Birch Lodge Blog

2017-08-13T11:46:00.000-04:00

Birch Lodge Bed and Breakfast

Birch Lodge is now offering bed and breakfast stays in the historic Birch Lodge. Each spacious room has a private bath, queen bed, and mini-fridge. All rooms have their own thermostats, and air-conditioning. Rooms are limited to two persons, no roll-aways or cribs are available.

Rates are $150.00 per night, and do come with breakfast of your choice, or leave it to us to do something special for you.

Two rooms offer lakefront views, most rooms have a private sitting room. This is intended as a place to unplug in a quiet space, and although limited Wi-Fi is available, no TV’s are in the lodge. If you need a movie, you can choose one to play in the DVD “vintage theater room” off of the upstairs lobby. No smoking, candles or cooking in the rooms please.

As a guest, you may use boats or kayaks, play a game of pool and listen to the jukes in the old Birch Bar, stroll down to the beach, or simply pull up a chair on the porch or upstairs balcony and enjoy the lake breezes. A perfect setting to unwind after the day’s adventures.

If you would like to book a room, please send us an email to birchlodgemi@gmail.com with your dates and we will let you know which rooms are available. All stays are by advance reservation only.

Room 1 is downstairs, lakefront. It has a queen Old Hickory log bed and down filled club chair, ceiling fan, sitting area with log loveseat, and mini-fridge and private bath.

Room 1 Sitting Room

Room 2 is across the hall from room 1, it is ADA friendly, with wide doorways, and grab-bars in the spacious bath with transfer bench in the tub/shower. There is a wheelchair ramp at the west lodge door for easy access. It has one queen bed, mini-fridge, and a private sitting area.

Room 2 Sitting Room

Room 3 is upstairs, lakefront. It has a queen bed, ceiling fan, and private bath and sitting area with mini-fridge.

Room 4 is upstairs across the hall from room 3. Full of light, this room has one queen bed, ceiling fan, mini-fridge and private bath.

Room 5 is upstairs, just one door down the back hall. It is quiet, private, and has a corner setting with ceiling fan, private bath, sitting room with desk and mini-fridge.

Room 5 Sitting Room

BIRCH LODGE B&B OPEN FOR GUESTS

2017-07-20T17:25:00.001-04:00

BIRCH LODGE B&B OPEN FOR GUESTS!!!!

We FINALLY opened the lodge to guests two weeks ago, with five suites ready for your northwoods vacation! Lakefront suites are $150.00 per night. Please contact us at birchlodgemi@gmail.com or give us a call at 906-569-3351 to discuss availability.

2016-06-09T20:11:00.001-04:00

An Innkeepers Dream….

View from Birch Lodge Porch

Historic Birch Lodge is for sale. We are open for business as usual, but would like to find the next owners who can take it to its FULL potential.

Ideally, we feel the lodge needs serious innkeepers and an excellent chef to give it wings. Michigan Bed and Breakfast law now states that owners may provide “meals” at no additional charge to their guests. This is exactly what I feel would work so well at Birch Lodge. Offer three excellent meals for the guests staying at the lodge. Excellent food is, frankly, something that is rare in the Upper Peninsula, and we have a great location for it. Half an hour above the bridge, the property is set nicely back from the road, and has a fantastic waterfront placement, and historic appeal.

The lodge is full of “commons” space, the old Birch Bar, the front lobby, the upstairs lobby and deck as well as the 100’ front porch. The rooms are spacious as well. It is truly a unique property…there is no other like it.

Birch Lodge Lobby

Up until the early 1980’s the kitchen did turn out meals for the guests. The kitchen is large, with plenty of prep space, and does have triple sinks, newer refrigerator and gas stove, and a great old commercial Garland gas stove, (it no longer meets commercial code, but this is not required for a Bed and Breakfast… which falls under residential code).

The dining room is large and full of light with lovely antique tables, and china.

Many people would like to see the old Birch Bar open again, but I feel this would be a mistake. It would require extensive commercial code modifications, and I feel would negatively impact the quiet peaceful atmosphere which is a large part of the charm here. I do, however, think it may be possible to get a license to serve fine wine and beers to guests staying at the lodge to accompany their dinner and still stay within the Bed and Breakfast code requirements.

Right now the lodge has five rentable rooms with baths, and three more rentable rooms are ready and waiting for baths to be added (the future baths have been begun). We have also created an owner’s suite with bath upstairs over the kitchen. The motel is fully renting with eight lake front units, and there is an old log cabin, which with updating could be used as a rental as well.

We have worked hard and poured ourselves into getting this old gal back on her feet. There is a great deal of interest in lodge stays, but we simply can’t do it all. We need someone who can now make her run. It would be a great place for a couple with adult children, or possibly an extended family business. Are you that chef? Is this your dream too? If so, let us know...serious inquiries welcome...the property is listed with Mackinac Properties.

2016-01-01T17:14:00.000-05:00

Birch Lodge the Bed and Breakfast.....2015 Additions

Because of the lack of help and a VERY busy motel, we did not open the lodge for booking online as a bed and breakfast. However we did allow stays for those who inquired, for periods when I felt we could handle the extra business. We didn't want to over commit to what we could handle without additional help. We started out last year with two rooms downstairs....the "Dr.'s suite, a large lakefront bedroom with a private sitting room and bath, and "Ada's" suite across the hall, which is handicap friendly....also a large bedroom with private sitting room and bath.

In July we had the front stairway handrails made code compliant and were able to open the three rooms we had ready upstairs....

Room 3 is lakefront suite with a queen bed,

new private tiled bath,

and private sitting room with two recliners overlooking the lake.

Room 4 is across the hall from Room 3, and is a large light filled bedroom with queen bed and private bath.

Two large windows overlook the back of the property, and a large window at the side of the room by the comfy chair overlooks the lake.

I love this spacious vintage inspired tiled bath.

Room 5 upstairs is a corner suite off the back hallway.

It is an interesting corner layout with a large bedroom with queen size bed and Morris recliner,

a tiled private bath,

and a small private sitting room with comfy chair and bookshelf

overlooking the log cabin and woods. We also worked on getting the upstairs lobby furnished with new rugs in addition to the original furniture which was stored in the attic.

and a new Bradbury and Bradbury Arts and Crafts Wallpaper Frieze called "Birchwood in Twilight"

which I decided to frame on the wall. We also purchased some vintage theater seats and refinished the floor in the other corner room off the upstairs lobby

to begin putting together our DVD theater room....shopping now for the TV and movies!

This fall we also refinished floors and began to move furniture in the rooms over the old Birch Bar. These rooms are waiting for bathrooms to be added before they will be ready. Room 6 will be a beautiful lakefront room with queen bed,

private sitting room and bath. I am shopping for furnishings this winter! Room 7 is across the hall and has twin beds and

three large windows, with a lake view from the side of the room. Will also be adding some finishing touches and well as the bathroom!

Depending on our help situation, 2016 will have at least Rooms 1-5 available as bed and breakfast stays at least on a limited basis. Please email us if you are interested birchlodgemi@gmail.com. And visit us on Facebook!

2015-01-13T13:38:00.000-05:00

Birch Lodge Sneak Peek into 2015

View from upper deck, Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI

When we closed last fall, we were working away on the upstairs suites. We have new queen mattresses for all the rooms, and with their floors finished, we started "playing house", moving furniture back down from the attic and choosing furnishings for the rooms. The three upstairs suites are not able to be rented until we redo the stairway, but I thought you might like a peek at where we are....

Upstairs Lakefront (over Dr.'s Suite) :

Upstairs Lakefront


Upstairs Lakefront

Upstairs Lakefront in progress

Across the hallway, and over the Ada's Suite is a room without a sitting room, which is one of my favorite rooms, filled with light, again, these rooms are not fully furnished yet...just wait!

Bedroom, 2nd floor


Bedroom's private bath

Off the back hallway, on the corner of the lobby is our "Corner Suite", with a private bath and sitting room. This was where I was going to house our housekeeper last year, until I found she couldn't work for us! Will post better photos and updates in the spring....stay tuned!


Corner Suite in Progress...

Corner Suite

The future rooms upstairs over the Birch Bar are on hold while we focus on getting these rooms open. However, we also made progress on creating an owner's suite as well. Upstairs over the kitchen, we bumped out a couple of partition walls in bedrooms on both sides of the hallway to create a sitting room, and bedroom with a large closet. We will have our own bath, and there will be an upstairs laundry area....not done yet. We have added a door across the end of the upstairs back hallway to allow us more privacy.

Once we get moved there, we can set our sights on reworking the cabin for rental...which will take a LOT of work.....ALWAYS...to be continued.....

2015-01-13T12:21:00.001-05:00

Birch Lodge, Trout Lake Mi, 2015 Update

Finally, Birch Lodge received permission to open as a Bed and Breakfast! Late last fall, the building inspector gave us permission to open the two downstairs suites. We will have to do some work on the stairway before we can use any upstairs rooms.

All rooms will have one queen bed and are limited to double occupancy. I have not opened any bookings for the lodge yet, pending finding some housekeeping help for summer 2015.


Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI

Dr.'s Suite (downstairs, lakefront):


Dr.s Suite


Dr.s Suite


Dr.'s Suite Bath


Dr.'s Sitting Room

Across the hall from the Dr.s Suite is Aunt Ada's Suite, which is more handicap friendly:

Ada's Suite

Ada's Sitting Room

Ada's Bathroom

Rooms upstairs are in progress, for a peek check out our next blog!

2014 Eastern U.P. Calender of Events

2014-04-04T19:54:00.000-04:00

Birch Lodge and Motel at Trout Lake Mi, is just about a half hour from all these events! You might want check these events out while you stay with us!

June 6-12th     Mackinac Island Lilac Festival   Daily events, hayrides, festivities celebrating the beautiful Lilacs of the area, some of which are over 200 years old!

June 7-8th Free Fishing Weekend!   Throughout the State fish for free

June 20th St. Ignace, MI 18th Annual Antiques on the Bay Restored classic and antique vehicles displayed along the bay

June 26th -29th St. Ignace Car Show Weekend

June 26th Kewadin Casino Cruise Night...Classic Cars Cruise from St. Ignace to Kewadin Casino

June 27th   Down Memory Lane Parade.....Cars, floats, and entertainment downtown St. Ignace

June 28th   St. Ignace Mud Run......4pm at Little Bear East. Also Kewadin Casinos Monster Truck Throwdown

July 4th St. Ignace Fourth of July Activities beginning at 2:00pm parade, activities, fireworks.

July 12-14th Port Huron to Mackinac Yacht Race 92nd Year

July 19th St. Ignace Fish Feast   Music, entertainment and lots of fish!

July 19th-22th Chicago to Mackinac Yacht Race 106th Race! Yachts leave Chicago Sat. morning, arrive Sunday to Monday depending on conditions.

August 9th Hessel, MI Les Cheneaux Antique Boat Show Restored Classic Wood and Glass Boats dating from the early 1900's on display. Music, food, events. Held in conjunction with the Festival of Art, a juried art show and sale featuring the works of many Midwestern Artists.

August 15-17th Wild Blueberry Festival, Paradise, MI Music, entertainment and lots of Blueberry pancakes, muffins, pie and buckle!

August 17th 28th Annual Honda Gold Wing Ride Grand Rapids to St. Ignace, MI Bikes ride at night and arrive about 8:00a.m. in St. Ignace. Show, parade, festivities.

August 22-24th St. Ignace, MI Rendezvous at the Straits Powwow....Reenactment of French Voyagers and Powwow

August 30-31st, St. Ignace, MI Arts and Crafts Dockside Music, Food, Fun and Art Dockside at the Marina

September 1st, St. Ignace, MI Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk

September 5&6 St. Ignace, MI Owosso Tractor Parts Antique Tractor Show and Parade..Antique Tractors Cross the Bridge and 9:00 a.m. Show, Parade, events.

September 12-13th St. Ignace, MI 24th Annual Car/Toy/ Truck Show and Swap Meet... Cars, Collectible Toys, and Trucks show, swap and sale.

2014-03-17T13:13:00.002-04:00

Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI, Update 2014, Part Two

View from Upper Deck, Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI

The last post ended with the new lakefront suite over the Dr's Suite downstairs. Across the hall on the second floor were three small bedrooms and one bathroom.

The new bedroom across from the lakefront suite over the Dr.'s Suite does not have a sitting room, but it is now a generous sized room with a large bathroom all it's own.

It is now one of my favorite rooms with a view of the lake through the tops of the birch and pine at the end window. Frequently there are warblers outside in these tree-tops, sadly I have no photo of that window! This room is full of light!.


New Bedroom with Bath

Bath

The second floor lobby at the lodge was washed, scraped walls repaired and re-painted.


2nd Floor Lobby Before


2nd Floor Lobby After (Actually During)

The long hallway to the rear of the lodge was also repaired and repainted, and the two rooms on either corner of the lobby and hallway were turned into corner suites. The corner suite on the north side of the hallway had the doorway into the bath re-opened, and the bath redone. When we re-opened this doorway, we found the 2 x 4 with a note from Cliff Badgley on it! (We saved it.)


Badgley 2x4 note


Corner Suite before doorway behind chair was reopened

We opened a doorway into the next room further down the back hallway to make a "sitting room" for the suite. Now it has it's own bath and sitting room!

Corner Suite After


Corner Suite Bath

Next we took out the remaining partition walls over the Birch Bar and in two areas over the kitchen to complete the demo of the remodeling, and finished most of the drywall in those areas. Some photos of those areas will be in the next post!

2014-03-13T14:04:00.000-04:00

Birch Lodge, Trout Lake MI Update 2014 Part One.....

Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI

We have finished our fourth year now at the motel, and work still continues on the lodge. This year we finally started on making the rooms into suites. Removing some non-bearing walls, Closing some doorways, and re-opening some others that had been closed. More bathrooms added. The floor plan is now adjusted for an 8 unit bed and breakfast.

We still have finish work to do, but five of the suites have finished baths now, and have been re-wired, plumbed and painted. We also have new furnaces in the lodge with air conditioning! Pictures are greater than words, so here are some before, durings, and afters!

Downstairs Lakefront is the old Dr.'s Suite:

Dr.'s Suite Before

Dr.s Suite After

Across the hall from the Dr.s Suite, were four small bedrooms. These have now been transformed into a suite with a bedroom, a sitting room and a large bathroom. This is planned to be handicap friendly, and we will be installing a ramp on the side door of the lodge.

Handicap Suite in Progress

Handicap Bath in Progress

On the second floor over the old Dr.s Suite were two lakefront rooms, a double one nearest the stairway, and a small blue bedroom with two twin beds.

2nd Floor Lakefront over Dr.'s Suite Before


2nd Floor Blue Bedroom Before

These rooms have been transformed into a lakefront suite with bath, bedroom and sitting room. The wall with the alcove doorway was removed,


Old alcove doorway coming out, new alcove doorway cut into blue bedroom

and a similar alcove doorway added in the wall to the blue bedroom... now the sitting room. A new bath was also added.

New Lakefront Suite (view from previous Blue Bedroom)

New Bath

Next blog we will continue upstairs......

Birch Lodge Tree Time

2014-03-04T17:29:00.000-05:00

On the Porch at Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI

It's hard to believe we have finished our fourth summer at Birch Lodge. We've come a long way, but realize we still have a long way to go. Even as work continues on the Lodge, it also keeps us busy taking care of the grounds.

Things didn't get off to a good start this spring... a large spruce fell across the drive, taking out our power. We could only get into the property because Mark Beaudoin of Beaudoin Sanitation, who plows the drive in the winter, sawed open a "drive through". Mark also collared the Cloverland Electric Coop guys who were eating lunch in town and got us back on line. Thanks Mark!

We also removed a few large diseased birch trees that overhung the cabin and trimmed some dead branches near the lodge.

American Tree Service expertly did the job, after arriving in their vehicle with its uniquely Yooper hood ornament.

Yooper Hood Ornament

We have also begun transplanting young birch trees across the property and encouraging the young sprouts at the bases of the large old trees.

We must encourage these little birch for future generations. As Bill is fond of saying,

"Without the Birch trees, its just, ...Lodge." .

Birch Lodge Taxidermy

2013-05-18T17:06:00.000-04:00

As our many guests are aware, when you walk into the old lodge lobby you are usually greeted by the friendly faces of Deb and Bill. For decades, however, folks in the lobby have also been greeted by blank stares, courtesy of various mammals and fish associated with this historic north woods lodge. This particular glassy-eyed specimen is one of the few labeled wall hangers. A label on the rear indicates he was mounted by Wm. Grant, a taxidermist from Vassar, MI, for Alfred Getts, who shot it on November 22, 1929. (The label also stated the mount should be washed three times a year . . .). Another large mount has a metal 1941 Michigan Deer tag on a horn.

This vintage taxidermy is the "stuff" that was the focus of generations of sportsmen who stayed at the lodge. Hundreds of sportsmen stayed here over the years - as indicated by this paper-wrapped cardboard we found labeled "Deer Season 1956" with a plan of the lodge and cabins revealing over 70 hunters booked at that time (so this is how they kept track of guests in the pre-computer age!!!!)

Ah, imagine the "tails" these animal parts could tell!

Deb has been lightly cleaning and stabilizing our collection, fixing this Mallard duck's broken neck and blacking in a buck's cracked eyeball - saying it used to give her the "Creeps."

We can only imagine the memories associated with these guys (and gals?), but some provide insights.

We think this large walleye is associated with the long-time owners of Birch Lodge, the Badgleys - the one we think Ann caught and is proudly displaying to an embarrassed Cliff in an old photograph.

We think the most interesting plaques are the two smallest "racks" in the room because they are so personal to the lodge and its previous owners. On the rear of this first spike mount, written in cursive in pencil is, "First buck ever killed, 1st day of season 2:00pm Alger Michigan 1940,"

and on this second is, "Clifford's 1941 Buck Alger", both we believe written proudly in Cliff's own hand. The second is perhaps a bit more impressive than the first (and Cliff doesn't appear to have been quite as excited), so perhaps Cliff was becoming a better hunter?????

All these dead things play into the unusual wallpaper in the Birch Bar which appears to celebrate the "Spirit" of the Sportsmen - with ghostly images of hunters and fishermen pursuing their prey:

Whether or not hunting and fishing are in your plans, we hope you can make it up to Birch Lodge to create some memories of your own. We'll leave the stuffin' and glassy eyes to those guests who eat a few too many of Deb's yummy muffins!!!

Loons on the Lake....Trout Lake, MI!

2013-05-15T07:17:00.000-04:00

In the evening the light comes across the lake and illuminates the birches in front of Birch Lodge with a beautiful glow. This is the time I like to walk along the frontage and reflect on the day.

The loons have been very active this year, and we have frequently had one pair out in front of Birch Lodge. Others seem to come and go, initiating a great deal of calling and display.

Last evening, I decided to walk down to the beach, and noticed as I walked along that I was being followed.....by a loon.

At first I thought this was coincidence, but I paused....and so did it. I continued on, and so did the loon! I sat on the beach a bit, and it sat in the lake watching me....STRANGE!

It's mate began to call down in front of the lodge . There was no action from my little stalker, but I got up and began to walk back....of course it followed along.

When we returned it rejoined its mate as I sat in front of the motel and thought about it. I noticed that I had on black jeans, a black jacket and a white turtleneck....could it be it thought I was a real BIG loon? Perhaps it was right!

Three Lakes Picnic Area and CCC Camp Strongs

2013-04-20T17:21:00.005-04:00

Located less than a dozen miles from Birch Lodge, and Trout Lake, MI, Three Lakes is just the place for a nice afternoon trip. Pack a lunch and head for the picnic area at Three Lakes. From Trout Lake, MI, head north on M 123 watch for the sign for Strongs Rd. on your right. Follow Strongs road and watch for the picnic area sign on your right.

This is a small pine covered picnic area, not usually very busy with tables, grills and toilets on the south side of Walker Lake.

Three Lakes Campground is located on the north shore.

A nature trail loops around the lake, making about a one mile walk through the woods along the shore.

This is a pretty walk and not very difficult so be sure to take your camera.

Just north of Walker Lake (and the campground) is Brown Lake. It is a small shallow bog fringed lake.

Brown Lake

Here it is very easy to spot vegetation you may never have seen before in the wild, including insect eating pitcher plants and wild cranberry.

Pitcher Plant

According to the Michigan DNR Lake Maps, this pretty little lake is only about 2' deep.

But be careful walking there, don't get too close to the open water because there is a floating bog mat of vegetation.

Not too dangerous, but potentially a very mucky event.

Wild Cranberry

Across the road from Walker Lake is Whitmarsh Lake, another small bog fringed lake. Maximum depth of this lake is less than 10 feet, so I doubt the fishing is good.

Brush surrounds the bog here and it is not too easy to explore unless you bring a kayak or canoe, but none the less, a pretty little lake.


Witmarsh Lake

Just south of the Three Lakes area on Strongs Rd. is the location of the CCC Camp Strongs. (There is a sign on the east side of the road.)

Camp Strongs was established in May of 1933, with a group of about 200 young men from the Detroit area. They lived in tents during the first summer, but by November, they had built and moved into their barracks.

This camp developed the Three Lakes and soldier Lake recreation areas, and a log structure built by them still stands at Soldier Lake.

The camp was involved in stream improvement, timber management and fire reduction, and collected pine cones for the forest nursery.

They also planted several pine plantations in the area. This camp was discontinued in 1941, and the buildings sold or razed.

Geocaching aficionados will be happy to hear there is a cache to be found here...Even if you don't geocache you may want to try to find their "treasure".

Please play by the rules of the game and leave something for the next person to find. Happy Exploring!

Stay at Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI and Spend a Day with an Archaeologist!

2013-04-13T19:52:00.000-04:00

Did you always want to be an archaeologist? Or do you have a child who would like to see what it is all about? Well this is your chance. We are teaming with one of our guests, archaeologist Sean Dunham, Principal Investigator at CCRG, to offer this unique package for one lucky person.

The Montessori Children's House of Lansing, MI is celebrating their 40th year with a fun- filled open house and auction on April 27th. We are pleased to offer this package as an item open for bid in this auction.

Birch Lodge Motel

The "Spend a Day with an Archaeologist" package will include a day with Sean Dunham, and two nights lodging at the Birch Lodge Motel.

The package will go to the high bidder on that day. Sean will suggest activites appropriate to the age and abilities of the winner.

So follow the link to find out about the Montessori Children's House of Lansing, and perhaps we will see you at the lodge!

Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI...a Time Capsule

2013-04-12T09:12:00.000-04:00

One of the fascinating things about Birch Lodge is that it is a time capsule. Inside the upstairs rooms are still made up, and the old menus are still to be found in the dining room. But most fun of all to me are all the old magazines. . The old advertisements are amazing, but so are the articles. My favorite has to be from Suburban Life, 1907. The magazine is in black and white, but the cover is beautiful!

Obviously, this is my all time favorite--
an article intended to get the ladies to understand the convenience of owning and driving their own car!

A woman can control the largest of machines...no need to call the chauffeur...

"Independent of Coachman and Chauffeur"

"A Delightful Way of Entertaining One's Friends"

And of course, A man is only a "mere passenger"!

These stories and more.. Come browse through the old magazines, find out:
.Will Sonny and Cher break up? Will Dinah have Burt's child? Will Fidel's Cuba go Communist?'

Sorry, gotta go read some more old "news"....

2013 St. Ignace, MI Area Calendar of Events

2013-04-07T10:38:00.001-04:00

St. Ignace, MI is only a half hour south of Birch Lodge and Trout Lake, MI. I felt that if you are planning your vacation, you may be interested in some of the area events scheduled for this year.
For more information on any event, please click here, choose the month, and click on the event!

May 25-26, 2013 Native American Festival
Location: St. Ignace, Museum of Ojibwa Culture
Learn about the Anishnaabe culture through traditional drumming, dancing, food and music.

June 7-16, 2013 Mackinac Island Lilac Festival
Location: Mackinac Island, MI
Week long events and a parade celebrate the flowering lilacs, some are over 200 years old.

June 21-22, 2013 Annual Antiques (Vehicles) on the Bay
Location : St. Ignace
Original and restored classic and antique vehicles on display. Period clothing, entertainment, and a Mackinac Bridge rally.

June 27-29, 2013 38th Annual St. Ignace Car Show
Location: St. Ignace
Hundreds of antique, custom, and celebrity autos take part in this internationally acclaimed event. Parades, cruises, awards and more

July 12-13, 2013 8th Annual Vintage Snowmobile Club National Championship Show
Location: St. Ignace
Top o f the Lake Snowmobile Museum (Naubinway, MI) hosts the show and swap meet.

July 13-14, 2013 Chicago Yacht Club--105th Chicago to Mackinac Race
Location: Mackinac Island/Straits Area
Boats leave Chicago Saturday morning, and depending on conditions, begin arriving at the straits Sunday evening.

July 20, 2013 St. Ignace Fish Feast
Location: St Ignace
The "Great Lakes Fish Fry", Food, Music and activities for all ages.

August 10, 2013 Les Cheneaux Island Antique Wooden Boat Show and Festival Of Arts
Location: Hessel
One of the largest shows featuring antique and classic wooden boats. The Festival of Arts is held in conjunction with the boat show. Artists display and sell a variety of artwork, various events, food and music.

September 2, 2013 Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk
Location: Mackinac Bridge
The once annual opportunity to walk the five-mile Mackinac Bridge

September 2-7, 2013 Owosso Tractor Parts Antique Tractor Show and Parade
Location: St. Ignace
Hundreds of antique tractors cross the Mackinac Bridge from Mackinaw City to ST. Ignace, MI, and set up for display and show.

September 13-15th, 2013 23rd Annual On the Waterfront Car/Toy/Truck Show and Swap Meet and the 18th Annual Richard Crane Memorial Big Rig Truck Show
Location : St. Ignace
All category car show, collectible toys and swap meet. The Big Rig Truck Show features awesome custom big rig trucks.

Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway, Bay Mills, MI (Part 2)

2013-04-02T13:24:00.000-04:00

Welcome to the second installment of the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway tour, which we took last fall. This section begins west of Bay Mills, MI and continues west along Lakeshore Dr. to M-123.

The Pendills Creek Hatchery, operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service raises lake trout for stocking programs in Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Tours are available by calling ahead. Some very interesting illustrated signs in the parking lot. Stop and read them for some interesting information on the trout hatching and stocking program.

There is also an access point to Lake Superior across the road with a roadside park along Pendills Creek. You can walk a short trail out Lake Superior at the mouth of Pendills Creek

"The Narrows" is an area east of Naomikong Point where the road is very close to the lake. Searching for a reason for the name, I found only one reference to the narrow strip of land between the road and lake.

The term seemed nautical to me, and looking at a map, I noticed that in this area, the deep lake waters come very close to the shore, only a narrow strip of shallows between them and land. This might be of interest to note for any who might be temped to swim here. The waters will be colder, and perhaps more dangerous that at "The Shallows".

Naomikong Point and Naomikong Overlook are an access point to the North Country Trail. The name is from the Native American word for shoal point. It forms the eastern boundary of the Tahquamenon Bay.

The point itself is well north of the road, but the overlook is lovely, and there is a trail with stairs that will lead you to the water, this is a long walk, so be prepared to hike at least a couple of miles. Or you can access the North Country trail at several other points along the drive. You may also walk the trail to the south of the road which leads to Naomikong Pond. This is a stocked trout pond.

"The Shallows" is a beautiful boulder studded stretch of beach with shallow water extending well out into the lake. This area was noted by the native Americans as an excellent fishery.

The shallow waters will warm quickly, and beach goers might take this into consideration.
We enjoyed the long stretch of beach and the rocks here. A good place for photos.

The North Country Trail passes along the beach here.

"The Bark Docks" is another lake and North Country Trail access point.
It actually runs parallel the road along the beach. You can walk short or longer segments to see interesting bird and plant species.

Don't look for docks here, you won't see them. I believe the name may reference the location of docks used by loggers to ship hemlock bark.

This was much valued for its tannic acid, and used extensively in tanning leather.

All is gone now, but another great place to access the lake, and another wonderful sandy shore.

This was the last stop on our tour, as the Byways pulls away from the shore as it approaches it's end at the intersection of M-123. It was at this point also, that we spotted the eagle, perhaps bidding us goodbye and beckoning us to return again. We will, I hope you do too.

Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway, Bay Mills, MI ( Part 1)

2013-03-28T09:56:00.001-04:00

Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway Map

Many staying at Birch Lodge, in Trout Lake, MI visit Tahquamenon Falls Park. However, another drive not to miss is a trip along Michigan's Whitefis Bay Scenic Byway, less than an hour a way.

Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway runs 27 miles between Bay Mills, MI and M 123 south of Paradise. This route follows along the south shore of Lake Superior. There are a number of scenic and historic sites to enjoy. The beaches are numerous, and the crowds are few, offering an opportunity to leave the crowds behind and enjoy the serenity of Lake Superior.

You could easily plan one day to see the historic sites, and return another day to hike segments of the North Country Trail and enjoy the shore. (Toilet facilities are situated along the route for your convenience.) Pack a lunch or some snacks as much of this area is withing the Hiawatha National
Forest, and there are no places to stop once out of Bay Mills. This tour begins at Brimley, MI, and proceeds to the west of Lakeshore Drive. (This is also FH 3150 and FH 42.)

Spectacle Lake, Bay Mills, MI

Spectacle Lake Overlook.

Just a short way from the Bay Mills Indian Cemetery, is a turn off for the Mission Hill/Spectacle Lake Overlook. It climbs the steep, tall (roughly 300') wood sand dunes via a narrow roadway to the top. We found this road a little harrowing, but it was worth the trip to the top.

The view is wonderful, and there are some hiking trails along the steep dune edge.

Hiking Trail at Spectacle Lake Overlook

Mission Hill Cemetery is across the small overlook parking area.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Bay Mills, MI

The Point Iroquois Lighthouse is located just west of Bay Mills, on Iroquois Point.

It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is open for tours.

It is the subject of of an earlier blog. I hate to repeat myself! Read about it here: Point Iroquois Lighthouse.

The Big Pines Picnic Area is a beautiful day use area on the lakeshore. The area is covered in large red pine. Toilets and grills are available, and the beach is sandy.

Least your eyes get weary, I think that is enough for now. Check the next blog for our next exciting installment.....

Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, Mi is on Facebook!

2013-03-25T07:27:00.000-04:00

Breaking News! Birch Lodge and Motel are the newest Trout Lake, MI businesses on Facebook!

Oh my goodness...will wonders never cease! Neither Bill or I are techies, but we are slowly learning! Our latest endeavor it to develop a Facebook Page for Birch Lodge.

There we will post photos, happenings, and bits of information that you may need to know about the area.

Because there are other Birch Lodges out there, our Facebook Page is called:

Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI.

Please check us out and "Like" us. Thanks, and wish us well.

Point Iroquois Lighthouse, Bay Mills, MI

2013-03-23T08:00:00.000-04:00

The Point Iroquois Lighthouse is located just west of Bay Mills, at Iroquois Point on Lake Superior.
This is about 40 minutes from Birch Lodge and Trout Lake, MI The point itself, got its name from a battle between the Iroquois who had invaded the area in search of control of trade and fur trapping. They were vanquished here at this place by the local Ojibwa. This significant battle stopped the western progression of the Iroquois. It was documented that in the 1700's a fur trader could still see human bones on the beach.

Beach at Point Iroquois

The first lighthouse on this site was built in 1855, two years after the Soo Locks were begun. It was built to guide ships from Lake Superior into the St. Mary's River.

The original structure was built of wood and rubble, and stood 45 feet tall. It was equipped with a Fresnel Lens.

By 1867 the quality of the structure was questioned, and a new lighthouse and keepers home were planned.

The current lighthouse dates from 1870. It is a white cape cod style structure, and has a 665 foot tall tower. It operated until 1962 when it's function was replaced by the Canadian operated light at the mouth of the St. Mary's River. In 1975 this light was placed on the National Register of historic Places. It is currently part of the Hiawatha National Forest

.Daily tours are offered at the Point Iroquois Lighthouse, and you may climb the tower to view Lake Superior. Summer hours are from 10am to 5pm daily.

Currently they are searching for a volunteer caretaker to live at and care for the lighthouse. They ask a minimum commitment of one year. Are you interested? Here is a link to click:
Point Iroquois Lighthouse Facebook
Hasn't everyone always secretly wanted to live at a lighthouse on Lake Superior??

Trout Fishing in the Eastern Upper Peninsula

2013-03-18T15:46:00.002-04:00

While searching information for my blogs, I came across several links that may be of interest to those wishing to go trout fishing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Trout Lake, (aka Carp Lake) where Birch Lodge is located, is rumored to have some lake trout, but in reality, many of the area lakes and streams contain several species of trout and are open to fishing.

Here is a map for our area I found from the Michigan DNR, other areas are also available on that link. Streams and lakes highlighted are for trout, click on the DNR link above for more information.
All of these areas are less than an hour's drive from Birch Lodge, most are about 30 minutes.

In addition, beginning April 1, 2013, the Michigan DNR is employing an experimental increase in the daily limit of brook trout in several streams in Michigan. This would double the daily limit from 5 to 10 in 2013. One of these streams is the Eastern Branch of the Tahquamenon River. Basically, this experimental area pertains to the waters upstream from the bridge on M 123 north of Eckerman MI.

Eckerman, MI is 11 miles north of Birch Lodge, Trout Lake, MI on M 123.

Although we won't be open to put you up in April, I hope this will give you something use for planing your trip to the U.P. In the meantime, you can dream about all those fish!

Old Indian Burial Ground, Bay Mills, MI

2013-03-17T17:57:00.001-04:00

While staying at Birch Lodge, you may wish to take a drive along the Whitefish Bay Scenic Byway... it runs along the south shore of Whitefish Bay, from Brimley to M-123 south of Paradise, MI.

One of the interesting sites along the shore of Lake Superior at Bay Mill, MI (besides the casino) is a scenic old Native American cemetery. Although the cemetery is located along the busy roadway, you can not help but feel the serenity of pines, hear the sound of the waves, and feel the peace of this place.

The cemetery is fenced, and no access is allowed. However, from outside the fence it is possible to see the wooden spirit houses over the graves.

During earlier times, spirit houses were built of birch or elm bark and placed over the graves; later graves were protected by spirit houses built of lumber.

Besides protecting the grave, they held tools and resources that the dead would need to sustain them on their trip to the land of the spirits.

Also at the cemetery, at the base of a large white pine tree, is a sign that reads:

"Among the Indians who moved from Nay Oh Me Kong to what is not the Indian mission at Bay Mills was a little girl of fifteen named Eliza Waishkey nee Eliza Labranch. It was Eliza who selected the tree, then only a twig, and planted it at the head of her father's grave who was Chief John Waishkey of the Waishkey band of Chippewa Indians. The tree, a white pine, was planted about the year 1841."

Some searching found little information on Chief John Waishkey, however, his loving daughter, Eliza married Xazvier Labranch and passed at age 70. They are buried at the Bayview Cemetery.

I hope you will take time to visit this small and serene spot, and think of this place as it was in 1841, when Eliza planted that tree.

Eckerman, MI Trout Pond

2013-03-10T18:10:00.001-04:00

Eckerman, MI Trout Pond Site

Bill and I were looking at topographic maps of the area, and noticed the Eckerman Trout Pond east of M-123 just north of M-28. This is less than a dozen miles north of Birch Lodge, so we took a little trip. The access trail leads down away from the road just south of where the Tahquamenon River crosses M-123.

This was once the site of a trout rearing pond, and now is an access point to the river and a great place for a picnic.

A scenic old structure lies in ruin at the edge of the forest, and the sluice ways controlling the water flow are still apparent along paths across the bridge from the parking area.

Although I was not able to find the history of this particular facility, I did find out about the general history of the fish hatcheries program from the history page of the DNR.

As a result of logging, river damming, and the lack of quotas, the state's fisheries were largely devastated by the end of the 19th century, and there was a need to restock streams, rivers and lakes.

Old Sluice Gates

The first restocking attempt to rebuild fisheries led to the introduction of several foreign species that were popular with the recent European immigrants. Carp, brown trout, and rainbow trout were introduced, and species like whitefish, herring and large and small mouth bass were spread to waters they did not inhabit previously. Fish were released as fry, which had limited survival.

The next phase of stocking focused on sport fishing, and trout were of prime interest. Again, several species of trout were introduced that were not native to Michigan. With increased technology, fish were now released as fingerlings, but again, very few survived to reproduce in the wild.

Later, it was decided to grow the trout in ponds until they were of legal size to catch, and then release them. No improvements had yet been made to habitat. Avid fishermen would actually follow the release trucks to catch the newly released and easily caught trout. Even though these trout were mature, they were not raised in the wild, and had a very limited success in reproducing.

Trout Photo From DNR Fisheries Poster

Finally, the DNR recognized that by providing the fish with the proper habitat, fish could reproduce naturally. It was at this point that many of the trout rearing ponds were discontinued. Hatcheries returned to raising fingerlings, and releasing them in suitable habitats to grow and reproduce in the wild.

I believe it was probably at this point that Eckerman Trout Pond was sidelined.

Today it is a very pretty picnic site, as well as a good spot to fish on a stocked and established trout stream...perhaps a victim of the program's own success.

Painting the Birch Lodge Lobby

2013-02-28T19:05:00.000-05:00

In October, we finally got the lobby of the lodge repainted. Once again, it was calcimine paint on the original plaster walls. Although the lobby had been repainted a decade ago, the latex paint was hanging in shreds on the ceiling from the original calcimine.

The latex was scraped off, and the original calcimine washed off and the walls and ceiling primed. Again we chose a new paint color that is more representative of the Arts and Crafts Period.

For now the crackled white trim paint remains.
Many people have said this looks like birchbark, and thought it was done intentionally.

Although it is very popular in the designer world, I would like to return it to the original mahogany brown paint, and restore the burlap panels of the wainscot. (The panels have been painted over numerous times.) This was a common Arts and Crafts technique. Even the newel post on the stair had burlap panels!

In spite of much yet to do, we think the new gold walls look much more inviting than the old pink and tan color scheme.

Although it is so much work, it is always so rewarding to see how nice it looks as it comes along.

Bill says it is like the healing process, bit by bit, we are making it better.....

Birch Lodge Dining Room Update

2013-02-20T08:30:00.000-05:00

The dining room at the lodge was in dire need of paint. The walls and ceiling were both peeling. Once again, as in elsewhere in the lodge, the walls underneath the paint were originally painted with a calcimine paint. This means that anything painted over this will peel, again and again.

The solution is to scrape off the paint, wash off the chalk based calcimine paint, and seal it all with an oil base primer, and apply a new top coat of paint.

Time consuming and messy. Especially washing the ceiling..

I also wanted to change the 50's blue. Although a pretty color, we were hoping to use something more appropriate for the period of the building.

I chose a celery green from an online article on arts and crafts color schemes.

The ceiling still needs to have a finish coat of a more creamy white, but I think the change is for the better.

I think the green really provides a nice background for the antiques too. Now to find just the right creamy white.....