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SNOWMOBILE THE KEWEENAW PENINSULA
Enter a Dream
by: Rosemary Daver
Venture into the snowmobiler's dream: the Keweenaw Peninsula. With more than 200 miles of maintained trails that link up to the trails of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, there is really no problem in finding a place that is just right for you. The Keweenaw is surrounded on three sides by Lake Superior and offers lots of snow, mainly between December and April. Imagine enjoying approximately 16 - 20 feet of snow a year! The average temperature is around 20 degrees Farenheit. Does it make you want to know more? Come and have a small taste of what will be awaiting you!
Located in Hancock,
Everts is a great place to rent snowmobiles. Their rates vary per type of sled
and whether it's a weekday or a weekend. The better deal is to rent for more than
two days especially since you're allowed to keep the machine(s) over night on 2 or more
day rentals. Makes it easier to explore! If you require, helmets and suits are
included in all rentals but you provide your own gloves and boots. Another cool bonus
is that Everts offers a shuttle service from the local motels. They also have 4 other
rental locations for convenience. Everts accepts all major credit cards and you will
need one to make a reservation. To do so, phone either (800) 858-2862 or (906) 482-2811.
You can also email them at everts@portup.com.
The historic
Oak Street Inn in Calumet, is located along the Steven Trail #17 which is one of the main snowmobiling trails in the area. With plenty of sled and trailer parking, a maintenance garage and storage area, the Inn is ideal for riders. If you have not brought your own machine, a reservation at the Inn gives you a 10% discount on snowmobile rentals from Keweenaw Motorsports, also found in Calumet. The Inn is able to accomodate groups of up to ten people and the rates range from $125.00 per night up to $225.00 depending on the size of your group. The building that houses the Inn was built around 1879 and housed many different types of businesses including saloons and restaurants. The current owners spent five years renovating and preserving the building. Contact them at
info@oakstreetinn.com. Their web site has lots of great information and pictures so check it out!
The
Harbor Hide-A-Way Motel located in downtown Copper Harbor, is highly snowmobile friendly, especially since the owners are riders themselves. This is an eight unit motel, clean and friendly, with terrific sled trail access and plenty of trailer parking. After your day of riding, you'll be pleased to find coffee pots and coffee in your room along with a fridge and a microwave. The room rates range from $52.00 - $59.00 per night. If you choose to camp, however, you can do that too. There are 4 campsites located behind the motel available all season. The truly wonderful part of your stay will probably be access to the largest Finnish Sauna House" in the Keweenaw. It has 2 large private sauna suites as well as a family-sized hot tub. What a terrific way to end a day of sledding! You can get in touch with them either by phoning 1-800-670-8606 or
at hideaway@up.net.
The King Copper Motel, also in Copper Harbor, is located on the snowmobile trails. All of the motels units overlook Lake Superior for those who appreciate great views. Also, if it is great views you are after, there is direct access to the Clark Mine trail and the Mandan trail. For room rates and more information on the King Harbor Motel, call either 1-906-289-4214 or 1-800-833-2470.
In the heart of Keweenaw, you can find the
Arcadian Motel in Calumet. A family-owned and operated motel, they offer access to snowmobile trails and plenty of parking for snowmobile trailers. Each morning, before you head out to ride, please enjoy the fresh coffee and rolls they offer free of charge. Got to keep up your strength! They have very reasonable rates ranging from $35.00 to $45.00 per night but definitely call ahead for availability. You can find out more by calling 1-888-482-4288 or writing to them at
arcadian@pasty.com.
Two miles from the beautiful town of Lake Linden you can find the
Leaning Cedars Cabin Rentals. The cabins offer sleeping room for five to six people, a washer-dryer and a full bath. With a magnificent view of Torch Lake, you'll also find that you are only a quarter of a mile from a groomed snowmobile trail. What could be better than sledding and then relaxing in the quiet beside a wood-stove! For rates and availability, you can phone (906) 482-0640 or email them at
hrivest@yahoo.com.
The Shoreline Resort and Restaurant
in Eagle Harbor, is an eight unit motel with reasonable rates and a gorgeous view. Prices range from $60.00 to $77.00 per night. They also offer group rates and extended stay discounts if you choose to stay longer and enjoy all they have to offer. They have plenty of amenities including snowmobile rental if you choose not to bring your own, gasoline available on-site and direct access to the trails. The motel is open from mid- December through to March 31. You can find out more by phoning them at (906) 289-4441 or emailing them at
lcleven@up.net.
This is only a sampling of what you can find in the Keweenaw Peninsula and if you prefer , you can also find a great list of lodgings located on the
Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce web site or you can contact them at
keweenaw@usa.net.
Another very useful site is the
Keweenaw Snowmobile message board. They give up-to-date trail reports and many other topics of interest. You'll be able to find out first hand what to do and where to go from local people who love sledding as much as you. Visit their site!
If you decide that a sledding trip is just what you need, please consider the Keweenaw Peninsula. Consider entering a dream!
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