The Curtis area has a vibrant community of people who value small town lake life. You'll love the pace and hometown feel here. This is just a small snapshot of things to do in Curtis, annual events, favorite shops and restaurants, and more.
During your stay at Trails End if you ever need further advice for getting around town, feel free to contact us!
Restaurants & Places to Eat
Here's a few of our favorite places to stop for a bite to eat, get some ice cream, treats, coffee, and more in Curtis, MI. All distances are how far they are from Trails End Resort.
NOTE: Some restaurants and businesses in the area frequently change their days and hours. Call ahead or keep an eye on their Facebook pages.
Chamberlin's Restaurant (5 miles)
The most historic restaurant in Curtis is Chamberlin's. Established in the late 1800s, if you're looking for fine dining, an upscale menu, a traditional feel, and a fantastic view of the Big Manistique Lake, this is your spot. Reservations may be recommended on busy and holiday weekends. Visit their site to check hours, menu, closings for private events, and event and live music schedule. Typically open Wed-Sat. Closed in April.
Goodale's Sweet Spot & Curtis Coffee Co. (3 miles)
You'll not only find great selection of traditional frozen treats like ice cream, sundaes, shakes, and malts, all hand-made, they recently added their own coffee bar, plus some great grab-and-go fresh made breakfasts such as belgian waffles and lunches that can include sandwiches, soups, and chili on a rotating menu. You'll also find great hand-picked gifts and traditional candies. You'll love this stop downtown.
Tally Ho! Underground Bar & Grill (3 miles)
If you're looking for a fun, laid back atmosphere, Tally Ho is a great option with class American cuisine, craft beer and cider, plus a fresh and local variety of fish including perch and their whitefish fish fry on Fridays. They often feature live music and night time dancing on weekends. Check out their Facebook page for details.
Curtis Cafe (3.5 miles)
This is the local breakfast and lunch place with great homemade meals. They are typically open in season Thursday - Sunday from 8am - 2pm , but hours and days can vary widely. Call them at (906) 586-2033 or keep a close eye on their Facebook page where they announce hours.
JP Memorial Golf Course Pizza $ (3 miles)
This is a favorite place for carry-out pizza. Open 10am - 9pm daily. Call to order (906) 450-4711. Usually takes 20-25 min or up to 40 min for very busy weekend evenings.
Tovey's Jolly Inn (7 miles)
A great class American restaurant in Germfask with a large menu of sandwiches, burgers, steaks, salads, fish baskets and more. Bar and restaurant areas.
Helmer House (9.5 miles)
Here's a local family-run favorite that combines a classic menu (including great UP pasties), homemade breads, with a traditional bakery and made-from-scratch desserts. It's down home feel just like visiting grandma's house. A cute gift shop and mercantile attached tops it all off. Great for breakfast, lunch, or an early dinner as they typically close at 6pm or earlier. Hours can change often here so check their site or call ahead.
Moose du Nord (10.5 miles)
Here you'll find great and fresh take-out selection of made-to-order pizza, subs, nachos, salads, an espresso bar, and hand-dipped & soft serve ice cream. This isn't a sit down indoor restaurant, but they have a seating areas outside if you'd like to eat there.
Shipwreck Restaurant and Bar (3 miles)
This is the other downtown bar across the street from Tally Ho! Extensive class American menu, pizzas, and fish baskets.
Triangle Restaurant (15 miles)
This is another local favorite in McMillan on the Northeast side of the Big Lake. Offering a wide range of homemade and American favorites for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including Friday night fish frys.
Scheffer's Street Eats (Varies)
If you're into food trucks, here's Curtis' finest. You'll find these folks at various locations around Curtis and surrounding areas. If you want to know where they'll be, just take a look at their Facebook page where they announce their upcoming locations.
Lions Club Monthly Brunch (3rd Sunday of each month from 8:30am - Noon)
A great all-u-can-eat brunch that often includes pancakes, sausage, eggs, toast, potatoes, and more! Great for the whole family (children 10 and under eat FREE with a paying parent). Plus you get to support the Lions Club. Contact the Manistique Lions Club for more details.
End of the Road Winery (5 miles)
The only winery in Curtis is just down the road....at the end of the road at 6917 Burns Road, Germfask. They specialize in unique cold climate grapes and have a variety of unique wines from dry to sweet and other fruit wines. Enjoy tastings and buy a bottle or two to take with you. Be sure to call ahead or check their website for hours.
Annual Events & Happenings Around Curtis
Portage Angler's Club "Curtis Clash" Walleye & Bass Tournament (June)
All proceeds from this event go toward stocking the Manistique Lakes! Join this popular tournament and win prizes for walleye, bass, perch, & bluegill! Contact the Portage Angler's Club or Mick's Bait shop at (906) 586-6040 for details.
Music in the Park (June - August)
During the summer come out and enjoy local and regional live music at the Erickson Center for the Arts. Typically starts at 6:30pm on Wednesdays, these concerts are free and open to the public (though donations are appreciated).
It's a good idea to bring your own blanket or chairs to this event, and check to make sure it's not cancelled in the case of inclement weather.
July 4th Parade (usually the Sunday closest to July 4th)
A really big day for Curtis with a parade in the afternoon and crafters and food trucks lined throughout town. Followed by a spectacular fireworks show happening around 10 - 10:30 at night that Sunday.
Curtis Farmers Market (July - September)
Enjoy local foods and crafts at the Manistique Lakes Lions Pavillion. The market is typically open from 2-5pm on Wednesdays from July to September.
Movies in the Park (July - September)
Friday nights during the summer you and the kids can enjoy a mini drive-in experience at the Germfask Township Hall. Concessions available. Bring chairs and/or blankets and bug spray. See https://up-movies.com/ for up-to-date details and showtimes.
Independence Day Celebration (July)
Called "The Biggest Little Town Parade in Michigan"! Come for the parade, followed by live music at Erickson Center for the Arts, and Fireworks at dusk.
Germfask Strawberry Festival (July)
Typically just after Independence day, held by the Germfask United Methodist Church at the Germfask Community Building, 8093 Pine St. Germfask, MI 49836
Swampers Softball Tournament in Curtis (July)
Come to the biggest slow-pitch softball tournament in the U.P.! $175 entry. A good time will be had by all. For more details on entering a team or just attending, contact Mike Dembicki 586-202-8376 or email mike-usssa-ump1@wowway.com.
Black Bear Run
This 12k Run & 6k Walk benefits Engadine Sports Programs and starts at Engadine HIgh School. A great opportunity for those runners and walkers looking for an active weekend. For more info and to register online, go to www.black-bear-run.com or their Facebook page.
The 906 Festival (August)
The Annual 906 Festival offers Curtis, surrounding communities and visitors to our area a fun, family-friendly event the celebrates the Upper Peninsula. Here you'll find live music, art and retail vendors, beer & wine tent, ice cream eating competition, photography contest, chain-saw carving, entertainment and live music in the Park and more! All day fun, games & activities for the whole family. Contact the Erickson Center for the Arts at (906) 586-9974 for details.
Seney Lumberjack Festival (late August)
A lovely, family-friendly weekend of a variety of activities including pony rides, petting zoo, kids' maze, bounce house, draft horse pulling competition, obstacle course, BBQ, beer, food trucks, craft show, and more! Usually $5 per person and kids under 8 are free. Held at the Seney Township Baseball Fields
Curtis Show & Shine Car Show (late August)
A weekend car show at the Erickson Center for the Arts.
Downtown Curtis' Sidewalk Sale & Flea Market (August)
A great weekend for bargain shopping. Many local residents hold their yard sales this weekend as well, so after enjoying the downtown sales and markets, library book sale, bake sales, and raffles, enjoy some local yard sales (a list of locations is provided by the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce).
Annual Curtis Cornhole Tournament (August)
A fun way to test your cornhole skills and win cash & prizes! Families are welcome and boards and bags provided. A small entry fee is required (typically $30 for competitive teams and $20 for non-competitive entries). Sponsored by the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce and typically takes place at W17289 Davis Street in Curtis (behind Kim's Tally Ho Restaurant). Come out and participate, or just enjoy watching! A beer tent, food, and music is typically also on-site.
Curtis Oktoberfest (Sept/Oct)
Free admission. This event typically includes a fantastic UP micro-brew beer and wine tent, live music, pie sales and more in downtown Curtis. See the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce for details.
Curtis Aglow Weekend (Nov/Dec)
Typically the weekend after Thanksgiving this community-wide event often includes the Santa Parade, hot chocolate from the Erickson Center, a Christmas Bazaar, Craft Show, Raffles, and a Gala at Chamberlin's Forest Inn.
Frostbite Pike Contest (January)
Typically pays out a $500 1st place prize with prizes up to 5th place. This tournament takes place on the Big Manistique Lake, South Manistique Lake, Milakokia Lake & Millecoquin Lake.
For additional information, contact Mick's Bait Shop at (906) 586-6040 or the Curtis Area Chamber of Commerce for more details.
The Crock-Pot Cook-Off (January)
Typically held at Chamberlin's Ole Forest Inn. See their site for details on the competition and how to participate.
Community Easter Egg Hunt (March/April)
This event is typically held at the Erickson Center Park on a Saturday around Easter and is best for kids 0-10 years old. Contact the Erickson Center for the Arts at (906) 586-9974.
A Few Other Local Businesses
Curtis Public Library - 9220 Portage Ave, Curtis.
The local library is a beautiful oasis of its own. Stop by to peruse the shelves of books, use the computers, as well as send faxes, make copies, and more.
JP Memorial Golf Course, Disc Golf, and Pizza - 602 Ackley Road, Germfask
A new addition in Germfask is the golf course that also includes Curtis' first disc golf course! Take a look at their Facebook Page for the most up-to-date info.
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