About
Topinabee is one of those rare places you find once in a while where every season is truly worth celebrating.
Our village is nestled along the southwestern shore of the renowned boating heaven of Mullett Lake, one of the largest and deepest lakes in Michigan. The North Central State Trail, recently named one of the best “Rails to Trails” destinations in the United States, hugs the edge of the lake as it passes through town. You’ll find unbridled natural beauty all around you when you visit Topinabee and you’ll find warm hearted and welcoming people here.
Our recreational opportunities are to be shared… incredible boating, remarkable fishing, hiking through deep quiet woods, biking on the best trail system in Michigan, golfing, and there’s cross country skiing, snow-shoeing, and snowmobiling during our magical winters. We’re close to historic Cheboygan, we’re right on the unique and wonderful Inland Waterway, we’re a short drive from the Straits of Mackinac, Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island, and we’re a stone’s throw from the Village of Indian River and Burt Lake and Aloha State Parks. The picturesque community of Petosksey is also nearby. And everything is all so accessible it’s hard to believe unless you come for a visit.
Visit us once and you’ll never want to leave. Many residents here have lived in Topinabee for generations and generations. Visitors return year after year after year. It’s life by the lake and we love it.
The town was founded in 1881 by businessmen from the Michigan Central Railroad. They were planning to extend their railroad from Gaylord, MI, approximately 35 miles south of Topinabee, to Mackinaw City, about 30 miles north of the town. They wanted a resort built on Mullett Lake for lodging during the lumber era. H.H. Pike built a hotel in 1881, it opened in 1882. The village grew from there. Pike named the community Topinabee after a chief of the Potawatomi Tribe.
Up Here We’re Known as ‘The Great Up North’
That’s because we have more to offer right here and nearby than anywhere in the northern Great Lakes. In the Great Up North, you’ll find acclaimed fishing and boating inland lakes besides Mullett, the Michigan’s amazing Inland Waterway, fantastic trails, magical history destinations, wonderful state parks, and unbelievable natural beauty.
Our small town life in the Great Up North includes businesses like our local market and deli, restaurants like the Noka Cafe and Breakers Bar and Grille, our hardware store, and unique little shops. Our old train depot has been restored and is a fine library and resource center for our historical records… and do we have a fascinating history.
We have lakeshore home living and we have lovely homes and streets throughout town and on the “bluff” overlooking the waters of Mullett Lake.
Our sunrises are spectacular. Our pace of living and quality of life are unsurpassed. And we’re working together to bring more residents, visitors, and businesses into our wonderful life on Mullett Lake.
So come to Topinabee. It’s always in season on Mullett Lake.
Article from the Cheboygan Tribune-click to enlarge