Not That Road… The Other Road
You’ve probably heard the phrase, “going up the road” before. I’ve used it here to reference things happening west of Marquette, to the higher elevations of Negaunee, Ishpeming, and beyond.
Today, we’re going up the “other” road… the one that leads to Big Bay. There may not be a big change in elevation, but since Big Bay is north of Marquette, saying “up” is acceptable, because that’s the way it looks on a map. (If you try hard enough, you can justify anything.)
I recently made the trip up 550 for Big Bay’s Fall Festival. It’s an annual event which had special meaning this year as they were also celebrating the renovation of Draver Park, Big Bay’s outdoor gathering spot.
A Nice Ride
If you haven’t been to Big Bay in a while, sometime in the next week or so would be a good time to take the ride. Since the road was redone a while back, it’s a much safer and quicker trip. And the fall colors are about at their peak.
There are a number of attractions on the way there, first being Phil’s 550 Store. That’s pretty much the last chance to pick something up until you get to Big Bay. Then there’s a run of recreational sites… including, but not limited to, Sugarloaf, Hogback, Little Presque, Harlow Lake, Wetmore Landing, and, further up the road, Thomas Rock.
A Unique Appeal
It’s not surprising that Big Bay is also poised to take advantage of this area’s thriving popularity. It’s a kitschy place… with a couple of nice places to dine, and a back-in-time kind of feel… while still a little rough around the edges. And, of course, there’s the Anatomy of a Murder connection. That’s big.
Fairly recent ownership changes at both the Lumberjack Tavern and the Thunder Bay Inn have resulted in some positive upgrades.
The Marquette County campground, Perkins Park is a big part of the draw. It’s really nice. For Fall Fest, they have a Halloween decorating contest that is such a cool communal thing to do in a campground. And kids come and Trick or Treat. What fun!
There’s also a store and a café and a motel and an ice cream stand and some Airbnb’s and a new and improved Draver Park. The park’s updated and nicely landscaped layout includes a pavilion (seen above) a service building, and a fresh playground. And the ballfield is still there.
Managing Popularity
With a push from groups like the Big Bay Stewardship Council, which ran Fall Fest, maybe Draver Park can become an even more popular festival destination.
The Big Bay Stewardship Council was launched in 2020 with organizational and financial support from a consortium of backers. With a few more progressive property and business owners, Big Bay could see some big changes. Whether that’s a good thing or not would be a personal preference.
Another group that’s had a lot of influence on interest in Powell Township is the Citizens for a Safe & Clean Lake Superior. Organized to oppose the idea of rockets being launched from a site wholly unfit for such a thing, the CSCLS eventually prevailed and the fuse was never lit. With that success under their belts, it looks like they’ve decided to keep the group alive taking on other community and environmental projects. Good for them.
What else? That’s about it. Don’t get me wrong, it’s still Big Bay. Still a friendly, and a little eccentric, stop at the end of the run… up the road.
Trains and the Toonerville Trolley
If you think Lakenenland is a wonder… and it is, you might also be impressed with what one family is working on out in Skandia.
Remember the Toonerville Trolley? It was a thing for almost a century… a sightseeing train ride at Tahquamenon Falls. The attraction closed up shop a couple years ago, which meant there was a train available, in case you were looking.
That’s where the Wilsons, Gina and Paul, come in. The Skandia couple, owners of Liberty Farms and Flour Mill, are bringing the Toonerville Trolley here. At least, that’s the plan.
Moving Forward
Three years ago the Wilsons lost their son, Neo, to an undetected heart condition. According to an article in Country Lines Magazine, Paul and Neo both loved trains, so they naturally decided to build a railroad. I mean, who wouldn’t?
Knowing it would be a heavy lift, Paul challenged Neo to make sure he was serious about it, and Neo assured him he was. Then, not long after they started acquiring equipment, they lost Neo.
Determined to keep the dream alive, Paul and Gina built the Neo Wilson Memorial Railway. And now, being true to their love of the rails, they want to save the Toonerville Trolley. If they have their way, Skandia’s going to be the railroad capital of the U.P.
More to the Story
If you visit their website, you can read more about their story, and what they’re doing to honor Neo and keep him in their lives. Paul says, “We are building this place to preserve railroad history in the Upper Peninsula, but mostly to put smiles on people’s faces!”
What does all this cost, you ask? Well, I didn’t ask, but I’m pretty sure it’s a considerable investment. They’re hoping the project can pick up some steam through a fundraiser called Save Toonerville Trolley.
Again, it’s a plan. But these people seem to be the type who won’t stop until they get something done. Like building a railroad.