Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum

Over 80 snowmobiles made by over 40 manufacturers are on display, most with their historical backgrounds.

Vintage snowmobile enthusiasts have gathered in Naubinway ever since the first Antique and Vintage Snowmobile Show in 1993, held on the third weekend of February. Their enthusiasm was contagious. In 2006 a number of them came together to create this colorful and engaging museum, one of only a few snowmobile museums in the United States. Collectors have now loaned over 80 snowmobiles, going back to the primitive pre-1960 rear-engine sleds that look like they're made of bent sheet metal. One South Dakota man made a snowmobile from spare automobile parts. Rear-engine sleds were used by local people to get out on the ice, to hunt, and to trap. The 1970s brought the flashy race sleds, and their impact on the design and advertising for ordinary snowmobiles is evident.
All these aspects of snowmobiling are depicted on the museum's excellent website. Spearheaded by Charlie and now managed by his wife Marilyn Valliers, the collection is always changing, so multiple visits would be worthwhile to real aficionados.

This 1959 Boggona Super is the prototype for those made in the early 60’s in St. Boniface, Manitoba by General Machine & Welding Ltd. Described as “economical and dependable” winter transportation, it was constructed of unitized tubular and sheet steel with spring suspended body and skis. They seated 2 adults and had high towing capacity. This machine weighs 465 lbs and has a Wisconsin air-cooled, 4 cyl. 9.2hp engine. They say Polaris's Dave Johnson threatened to sue Ove, the builder, for infringing on 4 Polaris patents. That is when he stopped building this model type and designed a smaller version, but never produced them.

The museum, with deep roots in the region's snowmobile community, is a big success. Many enthusiastic visitors were inspired to donate helmets and memorabilia. Board members now own land on U.S. 2 across from King's Motel in downtown Naubinway and hope to erect a bigger, more visible museum with library, perhaps by 2011.

The museum store carries logowear, a few books on vintage snowmobiles, souvenirs, and some child-size versions of popular antique snowmobiles (without engines!), made by an area man.

Two blocks south of the blinker light on U.S. 2 at Center and Tuffy. Open year-round, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., except closed Tuesdays. Museum phone: (906) 477-6298. To schedule after-hours visits: (906) 477-6192. $5/adult, $10/family. Wheelchair-accessible.
[Get Directions]

Return to Naubinway

Best of the Best U.P. Maps

Incredibly Useful!
Hunt's Map Guide to the Upper Peninsula • Favorite hikes, beaches, restaurants, shops, lighthouses, scenic drives, waterfalls, & much more
• 13 detailed U.P. maps
• Full color, on sturdy, water-resistant paper
• Folds out to 12”x38”
• Only $6.95
To learn more & buy online, click here