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2 |
Come visit one of the most beautiful areas in the state of Michigan!
Inner beauty. Outer beauty.
MOther nature has the
whOle package.
HALF-LOG SIDING
WOOD FLOORING
Tongue & groove ends of
Available in 4-, 6- and 8-inch widths in pine,
WoodHaven’s exterior siding
or with exotic wood options, our flooring is
allow for random placement of end
tongue & grooved on all four sides for a
joints with minimal waste.
more secure and efficient installation.
BUTT-AND-PASS CORNER
INTERIOR PANELING
Achieve an authentic log home
look without having to build a
full-log home. Available in pine,
with a smooth or hewn finish.
Bring the warmth inside, as well,
featuring the tongue & groove ends
to allow for random placement of
end joints with minimal waste.
Let the beauty of the outdoors bring the warmth of wood to your home inside
and out. Inspire plans for your new dream home or remodel with a rustic flair.
WoodHaven’s log siding and knotty-pine paneling are precision-cut from handselected timber harvested here in Northern Michigan. What Mother Nature started,
WoodHaven finishes in style – visit one of our showrooms to see the possibilities.
woodhavenlog.com
FAMILY BOOKSHELF
Unique Christian non-profit store
selling gifts from around the world.
Unique Gifts
Books for all ages
Greeting Cards
Bibles, Music, TY
Coffee, Tea, Cocoa
LOCATION:
The little
shop on the
corner of M33
and M72,
Fairview, MI
PHONE:
989-848-5400
Special Orders
New & Used Books
We Ship!
HOURS:
Mon-Sat
10-5 p.m.
Traverse City, Michigan
1-866-966-9663
Mio, Michigan
1-888-988-7463
MIO PINE ACRES CABINS
GR O U N D
P
M
A
C
1215 W. 8th Street • Mio, MI 48647
800-289-2845 • 989-826-5590
www.miopineacres.com
email: [email protected]
<ATV RIDING>
DIRECT ACCESS TO ATV TRAILS
Our store carries Groceries, Camping Supplies,
Firewood, Propane, Ice, Clothes and River Supplies
such as Water Guns, Water Shoes and Inflatables!
Try our made to order,
fresh hand-tossed pizza!
Pizzas are available seasonally.
Open April - November
(weather permitting)
FREE WIFI
Passport America Accepted
www.OscodaCountyMi.org • 1.800.800.6133
|3
Table of Contents
Oscoda County Parks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Oscoda County Lakes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Dining Out. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Kids Top 10. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14
15
23
27
2016 Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lodging. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Church Directory. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Clubs & Organizations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28
47
57
58
Services. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61
Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Advertisers Index. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 82
ADA Fishing Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Attractions & Activities List. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Our Lady of the Woods Shrine . . . . . . . . . .
Steiner Museum . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Orion Dark Sky Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12
18
31
33
40
Attractions
Kirtland Warbler Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Warbler Monument . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
AuSable Railroad. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wild Frontier Fun Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Coopersville. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
41
46
48
49
52
Grandview School. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Comins Caboose. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Big Cedar Tree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80
Fly Fishing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11-12
River, Canoing & Tubing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Family Picnic & Gathering Spots. . . . . . . . . 14
Lakes, Fishing & Boating. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Golf. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Shopping in Oscoda County. . . . . . . . . . . . 22
Activities
Amish Shopping . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skyline Event Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Birding. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Lodging & Camping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Mushrooms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Unique Shopping. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26
32
42
47
50
60
Pudding Stones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Wedding . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Geo Caching. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69
Cross Country Skiing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74-75
Hiking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67, 73-75
First Dam Canoe Challenge . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
OC Riverfest. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
AR Canoe Marathon. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Annual Fishing Derby . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Country at Heart Craft Show. . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Grow Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Events
Predator Round Up. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Circus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Skyline Event Center, Blues & Brews . . . . .
Nor-East’r Music Festival. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Blessing of the Bikes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4th of July Celebrations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21
24
32
34
35
36
Northern MI Relief Sale. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Wine Tasting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Tractor Show. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Heritage Days . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Holiday Light Parade. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Quilt Trail. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Snowmobile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
Boardwalk Hiking & Horse. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67
Trails
ORV. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70, 78-79
Michigan Shore to Shore Horseback. . . . . . 72
Midland to Mackinac Horseback. . . . . . . . . 73
38
51
54
56
65
Loud Creek Ski & Hiking. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74
Wolf Creek Ski & Hiking . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Jack Pine Wildlife Tours. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76
Photo credit for bottom right photo on cover of this guide was provided by Gary Gee from www.PhotographyUpNorth.com
4 |
R
C
Four Seasons of Fun
Oscoda County
in Northeast Michigan
N
OS
OD
TY
FOR
C HA
M
B
OF C OMME
CE
ER
A COU
Canoeing, Camping, ORV Trails, Kids Fun Park,
Cross Country Skiing, Train Rides, Museums,
Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, Snowmobiles,
Shopping, Amish Community, Dark Sky Viewing
Bird watching, Wildlife & Lots More!!!
Chamber of Commerce for Oscoda County
201 S. Morenci Ave.
P.O. Box 670, Mio, MI 48647
E-mail: [email protected]
On the Web at: www.oscodacountymi.org
Contact Us At:
1-800-800-6133
or
989-826-3331
|5
Welcome to Oscoda County
A Four Season Playground
Looking for a place where you can find
some good old-fashioned fun any time of
the year? Try Oscoda County. Located just
north of Michigan’s Heartland and on the
west side of the Sunrise Side, this “fourseason playground” has something to offer
everyone all year long.
Snowmobilers will find hundreds of miles
of groomed trails crisscrossing the area.
Oscoda County’s trail system is one of
the best in Northern Michigan and connects with the trail systems of counties to
the east and west as well as the north and
south. Many visitors spend several days on
the trails, spending each night in a different
community. The trails are groomed each
week by a volunteer grooming organization
and maps of the county’s trails are readily
available from local businesses.
Winter fun is not limited to snowmobiles.
Cross-country skiers will find miles and
miles of trails available for their sport. A
good example is the Loud Creek Nordic
Ski Area. Located just two miles from Mio,
the ski area has several trails available
ranging from easy to very difficult. A total
of 12 kilometers of trails wind through the
Huron national Forest, along Loud Creek,
across fields and up and down hills.
The downhill skier and snow boarder will
find literally dozens of challenging slopes
all across northern Michigan all within a
short drive from Oscoda County. Trying to
be more in touch with nature?
About the time spring fever starts infecting
the majority of the population, the Au Sable
River Valley is putting on a new face. The
buds are graduating to leaves. The famous
Au Sable River is flowing full and fast carrying away the last of the winter snow. The
sun warms the earth and the forest comes
alive once more. Deer can be easily seen
along the roadways where they devour the
first of spring’s new grass. Turkey hunters,
trout fishermen and mushroom pickers all
eagerly await their seasons. Each spring,
the abundance of state and national lands
make Oscoda County a popular spot with
turkey hunters. Wild turkeys can be seen at
any time of the day and along every road in
the area. In fact, Fairview lays claim to the
title, “Wild Turkey Capital of Michigan.”
In the early sixties, two hundred and forty
wild turkeys were released here due to a
combined effort between the Michigan Department of National Resources and private
citizens. The birds were raised from eggs
laid by hens purchased from the State of
Pennsylvania. Eventually, the large population of birds became a nuisance to area
farmers. They were trapped and moved to
other parts of the state.
As the snow melts and the sun starts warming up patches of the forest floor, the morel
mushroom makes its appearance. This usually happens toward the end of April. The
tasty little fungi turns normally sane people
paranoid. They sneak around the woods
looking over their shoulder to make sure
they are not followed as they head for their
secret picking spots.
Long before the Au Sable River became
popular for canoeing, it was a mecca for the
trout fisherman. A 23-mile stretch of river
between Mio and the Forest Service Road
4001 in Alcona County has been designated
as a National & Wild Scenic river. The portion of river between Mio and McKinley is
quality fishing water. This means only flies
or artificial lures may be used.
The area along the Au Sable is home to the
Kirtland’s Warbler, one of the rarest songbirds in the world. Oscoda, Roscommon,
Crawford and Ogemaw counties represent
the vast majority of the Kirtland’s Warbler
nesting area. This community is working with the government to protect an extremely endangered species. The U.S. Forest Service conducts tours thru the Warbler
nesting area for visitors. Summer is a great
time to drive the Jack Pine Viewing Tour.
This auto tour will total nearly 100 miles.
The East Loop of the tour was dedicated
during the first Kirtland’s Warbler Festival in 1994. Tour participants will drive
through a variety of habitats offering a diversity of wildlife viewing opportunities,
from beaver ponds to bald eagles and loon.
The tour winds along the Au Sable River
and throughout the Huron National Forest.
Baseball, hotdogs and apple pie certainly
describe summer in the Au Sable River
Valley. Tubing, canoeing, camping, biking,
road and trail riding, golfing and all kinds
of warm weather fun abound in the region.
Tubing is starting to rival canoeing as the
favorite way of enjoying the beautiful Au
Sable River. Most area liveries offer both
forms of transportation, along with kayaks
and family size rafts. The Michigan Riding
and Hiking Trail meanders through the area
and is a perfect way to enjoy the beauty of
the Huron National Forest in a silent setting. Quad runners and motorcycles also
enjoy a share of the forest and have a trail
system set aside for their exclusive use. The
Fourth of July brings parades, fireworks,
and barbecues to communities all over
the area. Oscoda County has many quality
motels and private campgrounds. The area
golf courses are not only challenging but
offer beautiful views.
September not only brings Labor Day, the
traditional end of summer, but starts the
hunting season as well. Grouse and squirrel hunters take to the woods after the 15th.
The deer bow hunters start making preparations for the October 1 opening of their
season.
October is also when the green forest turns
into a panorama of color. A great time to
drive the back and side roads. Be sure to
bring a camera.
About the time the leaves quit falling, the
locals are getting ready for the invasion of
the blaze orange hunters. As soon as the
deer season is over and snow covers the
trails, the snowmobiler is back and the cycle starts over again.
To experience real down home hospitality
and have a great time no matter what the
season, visit Oscoda County!
6 |
Oscoda County’s Timberland Quilt Trail
A map and guide to the quilt trail.
26
Please
use caution
when you
slow or stop
to view the quilt
blocks.
2
14
18
9
13
10
4
21
22
***
3
Timberland Quilt Trail was
started in early 2012. Each
year we have continued to
grow adding several blocks
during the summer months.
27
16
15
***
11
24
8
23
19
6
25
12 20
1
5
17
7
Many of the quilt blocks are
located on private
property and are marked
as such. These blocks
should be viewed from the
adjacent public road.
You are more than welcome
to investigate the quilt block
businesses that are
open to the public.
We are indebted to the
quilt block hosts for
their generosity!
1.
201 S. Morenci, Mio.
The first block on the
Timberland Quilt Trail is on
the 100 year old Chamber of
Commerce building.
www.oscodacountymi.org
2.
1936 Chelser Street,
Comins. A Circling
Swallows block is on the Jenks/
Shantz home, (1945 lumber
shed ) from a five-generation
family quilt.* Private residence.
3.
1778 N. Weaver Rd,
Fairview This restored
1947 barn features an Ohio
Star block. * Private residence.
1367 Knepp Rd, Fairview.
4.
This Garden Path block
was chosen to express their
love of gardening and antique
tractors. * Private residence.
422 S. Morenci St, Mio.
5.
Stitches For You Quilt
Shop designed this beautiful
Variable Star block to celebrate
the 4 seasons and it adorns the
south side of their building. They
offer fabric, patterns, classes and
machine quilting services. www.stitchesforyouinc.com
115 West 8th St, Mio.
The Au Sable Crossroads
was made exclusively for the
Timberland Quilt Trail by Evelyn
Larrison. The building houses
Smokin’ Bucks store. They carry
Michigan made products, cigars
and many unique “up north” gift items.
6.
7.
3962 Palmer Rd,
Luzerne. A Wedding
Ring block adorns the garage
of the Williams family home.
Maria is a quilter and loves
traditional quilt patterns.
* Private residence.
8.
412 Morenci, Mio.
Au Sable River
Restaurant proudly displays
the Fish Fry block designed
exclusively for them.
The Au Sable River is famous
for great fishing and the restaurant is well known
for their homemade daily specials, Sat & Sun
breakfast buffet, Friday fish dinners and
“Up North Friendly Atmosphere!”
www.ausableriverrestaurant.com
1980 Reber Rd,
9.
Comins Steiner Museum is the home of this Log
Cabin block. The museum
houses collections of logging
and pioneer items from
Oscoda County. An original log schoolhouse
also sits on the grounds of the museum. The
museum is open Fri, Sat & Sun 12 p.m. to 4
p.m. Memorial day thru September 30.
1871 N Caldwell
10.
Rd, Mio The
Au Sable Valley Engine &
Tractor Club sponsored the
Ohio Star Variation block
which hangs on the O. E.
Kauffman Building at the Fairgrounds. They
hold a tractor & engine show the last weekend
in June each year.
463 S. Mt. Tom
11.
Rd, Mio This Ohio
Snowflake block is mounted
on a sign. It is a traditional
Amish pattern and reflects
the owners heritage.
115 Deyarmond
St, Mio. Lydia’s
Gate is a non-profit 501c.3
organization committed to
providing temporary shelter
for those in need. They
welcome volunteers at all levels! * Private
residence.
12.
1871 N Caldwell Rd., Mio
13.
Summer Winds
block graces the stage at
the Fairgrounds. Sponsored
by the Nor’east’r Music and
Art Festival. Follow them
on Facebook for updates on
their festival held each June.
3118 N Weaver Rd, Comins
Pampered Beef
sponsored this delightful
Patriotic Block on their barn.
Note the Polka-dot border!
Pampered Beef is all natural,
grass fed beef and is sold at
Amish Country Natural Products and Fairview
Food Market. Private residence.
14.
15.
60 South M-33,
Mio North
Country Realty’s block is Star
and Home. It reflects not
only the business the owners
have but the beautiful north
country. www.northcountrymio.com
16.
2899 Kurtz Rd
The Carefree
Pony block was designed
exclusively for Karefree
Ranch. The colorful block
stands out on the white barn
built in the 1940s. Karefree Ranch has been
a riding stable since 1971. www.karefreeranch.com
17.
2244 Deeter Rd,
Luzerne
Luzerne Hardware is the site
for the Bigfoot Block. Many
Bigfoot enthusiasts come
here looking for signs of
the elusive creature www.luzernehardware.
doitbest.com
18.
3308 N. Abbe
Rd., Comin
The Woodworkers Shoppe
hosts the Pine Tree Sampler
Block. Built in 1995 it houses
many fine products to make
every home a log home.
www.woodworkersshoppe.com
19.
1631 Ryno Rd,
Mio
Mio Moose Lodge #1035
Mio Women of the Moose
sponsored and
designed this block.
They are an organization that does many
charitable events for the community.
20.
122 Morenci, Mio.
American Physical Therapy now resides
in this building that once
was home to a bank. The
Whirlwind Flag block had
stars added.
21.
|7
1558 N. Abbe Rd.,
Fairview Habitat for
Humanity’s ReStore building
hosts the Heart and Home block
which perfectly represents their
mission.
2053 E Miller Rd,
Fairview An Amish
Mariner’s Compass block graces
the former Fairview Dollar Store.
The block design is by Carroll Griffiths. One of the store
owners is an avid quilter and makes Mariner’s
Compass quilts.
430 W 8th St, Mio
Oscoda County Library’s block is the classic Books
Block. The library hosts many
activities and is committed to
providing our county with books,
technology & resources. www.oscoda.lib.mi.us/
22.
23.
24.
4749 McKinley Rd,
Mio McKinley Civic
Association designed the
Fishing Bear applique block
which represents the wildlife and
river on their doorstep.
25.
204 W. Ninth St, Mio
OC Riverfest
sponsored the Northstar
mariner’s Compass block
on the Big Red Barn.
OC Riverfest is held the last
Saturday in August each year.
Go to www.ocriverfest.com for more information.
26.
4263 First St.,
Comins Comins
Mennonite Church is the home
of the Cathedral View block.
Designed by Dana Jones with
a replica of the original Comins
Mennonite Church in the center.
850 Galbraith Rd.,
Mio The Galbraith
barn was build over 70 years ago
for a milking barn and the farm
has been in the family for over
100 years. *Private Residence.
27.
8 |
14th Annual Mio
“First Dam Canoe Challenge”
Offers Fun in August
August 26-28, 2016
The Mio Pond will be the site once again for the 14th Annual
“First Dam Canoe Challenge.”
The race consists of several categories for racers to compete in.
The C-2 is a two person, the men’s and women’s C-1 is one individual per canoe. A traveling trophy is awarded to the winner
and they also have a chance to win back their sponsorship money.
We also hold races for the “Old Timers,” Junior, and Fledglings.
Aluminum canoe fun races are held for the community with prizes awarded.
While the C-2 race draws several teams who compete in major
races, such as the Au Sable River Marathon, the other races draw
a wide variety of race enthusiasts.
The race is always held in August, the weekend before Labor
Day. It is a family orientated event with camping, fellowship and
good food.
For information, call Peg Smutek at 989-390-3889
or Susan Avery at 989-826-3165,
Brian Smutek at 989-826-3402. Web: miracing.com
Norm Detrich,
Realtor®
607 S. Morenci St.
P.O. Box 128
Mio, MI 48647
Office: (989) 826-6100
Fax (989) 826-6114
E-mail: [email protected]
Check Out Our Listings at www.detrichrealestate.com
Trophy Waters Fly Shop
At Gotts’ Landing Canoes
Located in Mio at The Au Sable River Bridge
* Guide Services
* Drift Boat Rental
* Shuttle Service
* Rods, Reels, Supplies
* Gifts
Visit our new website:
trophywatersflyshop.net
Call for info: 989-826-3411
Fax: 989-826-8116
on the Beautiful, Historic Au Sable River
Let us help plan your river/canoe/camping experience.
Ask about our group bus service from camp site to river.
For Reservations:
Gotts’ Landing
(989) 826-3411 • 888-226-8748
M‑33 at the Au Sable River Bridge
Find us on: www.gottslanding.com
Email: [email protected]
Visit our Trophy Waters Fly Shop
It is hard to believe that the OcRiverfest is about to enter year three. It seems like yesterday a few friends were sitting
around a campfire and decided to see if they could start a festival. Turns out they pulled it off and it keeps growing.
The 2016 edition of the OcRiverfest kicks off on August 26th with our friends at the VFW putting on the Community Pig
Roast at the courthouse lawn. While dining on the swine you can enjoy live entertainment on the south stage and listen to
the roar of the “Thunder on the River” classic car cruise.
After dinner you can stick around for the movie on the courthouse lawn or head to the north stage for beverages and the
stand up comedian.
Get Saturday started with the breakfast at the OcClassic Car Show put on by our local sports boosters. If a 5k is your thing
then you will love the third annual 5k OcRiver Run on Wolf Creek Trail. Wolf Creek Trail is a challenging winding trail
that follows the banks of the majestic Au Sable.
All of your favorites are back including a lot more. Downtown Mio will be jumping with two stages of live music and a
river barge load of attractions for the kids. The inflatable midway, My Adventure Theatre, petting zoo and magician will
keep the young river rats entertained all day.
2016 is the 100 year anniversary of our dam here in Mio and to celebrate, the folks at Consumers Energy have agreed
to open her up for a peak inside. On Saturday we will be shuttling folks for tours of the Mio Dam hosted by Consumers
Energy.
Sunday is a day to celebrate what this festival is all about and float down the Au Sable for the second annual Uber Tuber.
|9
10 |
Au Sable River Canoe Marathon
Grayling to Oscoda - July 26-31, 2016
Premier Canoe Marathon in North America – Possibly the World!
The Au Sable Canoe Marathon carries a reputation as one of the most
challenging canoe events in the
world. Over fifty of the one hundred
and twenty mile course is at night.
The event starts at 9:00 p.m. on Saturday, the last full weekend of July,
and ends in Oscoda mid-day on
Sunday. The teams pass through the
Mio area during a two-hour window
on Sunday morning. Negotiating
through stumps and deadfalls can
endanger a canoe entering into the
Mio Pond at 2 a.m., and the vastness of the pond at night can lead a
team to be temporarily lost. Each year, over
fifty teams from across North America step
forward for the challenge.
Mio marks the greatest hurdle for teams
hoping to finish the event. The paddlers
must pass the Mio Dam within seven hours
of the start to avoid disqualification. This is
it is time to call it a night; things are
not working for you.”
done in the interest of safety and prevents
the entries from being spread over too great
a distance up and down the river. Marathon
volunteer Wayne Koppa stated, “The Mio
Pond is a challenge in daylight and more so
in the middle of the night. We have seen excellent racers not make the cutoff at Mio. If
you’re not in Mio by the seven hour limit,
SERVING OUR
COMMUNITY SINCE 1949
Crystal Filley, former marathon volunteer remarks, “The marathon has
strong ties to the Mio area. One of
the most popular paddlers over the
years has been Al Widing, Sr., a
resident of Mio. The Mio Dam continues to be a huge milestone during
the conduct of the event. And it goes
without saying that in many sports,
you would have to travel to see the
best in the world, but when it comes
to marathon canoeing, the best in
the world can be seen right in our
backyard, the Au Sable River.”
Marathon details are available on the Internet at the web address of AuSableCanoeMarathon.org. You can watch the progress
of the race on the website that is updated
throughout the event.
Au Sable Canoe Marathon Says
“Thanks”
to all fans and supporters.
Check out the 69th running of North America’s
Premier Canoe Race July 26 - 31, 2016
Schedule:
Grayling Start (Sat.) . . . . . . . . 9:00 p.m.
McMasters Bridge . . . . . . . . . 11:45 p.m.
Parmalee Bridge . . . . . . . . . . 12:45 p.m.
Camp Ten Bridge . . . . . . . . . . 1:55 a.m.
Mio Dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2:15 a.m.
McKinley Bridge . . . . . . . . . . 4:00 a.m.
4001 Bridge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:00 a.m.
Famous for our fresh and home smoked meats,
fresh baked bread and fry-cake donuts.
View our live skycam and our weekly ad at
www.fairviewfoodmarket.com
LOCATED ON THE CORNER OF M-33 & M-72
989-848-2820
Alcona Dam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5:30 a.m.
Race night updates – entries & more
www.AuSableCanoeMarathon.org
| 11
Fly Fishing On The Au Sable
Mio to Alcona
magic 55-degree mark. Other hatches to note are the Sulphurs,
brown drakes, Isonychia, and white fly.
The next downstream section is the reach from Comins Flats to
McKinley. It is about the same length in terms of river miles but
the river’s personality changes a bit. There are more frequent
stretches of slow water and there is an attendant build-up of silt.
The silt, as you know by now, harbors the Hexagenia limbata and
this adds spice to the evening soup.
Below Comins Flats there are several very deep bend holes shaded
by heavy foliage. These hold super trout that will often respond to
large streamers that mimic sculpins or crayfish. The riffles, particularly where they slow and blend into a pool, hold both rainbows and browns (and, rarely, brook trout) with a seeming predisposition to surface-feed. The best dry-fly action is during the
Hendrickson, brown drake, and whitefly hatches, but Sulphurs and
mahoganies in late May, and Hex during early June, can produce
superb angling.
This is “The Big Water” made famous by trophy browns and rainbows and moderate (but increasing) angling pressure. Special angling regulations have been in effect for many years on the run
from Mio to McKinley, a distance of about 15 river miles, and the
results are impressive. Brown trout over 20 inches are not at all
rare and rainbows from 14 to 18 inches are free risers whenever
there is a reasonable number of mayflies available as emergers,
duns, or spinners.
It is worth mentioning that I fish this stretch most often. Over the
course of nearly fifty years on this water, I have rarely seen a trout
over 12 inches eat an adult caddis. This is not to say that they do
not eat the nymphs, they surely do, but the adult caddis seem to
go about their buggy business unthreatened by trout. Perhaps the
caddis adults below Mio taste bad. I think the more likely answer
is that the fish are truly spoiled and lazy. An adult caddis flutters
and darts and might get away. Why waste the energy? Easier prey
will be along shortly. Complementing the prolific mayfly hatches
are dense populations of crayfish, sculpins, darters, dace, shiners,
chubs, and juvenile trout.
The Big Water is logically divided into three sections or floats.
The first run is about eight miles from the boat ramp in the town of
Mio to the public access at Comins Flats off McKinley Road. This
is a lovely, productive stretch of river with pools, runs, riffles, and
deep holes. There are only three sites along this course that have
cabins visible from the river. The rest of the view is forest, specifically the Huron National Forest. Access is generous and easy
along several USFS numbered trails on both the north and south
sides of the river.
Early-season angling improves when the water temperature reaches 55 degrees F. It peaks and holds constant at temperatures between 60 and 68 degrees F. The Hendrickson hatch can be spectacular on this water when the peak emergence coincides with the
From McKinley downstream to USFS 4001, the river runs entirely
through the Huron National Forest. There are no cabins or structures of any kind on this wilderness float.
The current is a bit slower and there is more silt in this reach, so the
numbers of Hexagenia limbata mayflies increase proportionately.
Usually the hatch begins about June 12 and continues through the
first of July. In addition to the Hex, anglers find the Hendrickson,
Sulphur, brown drake, Isonychia, and whitefly hatches rewarding.
Large sculpin streamers fool big fish throughout the year, particularly at dawn or dusk, or on heavily overcast days.
Trout anglers will sometimes hook into trophy-sized smallmouth
bass on streamers and, more rarely, a large walleye from one of the
deep holes in this section
By Bob Linsenman reprinted with permission from his book the
Michigan Blue-Ribbon Fly-Fishing Guide
12 |
Super Hatches for Michigan Trout Streams
Hatch
PeriodSize
Mayflies
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis vagans)
late April through May
18-20
May16
late April, May
12-14
late May
14
Sulphur (Ephemerella dorothea)
late May-early June‘
16-18
Gray Drake (Siphlonurus rapidus)
late May-early June
12
early June
10
Hex (Hexagenia limbata)
mid to late June
6
Light Cahill (Stenacron)
July and August
12-14
Blue-Winged Olive (Ephemera lata)
July and August
16
August, early September
24
mid August-September
14
Sulphur (Ephemerella invaria)
Brown Drake (Ephemera simulans)
Trico (Tricorythodes stygiatus)
White Fly (Ephoron leukon)
PeriodSize
Caddis
Mahogany (Paraleptophlebia adoptiva)
Hendrickson (Ephemerella subvaria)
Hatch
Little Black Caddis (Chimarra aterrima)
late April, early May
18
Popcorn Caddis (Nectopsyche)
June, July
14-16
Rusty Caddis (Ptilostomis)
June, July
8-10
Gray Caddis (Brachycentridae)
May, June
14
August, September
10-12
Giant Black (Pteronarcys dorsata)
June, July
4
Brown Stonefly (Isoperla signata) May
10
June, July
14
Brown Caddis (Pycropsyche)
Stoneflies
Yellow Sally (Isoperla biliniata)
Super Hatches for Michigan Trout Streams
ADA fishing pier At Joseph Pillars Park
Recently constructed venue in Oscoda County located just
north of the Au Sable River off of Pond Drive, the Joseph Pillars Park was officially dedicated and opened.
Joe Pillars has been an advocate for access to the Au Sable
River for many years. He has been responsible for many of the
overlooks and places to get your feet wet along the River.
During the planning stages for this new venue it was determined
that not only was it possible to build a first class fishing pier, it
would also be possible to make access to that pier Americans
with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant. The pier has 2 access
routes one that includes a series of switchbacks with less than
a 6% grade for wheel chairs and another with a slighter steeper
grade and a set of steps to accommodate whomever wishes to
use the facility.
Additional fishing piers at Camp 10 Bridge and Pond Drive.
| 13
The Au Sable - A National Scenic River
The Au Sable National Scenic River is a
23 mile segment of the main stream of
the Au Sable River in Oscoda and Alcona
Counties, near the communities of Mio
and McKinley. The segment begins one
mile below Mio Pond and ends just below the Forest Road (4001) Bridge. The
legal boundary can be seen on National
Scenic River maps or available at the
Mio Ranger District of the Huron National Forest.
The Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, P.L. 90542, became law on October 2, 1968. Its
purpose is to preserve “certain selected
rivers which, with their immediate environment, pose outstanding remarkable geologic, fish and wildlife, historic
or cultural or other similar values...in a
free flowing condition...for the benefit
and enjoyment of present and future generations.” After seven years of consideration, this 23 mile segment of the Au
Sable was designated a National Scenic
River on October 4, 1984.
The Huron National Forest has prepared
a Management Plan, as directed by the
Wild and Scenic Rivers Act, to provide
guidance, specific direction and identify projects and improvements needed
to manage the Au Sable for the next ten
years or until revision is needed.
The Mio Ranger District has been awarded the job of administration of the Scenic
River corridor. Management objectives
identified are to:
1. Preserve the river’s free flowing condition and its existing water quality.
2. Retain the existing natural, undeveloped appearance of the river’s shoreline.
3. Protect all significant archeological,
historic and scientific values within
the river’s corridor for future generations.
4. Provide users of the river corridor with
an opportunity for a semi-primitive
experience.
5. Reduce the conflicts between different
users of the river and the stress of user
activity on the river’s ecosystem.
6. Protect and enhance the habitat of fish
and wildlife in the river corridor.
Specific projects which have been identified in the Scenic River Plan are now being implemented. Examples of projects
include improvements to the McKinley
and 4001 Bridge access sites, various
soil erosion abatement projects along the
shoreline, designation of camping sites
and the installation of rest stop facilities, closure of roads not needed for the
administration of use of the river, construction of fish habitat improvements in
tributaries, and the installation of informational signing.
14 |
Family Picnic and Family
Gathering Spots
Parks with Pavilions
Oscoda County Park
On the Mio Pond
1110 Jay Smith Dr., Mio, MI 48647
989-826-5114
Comins Township Park
On Perry Lake
Reber Rd., Fairview MI 48621
Comstock Park
2173 Deeter Rd., Luzerne, MI 48636
Comins Park
First St., Comins MI 48619
989-848-2729
Big Creek Township Park
On the AuSable River
260 Deeter Rd. Luzerne MI 48636
Greenwood Township Park
4030 Williams Rd., Lewiston, MI 49756
989-786-7872
Elmer Township Park
863 W. Kittle Rd., Mio MI 48647
(989) 826-3451
Boney Park
1398 Maple Dr., Fairview MI 48621
Smith Lake Park
On Smith Lake
Caldwell Rd., Mio MI 48647
Oscoda County Fairgrounds
1689 Caldwell Rd., Mio MI 48647
989-826-1108
Mio Masonic Lodge 596 Presents the
2016 Annual
Fishing Derby
June 2016, 12:00 noon
Prizes vary with number of entries.
Contact info [email protected] or 989-909-1048
or the Chamber of Commerce at 989-826-3331
| 15
Oscoda County Lakes
Oscoda County is home to many lakes. Take time while
enjoying your visit in Oscoda County to see these lakes.
Bass Lake
Access through Clinton Township
Park on Saddleback Lake Rd.
Comins
• Picnic Area
• Swimming
• Boat Ramp
Big Creek
Mainstream, West Branch & East
Branch, Luzerne Area
Access at Road Crossings
& The Luzerne Boardwalk
• Fly Fishing
• Fishing
Island Lake
Federal Campground
and Day Use, On Co. Rd. 486
(Loon Lake Loop)
• Swimming
• Boating
• Picnic Area
• Camping
Mack Lake
Access At USFS park,
County Road 489, Mio
• Rustic Camping
• Fishing
• Boating
McCollum Lake
Boat Access, McCollum Lake
Rd., Curran
• Boat launch
• Swimming
• Fishing
• Rustic camping
T
TEE Lake
DNR Access & Park on Milkie
Way Dr., Lewiston
• Boat Dock & Ramp
Wagner Lake
Access At USFS Rustic
Camping Area Wagner Lake Rd.,
Mio
• Rustic Camping
• Swimming
• Fishing
Mio Pond
(Mio Hydro Electric Dam
Backwaters)
Access at Oscoda County Park,
On Jay Smith Drive, Mio
• Rustic & Improved Campsites
• Horseshoe pits, Volleyball
Courts
• Swimming
• Pavilion
Access At The End of Pond Drive
Mio
• Camping
• Fishing Piers
• Picnic
• Boat Launch
Access At The End Of Gerber
Rd., Mio
• Rustic Camping
• Picnic
• Swimming
Access At Camp 10 Bridge Rd.
• Fishing Piers
• Boat Launch
• Picnic Area
Muskrat Lake
Access At DNR Park On Helmer
Lake Road, Mio
• Swimming Beach
• Fishing
• Boating
• Rustic Campsites
• Picnic area
Perry Lakes
Access At Comins Township
Park, Reber Rd., Fairview
• Swimming Beach
• Day Park With Pavilion
• Boat Launch
Smith Lake
Access At Smith Lake Park,
Caldwell Road, Mio
• County Day Park
• Picnic Area With Pavilion
• Swimming Beach
• Playground
Au Sable River
Access At Joseph Pillars Park
Fishing Pier ADA compliant,
Access At Parmalee Bridge,
County Road 489, Luzerne
• Rustic Camp Ground
• Canoe Launch
Access At Big Creek Twp. Deeter
Road, Luzerne
• Rustic Camping
• Picnic Area
• Pavillion
• Canoe Launch
Access at Camp 10 Bridge Rd.
• Fishing Piers
• Boat Launch
Come up
North
to enjoy
Fishing,
Swimming,
& Boating!
he Chamber Of Commerce for Oscoda County - lodging, business and travel information for Northern Michigan towns of Mio,
Fairview, Luzerne, Comins, McKinley and Red Oak. The beautiful Au Sable River runs through the center of our county, and is
one of the premier trout fishing rivers in the United States. Along with its tributaries, the Au Sable offers many opportunities for
fishing, canoeing, birding or just a nice relaxing day enjoying the outdoors. Oscoda County is also host to thousands of acres of public
land, part of the Huron National forest and Michigan State forest. This land offers an opportunity to hunt, hike and enjoy deer, turkey,
bear, and many types of birds including the famous Kirtland’s Warbler. www.oscodacountymi.org
16 |
13th Annual
Mio Craft Show
Country At Heart
Arts & Crafts Show
---------------
Country At Heart Cafe ~ Great Food
*Sponsored by: Mio Football
Many
Exhibitors!
Mio Au Sable School
April 16, 2016
10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
989-826-2400
Demonstrations
ssion:
Admi ons
ti
Dona ed
m
Welco
Door Prizes
Friday Fireside Concerts, Gallery Displays, Brews ‘n
Blues Festival, Rock the Woods Classic Rock Concert,
Wi-Fi Hotspot, Annual events—July 3rd Fireworks,
Pumpkin Fest & MORE! See our calendar of
events or website for more information.
www.skyline.events
989-848-0145
Trips from 2½ hours to Overnight Trips
COTTAGES
Proud to serve our community.
1979 E Miller Rd
Fairview
989.848.2243
www. mercbank.com
1-2-3 Bedroom - Cable TV - Queen Beds
Air-conditioned - Fireplaces - In-room Phones
Complete Kitchens - Swimming - Private Beach
Fishing - Stocked Lakes - Playground
Game Room - Hiking Trails
ORV or ATV from your cottage to trails.
Brochures: P.O. Box 220, Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-3267
4 Blocks N. of traffic light on M‑33
www.hinchman.com
The Grow Show
& Spring Tree Sale
Saturday, May 7, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
at the Lovely Oscoda County Fairgrounds
Door Prizes ~ Free Admission
Vendors ~ Demonstrations
Items For Sale: Seedlings,Transplants, Shrubs, Hostas,
Fruit Trees & Shrubs, Perennial Plants, Hanging Baskets,
Lawn, Garden, Landscaping and Outdoor Craft Items
Sponsored By: The Oscoda County Conservation District,
Chamber of Commerce for Oscoda County
and Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)
Oscoda County
Library
Mio Branch
M – F: 9am – 5:30pm
Saturday: 9am – 1pm
989-826-3613
Fairview Branch
Monday: 9am – 5:30pm
Wednesday: 12pm – 5:30pm
Friday: 12pm – 5:30pm
989-848-0994
| 17
18 |
Airports
Oscoda County Tourist
Attractions & Activities
Skyline Event Center
pg. 55
Amish Community & Businesses
PG. 26
Area Lakes - Swimming, Fishing, Camping
PG. 15
PG. 32
Snowmobiling, ORV Trail System Bull Gap Hill Climb Area, The Meadows PG. 39, 70 & 78-79
Au Sable River & Tributaries Canoeing, Tubing, Quality Fishing, Whirlpool Access Site, Mason
Tract PG. 13
Softball Tournaments
Au Sable Valley Railroad
Timberland Quilt Trail
PG. 48
Bicycling
Big Cedar Tree
PGs. 9, 34 & 36
Wolf Creek Trail
Dining, Cocktails
& Entertainment PG. 23
Fall Color Self Tours
Fishing derby
Flea Market
PG. 55
PG. 14
Back Cover & PG. 60
Golf Courses
PG. 19
Handicapped Fishing Piers - Mio Pond (Pond Dr.),
Camp Ten, Pillars Park PG. 12
Hiking - Loud Creek Trail, Luzerne Boardwalk
Wolf Creek Trail
PG. 62
PG. 6 & 7
PG. 67 & 72-75
Horse Back Riding - Shore To Shore Trail
PG. 72 & 73
Hunting - Deer, Turkey, Small Game, Bear, Big Foot
Jack pine Wildlife Auto Tour
Kirtland’s Warbler & Tours
PG. 76
PG. 41
Kirtland’s Warbler Monument
PG. 46
Luzerne area Predator Roundup
Maple Syrup Producers
Mushroom Hunting
PG. 21
PG. 25
PG. 50
OUR LADY OF THE WOODS Shrine
PG. 31
Scenic Overlooks - Mio Pond, Au Sable River
(2 Sites)
School & Community Recreation Area - Tennis Courts, Shuffle Board, Horseshoe Courts, Swimming Beaches,
Playgrounds, Library
SENIOR CITIZEN’S FISHING DAY
Shopping - Clothing, Souvenirs, Crafts, Sporting Goods, Antique, Consignment Shops PG. 22 & 60
Skiing - Cross Country
PG. 34
Wildlife Viewing - Eagle, Turkey,
Deer, Elk PG. 76
PG. 57
Craft Shows
The Caboose in Comins
Various Events - Northern MI Relief Sale,
Canoe Marathon, Arts & Craft Shows, Brews & Blues
Fishing Tournament, Nor - East’r Festival, OC Riverfest
PG. 35
PG. 47
Churches
PG. 33
Various Musical Concerts
PG. 80
Blessing of the bikes
Camping
Steiner Museum
PG. 74-75
PG. 75
Visit the Chamber website for
up to date information or call
(989) 826-3331
or 1-800-800-6133
www.oscodacountymi.org
| 19
Where to find great golf
in Oscoda County
1
2
1. Cedar Valley Golf Club - 3757 N. Weaver Rd., Comins,
MI: 4 miles North of Fairview on M33-Abbe Rd. , turn
right on Steiner Rd. 1 mile left on Weaver Rd. Course will
be on your left. 18 Holes
Caldwell Rd
3
2. Fairview Hills Golf Club - 1481 Caldwell Road, Mio,
MI: 5 miles north of Mio on M-33/M-72 turn right onto
Caldwell Rd. destination will be on the right. 9 Holes
3. Garland Resort - 4700 N. Red Oak Rd., Lewiston, MI
49756: 4 3/4 miles North of Mio to Mt. Tom Rd. (just
before curve). Turn left onto Mt. Tom Rd. to Co. Rd. 606
(Miller Rd.) Go West on Miller Rd. 8 miles to Co. Rd.
489 (Red Oak Rd.). Go North 6 1/2 miles. Four 18 Hole
Courses
4
4. The SideWinder Golf Course - 2829 Mishler Road,
Mio, MI 48647: 4 miles south of Mio, turn right (west) on
Zimowskie Rd. 2 miles to Mishler Rd., turn right (north)
Course will be on the right. 18 Holes
9 holes w/cart $18
18 holes w/cart $30
We have a good
selection of pop
and beer, a growing
selection of spirits
available in airline
size bottles, hot dogs
and brats, chips
and other snacks.
Come enjoy a great
round of golf and the
beautiful view from our
newly remodeled patio!
League
play, Golf Outings
and Memberships
Women
of the
Moose #68
available call for information
Member Campsites
Michigan Lottery
Located 4 miles west on M-72
1631 W Ryno Road
PO Box 35, Mio, MI 48647
989-826-6081
20 |
Oscoda County
Hunter Education Class
The Mio Moose Lodge will host a one day home study
hunter education class Saturday, June 11th from 8:00 a.m.
to 3:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required at the Luzerne Hardware, in
Luzerne, starting May 16th. At the time of registration an
information sheet and book will be passed out.
The class is exploratory with emphasis on ethics, responsibility and safety.
Field Day Events
1. Archery equipment and shooting.
2. 20-Gauge and 22 rifle target shooting.
3. Safe firearm handling
4. Good marksmanship accuracy and game care.
5. Survival and personal preparedness.
6. Crossbow information and shooting.
At the end of class a review will take place followed by
a standardized D.N.R. final test. Certification cards will
be passed out for you to be able to purchase your hunting
license.
Any questions call: Richard Kiessel, 989-275-5663 or
Luzerne Hardware, 989-826-8050.
www.pamperedbeef.net
For Reservations &
Additional Information:
(989) 848-5411
Visit Our Web Site at:
www.cherrycreekfarm.com
524 W. Miller Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
First Class Cabins or Lodge • Dog Kennel
Trout Fishing • Trophy White Tail Deer
TURKEY HUNTS • Fall Pheasant Hunts
Country Feed Supply
389 W. Kittle Rd., Mio, MI 48647
3 Miles North of Mio & 3/4 of a Mile West of 33
Mon. - Fri. 8 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat. 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
989-826-2305
Full line of feeds for dairy,
beef, horse, poultry, swine, etc.
Non GMO grains available
Lawn & Garden Products
Lime, Fertilizer, Straw, Hay
Huge selection of bird feeders
Variety of bird seeds
Full line of fencing supplies
| 21
22 |
Shopping in
Oscoda County
Auto Value
508 Morenci Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 926-3800
Country Corners
Bulk Food
1284 W. Kittle Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-6063
Michigan Au Sable
Valley Railroad
230 S. Abbe Rd.
Fairview, MI 48621
(989) 848-2225
Mio Flea Market
317 S. Mt. Tom Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-8822
Country Feed Supply
389 W. Kittle Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-2305
Mio Rental And Retail
100 S. Morenci Ave.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-2299
Fairview Food Market
1508 N. Abbe Rd.
Fairview, MI 48621
(989) 848-2820
Northstar
Storage Barns
398 S. Mt. Tom Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-1000
Fairview Hardware
1511 N. Abbe Rd.
Fairview, MI 48621
(989) 848-2700
Fax (989) 848-5380
Pampered Beef
3118 N. Weaver Rd.
Fairview, MI 48621
(989) 350-6729
Family Bookshelf
1510 N. Abbe Rd.
Fairview, MI 48621
(989) 848-5400
Parmalee Trading Post
78 N. Red Oak Rd.
Lewiston, MI 49756
(989) 826-3543
Family Fare
305 N. Morenci Ave.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-3614
Pioneer Family
Pharmacy
114 S. Morenci Ave.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-8989
Habitat For
Humanity Restore
1558 N. Abbe Rd.
Fairview, MI 48621
(989) 826-3467
Luzerne Hardware
Stitches For You
Fabric, Quilting
422 S. Morenci Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-1890
Klimmek Sales & Service
1183 Mapes Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-3695
Fax (989) 826-2233
Trophy Waters
Fly Shop
Located at Gott’s Landing
(989) 826-3411
Lets Talk Auction
1491 Perry Creek Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 848-5158
The Warehouse
205 W. 9th St.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-5100
Luzerne Express
3535 Park Rd.
Luzerne, MI 48636
(989) 826-5533
Wood Haven
Log And Lumber
1284 S. Mapes,
Mio, MI 48647
(888) 988-7463
Luzerne Hardware
2244 Deeter Rd.
Luzerne, MI 48636
(989) 826-8050
Stitches for You
The Woodworkers Shoppe
3308 N. Abbe Rd.
Comins, MI 48619
(989) 848-5408
Family Bookshelf
Cliff’s Fairview Garage
Au Sable River
Restaurant
P.O. Box 901
412 N Morenci Ave.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-3590
Garland Resort
4700 N Red Oak Road
Lewiston, MI 48756
(989) 786-2211
(866) 995-0309
www.garlandusa.com
Carrie James
4248 N. Abbe Rd.
Comins, MI 48619
(989) 710-2426
Fairview Family
Restaurant & Coffee
Shop
1520 N. Abbe Rd.
Fairview, MI 48521
(989) 848-2959
DJ’s Scenic Bar &
Restaurant
4700 McKinley Road
McKinley, MI 48647
| 23
Luzerne Express
P.O. Box 143
Luzerne, Mi 48636
(989) 826-5533
Mio Pizza Shop
421 S. Morenci
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-5746
Ma Deeter’s
2262 Deeter Rd.
Luzerne, MI 48636
(989) 826-1013
Mio Saloon
107 South Morenci Ave.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-6006
McDonald’s Family
Restaurant
503 N. Morenci
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-8418
Rustic Inn
3163 N Red Oak Rd.
Lewiston, MI 49756
(989) 786-4790
24 |
Circus in Oscoda County
Friday, July 1, 2016
First Show at 5 p.m. & Second Show 7 p.m. at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds
P.O. Box 249 470 S. Mt. Tom Road
Mio, MI 48647
Tel: (989) 826-1737
Dave & Cathy Klimmek
989-826-3695
Fax 989-826-2233
www.klimmeksales.com
1183 S. Mapes Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
[email protected]
www.stitchesforyou.com
* 2 Room Suites w/ Jacuzzi * In-Room Jacuzzis
* Indoor Heated Pool * Hot Tub * Air Conditioned
In-Room Phones * In-Room Hair Dryers
Color Cable TV with HBO
Data Ports in Rooms (WI-FI Access)
Microwaves * Refrigerators
Non-Smoking Rooms Available
All Queen and King Beds
Complimentary Morning Coffee and Donuts
24 Hour Desk * Kids Stay Free
Off Season Rates
www.ausablevalleyinn.com
| 25
MAPLE SYRUP:
THE FIRST SURE SIGN OF SPRING COMING TO OSCODA COUNTY
In early March as the gloomy days of winter give way to warmer to one main collection point. This maple sap is then pumped or
sunny days of spring, a new wave of life descends to area maple delivered to the sugar house for processing into Pure Maple Syrup.
sugar bushes. It is the beginning of the maple sugaring season Other products produced may include maple candy, sugar, and
which will extend for up to five weeks. This is the only window of cream. More information, maple recipes, etc., may be obtained
opportunity to harvest this unique natural food product. It is also from your local producers or off the Michigan Maple Syrup Asthe very first agricultural crop harvested of the year in Michigan.
sociation website at www.mi-maplesyrup.com.
In 2013 there were approximately seven commercial size maple The Oscoda County area maple sugaring folks work often as famsyrup producers along with many other maple enthusiasts creat- ily units or neighborhood enterprises. They invite you to visit their
ing a sweet maple aroma. This was a very productive season with farms or sugarhouses for tours and purchases of this sweet nectar.
almost 9,000 gallons of Pure Maple Syrup harvested in Oscoda This unique product is also available at many stores and shops
County.
within the county. And remember when you see the steam arisin’
Modern technology has transformed the maple syrup industry. The from a cupola or steam stacks on a sap house, you will know that
nostalgic idea of collecting maple sap in buckets behind horses is ‘spring is in the air!’
fast disappearing. Today most commercial producers are utilizing
Tim Boonstraw, Fairview Maple Farm
plastic tubing which connects hundreds or even thousands of taps
Michigan Maple Syrup Producers Weekend March 26th
Skyline Event Center will be hosting Maple Syrup Days
Mio MOTE L
Free WiFi • Air Conditioning
Queen Size Beds • Microwaves
Big Screen TVs • Refrigerators
(989) 826-3248
www.miomotel.com
P.O. Box 251
415 N. Morenci Ave.
Mio, MI 48647
WELCH LAND & TIMBER, INC.
April 2nd starting 8 a.m. with a pancake breakfast, with events continuing all day.
WL&T
TIMBER MANAGEMENT
Dan Welch Jr., Owner
2708 Reeves Rd.
Curran, MI 48728
Phone: 989-848-5197
Fax: 989-848-5197
Cell: 989-370-4770
26 |
Amish Shopping In Oscoda County
1.
North Star Storage Barns - 398 N. Mt. Tom Rd., on M‑33/M-72
2½ miles north of Mio. (989) 826-1000
The Pioneer Store - On M‑33/72, 2¾ miles north of Mio.
8.
(989) 826-3580
Country Corners Bulk Food - 3 miles north of Mio to Kittle Rd.,
2.
and west 2½ miles. (989) 826-6063
Country Feed Supply - 3 miles north of Mio and ½ mile west on
9.
Kittle Rd. (989) 826-2305
Country Corners Greenhouse - 2 miles north of Mio and west 2
3.
miles on Cherry Creek Rd., then north ¾ miles on Galbraith Rd.
(989) 826-3311
10.Miller Bros. Maple Products - 3 miles north of Mio and 1 mile
west on Kittle Rd, 3/8 miles north on Gerber. (989) 826-5073
Oak Hill Furniture & Fabric - 3 miles north of Mio and 2 miles
4.
west on Kittle Rd., North 3 miles on Galbraith Rd.
(989) 826-1913
11.The Bakery - 2 miles north of Mio and 2½ miles west on Cherry
Creek Rd. (989) 826-3099
12.Highland Lumber - E. Kittle Road 1½ miles E. of M-33
(989) 848-8000
Shady Lane Footwear - 3 miles north of Mio, west 3 miles on
5.
Kittle Rd. to Bills Rd., then north ½ mile (989) 826-6743
13.Mio Buggy Shop - 2 miles north of Mio, west 3 ¾ miles on
Cherry Creek Rd. (989) 826-6161
Maple Ridge Metal - 3 miles north of Mio, west 1 mile on Kittle
6.
Rd., then ½ miles north on Gerber Rd. (989) 826-5752
14.Norman R Miller Horse Drawn Equipment - 3 miles north of Mio,
east 1 ½ miles on Kittle Rd. (989) 848-5834
Pine Grove Woodworking - 4 miles north of Mio and 1½ miles
7.
west on Kneeland Rd. (989) 826-6510
15.Home Style Bakery- 3 miles north of Mio, west 2 miles on Kittle
Rd., north ¼ mile on Galbraith Rd. (989) 826-5837
4
7
5
15
2
3
13
11
10
6
12
9
8
1
14
| 27
Things to do in
Kids
10 )
Tube The Ausable River
Float down the real lazy river
9)
Kids Free Fishing Day
May 5th at Pond Drive
8)
Picture with the Pink Elephant
Morenci st at the Mio pizza shop
7)
Vist the Sherman tank
Oscoda County
5)
Kids games & Fireworks at the 4th of july
3 days of festivities at mio, Luzerne and comins
4)
Cullpepper Merriweather great combined Circus
July 1, 2016 at the Osocda County Fairgrounds
3)
Visit Coopers Ville - Wild west town
Fire Tower Road Lewiston
2)
Wild Frontier Fun Park—carnival rides
Weaver rd Comins
At the American Legion in Luzerne
You will also find a troop transport at the Mio VFW
And a train Caboose in Comins
6)
Kids squirrel hunt competition
Annual y part of the Luzerne predator hunt
The Number one Kids thing to do ……
1)
AuSable Valley Rail Road—Train ride
Abbe Rd Fairview
Fresh Produce • Fresh Meats
Full Deli • Beer • Wine
Lotto • Western Union
www.familyfare.spartanstores.com
989-826-5424
fax 989-826-5778 • P.O. Box 549 • Mio, MI 48647
28 |
Calendar of Events - 2016
FEBRUARY
5Friday Fireside at Skyline Event Center,
Winter Stories – Comins Michigan.
For info call 888-352-4762.
12Open Mic, 6:30 p.m. Potluck, 7 p.m.
music, Comins Community Center for
info call 989-848-2756.
13Flannel Shirt & Tie Gala. Skyline Event
Center, 6 p.m. (Appropriate attire
requested). For info call 888-352-4762.
26-28Predator Round Up in Luzerne,
for rules & application visit
www.oscodacountymi.org or
[email protected] or
call the Luzerne Hardware at 989-8268050 or the Chamber at 989-826-3331.
27Youth Squirrel Hunt, call 989-826-8050
for details.
MARCH
4Skyline Event Center Friday Fireside,
6 p.m. Celtic Music! Pipes! For information call 888-352-4762.
11Open Mic 6:30 p.m. Potluck music starts
at 7 p.m. Comins Community Center,
call 989-848-2756.
18Skyline Event Center Fine Arts Gallery
Opening Reception 5 p.m. & Friday
Fireside - Celtic Music at 6 p.m. For info
call 888-352-4762.
19Eagle Spirit, Fairview Area School doors open at 4 p.m. silent auction
- dinner - live auction at 6 p.m. call,
989-848-8537.
APRIL
1Skyline Event Center, Gallery Opening
Reception 6 p.m., Friday Fireside
7 p.m., music by Russ Franzen – Music
of the Lakes.
2Maple Syrup Days, Skyline Event
Center, 8 a.m. Saturday. Pancake
breakfast, vendors & activities.
8Open Mic - Comins Community Center
- 6:30 p.m. Potluck, Music at 7 p.m. call
989-848-2756
16Country At Heart Craft Show, Mio/AuSable School 10 a.m. - 4 p.m., see pg. 16
for details, for app. call 989-826-6400.
16Hobo Dinner, Skyline Event Center
6 p.m. $10. Dinner, Music by Road Kill
Jack! For info call 888-352-4762.
22Lydia’s Gate Gala Dinner and auction
call 989-826-5588 for details.
May
6Skyline Events Center - Fine Arts Gallery opening & reception, Friday Fireside
music 5 p.m. For info call 888-352-4762.
7Oscoda County Conservation District
annual Grow Show, plants, trees &
shrubs 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Forester on
hand to answer questions, for more info
call 989-826-8824.
12Steiner Museum opening and Pancake
Breakfast 8-11 a.m, for info call 989889-1742 or Chamber 989-826-3331.
20Skyline Event Center Friday Fireside
7 p.m. Music by Way Out Wayne!
27-28Memorial Day Rummage & Bake Sale
at Living Waters Lutheran Church. For
more information call 989-826-1688.
30Memorial Day Service,
Courthouse Lawn, 11 a.m.
TBAORV classes - contact the Oscoda
County Sheriff Department for details,
989-826-3214.
JUNE
TBARummage/garage sale at St. Mary’s
Church, Mio contact the Chamber for
additional info 989-826-3331.
3Fine Arts Gallery Opening & Reception:
Wood artists, Skyline Event Center
5 p.m. For info call 888-352-4762.
3-4Women of The Moose Rummage &
bake sale, Mio Moose Lodge for more
info call 989-826-6081.
10Open Mic at the Comins Community
Center 6:30 p.m. Potluck, 7 p.m. for
music call 989-848-2756.
10-12Nor East’r Music & Arts Festival,
Oscoda County fairgrounds visit
www.noreastr.net, for info contact
the Chamber at 989-826-3331.
11Free Kids Fishing Day, sponsored by
the Mio Lions Club, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.,
at the Mio Pond, for more info call 989390-0716.
11Hunters Safety education class
for more info contact 989-826-8050.
24-25AuSable Valley Engine & Tractor Club
show, Oscoda County Fairgrounds,
for more info call the Chamber at
989-826-3331 or 989-786-1031.
TBDMarine classes, contact the Oscoda
County Sheriff for more info 989-8263214.
25Blessing of the Bikes - Mio Church of
God - registration begins at 10 a.m.,
for more info go to www.miochog.org
or call 989-848-5247.
25-26Fishing Derby Mio Pond Saturday
noon til Sunday - sponsored by the
Mio Masonic Lodge, for info call
989-909-1048 or e-mail
[email protected]
JULY
1Culpepper & Merriweather Circus
at Oscoda County Fairgrounds,
for info call 989-826-3331.
2-3Coopersville two-day celebration &
special guests see page 28 or call the
Chamber at 989-826-3331.
2Luzerne 4th of July festivities
beginning at 11 a.m. - children’s
games - art in the park - American
Legion steak dinner, 12 p.m. to 7 p.m.
or until gone, open to public, parade
for more info call 989-826-5950.
3Comins 4th of July Fireworks &
activities at Skyline Event Center,
free concert at 6:30 p.m. - food &
games. Fireworks at dusk. For info
call 888-352-4762.
4Mio 4th of July celebration, sponsored
by the Chamber, on Courthouse lawn,
parade at 2 p.m. Fireworks at dusk, for
info call the Chamber at 989-826-3331.
4Comins 4th of July parade 11 a.m. followed by free lunch at the Comins
Township Hall, provided by the Comins
Mennonite Church for more info call the
Chamber at 989-826-3331.
4Family Book Shelf annual fundraiser,
chicken BBQ - downtown Fairview
beginning at 10 a.m.
8Open Mic at the Comins Community
Center, Potluck at 6:30 p.m. - music at
7 p.m. - Comins Community Center calls
989-848-2756.
8-9Heritage Days, at Oscoda County
Fairgrounds 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. Info on
pg. 24 or call Chamber 989-826-3331
9Car antique car show at the Mio Flea
Market, sponsored by the Masonic
Lodge - 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
9Annual Fly-In, at the Dennis Kaufman
Memorial Airport - 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
16Big Foot Seminar at Comins Community
Center, for more info call 989-848-2246.
16Rock the Woods! at Skyline Event
Center. Classic Rock, food, games, car
show & more! $10 Noon to Midnight.
26-31Au Sable River Canoe Marathon
Grayling to Oscoda, or more
info see website at
www.ausablecanoemarathon.org
AUGUST
TBAMotorcycle Ride for Lydia’s Gate call
the chamber for info. 989-826-3331 or
Lydia’s Gate 989-826-5588.
5Northern Michigan Relief Sale
Friday 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., for info call
989-848-5904.
6Northern Michigan Relief Sale - opens
at 6 a.m. Sausage & pancake breakfast,
shops, auction at 9 a.m., Quilt auction
11:30 a.m., call 989-848-5904.
8Badges for a Cause 5K race and walk
call the Oscoda County Sheriffs Dept.
826-3214.
13Steiner Museum music and chili. Local
crafters 2-7 p.m. for more info call 989889-1742 or Chamber 989-826-3331..
| 29
19Skyline Event Center, Friday Fireside
7 p.m., Outdoor musician TBA. For info
call 888-352-4762.
20Steiner Museum Senior citizen story
time & tour. Open to seniors to share
stories. Snacks. 1-3 p.m. for info call
989-889-1742, Chamber 989-826-3331.
24TOPPS - craft show & bake sale, Mio
Community Center, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. for
info call Shirley Wrubel at 989-826-5284
or Marilyn Schultz at 989-848-5284.
25Mio Lions Annual Golf Outing,
Fairview Hills Golf Club, 9 a.m.,
call 989-826-3331 for more info.
26Senior Free Fishing Day at the Mio
Pond, sponsored by the Mio Lions Club,
10 a.m. - 2 p.m. contact 989-390-0716.
2613th Annual First Dam Canoe Challenge
Mio Pond, Pro, amateur & youth races.
Call 989-390-3889 or 989-826-3402.
26-28OCRiverFest, 5k run, live music, kids
activities, parade, car show & more!
Call Chamber for info 989-826-3331.
SEPTEMBER
2Gallery Opening Reception at 5 p.m.,
Friday Fireside at 6 p.m. - Skyline call
888-352-4762.
10Steiner Museum Patriot Day. 11-4 p.m.
Veterans and Patriots invited to listen
to a marching band; stories by vets; a
photo collage; presentations by OSC
Veterans Affairs; VFW’s & Am Legion;
demonstration by Civil War Reinactment
group; Purple Heart; etc., for more info
call 989-889-1742.
10Brews & Blues Festival, 12 p.m.-12 a.m.
a day of music & fun, Skyline Event
Center, Comins, call 888-352-4762.
OCTOBER
1-15Beautiful Fall Color Tours. Contact
Chamber at 989-826-3331 for self
guided map.
1Fall/Pumpkin Fest & Soil Conservation
District Tree sale All Day Event. Skyline
Event Center call 989-888-4762.
7Skyline Event Center, Friday Fireside
7 p.m. Musician TBA, for info call 888352-4762.
8Steiner Museum History of Oscoda
County, tour & presentation, for info call
989-889-1742, Chamber 989-826-3331.
15Trunk or Treat at the Skyline Event
5-7 p.m., Comins, call 888-352-4762.
TBAEagle Festival Fairview Area School,
see website or call 989-848-7045.
NOVEMBER
5Farewell to the Bees – 8 a.m. Saturday,
celebrates honey. Pancake breakfast,
demos, food and music. Skyline,
Comins, call 888-352-4762.
TBAChamber Wine Tasting & Silent
Auction, contact the Chamber for
updated info 989-826-3331.
12Opening Day Open House at the
Skyline Event Center, Comins,
8 a.m. - 4 p.m. call 989-888-4762.
24Luzerne Legion, Thanksgiving Dinner
1 p.m. - 4 p.m. Call 989-826-5950.
26Holiday Light Parade, downtown Mio,
visit Santa at Family Physical Therapy
at 5 p.m., parade starts at 6 p.m.
DECEMBER
2Skyline Event Center, Christmas Card
Trail Opening Reception 6pm. Friday
Fireside 7 p.m. call 888-352-4762.
2-31Skyline Event Center Christmas Card
Trail. Tour at your own time and pace.
Lighted from dusk to 9 p.m. daily.
10Steiner Museum Pioneer Christmas, for
info 989-889-1742, Chamber 989-8263331.
3Comins Eagles, visit Santa Claus,
1-4 p.m., at the Comins Eagles Comins/
Fairview.
10Children’s Christmas Party at Mio
Moose Lodge, 12 p.m. - 2 p.m. Call
989-826-6081 for additional details.
***Dates and times may vary always call ahead to verify event details.
Phone: 989-826-3331 or 800-800-6133
30 |
Oscoda Conservation District
Provides Conservation Assistance
and education programs.” To do this we act
as a gateway for our county’s citizens to obtain information and technical assistance.
Services provided by the District include access to:
• Farm Bill programs and technical assistance through our District Conservationist, Mieka Rueger, of the Natural Resource
Conservation Service (NRCS).
• Forestry programs, information, recommendations and referrals through our Forestry Assistance Program (FAP) Forester,
Lora Freer.
OSCODA COUNTY
Soil, water, air, wildlife, forestry and recreation are the primary concerns of the
Oscoda Conservation District (OCD) Our
mission is “To encourage, support and guide
our community in the wise use, maintenance and restoration of our natural resources through technical assistance, partnership
• Environmental education, risk assessment and verification through our Michigan Agriculture Environmental Assurance
Program (MAEAP) Technician, Amanda
Brown.
• Products and project administration by our
Executive Director, Donita Charron.
• Partnerships that allow the District to accomplish conservation projects for our
community through the MDARD, MDNR,
USDA Forest Service and many others.
The most notable district program is “The
Grow Show and Spring Tree Sale” usually
held the first Saturday in May at the Oscoda
County Fairgrounds. The event provides
products for wildlife habitat enhancement,
reforestation, and soil and water protection.
Public education is a big part of the mission for OCD. The District can work with
the schools and other organizations to supplement their programs. The Conservation
District’s Fifth Grade Conservation Tour,
and the First Grade Tree Handout are examples of the District supported programs. We
are also available to supplement classroom
instruction and to speak to local organizations regarding conservation issues.
If you have any questions regarding conservation issues or would like to arrange to talk
to a resource professional please call (989)
826-8824 (in Oscoda County), or e-mail the
District at [email protected]
NORTHERN VIEW MOTEL
Clean, Comfortable, Affordable
1 Minute N. of Au Sable River
* Kitchenettes
* 1 & 2 Bedroom Units
* Direct TV
* Daily, Weekly, Monthly
M-33
I-75
Open All Year!
Cherry
Crk. Rd.
36 miles to Mio
Au Sable
River
EXIT
202
* Coffee Pots / Free Coffee
* Picnic / Bonfire Area
* Pets Welcome
* Refrigerators in All Rooms
FREE WIRELESS
75 E. CHERRY CRK. RD.
MIO, MICHIGAN 48647
(989) 826-3830
nsed
Lice ers
u
B ild
portable storage barns
rent-to-own now available
David Kauffman
Home of the Pink Elephant
Supporting the communities
in which we work, live and play.
Mio Branch
989-826-6571
Member FDIC
firstmerit.com
| 31
Our Lady of the Woods Shrine
(Located on M‑72, one block west of M‑33)
Our Lady of the Woods Shrine Saint Mary Catholic Church
Mio, MI 48647 • 989-826-5509 • www.ourladyofthewoodsshrine.org
Our Lady of the Woods Shrine in located in the
small, rural town of Mio, Oscoda County, Michigan. The Shrine is located on M-72 just west of
the intersection of M-33 which are the main roads
traveling through town. The Shrine is a mountainous structure of stone, honeycombed with grottos
and niches. It is actually a composite of shrines in
a single unit. This Marion Shrine has 36 marble
statues/plaques that are on display depicting several scenes of the apparitions of Mary. The limestone shrine has retained its essential form, massing, and design since its construction and original
dedication on September 5, 1955. In the following
year an addition of a Christ the King statue, an
Our Lady of Czestochowa Mosaic, and a Family
Grotto were added and dedicated in 1958.
Further projects are planned and will be done as
money becomes available.
In November 2015, Bishop Steven A. Raica of the
Diocese of Gaylord, announced that the Shrine
would be one of eight designated sights for a
Pilgrimage during for the YEAR OF MERCY in
the Diocese of Gaylord. This YEAR OF MERCY
will occur from December 8, 2015 to November
20, 2016. As a Pilgrimage Site, a special wooden
door has been constructed and placed on the entry
way to the Family Shrine Grotto on the rear side
of the monument structure. A prayer for the Jubilee of Mercy by Pope Francis is available inside
the Grotto location.
Many people say they have driven by and never
stopped to walk around. But once a visit occurs
the statement most often said is “This is Beautiful!” Folks, stop and take a look! It will be worth
your time whether you are Catholic or not. There
is no fee to visit, so the only thing invested… is
your time.
The Our Lady of the Woods Shrine is presently
undergoing a major restoration project which includes waterproofing, stone repair and overall repair to preserve the Shrine for future generations.
On December 4, 2015, a waterproofing project
was completed on the rear portion of the Shrine
and has eliminated water entry into the rear grot- For more information visit the
to portion of the Shrine, preserving it for years. www.ourladyofthewoodsshrine.org
website
State Wide Real Estate of Mio
Open 7 Days
A week
THOMAS GALBRAITH
ASSOCIATE BROKER
www.statewidemio.com
AT THE STOP LIGHT
IN MIO
(989)
826-3292
32 |
Skyline Event center
Located on M-33 in Comins, the Skyline Event Center offers a
place to celebrate the life, work, art, music, and people of the rural communities in Michigan. Beautiful fields and woods form
a natural background for outdoor festivals, concerts, and expositions. Plans for 2016 include the Maple Syrup Festival in March,
the Uniquely Wood Expo at the end of June, fireworks on July 3rd,
the Fall Pumpkin Festival in October, and much more.
Celebrations move indoors during the colder months. The log
building offers year-round gallery displays of regional artists and
performers. The 1st Friday Fireside presentations feature regional
musicians, poets, writers, and actors in a comfortable intimate setting. The HotSpot Café makes high-speed internet available to
residents and visitors at no charge.
Check for Skyline events in the calendar section, and go to www.
Skyline.Events/ or call (888) 352-4762 for the latest news and
updates.
| 33
Steiner Museum
Where an appreciation for the present comes with looking at the past!
Open to the public - 12 to 4 p.m., Saturday & Sunday
from May to September each year.
STEINER MUSEUM is owned by
Oscoda County and its six townships.
It began with the private collection of
a local resident, Earl Steiner (1902 1979) and perpetuates his interest to
preserve ‘the way it used to be.’ A visit to the museum brings appreciation
for today’s conveniences! An 1885
log school house, antique household
items, logging and carpentry tools are
among the artifacts. Picnic under an
old apple tree! Entry by donation.
Steiner Museum is located two miles
north of Fairview on highway M‑33
at the corner of Reber Rd. From Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, it
is usually open Saturday and Sunday
afternoons. Special visits can be arranged at any time.
Call (989) 889-1742. Entry is by
donation. Visit us on the web at
www.steinermuseum.org or Like us
on Facebook.
Nor-East’r Music
& Arts Festival
June 10-12, 2016
At The Beautiful
www.noreastr.net
Sponsored in part by...
34 |
Nor-east’r
Music & Art Festival: June 10-12, 2016
On the second weekend of June, 2016, the Nor-East’r Music &
Art Festival returns to the Oscoda County Fairgrounds for the 13th
time annually: three straight days of eclectic music and art, food,
dancing, camping, jamming, drumming, and some of the greatest
parkin’ lot pickin’ in the state. Three stages host continuous music
morning to night, ranging from blues to bluegrass, country to new
age, jam bands, old-time, Celtic, folk and even a little rock. Artists
offer varied original work from woodcarving to glasswork, jewelry to stonework, basket-making, fiber art, photography, and of
course, the indispensable festival tie-dye. All this and more makes
Nor-East’r one of Michigan’s best festival experiences.
If you’re a fan of music, you will want to check out the national,
regional, and Michigan acts performing on our stages. The huge
main stage is the centerpiece of the grounds, surrounded by great
shade trees and in close proximity to food and art vendors, campsites, and bathrooms. The Parlor Stage is an intimate indoor venue adjoined to an eatery where you can have breakfast, lunch, or
dinner, or just come to enjoy the premium live music. The Barn
Stage has everything from dances to children’s song writing to full
bands. On Saturday and Sunday, workshops for musicians from
beginner to advanced level are hosted in workshop areas around
the grounds.
A juried art fair features artisans and their own original art and
craftmanship. Artists also host workshops, inviting you to come
and learn how to make and create, so you can be the artist too.
The development of youth musical talent and involvement is fostered throughout the festival program, including a giveaway of
guitars and other instruments for deserving young people, to help
get them started. There are ongoing children’s activities including song writing, open mic, workshops, and arts and crafts in the
children’s craft barn.
The campgrounds are picturesque and beautiful, offering both rustic and some electric hookup for RVs. Shaded sites, sunny sites,
flush and vault toilets, hot showers, clean facilities and of course
lots of after-hours jamming. Quiet space can also be found, but for
those that don’t want to miss anything, most campsites are close
to all activities.
Nor-East’r is a family-friendly event much loved for its depth and
diversity in musical talent and its workshops to learn directly from
talented performers. The Oscoda County Fairgrounds is the perfect
location for the festival — the site is very condensed, making it a
favorite among those that enjoy going to the varied activities that
the festival has to offer. Come and join our little world of music,
art, fun, and community for a real weekend away.
We hope you’ll come and play with us in June.
www.noreastr.net
| 35
Blessing of the Bikes
Saturday, June 25th, 2016
We will be hosting our 13th annual Blessing of the Bikes
at the Mio Church of God, 831 W. Miller Rd., Mio,
Michigan.
* This is an alcohol free event.
Registration: 10:00 a.m.
Biker Games:
11:00 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Blessing: 12:45 p.m.
Lunch: 1:00 p.m.
Group Ride: 2:00 p.m.
• Free Potluck Lunch
provided by the Church
Members
• Live Music
• Ice Cream served after
the ride.
For more information see the church website: www.miochog.org or call 989-848-5247
Woods & Water Builders, Inc
Custom Log & Stick Built Homes
Portable Sawmill Service
Log Siding • Decks • Garages
Any of your building needs!
989-350-2217
1815 Matheney Trail
Lewiston, MI 49756
Spacious 3 Bdrm. Chalets on Private Pond
Fireplace - Carpeted - Kitchen - Bath
Open Year ‘round • Call for Reservations
The CounTry ChaleTs
552 W. Kittle Road - Mio, MI 48647
989-826-3575
Amish country
www.theenchantedforest.com/TheCountryChalets
36 |
Fourth of July
Celebrations in Oscoda County
This Year’s Fourth of July celebration in Oscoda County will be
held on three different days. Saturday, July 2nd, festivities start in
Luzerne, with Arts-In-The-Park a parade time TBA with dinner,
games, contests and fireworks at dusk.
On Sunday, July 3rd begins in Comins with Lydia’s Gate 5K fund
raiser followed with food, games and a free concert at the Skyline
Event Center and completing the day with fireworks at dusk.
Monday, July 4th, Fairview will host a fund raising chicken dinner
in front of The Family Bookshelf at 10:00 a.m. July 4th in Comins
there will be a parade at 11:00 a.m. with a free lunch following at the
Clinton Township Hall. Also on Monday, July 4th, starting at 10:00
a.m.- 4:00 p.m. in downtown Mio, the annual arts and crafts show
will take place on the Court House Lawn with children’s games,
music and a parade at 2:00 p.m. To complete the day, there will be
free fireworks taking place. For more information see www.oscodacountymi.org.
Come Spend your 4th of July celebration in Oscoda County. Each
year the County Volunteers work very hard to make sure that the 4th
of July festivities are fun for all who stop by to enjoy them. We hope
to see you there.
ESCH’S SEPTIC SERVICE, L.L.C.
and PORTA POTTIES
You Call
We Come
Bill Esch
Mio, MI
WE DO THE DIRTY WORK!
DIAL
848-2391
| 37
Comins
Sunday, July 3rd
Skyline Event Center Concert 6:30 p.m.
& Fireworks at Dusk
Monday, July 4th
Parade 11:00 a.m. followed by free
lunch at Township Hall provided by
The Comins Mennonite Church
Fairview
Monday, July 4th
Chicken Dinner at the Fairview Family Bookshelf
MIO
Monday, July 4th
Festivities & Parade 2:00 p.m.
Annual Arts & Craft Show
10:00 - 4:00 p.m.
Court House Lawn
Fireworks at Dusk
Luzerne
Saturday, July 2nd
Parade TBA
Arts-In-The-Park
Fireworks
Festivities
38 |
50th Annual
Northern Michigan Relief Sale
The Northern Michigan Relief Sale is celebrating its 50th
sale in 2016. It has grown from a small one day auction
at the town hall to a two day event that covers the entire county fairgrounds. One very special part of the
weekend will be a free concert on Friday evening
by Buddy Greene. He is a nationally known musician, performer, and song writer. There will also be
t-shirts for sale commemorating the 50th sale.
The Northern Michigan Relief Sale is held each year
on the first Saturday in August. This year’s sale will be
on August 5th and 6th. Area churches partner together to
put on this event. It is one of 46 such sales in North America which
together raise over 5 million dollars each year for world relief.
Our local sale raises over $100,000 for MCC (Mennonite Central
Committee) each year. Mennonite Central Committee is an international relief, development, and peace organization founded in
1920. It assists in not only times of great disaster but also with long
term needs. MCC helps provide clean water sources, education,
sustainable agriculture, and partners with orphanages and hospitals in many under-developed parts of the world.
The sale opens Friday morning at 9:00 a.m. Starting off the sale is
a huge Garage Sale, thousands of Used Books for sale, Homemade
Baked Goods, and Produce. Music plays over the fairgrounds as
the hundreds to thousands of visitors participate in the sales. Friday afternoon sees the start of the Silent Auction. At 5:00 p.m. the
Bean Soup Supper, a perennial favorite, begins. At this time more
shops open either for browsing or sales. Quilts are on display this
evening so you can get a good up close look at them before you
bid on Saturday. Another highlight is the Color Challenge. Quilters
started with the same five fabrics and design an amazing array of
projects. Viewers may vote on a favorite and a People’s Choice
ribbon is awarded. All entries are auctioned off with the quilts on
Saturday. A Children’s Auction is held around 6:00 p.m. with items
for and bidding only by children. A Two Mile Run begins after the
auction with several participant categories. 7:00 p.m. also marks
the beginning of the Gospel Music Concert.
Saturday, the big day, starts at 6:00 a.m. with a Whole Hog Sausage and Pancake Breakfast. Shops open at 7:30 a.m. These include those from Friday with the addition of Kids’ World, 10,000
Villages, Creative Crafts, Quilting Corner, Teen Boutique, and the
Gold Booth in honor of the 50th Sale. The General Auction which
begins at 9:30 a.m. includes local crafts, donated items from practical to antique, and usually a new furniture item from Gascho Furniture of Pigeon, MI. The Quilt Auction takes over at 11:00 a.m.
with hand stitched as well as machine stitched quilts of heirloom
quality, comforters, afghans, and wall hangings. Both auctions will
take turns throughout the day. Area auctioneers alternate throughout the auctions as well.
Blessing Bids are a unique part of this sale. Bids are taken to meet
specific needs or projects around the world. Bidders generously
give with nothing received but a feeling of blessing someone else
in the world in great need. Items bid on could include wells,
water purification, housing, education, health supplies,
emergency food, or school, relief, and hygiene kits.
During both days of the sale there are plenty of food
choices to keep your tummy satisfied. Lunch on Friday starts with sandwich choices and the ever popular U.P. pasties. Pop and water are also available.
Many food booths offer side dishes as well. In the
evening pie and ice cream are usually available. Saturday morning brings coffee and doughnuts. Sandwiches
and other foods are offered throughout the day. At lunchtime
the main event is the chicken BBQ. Each year brings new food
offerings.
Updates and additional information is available on the website
www.reliefsale.org. As the sale date draws near photos and descriptions are posted there. The Oscoda County Fairgrounds is located on Caldwell Road, 5 miles north of Mio or 3 miles west of
Fairview off M-33.
Northern
Michigan
Relief Sale
August 5 - 6, 2016
Friday: 8/5/2016
Saturday: 8/6/2016
Garage Sale,
Produce, Bake Sale
& Books at 9:00 a.m.
Sausage & Pancake
Breakfast 6:00 - 9:00 a.m.
Majority of Shops
Open at 5:00 p.m.
Open House To View Quilts
5:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Bean Soup Supper
and Variety of Food
Available at 5:00 p.m.
Shops Open at 7:30 a.m.
Featuring: Handcraft Items,
Global Crafts
Art and Children’s World
Auction at 9:00 a.m. Quilt Auction 11:00 a.m.
Silent Auction
3:00 - 6:00 p.m. Followed
by a Gospel Concert
Children’s Auction 6:00 p.m.
For Information call (989) 848-5904
www.reliefsale.org email: [email protected]
| 39
Oscoda County
110 Miles of Snowmobile Trails
The AuSable Valley Snow Groomers, Inc.
is a board of 10 men and women volunteers and has been doing the grooming in
the county since 1978. We have 110 miles
of snowmobile trail that we maintain from
trimming of trees and brush to the grooming aspect part of it. The trails go through
the Huron Manistee National Forest land,
MDNR land and private property as well.
So, please respect the land. The grooming equipment that we have are two 2005
Tucker Terras with Arrowhead Groomers,
and we just took delivery of a 2015 New
Holland tractor and Arrowhead Groomer.
We ask while you are visiting our beautiful
county to stop and shop locally. There are a
lot of mom and pop businesses that depend
on snowmobilers to make it through the
winter season. We proudly support Michigan Snowmobile Association because without them we wouldn’t have the trail system
that you the rider have and enjoy. You can
find us on Facebook for trail reports and
updates (AuSable Valley Snow Groomers,
Mio) or the Michigan Snowmobile Association trail report section (www.msasnow.
org). And as always we can use volunteers
for the trimming time which is in the fall.
Enjoy the snow when we can ride!!!
2930 W. CHERRY CREEK RD.
MIO, MI 48647
[email protected]
40 |
Snowmobile Permit and Safety Tips
Trail permits are required to operate snowmobiles in the state of
Michigan. More than 300 Snowmobile Association agents, statewide are
selling pre-printed snowmobile permits.
In addition to registration of a snowmobile in Michigan or from another
state or province, a person who desires to operate a snowmobile in this
state needs to purchase a snowmobile trail permit sticker. The snowmobile trail permit sticker is valid for 1 year which begins October 1 and
ends September 30 of the following year.
Snowmobile trail permits are
available at the following:
Online at the DNR E-License Web site- mailed to you within 7-10 days.
OR
Through the Michigan Snowmobile Association. OR
From DNR Operations Service Centers. OR
DNR Hunting and Fishing License Vendors
Snowmobiles are exempt from the
Trail Permit Sticker if they are:
Operated exclusively on lands owned or under the control of the owner,
used entirely in a safety education program conducted by a certified
snowmobile safety instructor, exclusively operated in a special event of
limited duration which is conducted according to a prearranged schedule
under a permit from the governmental unit having proper jurisdiction or a
snowmobile used solely for transportation on the frozen surface of public
waters for the purpose of ice fishing.
Display of Trail Permit Sticker:
The trail permit sticker needs to be permanently affixed to the forward
half of the snowmobile directly above or below the headlight.
Safe Riding Hints
• Always keep your machine in top mechanical condition.
• Always wear insulated boots and clothing including a helmet and
gloves.
• Never ride alone. Always go with a friend on another snowmobile.
• Avoid, when possible, crossing frozen bodies of water.
• Never operate in single file when crossing a frozen body of water.
• Always be alert to avoid fences and low-strung wires.
• Never operate on a street or highway.
• Always check the weather before you go.
• Leave a travel plan.
The above only touches on a few things regarding snowmobiling please
visit the DNR website for additional information.
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/SnowmobileRegs_268169_7.pdf
Orion dark sky park Coming in 2016
5 miles east of Mio on 8th st./South River Rd.
Photo below provided by Gary Gee from www.PhotographyUpNorth.com
The Economic Development Corp
of Oscoda County is working with the
International Dark Sky Association
in establishing the Bull Gap area as an
International Dark Sky Park.
The IDA’s program recognizes and
promotes excellent stewardship of the
night sky. They also promote educational
programs and lighting management.
A Dark Sky Places designation helps
enhance the visibility of designated
locations and foster increased tourism
and local economic activity.
The Bull Gap trail head has a parking
area as well as restrooms. There
is an open area which is perfect for
night sky viewing, photography and
for setting up telescopes for viewing
planets and constellations.
Our Orion Dark Sky Park will be the
first in the nation to be certified in a
National Forest! A Grand Opening is
planned for Memorial Day. So, bring
your telescope and camera and
be ready for the next meteor shower!
| 41
2016 Kirtland’s Warbler Tours
make you more com-
Guided tours to the Kirtland’s Warbler nesting areas depart from the USDA
Forest Service Office in
Mio, Michigan and from
Grayling, Michigan.
fortable. Black flies are
abundant in the nesting
areas, so insect repellent,
a hat and light colored
clothing are suggested.
Tours offered by the
No reservations are necUSDA Forest Service deessary for individuals or
part from Mio, Michigan.
small groups, but groups
Tours are conducted daily
of five or more are urged
from May 7 through 31.
to contact the appropriTours start promptly at
ate office for reserva7:30 a.m. each day and last
tions.
3 hours. Please arrive 15
Other activities include
minutes prior to the start of
the Jack Pine Wildlife
the tour. The Forest SerViewing Tour, a 58vice tour cost $10.00 per
Photo provided by Gary Gee from www.PhotographyUpNorth.com
mile self-guided auto tour
person under the Recreation
through the scenic Au Satry to see a singing male. The nesting arFee Demonstration Program.
ble
River
valley
and Jack Pine ecosystem
Tours for children under 18 years old are eas are closed to public entry, so the best
(chances
of
seeing
a Kirtland’s Warbler on
free. Eighty percent of these funds will opportunity to see a Kirtland’s Warbler is
the
auto
tour
are
slim).
For additional inforstay in the Forest to help cover the cost as- on the guided tour. Chances of seeing a
mation,
contact:
Kirtland’s Warbler on the tour are typically
sociated with the tours.
Tours offered by the Hartwick Pines State greater than 90%. The number of tour par- Mio’s Kirtland’s Warbler & Jack
Park and Michigan Audubon leave from ticipants ranges from 1 to 30, with fewer Pine Wildlife Viewing Tours:
Grayling, Michigan. Grayling is approxi- people participating on weekdays.
USDA Forest Service,
mately 30 miles/minutes west of Mio. The best time to see the Kirtland’s Warbler Mio Ranger District
These tours are offered daily at 7:00 a.m. is from May 15 to June 10. Upland sand- 107 McKinley Rd.
from May 15 through July 4. A tour will pipers, clay-colored sparrows, Brewer’s Mio, MI 48647
also be offered at 11:00 am on weekends blackbirds, Nashville warblers, Eastern Phone: (989) 826-3252,
and holidays during this time frame. This bluebirds, Lincoln’s and vesper sparrows E-mail:
tour is free of charge and lasts 1 – 2 hours. can possibly be seen in the Kirtland’s War- [email protected]
For more information on this tour and its bler nesting areas.
2016 location, contact the Michigan Audu- Participants are encouraged to bring bin- Grayling’s Kirtland’s Warbler Tour:
bon at the address below.
oculars or a spotting scope. Cameras are al- Wendy Tater
Tours begin with a brief introduction on the lowed, but special efforts will not be made Michigan Audubon
Kirtland’s Warbler. Participants then fol- for photographers. Tape recorders, pets and Phone: (517) 641-4277
low the tour guide in their own vehicles to smoking are not allowed. Early morning Email: [email protected]
field site (15 minutes away from office) to
Whitehouse
tours are often cold, so a warm jacket may
FAMILY OWNED AND
OPERATED FOR 36 YEARS
Disposal
Services, L.L.C.
(Since 1933)
P.O. Box 39 - Mio, Michigan 48647
P.O. Box 390 - Lewiston, Michigan 49756
84 West Cherry Creek Road
Mio, MI 48647
• Residential • Roll-off Containers
• Commercial • Special Pick-Ups
• Radio Dispatched
• Industrial
(989) 826-3538
(989) 370-4661
Chris McKenzie
Owner
[email protected]
Lewiston Office
(989) 786-7350
Mio Office: (989) 826-3494
1-800-828-0278
42 |
Birding Oscoda County
Oscoda County is a well-known destination for bird enthusiasts hoping to add the
endangered Kirtland’s Warbler to their life
lists.
This rare songbird, which nests
only in the jack pine barrens of northern
Michigan, had declined to less than 400 individuals by 1971. Since then, thanks to
the recovery efforts of Federal and State
wildlife agencies, Kirtland’s Warbler populations have recovered significantly, with
over 1800 pairs recorded in 2011. Oscoda
County continues to host one of the largest
breeding populations of this species, and
each year hundreds of birders from literally around the world flock here to find this
rare bird. Most travel to the Mio U.S.F.S.
district ranger station to attend guided tours
into Kirtland’s Warbler nesting areas, while
other attempt to find the bird on their own.
What most of these birding enthusiasts
might be surprised to discover is that Oscoda County also hosts a rich and diverse
population of many other bird species as
well.
Oscoda County is home to more habitats
than just jack pine forests.
Centered
squarely on the valley of the Au Sable
River, the county is topographically and
ecologically diverse and encompasses vast
public stands of upland pine, hardwood,
and mixed pine/oak forests, low-land coniferous forests, old fields, sedge meadows, bogs, deciduous wetlands, riparian
swamps, and dry-sand prairies. With few
towns and residential areas, much of Oscoda County’s private lands remain forested and undeveloped as well. Add to this
extensive habitat the fact that many northern and southern species meet and overlap
here, the diversity of local bird life should
not be surprising.
Spring migration brings Oscoda County’s
summer bird population to well over 160
nesting species.
Few waterfowl, gull,
shorebird, or rail species can be expected due to the county’s lack of extensive
marshlands or Great Lakes shoreline, but
the upland birds more than make up for
this. Over 20 warbler species regularly
nest in the county, including such notables
as Blue-winged, Golden-winged, Magnolia, Cape May, Pine, Blackburnian, Mourning, and Canada Warblers. Additionally, 12
species of raptors (such as Northern Goshawk, Red-shouldered Hawk, and Merlin)
nest here, as do 8 species of woodpeckers,
8 flycatchers (Alder, Willow, and Olivesided Flycatchers among them), 4 vireos,
6 owls, and 12 sparrows (including Vesper,
Lincoln’s, Clay-colored, Grasshopper, and
White-throated Sparrows). Other soughtafter species that are common county summer residents include Upland Sandpiper,
Common Loon, Trumpeter Swan, Blackbilled Cuckoo, Eastern Whip-poor-will,
Common Raven, Purple Finch, and Evening Grosbeak, and rare-but-regular nesters
such as Yellow Rail, Spruce Grouse, Blackbacked Woodpecker, and Red Crossbill offer challenging possibilities.
Spring and fall migrations through Oscoda
County are not especially noteworthy – the
area provides so much habitat that the migrant traps and habitat islands birders depend on for concentrating migrating birds
don’t really exist here. Winter birding in
Oscoda County, however, can be quite rewarding. Common county winter residents
include such notables as Rough-legged
Hawk, Northern Shrike, Golden-crowned
Kinglet, Snow Bunting, Pine Siskin, and
Common Redpoll.
Other sought-after
winter invaders that are less regular but often present include Snowy and Short-eared
Owls, Bohemian Waxwings, Pine and Evening Grosbeaks, Hoary Redpolls, and Red
and White-winged Crossbills.
Oscoda County is over 80% forested, and
much of this is public land. With so much
area to choose from, where should visiting
birders go to find their “target species”?
The choices are so many as to be somewhat
overwhelming, but five top-notch birding
locations are described below.
1. The Mack Lake Area – This large sandy
outwash plain surrounds Mack Lake in
southeast Oscoda County and can be
easily accessed via Curtisville or Evans
Roads. It includes mature jack pine forests, jack pine scrublands, dry-sand prairies, recent burn areas, and (of course)
plenty of designated Kirtland’s Warbler
habitat (which you cannot legally enter
from April through September except on
the tour). This dry, scrubby, desolate
area can be surprisingly rich in bird life.
Besides the Kirtland’s Warbler, Nashville, Pine, and Yellow-rumped Warblers
are particularly common. Other notable
(and often surprisingly common) nesting species include Northern Goshawk,
Bald Eagle, Trumpeter Swan, Spruce
Grouse, Upland Sandpiper, Yellowbilled Cuckoo, Common Nighthawk,
Northern Saw-whet Owl, Eastern Whippoor-will, Black-backed Woodpecker,
Olive-sided Flycatcher, Common Raven,
Hermit Thrush, Eastern Bluebird, Brown
Thrasher, Eastern Towhee, Dark-eyed
Junco, Brewer’s Blackbird, Evening
Grosbeak, Red Crossbill, and Vesper,
Lincoln’s , and Clay-colored Sparrows.
2. Curtisville Road – About 6 miles east
of the Mack Lake area the Curtisville
Road veers right and becomes gravel.
This stretch of Curtisville Road runs
for a little over 2 miles to the county
line and traverses a rich mix of upland
hardwood forests, cedar and deciduous swamps, and old fields. Some of
this area is public, but much is private
so you should plan to bird from the
road. This is one of the best areas in
the county for finding the Black-billed
Cuckoo, and other good birds to be had
include Sharp-shinned, Red-shouldered
and Broad-winged Hawks, Green Heron,
Upland Sandpiper, American Woodcock,
Wilson’s Snipe, Barred Owl, Eastern
Whip-poor-will, Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Yellow-bellied Sapsucker, Pileated Woodpecker, Alder, and Willow
Flycatchers, Sedge Wren, Veery, Wood
Thrush, Indigo Bunting, Rose-breasted
Grosbeak, Savanna and Grasshopper
Sparrows, Bobolink, Eastern Meadowlark, Baltimore Oriole, and a rich array
of warblers including Black-and-White,
Golden-winged, Yellow, Black-throated Green, Chestnut-sided, Pine, and
Mourning Warblers, Ovenbird, Common
| 43
Photos for this article provided by Gary Gee from www.photographyupnorth.com
Yellowthroat, American Redstart, and
Northern Waterthrush.
3. Loon and Island Lakes – These picturesque lakes in the south-central portion
of the county are largely encompassed by
the Huron National Forest and provided
with several picnic areas, campgrounds,
and nature trails that afford good access for birders. The area is quite hilly
with numerous kettle lakes, wetlands,
and moist upland forests of oak and
maple. The area is predictably rich in
bird life and offers excellent opportunities for finding Red-headed Woodpeckers, Yellow-throated Vireos, and Scarlet
Tanagers. Other common and notable
summer residents include Trumpeter
Swan, Common Loon, Spotted Sandpiper, Broad-winged and Red-shouldered
Hawks, Green and Great-blue Herons,
Ruffed Grouse, American Woodcock,
Black-billed Cuckoo, Pileated Woodpecker, Red-eyed Vireo, Wood Thrush,
Veery, Cedar Waxwing, Black-throated
Green, Chestnut-sided, and Mourning
Warblers, American Redstart, Rosebreasted Grosbeak, and Indigo Bunting.
4. The East Branch of Big Creek – The river valley of this delightful trout stream
constitutes one of Michigan’s southern-
most expanses of sub-boreal spruce/fir
forest. It can be accessed most easily at
two points: (1) along a half-mile stretch
of Mapes Road between Galloway and
Zimowske Roads and (2) by hiking the
Luzerne Boardwalk, a scenic mile-long
stretch of the Michigan Shore-to-Shore
Trail that can be reached off Galloway
Road about a mile south of the village
of Luzerne. Many of the notable bird
species that can be seen here are more
typical of the Upper Peninsula or Canada
and include Merlin, Northern Saw-whet
Owl, Hairy Woodpecker, Olive-sided
Flycatcher, Blue-headed Vireo, Common
Raven, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Brown
Creeper, Winter Wren, Golden-crowned
Kinglet, at least 15 species of warbler
such as Black-and-White, Nashville,
Magnolia, Cape May, Yellow-rumped,
Black-throated Green, Blackburnian,
Chestnut-sided, Pine, Mourning, Canada, and Northern Waterthrush, Whitethroated and Lincoln’s Sparrows, Evening Grosbeaks, Purple Finch, and Red
Crossbills.
5. The Amish Area – The rolling pastures
and Amish farmlands that lie in the
north-central part of the county roughly
between Kneeland and Kittle Roads offers excellent summer and winter birding
opportunities. A late spring or summer
birding tour along these open country
roads will likely produce such notable
finds as Northern Harrier, Wild Turkey, Sandhill Crane, Upland Sandpiper,
Wilson’s Snipe, American Pipet, Redheaded Woodpecker, Bank, Cliff, and
Northern Rough-winged Swallows, Purple Martin, Sedge Wren, Eastern Bluebird, Savanna, Grasshopper, Vesper, and
Swamp Sparrows, Bobolink, Eastern
Meadowlark, and Brewer’s Blackbird.
Other grassland species encountered on
occasion include Dickcissel, Western
Meadowlark, and even Henslow’s Sparrow. Winter and early spring birding
can be equally productive, with Roughlegged Hawk, Northern Shrike, Horned
Lark, Bohemian Waxwing, Snow Bunting, Lapland Longspur, Common Redpoll, and Pine Siskin likely and Snowy
and Short-eared Owls, Bohemian Waxwing, Pine Grosbeak and White-winged
Crossbill possible as well.
James C. Dawe
Mr. Dawe, biology teacher and county resident for 37 years, is a seasonal surveyor
for the Michigan Audubon Society and is
currently a member of the Michigan Bird
Records Committee.
44 |
Oscoda List of Regular Bird Species
Anatidae
Mute Swan, Occasional yearround resident
Tundra Swan, Infrequent
migrant
Trumpeter Swan, Common
year-round
Canada Goose, Abundant
year-round
Mallard, Common year-round
American Black Duck,
Common migrant, infrequent
winter resident
Northern Pintail, Occasional
migrant
Gadwall, Infrequent migrant
American Widgeon, Common
migrant
Green-winged Teal,
Occasional migrant
Northern Shoveler, Infrequent
migrant
Blue-winged Teal, Common
migrant
Wood Duck, Common migrant
and summer resident
Redhead, Occasional migrant
Canvasback, Occasional
migrant
Ring-Necked Duck, Abundant
migrant
Lesser Scaup, Common
migrant
Greater Scaup, Common
migrant
Common Goldeneye,
Abundant migrant, common
winter resident
Bufflehead, Common migrant,
occasional winter resident
Hooded Merganser, Common
migrant, infrequent summer
resident
Red-breasted Merganser, Occasional migrant, infrequent
summer resident
Common Merganser,
Abundant year-round
summer resident
Rough-legged Hawk,
Common winter resident
Red-tailed Hawk, Common
year-round
Broad-winged Hawk,
Occasional summer resident
Red-shouldered Hawk,
Bald Eagle, Common yearround
Osprey, Occasional summer
resident
Falconidae
Peregrine Falcon, Infrequent
migrant
Merlin, Occasional summer
resident
American Kestrel, Common
summer, occasional winter
resident
Phasianidae
Wild Turkey, Common
year-round
Ruffed Grouse, Common
year-round
Spruce Grouse, Rare yearround
Ring-necked Pheasant,
Infrequent year-round
Ardeidae
Great Blue Heron, Common
summer resident
Green Heron, Occasional
summer resident
American Bittern, Infrequent
summer resident
Laridae
Herring Gull, Occasional
year-round
Ring-billed Gull, Common
summer resident
Black Tern, Infrequent summer resident
Caspian Tern, Infrequent
summer resident
Columbidae
Rock Dove, Common yearround
Mourning Dove, Abundant
year-round
Cuculidae
Black-billed Cuckoo, Common
summer resident
Yellow-billed Cuckoo, Infrequent summer resident
Strigidae
Eastern Screech-Owl,
Infrequent year-round
Great Horned Owl, Occasional year-round
Snowy Owl, Infrequent winter
resident
Long-Eared Owl, Infrequent
year-round
Short-Eared Owl, Infrequent
year-round
Barred Owl, Common
year-round
Northern Saw-whet Owl,
Occasional year-round
summer resident
Willow Flycatcher, Infrequent
summer resident
Alder Flycatcher, Occasional
summer resident
Least Flycatcher, Common
summer resident
Eastern Wood-Pewee, Abundant summer resident
Olive-sided Flycatcher, Infrequent summer resident
Laniidae
Northern Shrike, Occasional
winter resident
Vireonidae
Yellow-throated Vireo, Occasional summer resident
Red-eyed Vireo, Abundant
summer resident
Philadelphia Vireo, Occasional migrant
Warbling Vireo, Common
summer resident
Blue-headed Vireo, Occasional summer resident
Corvidae
Blue Jay, Abundant yearround
Common Raven, Common
year-round
American Crow, Abundant
year-round
Alaudidae
Horned Lark, Common
Caprimulgidae
Eastern Whip-Poor-Will, Com- resident
mon summer resident
Hirundinidae
Gruidae
Common Nighthawk, ComBarn Swallow, Abundant sumSandhill Crane, Common
mon summer resident
mer resident
migrant and summer resident
Cliff Swallow, Common sumApodiformes
Rallidae
mer resident
Chimney Swift, Common
Yellow Rail, Rare summer
summer resident
Tree Swallow, Abundant sumresident
mer resident
Trochilidae
Sora, Infrequent summer
Northern Rough-winged
Ruby-throated Hummingbird,
resident
Swallow, Common summer
Common summer resident
resident
Virginia Rail, Infrequent sumAlcedinidae
Bank Swallow, Common summer resident
Belted Kingfisher, Common
mer resident
Gaviidae
American Coot, Infrequent
summer
resident
migrant
Purple Martin, Occasional
Common Loon, Common
summer resident
Picidae
migrant, occasional summer
Charadriidae
resident
Red-bellied
Woodpecker,
Paridae
Black-bellied Plover,
Common year-round
Podicipedidae
Infrequent migrant
Black-capped Chickadee,
Red-headed Woodpecker,
Abundant year-round resident
Horned Grebe, Occasional
Killdeer, Abundant summer
Occasional summer resident Tufted Titmouse, Common
migrant
resident
Yellow-bellied Sapsucker,
year-round resident
Pied-billed Grebe, Common
Scolopacidae
Sittidae
Greater
Yellowlegs,
resident
Hairy Woodpecker, Abundant
White-breasted Nuthatch,
Occasional migrant
year-round
Phalacrocoracidae
Abundant year-round
Lesser Yellowlegs,
Downy Woodpecker, AbunDouble-crested Cormorant,
Red-Breasted Nuthatch, ComOccasional migrant
dant year-round
mon year-round
Solitary Sandpiper, Infrequent
Black-backed
Woodpecker,
Cathartidae
migrant
Certhiidae
Rare year-round
Turkey Vulture, Abundant
Upland Sandpiper, Common
Brown
Creeper, Common
Common Flicker, Common
summer resident
summer resident
year-round
summer resident
Spotted Sandpiper, Common
Accipitridae
Troglodytidae
Pileated Woodpecker, ComNorthern Goshawk, Infrequent summer resident
mon year-round
House Wren, Common sumDunlin, Rare fall migrant
year-round resident
mer resident
Tyrannidae
American Woodcock,
Cooper’s Hawk, Occasional
Winter Wren, Occasional
Eastern
Kingbird,
Common
summer resident
summer resident
summer resident
Wilson’s Snipe, Occasional
Sharp-shinned Hawk,
Sedge Wren, Infrequent sumGreat
Crested
Flycatcher,
summer resident
Common year-round
mer resident
Northern Harrier, Common
Caroline Wren, Rare yearEastern Phoebe, Common
round
Black-throated Blue Warbler,
Infrequent summer resident
Blackburnian Warbler,
Common migrant, occasional
summer resident
Chestnut-sided Warbler, Common summer resident
Sylviidae
Bay-breasted Warbler, OcBlue-gray Gnatcatcher, Infre- casional migrant
quent summer resident
Blackpoll Warbler, Occasional
migrant
Turdidae
Pine Warbler, Abundant sumAmerican Robin, Abundant
mer resident
summer resident
Wood Thrush, Common sum- Kirtland’s Warbler, Common
summer resident
mer resident
Palm Warbler, Occasional
Hermit Thrush, Common
migrant
summer resident
Swainson’s Thrush, Common Ovenbird, Abundant summer
resident
migrant
Northern Waterthrush, OcGray-cheeked Thrush, Occasional summer resident
casional fall migrant
Common Yellowthroat, AbunVeery, Common summer
dant summer resident
resident
Mourning Warbler, Common
Eastern Bluebird, Common
summer resident
summer resident
Wilson’s Warbler, Occasional
Mimidae
migrant
Northern Mockingbird, Rare
Canada Warbler, Common
summer resident
summer resident
Gray Catbird, Common sumAmerican Redstart, Abundant
mer resident
summer resident
Brown Thrasher, Common
Cardinalidae
summer resident
Scarlet Tanager, Common
Sturnidae
summer resident
European Starling, Abundant
Northern Cardinal, Occasional
year-round
year-round
Motacillidae
Rose-breasted Grosbeak,
American Pipit, Occasional
Abundant summer resident
migrant
Dickcissel, Infrequent summer
Bombycillidae
resident; eruptive
Bohemian Waxwing, InfreIndigo Bunting, Abundant
quent winter resident; eruptive summer resident
Cedar Waxwing, Common
Emberizidae
Eastern Towhee, Occasional
resident
summer resident
Parulidae
Savannah Sparrow, Abundant
Black-and-White Warbler,
summer resident
Grasshopper Sparrow, InfreGolden-winged Warbler, Oc- quent summer resident
casional summer resident
Vesper Sparrow, Common
Blue-winged Warbler, Ocsummer resident
Dark-eyed Junco, Common
Orange-crowned Warbler,
winter, occasional summer
Infrequent migrant
resident
Tennessee Warbler, Common American Tree Sparrow, Commigrant
mon winter resident
Nashville Warbler, Abundant Chipping Sparrow, Abundant
summer resident
summer resident
Northern Parula, Common
Clay-colored Sparrow, Ocmigrant, infrequent summer
resident
Field Sparrow, Common sumYellow Warbler, Common
mer resident
summer resident
White-crowned Sparrow,
Magnolia Warbler, Common
Common migrant
White-throated Sparrow,
resident
Prairie Warbler, Rare summer
Fox Sparrow, Common
resident; eruptive
migrant
Cape May Warbler, OccaLincoln’s Sparrow, Occasional
sional summer resident
summer resident
Yellow-rumped Warbler, ComSwamp Sparrow, Occasional
mon summer resident
summer resident
Black-throated Green Warbler,
Song Sparrow, Abundant
Regulidae
Golden-crowned Kinglet,
Occasional year-round
Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Common migrant
summer resident
Snow Bunting, Common
winter resident
Lapland Longspur, Occasional
spring migrant
Icteridae
Bobolink, Common summer
resident
Eastern Meadowlark, Common summer resident
Western Meadowlark, Rare
summer resident
Red-winged Blackbird, Abundant summer resident
Rusty Blackbird, Occasional
migrant
Brewer’s Blackbird, Common
resident.
Common Grackle, Abundant
summer resident
Brown-headed Cowbird,
Abundant summer resident
Baltimore Oriole, Abundant
summer resident
Fringillidae
Evening Grosbeak, Infrequent
year-round
Purple Finch, Common
year-round
House Finch, Occasional
year-round
Pine Grosbeak, Infrequent
winter resident; eruptive
Hoary Redpoll, Eruptive and
rare winter resident
Common Redpoll, Common
winter resident; eruptive
Pine Siskin, Occasional yearround; eruptive
American Goldfinch, Abundant year-round
Red Crossbill, Rare yearround; eruptive
White-winged Crossbill,
Infrequent winter resident;
eruptive
Passeridae
House Sparrow, Common
year-round
Frequency of Observations – The following
scale, while qualitative
and anecdotal, reflects
with fair accuracy the
percent likelihood of encountering the species
indicated. The scale assumes, however, that the
species is being sought
in appropriate habitat
and at the indicated
season of the year.
Abundant - Observed on
75-100% of all bird outings
Common - Observed on
Occasional - Observed on
Infrequent - Observed on
less than 10% of all bird outings
Rare - Observed on less than
1% of all bird outings
| 45
A Brief History
of the Kirtland’s Warbler
Oscoda County is very fortunate to be
the home to one of the rarest songbirds
in the world. The Kirtland’s Warbler is
the largest of the Wood Warblers in Eastern North America, weighing in at half
an ounce. It sings a beautiful song which
can be heard over a quarter mile away.
What also makes this endangered species
so special is its required habitat, nesting
only in the jack pine ecosystem, found in
six to eight counties of the northeastern
region of Michigan. The highest population of this rare bird once nested in Oscoda County, and because of this, Oscoda County is now officially named “The
Kirtland’s Warbler Capital of Michigan.”
The name “Kirtland’s Warbler” was
given to the species by Spencer F. Baird
of the Smithsonian Institute who in 1852
published his description and title of the
new species. Originally the bird was
named “Sylvicola Kirtlandii” in honor
of Dr. Kirtland, a naturalist, researcher,
and publisher of wildlife in Ohio and the
Mississippi Valley. He was described, “a
gentleman to whom, more than any one
living, we are indebted to for important
knowledge of the Natural History of the
Mississippi Valley.”
The discovery of the Kirtland’s Warbler in Oscoda County took place on
June 13, 1903, by E.H. Forthingham
of the University of Michigan and T.G.
Galer, on a fishing trip guided by James
Parmalee of the Red Oak area. Shooting
the Kirtland’s Warbler to collect a specimen, they returned to Ann Arbor where
Norman A. Wood identified the species
as the rare Kirtland’s Warbler.
By train, riverboat and on foot, Norman A. Wood quickly returned to Oscoda
County to locate the bird. He spent six
days searching in several areas before
he located a bird near the Crawford/
Oscoda County line (Section 31, T27N,
R1E, Oscoda County) and recorded the
first Kirtland’s Warbler nest; two hatchlings and one egg inside. The experience
is best described by Norman A. Wood in
his journal.
allowed state and federal forest lands to
be managed to preserve the habitat of the
Kirtland’s Warbler. Management of the
Jack Pine forest is the key factor in the
rare bird’s survival.
The endangered warbler nests only
in young Jack Pine forests. These young
forest conditions once were created by
wildfires that would burn several thousand acres at a time. As the early settlers
came to the area, fires were put out more
quickly and the amount of young Jack
Pine forest decreased.
“No bird and no nest! I watched a
few minutes longer and saw the female
in the low jack pines. I watched her and
she seemed very uneasy. I began looking
carefully on the ground, as I made my
mind up it would be found there. Suddenly I saw the nest!”
Wood was quite accurate in his assumption that this warbler nests on the
ground.
After the initial discovery of the nesting location, historians were unsure who
actually would be credited with finding
the first complete, unhatched egg set. Edward Arnold takes documented credit for
his dates of June 29, 1904. Later, documentation shows Norman A. Wood who
arranged to have James Parmalee collect
a complete egg set on June 6, 1904. This
particular egg set was credited to Norman A. Wood because James Parmalee
did not have a collectors permit and Norman Wood did not want him caught. Later, due to a family illness, Norman Wood
sold the complete set for $25.00 to Frank
Chapman at the American Museum of
Natural History in New York City.
Since these initial dates, history was
made here in Oscoda County several
times. Two important events included the
passage of the Federal Endangered Species Act in 1974 and the Michigan Endangered Species Act in 1975. These acts
With the decrease in Jack Pine habitat, Kirtland’s Warbler numbers dropped
dramatically.
Timber harvest and replanting on harvested areas are the main tools to recreate
the young Jack Pine habitat required for
the Kirtland’s Warbler. At the same time
it provides for other species such as rabbits, fox, bluebirds, turkeys, deer, bear,
blueberries and the native Alleghany
Plum, which also exist within the jack
Pine ecosystem, leaving our area with
opportunities in the forest industry and
the tourist industry. Both complementing each other and leaving the Kirtland’s
Warbler the beneficiary of our success.
Surprisingly, man is not the Kirtland’s Warbler enemy as with many other species. The parasitic cowbird, which
lays its eggs in the Kirtland’s Warbler’s
nest, is the biggest Warbler predator. The
U.S.D.I. Fish & Wildlife Service controls
the cowbird population by using large
traps.
The Kirtland’s Warbler is our most
valuable wildlife species in Oscoda
County. We would hope you enjoy studying and learning about this beautiful species while you visit our county.
The U.S.D.A. Forest Service office in
Mio conducts tours in May and June each
year. We urge you to go on a guided tour
and to get acquainted with the Kirtland’s
Warbler.
46 |
A Brief History of Oscoda County
Oscoda County was established March 10, 1881. Previously, it
had been Comins Township attached to Alcona County, which had
been formed about 1869 when it was split from Alpena County.
Prior to that, the area belonged to the Indians who ceded it to the
United States Government by the Treaty of Saginaw in 1819.
As originally constituted, Oscoda County consisted of three townships: Atherton, Mt. Pindus, and Comins. Since then, there have
been as many as nine townships, as the population ebbed and
flowed with the lumbering & railroad industries.
There are currently no incorporated cities or villages in the county,
including Mio, the county seat. The present courthouse was built
in 1888 at a cost of $3,754, including woodshed and out-houses,
which (thankfully) have long since disappeared.
Incredibly, a public water system existed between 1890 and 1910.
The water was pumped from Wolf Creek by two hydraulic rams
through a 4” wooden pipe to a reservoir on the hill south of town. A
six inch wooden main, with which the customers were connected
by means of east-west branches, ran from the reservoir down M-33
as far as M-72.
The Act of 1881 which established the county, also designated
Union Corners, in the southwest corner of the county, as temporary county seat and directed an election to choose a permanent
location. After a couple of attempts, Mio was selected because of
its central location. Even after that, several efforts were made to
move the county seat to a different site, but with the erection of the
courthouse in 1888, discussion ended.
How Mio got its name is not well documented. In 1881, the local
newspaper spelled it Mioe. This was the family’s name for Marla
Deyarmond, an early settler. A visit to her house was termed “going to Aunt Mioe’s.” There being little else there at the time, Aunt
Mioe’s became synonymous with the settlement.
At one time, Fairview was located a mile and a half north of its
present site; at another, it was a mile north and a mile east of where
it is now. Since there wasn’t much else to it, the town was wherever the post office was located.
Luzerne, settled during the early lumber days, never had a railroad, but it did have a sawmill and gristmill powered by a dam on
Big Creek. This dam also stored water for running logs down Big
Creek to the Au Sable River. Luzerne’s zenith was reached during
the 1890’s when for some years it was the site of an annual agricultural fair. The fair was held on the flat land at the northwest corner
of present M-72 and County Highway 489.
In the early days, McKinley - then known as Pott’s Headquarters
- was the hub of the county’s lumbering industry. From there, narrow gauge railroads ran north and west for many miles. Most of
the rails and rolling stock for this network was floated down the
Au Sable on rafts from Grayling. Even though McKinley grew
to be the largest settlement in the county, with churches, stores,
hotels, and other businesses, it remained somewhat isolated from
larger settlements on Michigan’s east coast. The only way to ship
anything to or from Lake Huron was by river or ox team.
Sometime in the 1890’s a narrow gauge railroad was put through
from Au Sable, on the coast of Lake Huron, to Comins, a settlement in what is now Clinton Township. The presence of the railroad quickly established Comins as the new center of commerce
for Oscoda County. Around it sprang up a bank, a hotel, a jail,
stores, saloons, stockyards, a roundhouse, a water tank, and many
dwellings. About 1912, the railroad was widened to standard gauge
and connected with the Detroit & Mackinaw Railroad. Livestock
and other products of the area were hauled or driven for shipment,
and supplies were shipped in for distribution by team or truck to
Mio and other parts of the surrounding country. As time went by,
however, the railroad slowly lost its importance and became unprofitable. In 1928, the last train chugged off down the tracks taking with it Comins’ importance as a shipping center.
Kirtland’s Warbler Monument
Located in Mio, on the Oscoda County Courthouse lawn, stands what could
be the “World’s first monument to a songbird.”
This replica of a Kirtland’s Warbler was
built in July of 1963 by the people of Oscoda
County and placed where all could see.
The stone cairn contains a four-foot high image of the endangered Kirtland’s Warbler. The
replica was carved from fiberglass and plastic
by wildlife sculptor Leo Nelson of Kalkaska,
Michigan.
Roger Tory Peterson, from the National
Audubon Society, arrived in Mio to dedicate
the monument during the Great Lakes Forestry
Exposition.
| 47
Lodging & Campgrounds
AuSable Valley Inn
470 S. Mt. Tom Rd.
P.O. Box 249
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-1737
[email protected]
www.ausablevalleyinn.com
28 Units-2 w/Jacuzzi,
2 Jacuzzi Suites, Indoor Pool
AuSable View Lodge
649 W. 12th St.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-6156
www.ausableviewlodge.com
Sleep up to 28 guests.
[email protected]
13 Cottages, 1-2-3 Bedrms
w/Kitchens w/Fireplaces
Lewiston Shady Acres
Campground & Cottages
4329 N. Red Oak Rd.
Lewiston, MI 49756
(989) 786-3000, (800) 357-2494,
Fax: (989) 776-3000
www.lewistonshadyacres.com
Luzerne Express
Campground & RV
3535 Park Rd.
Luzerne, MI 48636
(989) 826-8256
65 large wooded sites,
year round sites available
All sites have access to water &
electric hook-up
Bear Paw Cabins & Canoes
3744 Michigan 72
Luzerne, MI 48636
(989) 826-3313
www.bearpawcabinsandcanoes.com
Mio Motel
6 Cabins and Rustic
1415 N. Morenci Ave.
Sites Available
Mio, MI 48647
Cherry Creek Farm Inc.
989-826-3248
Hunting & Nature Preserve
[email protected]
524 West Miller Road
www.miomotel.com
Mio, Michigan 48647
Mio Pine Acres
(989) 848-5411
Campground And Cabins
www.cherrycreekfarm.com
2 Cabins Accommodating 4-6 & 1215 W. 8th St.
6-9, Main Lodge Up To 12
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-5590, (800) 289-2845
[email protected]
1-2 Bedrm, 4-1 Bedrm,
1 Efficiency, 1 Camping Cabin,
40 Water & Elec. Campsites
(989) 826-3137
[email protected]
7 Rooms Suites & Kitchenettes
Rainbow Resort
731 Camp Ten Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
Mio Songbird Motel & Cabins (989) 826-3423 or (800) 737-4133
320 S. Morenci Avenue
www.rainbowresortmio.com
Mio, MI 48647
[email protected]
(989) 826-5547
11 Cabins with fireplaces and
www.songbirdmotelandcabins.com kitchens, 1, 2, & 3 Bedroom
[email protected]
Saint Mina Retreat Center
2 Cabins & 10 Motel Rooms
734 W. Kneeland Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
Northern View Motel
(989) 826-6923 or (248) 952-1814
75 E. Cherry Creek Road
Mio, MI 48647
Lodging in
(989) 826-3830
[email protected] Surrounding
6 Rooms
Areas of
Oscoda County Park
1110 Jay Smith Dr.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-5114
Open April 1 to December 1
65 Modern Sites, 87 Rustic Sites
Pinewood Motel
142 S. Mt. Tom
Mio, MI 48647
Oscoda County
Alcona Canoe Rental
& Campground
6351 Bamfield Rd.
Glennie, MI 48737
(989) 735-2973
(800) 526-7080
www.alconacanoes.com
Open April 18 to September 25,
15 Rustic Sites
Country Chalets
552 W. Kittle Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-3575
www.theenchantedforest.com/
thecountrychalets
[email protected]
2 Cabins, 3 Bedrms w/Kitchens
Garland Resort
4700 N. Red Oak Rd.
Lewiston, MI 49756
(989) 786-2211
Call For Reservations.
Hinchman Acres
Resort & Canoe Rental
702 M-33
P.O. Box 220
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-3267, (800) 438-0203
www.hinchman.com
Luzerne Express Campground
48 |
Rides for Young and Old on the
Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad
Come visit one of Oscoda County’s popular attractions, the
Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad. This 1/4 scale railroad
offers visitors a relaxing, scenic ride which travels through
a Jackpine forest, part of the Huron National Forest, and
overlooks the beautiful Comins Creek Valley. Children and
adults will be thrilled with this ride as you pass through a
115 foot wooden tunnel and over two breathtaking wooden
trestles, one over 220 feet long, to view the wooded valley
filled with wildlife such as deer, beaver, redhawks, heron,
and even an occasional bear and elk!
The 2016 rail riding season offers a 1½ mile trip, approximately 18 minutes long. The railroad is open Saturdays,
Sundays, and holidays ONLY from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m..
Memorial Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend. To view fall
colors, the train will run the first two weekends in October.
Fares are $6.00. Children under two are free.
The railroad boasts nine passenger coaches, named after area
counties and other points of interest in the Huron National
Forest and are pulled by two diesel F-7 A units.
A grand old oil-fired steam engine, No. 5661, a Hudson Type
4-6-4, runs on selected Sundays and holidays only, weather
permitting. This locomotive formerly ran on the Pinconning
& Blind River Route, and was built by the late E.C. Eddy of
Fairview.
Your ride on the Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad begins
at the quaintly designed depot and gift shop where you can
purchase tickets and fresh, hot popcorn. Souvenirs and many
railroad related items are available for sale, as the Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad is home to Schrader’s Railroad
Catalog, an international retail gift catalog for railroad enthusiasts!
Stationmaster Joanne Schrader and Engineer Howard
Schrader invite you to visit the railroad located just 3.5 miles
south of the blinker light in Fairview. Make a memory and
fall in love with trains all over again!
| 49
CEDAR VALLEY’S
“WILD FRONTIER” FUN PARK
Cedar Valley’s Wild Frontier Fun Park was completed in the summer of 2015.
We offer putt-putt golf, carnival rides and batting cages with hard ball and soft ball.
Vintage carnival rides have been carefully
restored and offer a wonderful family
adventure in a beautiful wooded setting.
Putt-putt golf is another activity enjoyed by all ages.
Our 19-hole course has fun and challenging obstacles
and the Wild Frontier theme adds to the fun.
A local artist carved the many
sculptures with a chainsaw.
Located at 3780 N. Weaver Rd
Comins, MI
Phone: 989-848-2799
Come visit and play at this “Jewel in the Woods!”
50 |
Mushroom Hunting
Oscoda County offers many opportunities
for the mushroom hunter. Good edibles may
be found spring through fall in the region’s
many habitats.
and jack pines. The king bolete is one
of many boletus species to be found in
the county, the most common being the
scaber stalk, a type of leccinum. All boletes have pores rather than gills.
Northern Michigan is renowned for its morels, and the season here begins in late April
or early May. Black morels are the first to
appear and may be found in beech/maple
woods (especially those with ash), poplar
stands, old fruit orchards, near lakes and
streams, in cedar swamps, in garden soil,
and anywhere else this mysterious mushroom has a mind to appear. The blacks are
followed about two weeks later by the white
morels, which favor hardwoods. The two
overlap by about a week. Blacks generally
fruit abundantly for about three weeks, the
whites for two or more, although
the length of season may vary
depending on the weather.
Toward the end of May oyster
mushrooms appear, fruiting,
often in large quantities, on
dead poplar. They may reappear several times well into
the autumn during warm,
wet weather.
Summer brings large numbers of edibles, including
chanterelles and king boletes (otherwise known
as porcini), two of the
world’s most highly
prized species.
The
golden-orange chanterelles, vase shaped and
having the appearance
of lilies on the forest floor, are primarily found in beech woods but may also fruit under oaks
Saint Mina
Retreat Center
734 W. Kneeland Road
Mio, MI 48647
Mailing address:
P.O. Box 4453
Troy, MI 48099
Phone 989.826.6923
Phone: 248.952.1814
Fax 248.952.1828
Other common summer species are sulfur shelf (chicken of the woods), meadow
mushrooms, black trumpets, puffballs,
comb tooths, sweet tooths (hedgehog
mushrooms), and lobster mushrooms.
Autumn brings large quantities of honey
mushrooms, also known as “stumpies,”
a local favorite. They can often be found
fruiting massively on oak stumps, usually following the first September rains.
Other good edible late summer or fall
species are the blewit, parasol, shaggy
parasol, shaggy mane, grayling, and
brick cap. Many summer species will
continue to fruit in the fall during warm,
wet weather.
Many nonedible species also abound,
some poisonous, a few deadly, many
edible but not palatable. Never eat a
mushroom you have not positively identified. Use a good field guide and consult an experienced mushroom hunter for
anything you are not sure about. Stick to
young, fresh specimens and avoid those
with insect damage. Wild mushrooms
should always be thoroughly cooked before
consumption. To avoid damaging the mycelia from which they fruit, cut their stalks
with a knife rather than pulling them up by
the roots, except for identification purposes.
Fresh specimens can usually be kept in the
refrigerator, with adequate airflow, for a few
days. Many take well to drying or freezing.
Consult a good field guide for details.
Doug’s
Disposal
Service L.L.C.
P.O. Box 371
Mio, Michigan
(989) 826-5084
(989) 370-4661
Residential Service
Special Pick-Ups
Free Quotes
If no answer, leave a message and your call will be returned.
| 51
Autumn Wine Tasting & Silent Auction
Annual Event The first Saturday of November
This year will be the 12th Annual Event sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce for Oscoda County. More than 26 wines are
sampled from Michigan wineries in the Rose City, Alpena and
Traverse City areas. The event is held in a semi-formal atmosphere
with Hors D’oeuvres provided by local restaurants. Past contributors have been The Au Sable River Restaurant.
While sampling the various selections of wines, participants can
view the auction items donated by local businesses and place bids.
A 50/50 cash drawing also takes place to benefit Oscoda County’s
Fireworks display on the 4th of July, along with door prizes.
For more information, tickets, location and time of the event contact the Chamber of Commerce at 989-826-3331.
PRECISION EXCAVATING
OF MIO, INC
Residential & Commercial Excavating Contractors
Sand • Basements • Gravel
Septic Systems • Topsoil • Lawns
Driveways • Hydroseeding
Wells • Pumps • Softener
Purification Systems
Repairs and Service
(989)826-5222
P.O. Box 575 • Mio, MI • 48647
Darren Moore
1-800-842-2540
3120 M-65 • Hale, MI 48739
989-728-4011
www.webbwelldrilling.com
of Northern Michigan
Mortgages • Savings • Checking Accounts
Business Accounts • Business Loans
308 North Morenci Street, Mio • 989-826-3274
52 |
Where in the heck is Coopers Ville?
Nestled in the pines lies Coopers
Ville, an uncharted western town
located on a handful of acres, approximately 13 miles northwest of
Luzerne or 19 miles southwest of
Lewiston. all of the shops are actually functional; they do ignite your imagination and allow you to step back
into time and enjoy as you wish. Coopers Ville has been constructed out of recycled and donated
materials from friends and neighbors, in addition to the volunteer
labor required in the construction
of it! Souvenirs, Sweatshirts and
T-Shirts are available for sale, and
any donations insisted upon, will
merely be donated 100% back to
local charities. Coopers Ville broke ground in the
Spring of 2013, by property owner, Spike Cooper; also known as
the “Ville’s Mayor.” His creation
was inspired to remind people that
it is healthy to get away from our
day-to-day routines, step out into
nature and let your imagination
take reign when visiting this unique town reflecting the 1800’s. Directions to Coopers Ville are as follows: There is no charge to come out and visit because it’s not about the
From Luzerne: take Cty. Rd. 489 north, 7 miles to Cty. Rd. 608 inmoney…it’s just about the FUN!”
tersection and turn left (west).
Some of the unique structures that make up Coopers Ville include
a variety of shops, trades, and necessities. Many are in honor of From Lewiston: take Cty. Rd. 489 south, 13 miles to Cty. Rd. 608
special friends and neighbors from the area and include; L&J Boot intersection, and turn right (west).
Shop, Deb’s Bakery, Warren’s Sawmill, D&M Trading Post, Le- From the intersection: Travel approx. 4 miles to Firetower Road and
Roys’ Livery, Ashley’s Blacksmithing, Kathy’s Kafe, Boot Hill turn right (north), then 2 miles on the left will lead you to Up North’s
Cemetery, and of course the standard Post Office, Jail House, Court- Hidden Treasure: Coopers Ville, USA. 1860 Firetower Rd., Lewishouse, Church, a Kiddy Corral w/ swing sets, and a good-time Sa- ton, MI 49756. Come visit, be sure to sign the guest book, take in a
loon - complete with “the Duke” as honorary guest. Although not relaxed breath, and just... “HAVE FUN!”
HIGHLAND LUMBER & HARDWARE
“YOUR COMPLETE BUILDING CENTER”
BUILDING MATERIALS • STOVES • POWER TOOLS
3 MILES NORTH OF MIO, TURN RIGHT ON KITTLE, 693 E. KITTLE
989-848-8000
989-786-4790
3163 N. Red Oak Rd.,Lewiston
| 53
Habitat
For Humanity
Since the initial ground breaking in the summer of 2004, homes have been
built in partnership with Kirtland Community College, M-Tech in Gaylord and
Fairview High School.
Through volunteer labor, monetary and material donations, Habitat builds simple, decent houses with the help of the selected homeowners. In addition a Habitat ReStore Outlet was opened in Fairview at 1558 N. Abbe Rd. The Restores
are retail outlets where quality new, used and surplus building materials are sold
at a fraction of regular prices. Proceeds from those sales help our local affiliate fund construction of additional Habitat houses within our community. Call
(989) 848-2200 or email [email protected] for more information.
“ Promoting Thriving Families”
His Love Family Resources is a baby pantry and parenting
resource center located at 203 S Morenci in Mio and is open
Monday 3-8 p.m. by appointment, 10-5 on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Those experiencing a planned or unplanned pregnancy (free
pregnancy tests are available) and all parents are welcome. The
baby pantry is stocked with diapers, children’s clothing (newborn
– 5 toddler) as well as maternity clothing, gently used baby furniture and other things for infants and toddlers. There is no cost for
the material resources or parenting classes but an “Earn While You
Learn” program allows each participant to learn valuable parenting skills while “earning” the Mommy Money or Daddy Dough to
use for pantry items. We welcome those who are court – ordered
to take parenting classes to participate as well.
His Love Family Resources offers a parent group on every other
Tuesday from 11:30 – 1:00. “Birth of a Family” will be meeting
for seven weeks twice a year. This program is designed to help
fathers, mothers and children live and grow together in one home.
A club program for girls grade 2 – 8 is also available. Call the
center at 826-5817 or email [email protected] for more
information. Our website is hislovemio.org and you can find us
on facebook for more information & latest news letter.
The resource center is a 501 (c)(3)organization staffed primarily
by volunteers and gladly accepts donations of baby and toddler
clothing, baby furniture and baby items in good condition. They
are always in need of diapers and wipes. Join us for our fundraiser
walk the 1st Sunday in October. If you are looking for volunteer
opportunities, give us a call.
His Love Family Resources is a faith-based non-profit family
resource center and baby pantry dedicated to preserving and
affirming the sanctity of human life, and building strong families.
Lydia’s Gate
A faith-based shelter here to house, help, and heal
The reasons for homelessness are as varied as the people themselves: a
relationship or marital break-up, death, job loss, illness, domestic abuse
– the list goes on.
The staff and volunteers at Lydia’s Gate are committed to helping women
and children through the transition of losing - and the arduous task of finding again, that place they can call Home. Our service area stretches across
Northern Michigan and provides temporary housing, help with navigating community services as well as emotional and spiritual support. We
strive to make a difference for those who walk through our doors, helping
them work toward rebuilding their life with integrity and hope.
For more information about our services, volunteer opportunities or donation needs, please call (989) 826-5588.
54 |
AuSable Valley
Engine and
Tractor
Club Show
June 24th & 25th (Friday and Saturday)
Established in 2004, the AuSable Valley Engine and Tractor Club is
a collection of individuals with an appreciation of the bygone years
of country life and farming, old tractors and equipment. Currently
there are more than 90 members throughout the state of Michigan.
Members participate in many activities including Fourth of July parades around Oscoda County, the Mackinaw Bridge Tractor Crossing, the Curran Black Bear Festival and the Comins Pumpkin Festival.
The highlight of the year is our annual tractor show held the last
weekend in June. In 2016 the dates are June 24th & 25th (Friday
and Saturday). The show is held at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds
located on Caldwell Road just north of M-33 between Mio and
Fairview. In addition to the numerous steam, diesel, and gas tractors of various ages and types on display, there is a swap meet/flea
market and many youth activities including games and tractor rides.
Members host a tractor parade, a barrel rolling contest, a slow tractor race, and tractor pulling. Demonstrations and exhibits include
thrashing and processing of grain, stationary bailer, sawmill, shingle
mill, tractor dynamometer, small hit and miss engines, farm diorama, chain saw carvings and many others. There is something for
everyone to enjoy. Food is available. There is no charge to display
tractors or other equipment even for non-club members. It is also
free to set up for the swap meet/flea market. Fairground camping is
available for a nominal fee on beautifully wooded lots (some with
electricity) and there are public bathrooms.
The AuSable Valley Engine and Tractor Club also participates in
various community activities. Each spring, we rake the Oscoda Fairgrounds where we hold our annual show. The club built a sawmill
on display there and restored the Grandview Country School House.
Our club sponsored The Ohio Star Variation quilt block design (as
part of the Timberland Quilt Trail) which hangs on the O.E. Kauffman Building at the Fairgrounds. A weekend plow event is planned
for each spring and fall – call for details and dates.
The AuSable Valley Engine and Tractor Club holds monthly meetings at the Clinton Township Hall in Comins at 7:00 PM on the 2nd
Tuesday of the month from January to October. We end our year
with a Fall Harvest Dinner at the same location on the first Friday of
November. New members are always welcome; you don’t have to
own a tractor, you only have to have an interest in the preservation
of antique tractors, implements, and gas engines, and their important
role in our agricultural heritage. Annual dues are currently $10.00
per year.
For more information or questions about our club, please feel free
to call the members listed below.
Lynn Roemer, President
989/370-5471
Del Turner, Vice President
989/848-5203
Rev. 10/2015
| 55
Fly To Oscoda County
Fly in to Oscoda County Dennis Kauffman Memorial Airport, in
Northeast Michigan. Our airport was up-graded in 2011 and now
has a 3,000 foot paved runway, lights and recently fuel was made
available. The extended runway allows for safer smoother landings for all aircraft. This runway can now accommodate all A-1,
A-11 and B-1 aircraft. Aircraft such as a Beech King Air 100, an
Eclipse 500 or Piper Navajo can now comfortably land here. Camp
under the wing of your airplane or stay at one of our nearby motels
and eat at one of our conveniently located restaurants. Fish one
of many lakes, canoe the Au Sable River or take in other events
throughout the year. Fly in and enjoy everything Oscoda County
has to offer sometime in 2016. Watch the Oscoda County Chamber
of Commerce and Economic Development Alliance websites and
Facebook pages for details and events as they become available.
Tour Oscoda County in The Fall
56 |
Oscoda County
Heritage Days - Western Style
July 8 & 9, 2016 at Oscoda County Fairgrounds
In the spirit
of small town
Americana the Oscoda County Fairboard will host the 3rd
Annual Heritage Days - Western Style
at the Oscoda County Fairgrounds, Friday, July 8th and
Saturday, July 9, 2016.
farm animals and much more. Visitors will
have the opportunity to even try their hand
at some of these crafts.
Bringing the community together is another goal of the fairboard. There will be
The purpose of having Heritage Days - Western Style is to
develop a sense of community
spirit through skills and interaction of past and present in a
creative long lost and fun way
utilizing the resources of our
county.
camping, bonfires and food. What a way to
enjoy our county with family and friends.
People can enjoy an educational animal
zoo, cowboy challenge, horses, many demonstrations such as horse shoeing demo by
some of the youth clubs. There
will be cowboy church and a
pancake breakfast on Saturday
morning. Smith Lake is next to
the fairgrounds for swimming
and tubing.
There is no entry fee and camping fees are quite reasonable.
What a way to have a wonderful relaxing “Up North” adventure with family and friends.
Heritage Days - Western Style
will feature the history and culture of our county like logging,
woodworking, quilting, leather
crafting, spinning, bee keeping,
For further information call:
Sandy Gehringer - Handrich at
734-788-3254 or Carol Chalky
at 989-826-3625.
BLAIR’S SERVICE
BILL’S
24 HR. Towing Local & Long Distance
Groceries - Gas
Gas & Oil • Tires • Batteries • Belts
Liquor • Beer • Wine • ATM
We Fill Propane • Lock-Out Service
Front End Alignments
Lotto • Deli • Homemade Sandwiches
(989)826-5033
OPEN 7 DAYS
1 Mile North of Mio
210 S. M-33
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1989 E. Miller Rd.
Fairview, MI 48621
Phone
(989)848-2300
We Invite You to Worship with Us
Calvary Baptist Church
825 E. Miller Rd., Mio
Sunday Service 10:45,
Sunday School 9:45
Luzerne Baptist Church
3642 M-72, Luzerne
(989) 826-8888
Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. & 6:00 p.m.
Church of Christ in Mio
509 N. Morenci, Mio
(989) 826-5762
Worship Service Sunday
10:00 a.m. & 1:30 p.m.
Living Water Lutheran Church
(L.C.M.S.)
207 Fourth Street, Mio
(989) 826-1688
Sunday Worship 8:30 a.m.
Comins Mennonite Church
4263 N. 1st Street, Comins
(989) 848-2909
Worship Service Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Mio Baptist Church
357 S. Mt. Tom, Mio
(989) 390-1674 or 745-4432
Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.,
2:00 p.m. Winter Months
Sunday School 10:00 a.m.
Wednesday Service 7:00 p.m.
Emma Lowery United
Church of Christ
3474 W. Park Rd., Luzerne
(989) 826-5503
Fairview Mennonite Church
1583 N. Abbe Rd., Fairview
(989) 848-2953
Worship Service Sunday 10:30 a.m.
Sunday School 9:30 a.m.
Faith Baptist Church
1408 N. M‑33, Fairview
(989) 848-5273
Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
Freedom Worship Center Church
611 Mt. Tom Rd. (M-33)
(989) 826-8315
Bible School 9:30 a.m.
Bible Study Wednesday 9:00 a.m.
| 57
New Hope Assembly of God
520 W. 8th St. (M‑72), Mio
(989) 826-3898
Sunday School 10:00 a.m., Sunday Service
11:00 a.m., Sun Eve. 6:00 p.m., Midweek
Service 7:00 p.m.
Praxis Church
331 N. Mt. Tom Rd., Mio
(989) 826-2313
Sunday 11:00 a.m.
Pastor - Cody Gascho
St. Bartholomew Episcopal Church
M-72 West, Mio
(989) 826-3993
Sunday Service 10:30 a.m.
Bible Study Thursday 10:00 a.m.
Mio Church of God
831 W. Miller Rd., Mio
(989) 848-5247
Worship Services Sunday 8:30 a.m. and 11:00
a.m., Youth Wednesday 7:00 a.m.,
St. Johns Evangelical Lutheran Church
(WELS)
75 N. Mt. Tom Rd., Mio
(989) 826-5593
Mio Seventh Day Adventist Church
1845 S. Mt. Tom, Mio
(989) 826-3855
Sabbath Bible Study 10:00 a.m.,
Worship Service Saturday 11:30 a.m.,
Prayer Meeting 6:30 p.m.
St. Mary’s Catholic Church
100 Deyarmond, Mio
(989) 826-5509
Sunday Mass 8:30 a.m.
Mio United Methodist Church
1101 W. 8th Street, Mio
(989) 826-5598
Sunday Worship
10:30 a.m.,
Lifepoints 6:30 p.m.
St. Mina Coptic Orthodox Patriarch
Retreat Center
743 W. Kneeland Rd.
P.O. Box 4453, Mio, 48674
(989) 826-6923
58 |
Clubs and Organizations
of Oscoda County
Luzerne American
Legion Post #162
Our general membership meetings are the second
Thursday of every month. Call 989-826-5950.
Comins Eagles #3544
Aeires and Auxiliary
Contact information 989-848-5475.
Fairview/Comins Lions
Club
Meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of
each month at the Lions Den. For more information
they can be contacted at P.O. Box 31, Fairview Michigan 48621 or call 989-848-2147.
Knights of Columbus
Council meetings are held on the first Monday of
each Month, and Assembly meets fourth Monday of
each month contact number 989-826-3017.
Mio Dummy Club
Meetings are held on the first Sunday of the month at Big Tee’s
Road house, at 12:00 P.M. For information call number is 989826-6670.
Oscoda Cemetery’s
Union Corners Gravesites
Big Creek Township, Oscoda County
Union Corners Gravesites are located in Section 28
of Big Creek Township, Union Corners Road south
of Valley Road/County Road 488, Mio.
Rich Gravesite
Rich Gravesite is located in Section 27 of Big Creek Township,
Rich Road south of Valley Road, Mio.
Kittle Cemetery
Elmer Township, Oscoda County
Kittle Cemetery is located on Kittle Road/County Road 614, Mio.
Hughes Graves
Hughes Graves are located in Big Creek Township, Oscoda Co.
Mio Lions Club
The Mio Loins Club meets the 3rd Wednesday of each
month. If you would like more information about the
club, they can be contacted at P.O. Box 17, Mio, Michigan 48647
or call 989-826-5371.
Mio Masonic Lodge 596
Mio Masonic Lodge 596, meets the first Wednesday
of each month with a dinner at 6:00 P.M. and lodge
at 7:30 P.M. For further information contact
989-826-5712.
and Chapter #68
Call 989-826-6081.
Oscoda County
Shriners Club
The Shriners meet the fourth Tuesday of every
month at Lost Creek Sky Ranch 6:00 P.M. Social 7:00 P.M. Business Meeting. Contact Glenn Guilds 989-685-2981.
VFW Post 4126
Monthly meetings take place the first Monday
of each month at 7:00 P.M. contact number 989-8261253 or 826-3456
| 59
GRANDVIEW SCHOOL
We are always in need of school items appropriate of
the early 1900’s for display. Stories are welcome, if
you have a story about the school please give us a copy
for others to read.
Boyd Rogers, Delbert Zook and
Al Handrich attended before 1934
The Grandview School originally located on the corner of Oaks
and Rogers Roads was in use from 1907 to 1926. In 1927 the
building was moved to Fairview where it was used for 3rd and
4th grade classes, then in 1935 was converted to shop class until March of 1953. In 1991 it was moved to the Oscoda County
Fairgrounds. The building sat unused until 2009. At that time the
Au Sable Valley Engine and Tractor Club resumed the restoration
project. The school is now about 95% complete.
During the 2012 Au Sable Valley Engine and Tractor
Show a reopening of this school was held. Several students were in attendance including Boyd Rogers. He is
the only one left that attended this school before 1926.
There were two others Delbert Zook and Al Handrich
that attended 3rd and 4th grade. There were four others
that used his building for shop.
The school will be open during most fairgrounds activities and
available upon request at other times. We hope the present school
systems will use this school for day use on field trips to show
students what early 1900’s schools were like in Oscoda County.
The school will have on display many items and information
about local history. Please come in for a visit.
60 |
Unique Shopping Opportunities
in Oscoda County
One of Oscoda County’s best kept secrets, is our unique shopping opportunities, you’ll find they are littered with great deals in
places you never thought of. We all know about the downtown
shopping in Mio, Fairview, Luzerne and Comins and the Amish
Community and their local stores, but have you ever thought
about an Auction? Oscoda County has 2 auction houses between
Mio and Fairview, you’ll find the excitement and thrill of a live
auction exhilarating, not your normal shopping experience, not to
mention that great find at a bargain
price. On any given Saturday you
will see the parking lot filled at
Let’s Talk Auction on the corner of
M-33 and Perry Creek Road, go to
the auction and find out how fun it
can be.
experience that you’ll love.
Take that turn you never have before and as you explore Oscoda
County you will find any number of Antique shops and Second
hand shops. You can pour through the special and different finds;
the toy you had as a child, tool you remember your grandparents
using. Plan a day or a weekend, Oscoda County’s Unique Shopping Opportunities are waiting for you.
Maybe you like a little slower pace
shopping experience, just north
of Mio you’ll find the Mio Flea
Market, well known by the locals
for great buys, the deals are ever
changing, and the Flea Market offers a uniquely different shopping
The Au Sable River Restaurant
Mio, Michigan
* Daily Salad Bar
* Daily Specials
* Weekend Breakfast Buffet
* Homemade Pies
* Across from Family Fare
* Open Daily at 6:30
* 989-826-3590
Take out Available
Big fo ot
eats he re
Fleszar Powersports
Authorized Beta Motorcycle Dealer
ATV’s • Dirt Bikes • Lawn Mowers • Snowmobiles
Snowblowers • Small Engine Repair
Parts & Accessories • All Makes & Models
Pick up & Delivery Available
Open Monday - SATURDAY, CLOSED SUNDAY
(989) 390-8753
339 E. Miller Road • Mio, MI 48647
www.AuSableriverrestaurant.com
Ann Galbraith & Family
Owners
| 61
Area SERVICES
Abstract - Title
Bell Title
300 S. Deyarmond - Mio
989-826-1920
Oscoda County Abstract
377 S. Mt. Tom Rd. - Mio
989-826-5832
AUTOMOTIVE
Auto Value
508 S. Morenci - Mio
989-826-3800
BANKS
First Federal
of Northern Michigan
308 N. Morenci - Mio
989-826-3274
Mercantile Bank
1979 E Miller Rd. - Fairview
989-848-2243
Northland Federal Credit Union
208 Morenci St. - Mio
989-826-1401
ConCRETE
Morse Concrete & Excavating
106 S. Vine - Mio
989-826-3975
DENTAL CENTERS
Mio Dental Center
989-826-5444
DISPOSAL SERVICES
Doug’s Disposal
P.O. Box 371 - Mio
989-826-5084
White House Disposal Service
84 W. Cherry Creek Rd. - Mio
989-826-3538
Excavating
Precision Excavating
134 N. Mt. Tom Rd. - Mio
989-826-5222
FINANCIAL SERVICES
Blamer’s Financial
989-826-6040
Robertson & Carpenter CPAs
109 E. 10th St. - Mio
989-826-5442
FUNERAL HOMES
Lashley Funeral Home Inc.
318 Pearl St. - Mio
989-826-5505
HAIR SALONS
Cutting Castle
909 W. 11th Street - Mio
989-826-5874
INSUL-BUILD-FENCE
Wolverine Insulation
1100 DeJarlis Rd. - Curran
989-255-6072
The Woodworkers Shop
3308 N. Abbe Rd. - Comins
989-848-5408
Woods and Water Builders
1815 Matheny Trail - Lewiston
989-786-4669
Wood Haven Log and Lumber
1284 Mapes Rd. - Mio
989-826-8300
Mio Fence Company
2141 LenRoy Valley
989-826-8275
INSURANCE
Alpena Agency
989-826-3743
Kirtland Agency
989-826-3494
NuStar Insurance
56 Richard Drive - Mio
989-826-6607
Top O’Michigan Insurance
989-826-3989
MANAFACTURING
3-D Precision Tool Inc
2963 E. Miller Rd. - Fairview
989-848-7211
ORV sales
Klimmek Sales & Service Inc.
1183 S. Mapes Rd. - Luzerne
989-826-3695
Northern Power Sports
30 E. Kneeland Rd. - Mio
989-826-3388
Fleszar Power Sports
399 E. Miller Rd. - Mio
989-390-8753
PHARMACY
Pioneer Pharmacy
989-826-8989
PHYSCIANS
Primary Care Inc.
558 Lockwood Ln. - Mio
989-826-3271
PROPANE
Blue Flame Propane
989-826-5565
Fick And Sons
113 Fig St. - Grayling
989-348-7647
REPAIR SHOPS
American Collision
P.O. Box 100 - Mio
989-826-3402
Big Creek Bump & Paint
2201 N. Deeter Rd. - Luzerne
989-826-5087
Blairs Service
210 S. Mt. Tom - Mio
989-826-5033
Cliffs Fairview Garage
1998 E. Miller Rd. - Fairview
989-848-2987
Evan’s Auto
2474 Ryno Rd. - Luzerne
989-826-1986
Mike’s Auto
Repair & Glass Repair
525 Morenci - Mio
989-826-3775
H&Y Sales and Services
P.O. Box 187 - Fairview
989-848-2980
REAL ESTATE
Century 21 Eagle Real Estate
989-826-3265
Detrich Real Estate
607 S. Morenci Ave. - Mio
989-826-6100
North Country Realty
989-826-3505
State Wide Real Estate Mio Inc.
102 W. 8th Street - Mio
989-826-3292
SALES
Carroll Broadcasting
523 Meadow Rd. - Tawas City
989-362-3417
KJS Marketing
Communications
2243 Bass Lake Rd. - Lupton
586-805-5996
Blarney Stone Broadcasting
6514 Old Lake Rd. - Grayling
989-348-6171
SEPTIC SERVICe
Esch’s Septic
1451 Joslin Rd. - Fairview
989-848-2391
SURVEYOR’S
J Card Surveying LLC
325 E. Main - Rose City
989-685-5075
TIMBER
Welch Land and Timber
2798 N. Reeves Rd. - Curran
989-848-5197
TRucking
Handrich Trucking
322 Mt. Tom Rd.. - Mio
989-826-3677
WELL DRILLinG
R. Webb and Sons
3120 S. M65 - Hale
989-728-4011
62 |
Comins
Comins is located in northern Oscoda County in the heart of Clinton Township. Many area lakes have excellent fishing, boating and
swimming opportunities. Comins residents and visitors flock to
town to celebrate the 4th of July with a parade and share a community picnic put on by the Comins Mennonite Church at the Clinton
Township Hall.
Shopping in Comins
Abbe’s Backlot Greenhouse, sells annuals, perennials and vegetable starts. Also hanging baskets and a variety of plants to beautify
every garden and yard. Comins Market, “The Best Little Store in
Town.” Selling groceries, liquors, beer, wine and gas. They also
have an outstanding deli with subs, meats and cheeses. The outdoor
area provides space for “Wild Goat food,” firewood, propane and
ice. Carrie James is open daily from 7 a.m. till 3 p.m. with breakfast, daily specials, burgers, soups and a Friday Night Fish Fry from
4-8 p.m. The Knothole Bar, best known for the Knothole burger,
pizza and many beers on tap. They also have regular outdoor music, darts competitions and a pool table. Skyline Event Center has
a Fine Arts Gallery and the Hot Spot Wi-Fi Café and is open WedSun 12-8 p.m. The Woodworkers Shoppe, The nation’s leader in
quality log siding, knotty pine paneling, and log home products.
U.S. Post Office provides the locals and visitors with postal services.
Attractions & things to do
Clinton Township Park has a ball diamond, kids’ playground and a
pavilion for family picnics and reunions. Cedar Valley Golf Club
has 18 holes with a club house, golf pro, driving range and club
rentals. McCollum Lake Campground is busy throughout the summer with campers. It has a boat launch, 20 campsites and picnic
area. Bass Lake has public access for swimming and fishing.
Come visit Comins, relax in the park, have a snack or meal and
“get away from it all!”
Comins Caboose,
A Glimpse of the Past
Located in Comins on north M‑33 is the caboose, a Grand Trunk
model. Once owned by Stephen Linsenmeyers of Monroe, Michigan, the caboose has been donated to local interests and arrived
to the Comins area on October 8, 1985. Curious eyes can inspect
the caboose and hear the faint echo of, “All aboard!!!”
History
Fairview
After lumber companies cleared much of the timber of Oscoda
County from 1870-1899, a land agent began contacting Amish
and Mennonites in Ohio and Indiana in 1899, promoting the
area as favorable to farming. Farming wasn’t easy, but the many
Amish and Mennonites who settled in the Fairview and Comins
areas grew accustom to life here and stayed. Residents with
Mennonite heritage still make up much of Fairview’s population,
and the spirit of sharing and helping neighbors that prevailed in
the early days still exist today, as does the lumber industry.
Today’s travelers driving through the small town of Fairview,
where M-33 and M-72 intersect, will notice a sign advising them
they are entering the designated “Wild Turkey Capital of Michigan,” famous for the flocks that roam the area.
Nearby Attractions:
Northern Michigan Relief Sale, August 5 & 6 at the Fairgrounds, auction of hand-made quilts, much more. Proceeds fund worldwide relief efforts. Skyline Event
Center, many summer events. Visit their website
www.skyline.events for updated information. Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad, a ¼ scale railroad, tunnel, high trestle, and
depot gift shop. Steiner Museum, pioneer and logging industry
artifacts. Au Sable River, Comins Flats, approx. 3 miles south
of Fairview, is a common canoe stopping point.
Fairview Shopping
The Family Bookshelf, unique gifts from around the world;
Fairview Coffee Shop and Bakery, full menu, best donuts and
cinnamon rolls; Fairview Food Market, with roots to 1904,
excellent meat department; Fairview Hardware, all your
hardware and wood stove needs, and a knowledgeable staff.
Fairview Services
Wellspring Luther Services, a 90 acre campus in Fairview,
skilled nursing facility (rated among the top in nation), apartments and condos.
McKinley
Historic logging town McKinley, once called Potts, was a bustling
town during the 1800’s logging boom in Michigan and was considered the largest in Oscoda County. Now you will find a great
out-of-the-way village of mainly log cabins. McKinley is an ORV
trail head for the county and a favorite snowmobile stop on the
trails in the winter. The Au Sable River is on the south side with a
canoe landing and the McKinley Bridge. Just up from the river is
the Scenic River Wood Restaurant and Bar, a true up north estab-
| 63
lishment always friendly and the food is always good. McKinley
also hosts a Motel, Store and Civic Center. Look at McKinley on a
map and you will see an island in the middle of the Huron National
Forest and all the hunting, fishing, hiking and riding it has to offer.
In the fall and summer McKinley Road winds its way from Mio
to McKinley on the north side of the Au Sable River and is a gorgeous drive and a favorite among motorcycle enthusiasts.
Greenwood Township Park
Constructed in 2002, Greenwood Township Hall
plays host to the small park and a beautiful nature
walk trail with formal flower gardens that include
a gazebo. The trail and flower gardens are built
and maintained by a group of dedicated volunteers
from our community and is open to the public. The
walk includes stops along the way with education
on trees and plants native to our area.
Greenwood Township area located in the northwest
corner of Oscoda County offers a great escape from
the city with several of the finest golf courses in
the state at Garland Resort. Located in the heart
of the township, Garland Resort offers the best in
overnight and vacation accommodations, food and
entertainment and offers several different courses
for the beginner to the most avid of golfers.
The many lakes in the area offer the best in fishing
and water sports. Whether you are looking for the
quiet of a bed and breakfast or a stay at one of the
lodges on the lakes, camping or just quiet walks in
the woods, Greenwood Township is a great destination. The winters offer some of the finest snowmobile riding, snow shoeing and ice fishing as well.
Heading south on Co. Rd. 489 you will find the village of Red Oak and the Au Sable River.
64 |
Luzerne
The community of Luzerne was started in 1881 when
Major Myron B. Hagaman and his family moved here
from Luzerne County, Pennsylvania. Luzerne boasts
the ‘Big Creek’ trout streams, great for fly-fishing with
Branch’s of the stream system crossing the roads on the
east, west and north sides of town. North of town where
Deeter Road meets the Au Sable River, you will find Big
Creek Township Park, you can throw your tube in the
river, camp or picnic at this great location on the river.
To the west and south of Luzerne are square miles of the
Huron National Forest, great for hunting and hiking. There
are maintained trails for snowmobiling and ORV’ing. The
Michigan Shore to Shore horse trail is just south of Luzerne. The snowmobile trail come right into downtown
Luzerne at Ma Deeter’s Restaurant and Bar. Luzerne also
is an ORV trailhead on the ORV trail system.
Need to pick some things up for your Oscoda County adventure? The Luzerne Hardware, is more than just hardware and the Luzerne Express has groceries, an express
restaurant and campground, they have you covered. Feel
like getting out and enjoying nature, the weather and
woods? Take a hike on the Luzerne Boardwalk, part of
the shore to shore riding trail. It offers hikers a unique
way to see the woods and wildlife and is located just
south of town on Galloway Road. In downtown Luzerne
you will find Constock Park, a great place for the kids to
play, picnic or host a family gathering. No matter what
activity you enjoy, Luzerne has got you covered!
Mio
Mio, Michigan is Oscoda County’s largest village and the county seat.
Main St. is where you will find Michigan’s oldest wood structured
courthouse which is still being used today. There you can visit Veterans Memorial and the Kirtland’s Warbler Monument. Be sure to visit
the Mio Pizza Shop where you can take a picture with the long time
world famous Pink Elephant. Au Sable River, in north Mio, is one of
the most sought out angling and canoeing areas in the world. Along the
Au Sable you can see the Mio Hydro-electric Plant, generating green
energy for the area for the last 100 years. Joe Pillars Park, on the north
side of the river, has an ADA accessible fishing pier; there you will find
a picnic area and a canoe entry point. Two canoe liveries bordering the
park are available for those who want to rent. Another popular attraction in Mio is the Our Lady of the Woods Shrine, a Catholic shrine
dedicated to Mary Magdalene which was built over 50 years ago and is
located a block and a half west of M-33 on M-72. The shrine has several grottos and many beautiful scenes. You will find beautiful scenic
overlooks for the Mio backwaters down further on M-72. Just east of
Mio on 8th St. find the Big Cedar Tree, the largest white cedar tree in
Michigan, which is measured at more than 153 inches in diameter and
said to be more than 390 years old. Back in town on Main Street you
will find an assortment of shops, businesses, restaurants and bars that
will help top off that great time you will have in Oscoda County.
| 65
Holiday Light Parade
First Saturday after Thanksgiving Yearly
A Holiday Light Parade with a Christmas theme is the main highlight of Mio’s Northern Holiday. The beautifully lit and decorated
floats and organization’s entrants are a sight that everyone enjoys.
The streets are lined with happy faces as the children watch for
Santa riding on his specially designed float. Prior to the parade
at 6 p.m., Santa sits on his throne from 3-5 p.m. at the American Physical Therapy building on the main street in Mio (M-33)
and listens intently to the children regarding their Christmas list.
While helpers serve refreshments, parents are encouraged to either have their child’s picture taken or may take your own photos.
This event is always held the Saturday following Thanksgiving
Day – this year the date will be November 26th – and will be a
great beginning to the holiday season. For more information contact the Chamber office at 989-826-3331.
Custom Paint
Full Amsoil Line
Hydraulic Hoses
Trailer Tires
Auto Value Mio
508 S. Morenci
Mio, MI 48647
Phone: 989-826-3800
Fax: 989-826-6483
66 |
PuddingStones in
Northeast Michigan
Michigan Puddingstones were formed a billion years ago in northeast Canada. Puddingstone is a type of sedimentary rock which first
formed in river channels. During the Ice Age, they were pushed
down through Eastern Michigan from Ontario Canada by the glaciers. The white is quartz sand which has cemented itself together
over millions of years. Mixed with it is a combination of other pebbles and stones of various sizes, shapes and colors. Some may even
contain fossils.
Puddingstone is ideal for the rock hound and hobbyist. Hunt for
Puddingstones in Michigan on the far Eastern End of the Upper
Peninsula and the Northeast part of the Lower Peninsula. Puddingstones are found throughout Oscoda County.
www.q100-fm.com
www.WKJC.com
[email protected]
| 67
Luzerne Boardwalk
Luzerne Boardwalk winds through an old growth cedar swamp
along the bottomlands of the East Branch of Big Creek, just
south of the village of Luzerne. With towering cedars overhead and water underneath, the sturdy boardwalk (constructed
and used by horseback riders) offers a unique and beautiful
hike. An extensive network of hiking/horse trails extends beyond the one-half mile boardwalk, but the boardwalk itself
is not a loop trail. A tornado crossed this area in 1997 and
uprooted some large white pine and cedar trees. These dead
snags and downed timber attract woodpeckers and chickadees
and provide cover for a variety of wildlife species including
bears and bobcats.
Directions
From the M-72 traffic light in Luzerne, drive south on Deeter
Road for 1/2 mile to Palmer Road. Turn left (east) and proceed
1/4 mile to Galloway Road. Turn right (south) and drive 3/8
mile to Forest Road 3023. Turn left onto this two-track and
drive until it ends at the Luzerne Boardwalk parking area.
Ownership: U.S. Forest Service, Mio District Ranger Station, (989) 826-3252.
O
F
(989)
826-3292
Open 7 Days
A week
www.statewidemio.com
M
I
O
Service and Experience
AT THE
STOP LIGHT
IN MIO
In Real Estate for over 35 years
68 |
Oscoda County...Your Wedding Destination
Looking for that unique one-of-a-kind Wedding venue that is easy to get
to and affordable for you? Oscoda County with its many attractions and
natural beauty is an outstanding place for your wedding. Whether the
backdrop is the beautiful Au Sable River, Historic Courthouse or the Log
Skyline Event Center, you will be able to put together a gorgeous one of
a kind venue for that magic moment, the wedding you have dreamed of.
Centrally located Oscoda County has a short drive time from many areas
of Michigan for your guests. Take a look and see what we have to offer,
you’ll be sure to find one of the areas features original and inspiring for
your wedding.
Hall Rentals
American Legion
989-826-5950
Mio Moose Lodge
989-826-6081
AuSable View Lodge
989-826-6156
989-826-1168
Knights of Columbus
989-826-3017
Skyline Event Center
888-352-4762
Mio Community Center in Mio
989-826-1168
St. Mina
989-826-6923
Wedding photos provided by Sunflower Photography at www.leflerl.zenfolio.com
www.ausableviewlodge.com
Enjoy the gorgeous views of the AuSable Valley!
The Lodge is designed to accomodate large groups and will sleep up to
28 of your guests. Everyone is sure to have a once in a lifetime experience
they will never forget. It is the perfect setting for you and your spouse,
family reunions, receptions, retreats, groups, parties or meetings.
Accommodation options are limitless. Call today to reserve your stay.
(989) 826-6156
[email protected]
AuSable Valley
Apartments
INDEPENDENT SENIOR LIVING
989.848.2104
C
TOALL
DAY
www.ausablevalleyapts.com
1441 Maple Dr.
Fairview, MI 48621
[email protected]
• Fully Equipped Kitchen
• One Bedroom
• Wall To Wall Carpet
• Laundry Facilities
• Cable Television Package
• Scheduled Activities
• Activity Areas
• Additional Secured Storage
• Hair Salon
• Room For Private Parties
| 69
ENJOY GEOCACHING
ADVENTURES IN OSCODA COUNTY
Geocaching is a high tech version of hideand-seek that combines the fun of scavenger
hunts, hiking, and “treasure” exchanges. It
is a great fun way to explore familiar and
unfamiliar territory with family, friends, or
groups of young people.
What does a geocache look like? A geocache is usually a small waterproof container filled with interesting trinkets, a logbook,
and a pencil. It has been carefully hidden,
its GPS coordinates recorded, and additional
special clues given so outdoor enthusiasts
of all ages can enjoy the games of trying to
find it.
those coordinates into a GPS (Global Positioning System) receiver, Smart Phone application, or vehicle GPS and get on track to
find a geocache. Each GPS receiver might
vary a little in its accuracy, so you will have
to use written clues, and your powers of observation to locate the hidden cache.
exactly as you found it.
What do you do once you find a geocache?
Once you find a geocache, you carefully
note its location before you open it. Once
you open it, you will find a logbook to sign
and record your group’s information. The
cache will also contain special trinkets. You
are allowed to take some of the trinkets, if
you replace them in the cache with some
trinkets that you brought with you. Finally,
carefully close the cache and hide it again,
If Geocaching is the hobby for your family,
be sure to join www.geocaching.com for additional caches here and around the world.
Have your family or group select a nickname, and start getting credit for your finds!
Why geocache? It is a mostly free, fun way
to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with family
and friends. Your group can also pledge to
CACHE IN, TRASH OUT. Bring a trash
bag on your adventure to help remove any
litter you might find.
Here are a couple of geocaches to get you
started in Oscoda County. There are over
380 located in this county alone. Happy
Geocaching!
How do you find a geocache? Visit www.
geocaching.com to obtain the longitude and
latitude coordinates for the geocache. Put
1. A Cache for All Seasons - A short walk on the new Au Sable River Trail system recently completed by the US Forest Service.
N44 degrees 39.697 W 084 degrees 07.329
2. S
tairway to Heaven-Up or down the stairs.Decryption Key
N 44 degrees 39.264 W 084 degrees 05.807
A/B/C/D/E/F/G/H/I/J/K/L/M
W 084 degrees 05.807
N/O/P/Q/R/S/T/U/V/W/X/Y/Z
Clue: nyy fcehprq hc
(letter above equals below, & vice versa)
Country
Corners
- Bulk Foods NOW Health Foods
Baking Supplies • Everday Low Cheese Prices
HOURS: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. • Saturday 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
1284 W. Kittle Rd. • Mio, MI 48647 • Phone: (989) 826-6063
70 |
Off-Road Vehicle
Huron-Manistee National Forests Off-Road Vehicle Regulations
• National Forest system roads are closed unless posted open.
• Driving an ORV off National Forest system roads or posted
ORV trails is prohibited.
• Driving motorized vehicles on National Forest system roads or
trails that are posted closed or have been barricaded or obliterated is prohibited.
• Driving an ATV greater than 50 inches in width on a National
Forest system ORV trails is prohibited.
• Driving an ORV on snowmobile-only trails between December
1st and March 31st is prohibited
ORV: any motorized vehicle capable of cross-country travel on
land or water of National Forest.
ATV: a 3 or 4 wheeled vehicle designated for off-road use that
has low-pressure (balloon-type) tires, with a seat designed to be
straddled by the operator, powered by an engine from 50cc to
500cc displacement on the National Forests.
Road: a transportation facility which is drivable by 50 inch or
wider four-wheeled vehicles with two-wheel drives.
Trail: a path or way of varying width which is used by and maintained for hikers, horse riders, snow travelers, bicyclists, or motorized vehicles and is designated for non-motorized travel or
drivable only by motorized vehicles less than 50 inches wide.
ALL ORV’S operating on the National Forest system lands must:
1.Have a current vehicle titles from the Michigan Secretary of State (Note: not required on non-resident ORV’s used in Michigan).
2.Have a current State of Michigan ORV license permanently
attached to the vehicle – (Note: required on resident AND
non-resident ORV’s used in Michigan).
3.Have a valid operators’ license or learning permit as required
by State Law.
4.Operators and passengers must wear a U.S. Department of
Transportation (USDOT) approved crash helmet AND protective eyewear or goggles EXCEPT when the ORV is equipped
with an approved roof AND the operator and passengers are
wearing properly adjusted and fastened safety belts.
5.Have a braking system in good working condition operated by
hand or foot. Have a throttle system designed to automatically
and immediately return the engine speed to idle when pressure is released.
6.Have a U.S. Forest Service (USFS) approved spark arrester
and muffler, in good working condition and in constant operation, meeting applicable federal and state sound level standards.
7.Have designed, manufactured accommodations for seating
for each passenger.
8.If operated during the hours of ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour
before sunrise must also have and display all of the following:
(a) a lighted headlight, (b) a lighted taillight, (c) a brake light
(brighter than the taillight).
9.Not be under the influence of alcohol or other drugs while
operating and ORV.
10.Drive in a safe and responsible manner so as not to endanger
any persons or property.
11.Responsibility of user to acquire a current motor vehicle use
map.
U.S. Forest Service officers are authorized to enforce ORV
regulation. Violations carry a maximum fine of $500 or
6 months imprisonment or both, under authority of 16 USC 551.
| 71
OPERATOR RESPONSIBILITIES
Obtain Motor Vehicle Use Map
(MVUM)
Operating a motor vehicle on National Forest System roads,
trails, and in areas on National Forest Systems lands carries
as great a responsibility as operating that vehicle in a city or
other developed setting.
Read and understand your motor vehicle use map (MVUM)
in its entirety. Road, trail, and area users must comply with
this map, as well as all Federal, State and local laws and regulations. Compliance with these rules is the responsibility of
the user.
If you have questions contact the Huron-Manistee National
Forest for clarification.
Mio Ranger District
107 McKinley Road
Mio, MI 48647
989-826-3252 - TTY: 989-826-3252
Elk Country Gobblers NWTF
The NWTF local chapter, The Elk
Country Gobblers, have a banquet
on April 23, 2016, and a picnic on
August 27, 2016. We are hoping to
sponsor a family on sportsman day
in the Summer of 2016, and many
other fund raising events, open to
the public. Money raised goes to
conservation and habitat replacement in our area. Our chapter
covers the Curran, Mio, Fairview,
Comins, Lewiston, Hillman and
Atlanta counties. Crops have been
planted for winter feed for turkeys
and deer. Spring planting help
the smaller animals get a good start. The
Gobblers support hunter safety programs,
and promote all family outdoor activity.
The Gobblers support the Women in the
Outdoors, Jakes (young sportsman and
women) and Wheeling Sportsmen
(handicapped sportsmen and women). Scholarships are given to local
graduates. We are in partnership
with the Citizens for Pro Wildlife
Management, Michigan United
Conservation Clubs, and the Department of Natural Resources. We
are open for, and always in need
for volunteers and new members.
Meetings are held the 2nd Tuesday
of every month (except Nov.) at
the Loud Twp. Hall on M-33. Any
questions about the NWTF or The
Elk Country Gobblers, call Frank
Darling, 989-848-5234.
Preparing America’s Taxes Since 1955
Daniel L. Blamer
Master Tax Advisor (Enrolled Agent)
Franchisee
620 S. Morenci St. P.O. Box 309
Mio, MI 48647
Tel 989 826 6521 Fax 989 826 6040
[email protected]
hrblock.com
72 |
Enjoy Oscoda County on Horseback
Luzerne Trail Camp
The Hiking and Horse Trail is a Shore-to-Shore marked trail, from
Lake Huron at Oscoda to Lake Michigan at Empire.
There are many trails surrounding these two camps. You will see
deer, wild turkeys, and other smaller animals while walking or riding through our beautiful forest as you climb hills and cross rivers.
These trails and camps are maintained and cared for by the DNR,
USDA Forest Service and Michigan Trail Riders Association.
To find the Luzerne Camp from Mio go west on M-72, 8 miles to
Luzerne, then south on County Road 490, 2 miles; continue south
on Forest Road 4541, one mile to the camp.
McKinley Trail Camp
This large trail camp is one of several campgrounds on the Shoreto-Shore trail. Used primarily by horseback riders, the camp is
available throughout the year for hunting, backpacking and general
camping. The campground can easily accommodate large groups.
From Mio, take County Road 602 east nine miles to the McKinley
Trail Camp access road (Forest Service Road 4004). Turn north and
travel one mile to the camp.
Northern Power Sports of Mio
of Oscoda County
Building Houses, Building Hope
989-848-2200
1558 N. Abbe Rd., P.O. Box 68
Fairview, MI 48621
[email protected]
FAIRVIEW FAMILY
RESTAURANT & COFFEE
SHOP
30 E. Kneeland Rd.
Mio, MI 48647
989-826-3388
YAMAHA, ODES, MASSIMO, DRR
We Deal in the Beauty of the North
| 73
Midland to Mackinac Pathway
A trail which crosses through Oscoda County is the Midland to
Mackinac Pathway. This trail runs in a north/south direction near
the Oscoda County/Crawford County line.
The Midland to Mackinac Pathway was originally set up by the
Boy Scouts of America to simulate the original Mackinaw Pathway, which was a migratory route used by the Chippewa Indians.
The pathway weaves through a variety of forest types and land
forms. It offers a vast number of scenic and recreational opportunities. Camping is allowed on National Forest land; however, no
developed campgrounds occur near this segment of the pathway.
Access to the pathway is available via a parking area north of
M‑72 at the ORV trail head on Forest Road 4027 (ORV trail) just
east of where the pathway crosses M‑72. The parking area is ap-
proximately 14 mile west on M‑72 or about 16 miles east of Grayling on M‑72.
The pathway is marked with blue paint. The pathway does not
have marked return loops. If a shorter hike is desired, the user must
map his/her own return or come back on the same trail.
At this time, there are no fees required for the use of the pathway.
No garbage facilities are provided along the trail, so visitors are
asked to please pack out what they pack in.
The Midland to Mackinac Pathway is open year around
for hiking and/or snowshoeing. If you have any questions, contact the Mio Ranger Station (989) 826-3252 or
(989) 826-3592 (TTY).
Michigan Trail
Riders Association, Inc.
The Michigan Trail Riders Association was created in 1963 with
the enthusiasm of a few horseback riders who wanted to enjoy the
outdoors here in Michigan. With much cooperation with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the U.S. Forest Service
and lots of hard work, the Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and
Hiking Trail was created. Now the association has celebrated 50
years of existence and 50 years of riding Shore-to-Shore.
The Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking trail is one of
the “jewels” of upper Michigan and Oscoda County in particular.
This trail runs from Oscoda on Lake Huron to Empire on Lake
Michigan following the lovely AuSable River in Oscoda County.
The North/South spurs run from Cadillac to Mackinaw City. With
over 2500 members, the Michigan Trail Riders Association clears,
marks and maintains the trail and its associated trail camps. The
camps of Luzerne and McKinley, which are within Oscoda County, are especially enjoyed because of their pristine atmospheres.
The trail running along this section is almost all single-track with
many picturesque vistas over the AuSable River Valley.
The Michigan Shore-to-Shore Riding and Hiking Trail is open to
all horseback riders and hikers. Maps of the entire trail can be purchase from the Michigan Trail Riders Assoc., Inc. at 5806 E. State
Rd., Hale, MI 48739 for $10 per set. Membership in the MTRA,
which costs $35 as a “newbie” and $25 for renewals, includes a
set of maps and the opportunity to be a part of five (5) trail rides a
year on the Shore-to-Shore Trail. Membership also includes four
newsletters per year (February, April, August & December) and an
annual meeting in March. If you are interested, please call 989473-3205 or go online to the www.mtra.org website. Be sure to
check out the “Forum Page” for calendars, newsletters and other
good information. Our Facebook page is also available with lots
of pictures of the rides each year.
Contact: M
ichigan Trail Riders Association, Inc.
5806 E. State Rd., Hale, MI 48739
989-473-3205
74 |
Loud Creek Cross County Skiing - Hiking Trails
| 75
Wolf Creek Trail System
Au Sable National Scenic River
Huron National Forest
Mio Ranger District
d
oa
.57 Mile
cK
M
7
.25
le
Mi
.32 Mile
5 .15 Mile
4
8
Legend
0
0.1
0.2 Miles
Wolf Creek Trailhead
Power Lines
DNR Parking Lot
National Forest
#
Location Post
Boardwalk
àà
²
M
Au Sable River
Bridge
Creek
The USDA Forest Service makes no warranty, expressed, or implied,
regarding the data displayed on this map, and reserves the right to
correct, update, modify or replace this information without notification.
M-72
Mio
e
Mil
!
@
C
!
j
!
Ranger Station
3
.76
M-33/M-72
Cross Country Skiing / Hiking Trail
Mile
.66 Mile
10
.12
le
Mi
.25 Mile
j
!
6
.37 Mile
e
Mil
.21 Mile
.25
9
.19
à
ile
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ey
inl
.4
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!
South River Road
2
.14
Mi
le
1
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!
Wolf Creek Hiking and
Cross-Country Ski Trail
In 2012 the Wolf Creek Trail system was reestablished in the Huron-Manistee National Forests.
This newly designated 4.8 mile non-motorized
trail system provides day-use opportunities within the Au Sable River corridor suitable for walking, biking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. The trail loop system provides users with a
semi-primitive experience. Trail users will enjoy
views of the river throughout their walk and from
time to time be able to watch a variety of wildlife or observe a diversity of plants in a natural
woodland setting. Signs have been placed along
the trail for users comfort and to complement the
historical, educational and interpretive values
found next to the Au Sable River.
The Wolf Creek Trail System is located adjacent
to the Town of Mio. It has two access points. The
first is located approximately 0.5 mile north of
the stop light in Mio at the Michigan Department
of Natural Resources parking lot and canoe puttin. The second public access point is 2.0 miles
east of the stop light on County Road 602. This
second access point and parking lot should be
used for winter sport activities.
76 |
Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour
Drive the Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour. This 58-mile self-guided tour will take you through the scenic Au Sable River Valley
and the unique Jack Pine ecosystem – home of the endangered
Kirtland’s Warbler, one of the rarest birds in the world. The auto
tour not only takes you through areas inhabited by the Kirtland’s
Warbler, but also through a variety of wildlife habitats providing
opportunities to see, hear, photograph and learn about many kinds
of wildlife, from white-tailed deer and bald eagles to bluebirds and
beaver.
Located near the town of Mio, the informative and beautiful tour
consists of a series of eleven wildlife viewing sites along state and
country highways. Interpretive signs at each site describe the natural features of the area including the wildlife that you are likely to
see there.
Although you can start at any point along the tour route, we recommend starting in Mio and heading south on M-33. Tour maps and
1.
2.
self-guiding brochures are available at the Chamber of Commerce
for Oscoda County and U.S.D.A. Forest Service offices in Mio.
The auto tour is supported through a unique partnership of concerned people and organizations who care about the Jack Pine ecosystem, the Kirtland’s Warbler, the Au Sable River and the human
communities in the area.
Partners include the Michigan Department of Natural Resources,
U.S.D.A. Forest Service, U.S.D.A. Fish and Wildlife Service, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, Chamber of Commerce for
Oscoda County, the Oscoda County Road Commission, Alcona
County Road Commission, Michigan Department of Transportation, Michigan Department of Corrections, The Ruffed Grouse
Society, Weyerhauser Foundation, ABTCo, Consumers Energy,
Wildlife Forever, MichCon, and the Eastern National Forest Interpretive Association.
4.
3.
5.
6.
12.
7.
11.
10.
Although there are no guarantees that
you will see lots of wildlife while driving
this tour, there are some things you can
do to greatly increase your chances of being successful:
• Drive the tour in the early morning or
9.
Wildlife Viewing Tips
evening—wildlife are much more active then.
• Be patient—don’t expect to see everything in the first five minutes you’re
there.
• Use binoculars, spotting scopes, and
8.
cameras.
• Bring along field guides to help you
identify what you see.
• Stay back a safe distance from wildlife—the goal is to observe nature without changing animal behavior.
• Respect the rights of others—don’t spook
wildlife being viewed by someone else.
• Leave the site better than you found it—
pick up litter.
• Be prepared for insects—bring along
bug spray or a head net.
1. Au Sable River Loop Overlook Bald
eagles and various kinds of waterfowl
are commonly viewed here. This scenic
overlook offers the perfect place to end
the Jack Pine Wildlife Viewing Tour.
2. Wild Turkey Viewing Side Trip The
side trip noted on this map will take
you north to Fairview, “Wild Turkey
Capital of Michigan.” The agricultural
areas you’ll see along Abbe and Weaver
Roads are especially attractive to wild
turkeys and, because the areas are more
open, spotting turkeys is easier.
3. Clearcut—New Warbler Habitat This
202-acre area was cut in 1995 and replanted in 1997. The informational
signs at this site explain how “picky”
Kirtland’s warblers are.
4. O’Brien Lake—Picture-Postcard Lake
A handicapped-accessible boardwalk
down to the lake’s edge is the perfect
spot for fishing and wildlife watching.
To get to O’Brien Lake, turn south in
McKinley at the watchable wildlife
binocular sign, then follow the O’Brien
Lake signs.
5. Hoist Lakes Hiking Trails Over 20
miles of hiking and cross-country ski
trails wind their way through forests
and along small lakes and marshes in
| 77
this semi-primitive “foot travel only”
area. A brochure with a detailed trail
map is available at U.S. Forest Service
offices.
6. Ecosystem Management Area — Creating Habitat for the Kirtland’s Warbler
The areas surrounding this site were
managed through commercial timber
harvesting and replanting to maintain the jack pine ecosystem. The area
across the highway was cut in 1991 and
planted in 1992. The area to the east of
the parking area was cut in 1993, planted in 1995, and was first occupied by
warblers in 2001.
7. Au Sable High Banks Overlook — A
Ribbon of Life for Wildlife From this
overlook you get a breathtaking view
of the Au Sable River. A variety of fish
and other wildlife depend on the river
and the plants along its banks. NOTE:
Please stay on marked pathways and
stairs to help prevent further erosion on
the steep river bank.
8. Au Sable Valley Scenic Vista Get an
eagle’s eye view of the beautiful Au Sable River Valley and Alcona Dam Pond.
Eagles nest along the pond and river.
9. Ruffed Grouse Walk Like the Kirtland’s
warbler, the ruffed grouse needs young,
dense, forest habitat to survive. Forest
management practices like clearcutting can greatly benefit these stately
birds. To learn more about grouse and
their habitat, pick up a self-guided trail
brochure at this site and take the Ruffed
Grouse Walk. This 3,330 ft. trail is
handicapped-accessible.
Personal, Commercial, Life,
Health, Retirement Plans
& Group Insurances Available
607 S Morenci Ave
Mio, MI 48647
(989) 826-3989
www.tomia247.com
10. Snags—There’s Life in Dead Trees
When the trees at this site were cut to
make pulp for paper products, trees
that were already dead were left standing. The informational signs at this
site explain why dead trees are important to wildlife and what you can do
to help.
11. Mack Lake Burn—The Mack Lake
burn was created by a forest fire in
1980 that spread over 25,000 acres and
tragically, burned numerous homes
and buildings. However, the burn area
(shaded area on map) provided important habitat to help boost the Kirtland’s
warbler population in the early 1990s.
12. Kirtland’s Warbler Monument (Downtown Mio) Dedicated by Roger Tory
Peterson in 1963, this three foot tall
replica of a male Kirtland’s warbler
is encased in glass and surrounded by
stone. It stands as a memorial to the
people that have endeavored to save
these highly endangered birds.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service is a diverse
organization committed to equal opportunity in employment and program delivery.
USDA prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, age, disability, political affiliation
and familial status. Persons believing they
have been discriminated against should
contact the Secretary, US Department of
Agriculture, Washington, DC 20250, or
call 202–720–7327 (voice), or 202–720–
1127 (TTY).
MORSE
Concrete & Excavating
(989) 826-3975
Basements - Septic Systems - Septic Tanks
Sand - Gravel - Fill
Bulldozing - Back Hoe - Ponds Dug
P.O. Box 518
106 Vine Street
Mio, MI 48647
78 |
ORV
Trail and Route
0LR7UDLODQG5RXWH
+LOO5G
Hunt Creek
Motorcycle Trail
(36 Miles)
LOLQ
Boiling
Steam
Creek
J 6
Hunt Creek
Motorcycle Trail
(36 Miles)
%R
%RQG\5G
2VFRGD&RXQW\0LFKLJDQ
*36'DWD'LVFODLPHU/RFDWLRQDODFFXUDF\
IHHW 3OHDVH XVH WKH *36 FRRUGLQDWH
GDWDDVDJHQHUDOJXLGHIRUWUDLOORFDWLRQ,WLV
QRWWREHXVHGDVDQH[DFWORFDWLRQUHIHUHQFH
SUL
QJ
G
LD &
URV
Mio Trail
(25 Miles)
VLQJ
5G
Q
3H
5G
Q
%DLOH\5G
Mio Trail
(25 Miles)
Rudd
Lake
Mio Route
(15 Miles)
Noodles
Lake
&HGDU5XQ5G
)DUULQJWRQ5G
Indian
Lake
G
10RXQW7RP5
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OYDQ
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/H
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V 5
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9H
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Mio Route
(15 Miles)
Pe
La
<RUG\5G
Horseshoe
Lake
HOO5G
+HOPHU/DNH5G
3HUU\&UHHN5G
Mio Trail
(25 Miles)
&DOGZ
5LFKDUG
6QDNH%UDQFK5G
G
Mio to Meadows
MCCCT (10 Miles)
HOPHU/DNH5G
NH5
1RRGOHV/D
Muskrat Lake
Campground
Muskrat
Lake
VRQ5G
5G
%XQGRII5G
33
$797UDLO±259¶VOHVVWKDQ´LQZLGWKLQFOXGLQJRIIURDGPRWRUF\FOHV
'15OLFHQVH259VWLFNHUUHTXLUHG
/LQNWRGRZQORDG*36ILOH
7UDLOKHDG3DUNLQJ
2595RXWH±259¶VRIDOOVL]HVLQFOXGLQJRIIURDGPRWRUF\FOHV'15OLFHQVH
259VWLFNHUUHTXLUHGXQOHVVOLFHQVHGE\WKH6HFUHWDU\RI6WDWH
6WDWH)RUHVW&DPSJURXQG
+LJKZD\
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/DNHVDQG5LYHUV
6WDWH/DQG
0RWRUF\FOH7UDLO±0RWRUF\FOHVRQO\'15OLFHQVH259VWLFNHUUHTXLUHG
0RWRUF\FOH7UDLO±0RWRUF\FOHVRQO\6HFUHWDU\RI6WDWHOLFHQVHUHTXLUHG
0LFKLJDQ&URVV&RXQWU\&\FOH7UDLO0&&&7
$GYLVRU\7UDLOVDQG5RXWHVKDYHWZRZD\WUDIILF
'LVFODLPHU7UDLOVVKRZQRQWKLVPDSDUHDQDSSUR[LPDWHUHSUHVHQWDWLRQ
RIWKHWUDLOV\VWHPDWWKHWLPHRISXEOLFDWLRQDQGPD\QRWUHIOHFWFXUUHQWJURXQG
FRQGLWLRQV67$<216,*1('75$,/621/<
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For the location of the Hunt Creek Loop and Mio Trail and also Bull Gap Trail. Visit the DNR website
Pick up your free Motor Vehicle
Use Map from Ranger’s Station
at McKinley Road.
Mack Lake ORV Trail System
| 79
80 |
Big Cedar Tree
This is one of the largest native white
cedars on the Michigan mainland,
according to the Big Tree Committee of the Northern Michigan Botanical Society. It has a girth of 153 ½
inches and a diameter of 47.8 inches.
It has a total height to top of foliage
of 43 feet.
Sometime in the rather distant past,
the ravages of time and weather have
removed a large portion of the original crown at a point approximately
29 feet above the ground where the
diameter at the point of break measures 26 inches.
Efforts to determine the age of this
huge tree have met with only limited success; however it can be assumed to exceed 350 years and was
therefore only a seedling or a small
sapling when the Pilgrims landed at
Plymouth Rock. The rather isolated
location of this specimen on a small
semi-island area within a few feet
of the Au Sable River, has afforded
protection from the numerous forest
fires that over-ran adjacent lands during the early 1900’s. It is also highly
probable that its defective condition
caused the early loggers to pass it by
in favor of sounder trees.
The tree is located on U.S. Forest
Service lands. Travel 2.5 mile east
of the traffic light in Mio on Country Road 602 to Forest Road 4354.
Travel north on FR 4354 approximately 1.5 miles to the intersection,
proceed left to parking for the Big
Cedar Tree or proceed right for parking for fishing access to the river.
The EDAOC operates programs in arts, culture,
community education,
vocational training, and
entrepreneurship to
promote economic success
in the rural communities
of Northeast Michigan.
Tires & Batteries
888‐352‐4762 www.OscodaCountyMi.org • 1.800.800.6133
| 81
Join The Chamber!
Successful business owners understand the importance of Membership in the
Chamber of Commerce.
Everyone knows if you want information about any area, you contact the
Chamber of Commerce to get that information. The Chamber offers a value
to you as a business owner, when individuals or businesses want information
they call the Chamber of Commerce. The Chamber then gives out the contact
information for its members.
Anything and everything that we know with regard to Oscoda County gets
promoted out of our office, by phone, visits to the office or by the internet
via our website and Facebook page. Whether it is a Chamber of Commerce
for Oscoda County sponsored event or not, the Chamber is a central clearinghouse for information. We try continually to increase our knowledge of
Oscoda County and use that knowledge to inform visitors that come each year.
Member Benefits include:
• Promotion of your business
• Oscoda County Shop Local Advertising
• Business Referrals
• Use of the Chamber Bulk Mail Permit
• Internet Advertising
• Discounted Health Insurance
• Business insurance discounts
• One stop location for area information
• Oscoda County Visitors Guide ad discount
• Exposure of your business through Michigan Backroads Websites
We bring more visitors to the area
to increase local business with:
• Oscoda County Visitors Guide
• Chamber of Commerce website
• Facebook page
• Luzerne Call of the Wild Predator Hunt
• Fall Wine Tasting
• 4th of July Parades, Craft Show & Fireworks
Support Your Community while
promoting & increasing your business
www.OscodaCountyMi.org
Pinewood Motel
142 S. Mt. Tom Road (M-33) • Mio, MI 48647
989-826-3137
In-Room Coffee • Air Conditioning • Direct TV
Pet Friendly • Picnic & Bonfire Area
Singles, Doubles, Suites & Kitchenettes
Fridge & Microwaves in all rooms
Free Wireless
OPEN ALL YEAR!
Nightly, Weekly & Monthly Rates
LUZERNE HARDWARE
• Plumbing
• Electrical
Hunting &
Fishing License
• Valspar Paints
• Propane Fill Station
• Cabot Stains
• Camping, Hunting & Fishing Supplies
Stormy Kromer Hats & More
Open
Sunday
9-2
2244 Deeter Rd., Luzerne
(989) 826-8050
“More than just a
hardware store!”
82 |
Advertiser Index
A
G
AuSable River Restaurant 60
Gott’s Landing - Canoes 8
AuSable Valley Community,
The Apartment 68
Garland Lodge & Golf Resort 18
AuSable Inn 24
H
AuSable Valley Snow Groomers, Inc. 39
H&R Block – Blamer Financial 71
AuSable View Lodge 68
Habitat for Humanity Restore 72
Auto Value Mio 65
Handrich Trucking 39
Handy Dan Lawn Maintenance 71
B
Highland Lumber & Hardware 52
Bear Paw Cabins & Canoes 27
Hinchman Acres Resort – Canoes 16
Bell Title Agency of Mio 56
Big Creek Bump & Paint 69
K
Bill’s Groeries - Gas 56
Kirtland Agency 41
Blair’s Service 56
Klimmek Sales & Service 24
C
L
Cedar Valley Golf Club 19
Cherry Creek Farms 20
Cliff’s Fairview Garage Inc. 80
Country Corners Bulk Food 69
Let’s Talk Auction Company 60
Luzerne Express Campground 66
Luzerne Hardware 81
Country Feed Supply 21
M
D
Michigan Au Sable Valley Railroad (inside back
cover)
DJ’s Scenic Bar & Restaurant 56
Detrich Real Estate, Norm Detrich 8
Doug’s Disposal Service LLC 50
E
Economic Development Alliance 80
Esch’s Septic Service, LLC 36
Evan’s Auto 33
F
Fairview Family Restaurant 72
Fairview Food Market 10
Mercantile Bank 16
Mike’s Auto & Glass Repair 21
Mio Dental 52
Mio Fence Co. 66
Mio Flea Market (back cover)
Mio Motel 25
Mio Moose 19
Mio Pine Acres Campground (inside front
cover)
Mio Pizza Shop 30
Mio Songbird Motel & Cabins 65
Morse Concrete & Excavating, Inc. 77
Fairview Hardware 31
N
Family Bookshelf (inside front cover)
Nor-East’r Music & Arts Festival 33
Family Fare 27
North Country Realty 72
First Federal 51
Northern Michigan Relief Sale 38
First Merit Bank 30
Northern Power Sports of Mio 72
Fleszar Powersports 60
Northern View Motel 30
Northstar Storage Barns 30
NuStar Insurance Agency 17
O
Oak Hill Furniture and Fabrics 52
OcRiverfest 9
Oscoda County Abstract 36
Oscoda County Library 17
Oscoda County Park 27
P
Pampered Beef 20
Pinewood Motel 81
Precision Excavating 51
R
Rainbow Resort (back cover)
S
Saint Mina Retreat Center 50
Skyline Event Center 16
State Wide Real Estate 67
State Wide Real Estate
- Thomas Galbraith 31
Stitches For You 24
T
The Country Chalets 35
The Rustic Inn 52
Top O’Michigan Insurance 77
Trophy Waters Fly Shop 8
V
W
Webb & Son Drilling 51
Whitehouse Disposal 41
WKJC 66
WL&T Timber Management 25
Wood Haven Log & Lumber (front inside cover)
Woods and Water Builders, Inc. 35
Woodworker’s Shoppe
(back inside cover)
WQON 66
| 83
Michigan AuSable Valley
RAILROAD
The Michigan AuSable Valley Railroad welcomes you to northern
Michigan for a relaxing, scenic ride onboard a 1/4 scale passenger
train. You will pass through a 115 foot wooden tunnel and over two
wooden trestles overlooking the beautiful Comins Creek Valley,
close to the clear, winding AuSable River.
Schedule:
WEEKENDS ONLY!
Saturday, Sunday and Holidays
10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
(Steam locomotives on selected Sundays and Holidays!)
Memorial Weekend thru Labor Day Weekend
plus the first two weekends of October
All rides $6.00 • Children under two are free
230 South Abbe Road • Fairview, Michigan 48621
3.5 Miles South of the blinker light in Fairview
1-989-848-2229 (RECORDING)
1-989-848-2225 (VOICE)
www.michiganausablevalleyrailroad.com
Kayaks - Tubes - Canoes
Family Fun on the AuSable River
Canoes & Cabins
Tandem Kayaks!
$10 KAYAKING ON MONDAYS
(Call for details)
989-826-3423
N
TE
MP
CA
731 Camp Ten Rd., Mio
www.rainbowresortmio.com
M-33
RD
.
CHERRY CREEK RD.
4 1/2 MILES
M-72
MIO
Mio Flea Market
“If you have an itch... Stop in and scratch around”
T h e B i g g e s t a n d B e s t F l e a M a r k e t I n N o r t h e r n M i c h i g a n!
Just 1 Mile North of Mio On M-33/M-72
Open May thru September
Saturday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sunday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Also Fridays Noon - 5 p.m.; Memorial Day to Labor Day
The Coin Shop
Gold & Silver
Darts & More American Girl
Jersy’s Swords,
Knives & Leather Belts
Car Show
7/9/2016
Mio Masonic
Lodge
Old
New - Used
Antiques
Free Parking No Admission
Vendors Welcome
For More Information,
Call (989) 826-8822

Your PDF Here!

Transcription

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