Topinabee Development Association
The Mission of the Topinabee Development Association is to preserve and enhance the unique historical character and charm of Topinabee while promoting future growth and development of its business district.
The Mission of the Topinabee Development Association is to preserve and enhance the unique historical character and charm of Topinabee while promoting future growth and development of its business district.
Modern history of the area began when settlers moved to the area in the 1880’s with the extension of the railroad to what is now Mackinaw City. Horace Pike developed a Hotel along the banks of Mullet Lake adjacent to the railroad tracks and people began to build homes in the area. Pike wanted to give the area a unique name and he named the area after an Indian Chief-Topinabee. The area continued to grow around the Lake with the hotel the center of activity. (more…)
Winter is a great time to be UP NORTH in Michigan. The scenery is great and there are many activities to enjoy-snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, ice fishing! We have it all in Topinabee. We’re the village right on Mullett Lake and we’re proud of it.
Mullett Lake is legendary for boaters around the Inland Waterway and Topinabee is the only town around its shoreline. Indian River and the sweet waters of Burt Lake are just around the corner. Our game fishing is fabulous, touted by competitive bass fisherman as the the best in the north country, and we’re famous to walleye seekers in the Great Up North. Trails for biking, snowmobiling and ORVing are everywhere. (more…)
The BUSINESS
We have unique shops and restaurants in Topinabee.
You’ll love the famous Breakers Bar and Grill right on the lake, our acclaimed Noka Cafe, and the Topinabee Market and Deli. Topinabee features public access to Mullett Lake, and a warm welcome to all.
Breakers
Built first as Evergreens in the 1940’s, Breakers became the local favorite for craft beer and burgers in 2005. The staff are very friendly and make you feel welcome.
Derek Schittekat has been owner for several years and has overseen extensive renovations inside and outside. If you want to have a view of Mullett Lake, the outside patio is perfect on a warm summer evening.
Customers come via boats, snowmobiles, and cars year round for their delicious food and 22 local and craft beers.
Cafe Noka
Cafe Noka has been in Topinabee for 45 years, and for the past eight years Jeni Michie has been the owner/operator of Cafe Noka. Jeni strives to maintain a “small town” environment while serving local as well as vacationing patrons. She cites the tremendous community support as a major factor in Care Noka’s success.
Improvements to the restaurant since Jeni took ownership include a large, “dog-friendly” patio with umbrella tables providing additional seating. Cafe Noka also caters to veterans, providing free meals on national holidays. There are also plans to increase the play area for children this summer.
Cafe Noka’s summer schedule will begin on May 20th. Summer hours are 7am to 2pm daily.
Specialties include pancakes, omelettes, and fresh-baked cinnamon rolls. Yum!
Every year a new Cafe Noka mug is created for customer use and for sale. Pick one up to add to your collection.
Michigan Lake Products
Thirty years ago, Phil and Mary Jo Welch sold their business downstate, relocated their home on Mullett Lake, where they had a summer home, and Michigan Lake Products (MLP) was born. In striving to meet the area’s needs, along with the McAvoys, their vinyl dock products were designed, and resulted in the very popular Brock Dock.
MLP continues to be family owned with locations in Elk Rapids and Indian River. The vinyl dock lines include the Gorilla Dock, Classic Dock and the EZ Dock.
MLP also addresses park and recreation needs to include fences, decks, railings, boat lifts and the patented ADA WALK Beach Walkway System.
MLP has been very helpful in assisting in the completion of the Topinabee Park and beach, by providing creative fencing and the ADA WALKWAY on the beach for use by handicapped patrons. Many area lakes are serviced by MLP, including Mullett Lake, Burt Lake, Lake Charlevoix, Walloon Lake, Elk Lake, Torch Lake, Lake Leelanau, and the Grand Traverse area.
At the present time, Greg Welch is General Manager, while the sales department includes Phil Welch and Julie Welch.
Aqua Irrigation
Aqua Irrigation is owned by Ed Shovan, and was established in 1994. Its primary business is the installation and maintenance of irrigation systems, but it also does some general construction work, including construction of individual privately-owned units at the storage condominium located at 1720 S. Straits Highway. Aqua Irrigation also owns Indian River Storage, which is located at 1771 S. Straits Highway, and provides inside storage for autos, boats, and RVs.
Tanner Electric
Tanner Electric Inc. is locally owned and operated by Jason Tanner. Jason became a licensed journeyman in 2005, received his Masters Electrician license in 2007, and has worked as an electrician in northern Michigan for the last 18 years. Jason started Tanner Electric in 2018.
Tanner Electric is an authorized Generac Dealer, and a member of the Chamber of Commerce in both Indian River and Cheboygan. The business is a premier provider of electrical services including design/build, construction, remodeling, additions, commercial wiring, and industrial maintenance.
Tanner Electric will gladly provide free estimates, prompt response time, a low price guarantee, and licensed and insured experts.
Tanner Electric is located at 1339 South Straits Highway, Indian River MI, 49749. Main phone: (231) 238-2700. Cell phone: (231) 818-1444. Email: <tanner@electric.net>. Facebook: Tanner Electric Inc.
Topinabee Market
Located in the very center of town, the Topinabee Market has long been a vital part of our community. Owned by Jeff and Lynette Lagota, the market currently has ten full and part time employees, and offers a wide variety of goods and services, including gas pumps, a deli, and a convenience store that sells alcohol. Being directly across from Topinabee Beach Park, it’s an ideal place to pick up food and drinks for an impromptu picnic at the beach!
A Topinabee Success Story: The Topinabee Hair & Nails Salon!
Six years ago, Renee Beck started the Topinabee Hair & Nails Salon by herself. Since that time, the salon has become an unqualified success, with a sizable and enthusiastic client base. In response, Renee has expanded her services and now employs two additional stylists.
Regarding the salon’s success, Renee says “I like how everybody has accepted me here. I love working in the hometown of my customers.”
The Topinabee Hair & Nails Salon is located at 1484 North Straits Highway, directly across from the Mullett Lake Township hall, and the phone number is 231-238-2727. If you’re not already a client, make an appointment sometime and enjoy the variety of fine services offered there!
Massage Therapy Now Available In Topinabee
Jennifer Van Buskirk is a licensed massage therapist, and is now offering therapy at a location here in Topinabee. She is located on Straits Highway just south of the Library, adjacent to the Topinabee Hair And Nails Salon. You can schedule an appointment with Jennifer at 906-322-1560.
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VISIT TOPINABEE MARKET ON FACEBOOK AT:
Tanner Electric Inc.-231-238-2700 L.A. Homes Construction- 231-420-0207 Brian Coffell Contractor-231-238-4972 Fairchild Plumbing&Heating-231-818-0937 Jeff’s Trucking & Excavating 231-290-2428
Beautician Topinabee Hair And Nail Salon-231-238-2727
Flags and Banners/Images IDA Flags-231-238-7571 Inland Lakes Images-231-238-4788
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Annual Christmas Tree Lighting
The annual Christmas tree lighting took place on Saturday, November 18th around 5:30pm near the Topinabee Library. The weather was chilly, but much better than last year’s snowstorm, so the event was well-attended. Of course, that was practically guaranteed anyway, since Santa was once again present to talk with all of the children. Refreshments included hot cider and designer cookies from several local bakers.
The tree itself is quite beautiful, and be lit throughout the holiday season, so enjoy it whenever you pass by.
2023 Topinabee SummerFair & Market
The second annual Topinabee SummerFair & Market was held on July 29, 2023 from 9am to 3pm at the Topinabee Park and Pavilion. The weather was ideal (sunny and about 80 degrees), and like last year, the event was very well-attended..
This year’s SF&M featured some excellent live music, more than a dozen craft vendors, two yummie food trucks, plus games and activities for kids—and one of the fire engines was present for them as well. Of course the park is directly adjacent to both Topinabee Beach and the wonderful Topinabee Library, so there was something there for everyone.
Our thanks to all who attended. Hope to see you again next year!
2023 TDA Annual Meeting
The 2023 annual TDA meeting was held on August 26, 2023 at 10am. Due to a scheduling conflict, it was held outside at the Topinabee Library, but fortunately the weather cooperated. A link to the minutes from the meeting are available below:
New Hiking/Biking Trail Near Topinabee
The Nature Conservancy has opened a new hiking and biking trail near Topinabee. It is called the Melvin Family Hiking and Biking Trail, and is located on Bennett Road less than a mile from Topinabee. It provides yet another opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty in this area.
A Happening At The Library
On July 25th, Story Time at the Topinabee Library turned into a happening. It was rumored that the beach in front of the library might be visited by a mermaid at that time.
Well, if this was intended to generate interest, it certainly succeeded. Literally hundreds of kids and parents showed up to see this rare phenomenon—as this photo can attest:
Unfortunately, subsequent searches of Mullett Lake failed to find any further evidence of the mermaid…
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100% of the funds raised by our organization go back to benefit our community! Our efforts are focused on preserving and enhancing the unique historical character and charm of Topinabee while promoting the future growth and development of our business district. Our suggested membership fee has been $15 each year; however, we appreciate and encourage any donation amount.
A donation to the TDA is a tax-deductible donation. We will promptly recognize that donation with an acknowledgment letter to you. Our organization is a 503(c)3 organization.
For more information: email – topinabeecommunity@gmail.com
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WHAT ELSE IS NEW & INTERESTING?
Vintage Photos From Topinabee’s Past
Library: Spring Spruce-Up & Model Train
Another Travel Article From Henry Moore
We invite you to visit all the pages on our website for lots of interesting information about community! The pages can be accessed via the menu bar at the top of our home page.