700

Sales & Service Rental

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

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

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 bot- The Sault Groomer Barn, where everything tles. If you know what I happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. 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 CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700

Sales & Service Rental

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

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 Sault Groomer Barn, where everything happens. Here is Dennis Hank of Chippewa Motors, and LeeAnn Izzard. CURTISMI.COM Visit the Curtis area this winter 3 LAKES 4 SEASONS 800-652-8784 or 906-586-3700

SKI-DOO RENTALS FROM $259 PER DAY Sales & Service Rental

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

2021

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