We love to support our local economy, and there are some great businesses, services, and attractions in our area! Here are a few of our favorites!
SHOP
Hank’s General Store – IGA Express in Helmer (3 mi. N of Birch Shores) with all the essentials and more! They offer pizza, subs, and wings to go, the best steaks, bacon, and homemade brats are available in the deli, and you’ll be greeted by great folks to boot!- The Store – This shop is in downtown Curtis (3 mi. S of Birch Shores). They carry all the basics, plus a selection of fresh cut meats and also offer subs to go.
- The Guitar Man’s Ruff Cut Music – You’d never expect to find this special place in the small town of Germfask. Chip is a wealth of knowledge of all things guitar, plus a lot of other instruments as well! New instruments, repairs, parts . . . he has it all!
- The UP Trading Company – A delightfully classy gift shop with lots of Yooper Memorabilia located in Newberry, MI (about a half hour drive from Birch Shores).
- The Curtis Farmer’s Market – 9 to 11 am Fridays starting mid July, located at W16683 Sandtown Rd. in Curtis. If you’re prepared to be wowed, go on a garden tour for a small fee! We’ve never seen a more impressive and beautiful garden!
- Mary’s Garden Co-op and Natural Foods – You’re sure to be charmed by this home-based natural foods shop. Small but well-stocked with a variety of natural and organic foods and products. Open Thursdays 12pm – 5pm and Fridays 9am – 5pm. Located at W16683 Sandtown Rd. in Curtis.
EAT
The Helmer House – This is a customer favorite! The bakery items are made with love by a local family, and the cafe menu never fails to disappoint with its delicious, homemade entrees. (3 mi. N of Birch Shores)- Chamberlins Inn – Another favorite tradition of many of our customers, Chamberlins is always a delicious meal for a special night out! With an upscale feel, they often have live music, the atmosphere is cozy, and the view of Big Manistique Lake will charm you. Ask if you can see the scrapbook of the Inn’s history. 🙂 (2 mi. S of Birch Shores)
- Lake Superior Brewing Company – Try the garlic parmesan popcorn or scotched eggs! (About an hour north of Birch Shores in Grand Marais, MI)
- Goodales’ Sweet Spot – Ice cream sells itself, right?! The owners are also doing some really cool things with the shop and offering coffee and fresh baked goods in the mornings. (About 4 miles S of Birch Shores in Curtis, mi.)
- Hank’s General Store – This is an IGA express, but also deserves to be mentioned for its great take-out! Super tasty pizza, plus subs, wings, and nachos! (3 mi. N of Birch Shores)
- The Triangle Restaurant – A great diner with homemade bread and soups. (Around 8 miles north of Birch Shores)
- The 906 Pizza Stop, Subs, & More – Right in downtown Curtis, the new owners are doing a great job making delicious pizzas and subs with a very friendly atmosphere.
PLAY
- Tahquamenon Falls State Park – Must-see waterfalls, beautiful hiking trails, old growth forest . . . a first stop for many of our customers! About an hour from Birch Shores, north of Newberry, MI.
- The Manistique Lakes, Curtis, MI – More information about our immediate area.
- Pictured Rocks National Shoreline – Boat tours, hiking, biking, etc. The shoreline is just spectacular!
- Day Hikes at Pictured Rocks
- RipTide Ride – A customer favorite! Adventurous boat tour of Pictured Rocks. Many customers appreciate that it is quick and exciting and there’s not a moment of boredom! Be ready to get wet! Launches from Munising, MI, about an hour from Birch Shores.
- Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tours – A fascinating tour of the shipwrecks on the bottom of Munising bay. Launches from Munising, MI, about an hour from Birch Shores.
- Oswald’s Bear Ranch – A charming locally owned business where you can meet real bears!
- Grand Marais, MI – This end-of-the road town is a charming place to visit and catch beautiful views of Lake Superior! Hike the Log Slide and Sable Falls, grab some refreshment at Lake Superior Brewing Company, and Hunt YooperLites on the beach!
- Kitch-iti-kipi Spring – Stunning, crystal clear spring with a covered, open centered ferry so you can see the bottom. Near Manistique, MI.
The Garlyn Zoo – Located in nearby Naubinway, MI, this is guaranteed to be the most personable zoo you’ve ever been to!
Hot Plate Pottery – This lovely business in Marquette, MI has a large selection of unfinished pottery pieces. Once you purchase your piece, they have all the supplies on site for you to paint and decorate your pottery. They will then glaze and fire it for you to pick up later, or ship it to you! It’s a great activity for a rainy or “town” day, and very affordable too!- JP Memorial Golf Course and Pizza – We are hearing great things about this local 9 hole golf course. For 2022 they charge $15 for 9 holes walking, $24 for 18 holes, or add a golf cart for a few dollars more. There’s also disc golf!! Located about 20 minutes from Birch Shores near Germfask, MI.