25 FALL 2020 ISSUE 01 / VOL . 02
SNOWGOER . COM 26
ANOTHER MUST SEE : TOP OF THE LAKE SNOWMOBILE MUSEUM
On the south edge on this region is Lake Michigan , and on that lake ’ s northernmost point is the nautical feeling small city of Naubinway , named after the Indian word for “ place of echoes .” This has long been the largest commercial fishing port in the U . P . and it also has a deep history in the lumber industry .
That appreciation of history , and the echoes of the past , are reflected in another way , however . The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum is a true treasure and must-visit destination for anybody who values the colorful and varied history of snowmobiling .
Visitors will see a bit of everything here – yes , there are sleds from each of the four remaining snowmobile manufacturers and a plethora of interesting race sleds and related artifacts . But where Top of the Lake really differentiates itself is with some of the real oddball , rare and strange snowmobiles it has in its collection . That makes this one of those places that is both fascinating and humbling at the same time because , if you thought you knew a lot about the various brands that used to make sleds , this place will show you how much you didn ’ t know !
The museum is open 9 a . m . to 5 p . m . daily year-around and is accessible off of Trail 2 ( and Highway 2 , if you ’ re driving by in your automobile ).
RIDING BETWEEN THE BRIDGES
Northern lower Michigan is certainly a beautiful place , with interesting tourist towns decorating the coasts . But something magical seems to happen when a group of snowmobilers crosses the 5-mile Mackinac Bridge . On the north end , they find a territory that seems like it was custommade for riding sleds .
Soon after reaching the north side of the bridge , riders can stash the tow vehicle if they wish because some great riding starts right away at St . Ignace . Here ’ s one split route we ’ d suggest . Start by taking Trail 2 north into the Hiawatha National Forest , then jump Trail 47 east over toward Cedarville , where side trips onto the ice are a must . Soon , it becomes time for a major decision : Do you want to keep going east on 47 and catch the ferry at De Tour Village over to Drummond Island , or head north on Trail 49 toward the border city of Sault Ste . Marie ?