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Hunts' Guide to Michigan's UPPER PENINSULA
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JUST OUT!
A new edition of Hunts' Mapguide to Michigan's Upper Peninsula.
Over 300 entries, all conveniently located on maps and chosen because we think they are the coolest things to do in the U.P. (No ad tie-ins!) Great choices for restaurants, hikes, shops, adventures, museums, boat trips, waterfalls, vistas, road trips, and much more!
To learn more click UP MAP GUIDE
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Region: Les Cheneaux Islands, Drummond Island & the St. Mary's River
DE TOUR VILLAGE
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This simple village of 400 overlooks the DeTour Passage. Here the St. Marys River that leads from Lake Superior and Sault Ste. Marie empties into Lake Huron. As a fishing community DeTour goes back to French-Canadian times. It became an important firewood fueling station with the opening of the Soo Locks in 1855. "DeTour" means the turning place. Here voyageurs' canoes and, later, ships turned sharply from the river to head for Mackinac and the Straits. The word, if pronounced correctly in the French way, would have the accent on the second syllable - "de-TOUR." But everybody says "DEE-tour."
The Dr. Shula Giddens roadside park just south of town, the Fogcutter Bar and Grill by the Drummond Island ferry, and the marina and adjacent Fortino's Pizza and Cow Barn Ice Cream are ideal for watching up-close the big freighters that come by every hour or two. From there you can also see the activities of the ferry and the big Drummond Island Dolomite quarry across the passage.
An idyllic 24-mile stretch of M-134 between DeTour and Cedarville passes a series of bays and rocky points to the south, and state forest land to the north. It's a beautiful drive or bike ride, perfect for frequent stops to swim, walk, and enjoy the views and explore the interesting habitats, from dunes and woods to wetlands.
Today tourism and retirees sustain the pleasant, unassuming place. Layoffs in Detroit's auto industry have had an impact. DeTour's chamber of commerce recommends goose- and duck-hunting and touts DeTour as the "best-kept secret of the eastern U.P." and "gateway to the North Channel," that long, protected body of water ending at Georgian Bay that's so popular with boaters.
Back to Les Cheneaux Islands, Drummond Island & the St. Mary's River
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DE TOUR VILLAGE
RESTAURANTS,
LODGINGS
& CAMPGROUNDS
These are our choices, not ads.
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DE TOUR VILLAGE
RESTAURANTS
DOCKSIDE CAFE
(906) 297-5165
Dockside is at the center of DeTour life in every way. Located at the village's main intersection, it's the year-round gathering spot for morning coffee-drinkers. Owner Annalee Buschbacher heads a most amiable crew. Huge burgers, wraps, and salads are an attraction, along with homemade soups and pie. Fridays until 8 p.m. there's an all-you-can-eat whitefish dinner. Hearty breakfast dishes ($5-$10) include a sausage omelet with homemade sausage gravy, or stuffed hash browns with eggs, onions, and cheese. Vegetarian dishes upon request.
The adjoining DeTour Village Motel was destroyed by fire in 2005.
At the blinker on Ontario (DeTour's main street) and Elizabeth. Open year-round daily from 7 to 2, to 8 Friday nights year-round. No alcohol. Family friendly. Handicap accessible: yes, but not restroom.
MAINSAIL
(906) 297-2141
Boaters in DeTour favor the Mainsail because it's an easy walk from the public docks and it has a lounge and full bar in addition to an extensive menu and consistent food. Ribs and broiled or fried whitefish are favorites. Entrees are under $20.
On Ontario 2 long blocks north of the main four-corners. 8 a.m.-11 p.m. daily.
ALBANY SUPPER CLUB
(906) 297-8321
This vintage period place, hardly changed since the 1950s. Once dancing was part of its attraction; now it's the fresh fish dinners ($9 with potato, soup, juice, and salad). It's a place, the owner says, "where you know everybody who walks in the door." More than a few summer people fantasize about buying it and bringing back dancing.
On M-134 just west of DeTour, north side of road. Open daily 5-9:30, perhaps later. Handicap accessible: call. Family friendly. Full bar.
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DE TOUR VILLAGE
LODGINGS
ODY'S CARIBOU LAKE COTTAGES
(906) 297-6397
Four cottages and one three-bedroom trailer on quiet Caribou Lake come with kitchens, microwaves, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and boats. Guests can swim off the dock or go to the sandy, uncrowded public beach 1/4 mile down the road. Caribou Lake, known for walleye, bass, panfish, and pike fishing, is visited by loons nesting on a nearby marshy lake. Deb and Ody Odykirk are most hospitable hosts. They have opened a small convenience store next door. Cottages have TV but cable doesn't come out here. Phone in office. Reserve by Feb. or earlier for prime summer rentals. Cottages are around $250 to $275 a week, $50 or so a night in the off-season.On S. Caribou Rd. Either take southernmost DeTour east-west street west or, east of Cedarville, turn north from M-134 onto M-48, then east onto S. Caribou in about 2 miles. Handicap accessible: call. Family friendly. Pets: call.
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DE TOUR VILLAGE
CAMPGROUNDS
DE TOUR Campground
(906) 293-5131
This beautiful, 21-site rustic campground has a lot to offer for people who can forgo hot showers, flush toilets, etc. Set in a mature pine forest, close to a sandy Lake Huron beach. The area is of unusual natural interest, and just 45 miles east of the Mackinac Bridge. Come early in the week in summer for the best sites. This campground fills on holiday weekends.
On M-134, 6 miles west of DeTour and 3 1/2 miles east of M-48Serviced May thru Nov. $6 /$9 camping fee. Self-registration. Handicap accessible: call.
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