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!
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Bars/Restaurant/Take-Out
VISIT TOPINABEE MARKET ON FACEBOOK AT:
Rental Express-231-238-9696
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
Big Pine Lodge Books- http://www.bigpinelodgebooks.com/
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Save The Date! 2024 Topinabee Christmas Tree Lighting
The 2024 Topinabee Christmas Tree lighting event is scheduled for Saturday, November 23rd from 3pm to 6pm.
New this year is a Holiday Market from 10am to 2pm. For details on participating as a vendor, contact the Library staff at 231-238-7514.
Bring your family and furry friends for a picture with Santa! Enjoy refreshments and at dusk Santa will do us the honor of counting down our annual Christmas tree lighting. See you on 11/23!
TDA Advocates For Pedestrian Safety Project
On behalf of the TDA, Tom O’Hare made a presentation at the meeting of the Mullett Township board on 08/12/2024, advocating for a pedestrian safety project in Topinabee. The project would involve new sidewalks, curbs, traffic-calming features, and other improvements for pedestrian safety. The presentation can be viewed in its entirety at this link: TDA Pedestrian Safety Presentation
In general, the presentation was well-received, and sources of potential funding and other assistance are being explored. Future developments regarding the project will be published at this website as they occur.
Flowers Unlimited
Flowers Unlimited is a full service, seasonal florist located in downtown Indian River. Their specialty is providing the freshest flowers available, many of which are grown locally at their location at 6016 Martha street, directly across from Drost Chocolate Shop. They also source materials from across the globe to create unique wedding and sympathy arrangements. They have more than 30 years of experience growing and designing here in northern Michigan. Contact them to save an event date or to schedule a free consultation:
Kelly Ashford
231-445-2593
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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.
