Big & Little Trout Lakes, Frenchman’s Lake, and Wegwas Lake
The Ozark area and village of Trout Lake
Just a 30 minute drive northwest of the Mackinac Bridge. An area full of lakes, forests and great places of discovery. A quiet and more laid back way of life. Hidden behind the trees are spectacular lakes and streams, endless trails, hiking and recreational, as well as great hunting.
Trout Lake, local in lumbering history, also has been famous as a popular “Snowmobile Destination”. The direct snowmobile/4 wheel trail comes in from the St. Ignace and Mackinac Bridge area and runs through the entire Upper Peninsula, up into Canada, Wisconsin and Minnesota. Groomed and maintained by various local snowmobile clubs and organizations, this trail is enjoyed by many year-round. It’s a great area that’s adjacent to thousands of acres of Hiawatha Federal Forest. Hiking, camping, bird watching and just all around getting in touch with nature is there for the asking.
Visit the famous Tahquamenon Falls, the Shipwreck Museum, Lake Superior and Paradise and Whitefish Point area, just a 30 minute drive northeast. Head west and find Newberry, also a great snowmobile area. The Newberry Golf Club has a newly added nine holes to become a great little 18-hole course. Check with the Chamber of Commerce in St. Ignace or Newberry or one of the local pubs for more information on the area.
Also referred to as (Carp Lake) but always knows as the Lake with the Trout so that’s the common usage of name now.-A few statistics: Consisting of 560 acres, depths range to 40 feet. The city park is located at the north end of the lake. An all-sports lake where fishing, water skiing, pontooning and all water sports are ongoing. The Birchshores Subdivision is located on the south side of the lake, an area consisting of a wildlife preserve in the middle dotted by home sites on the perimeter. Birchshores consists of Big Trout Lake, Little Trout Lake and Frenchman’s Lake. Association fees for property owners are under $100 per year and cover the cost of having the road maintained.
A 150 acre private lake where jet skis and power boats have no home. The fishing is outstanding, including walleye, pike, blue gill, bass and perch. Only trolling motors are allowed. A separate subdivision called the “Wegwas Subdivision” is in place. Just 1 miles south of Big Trout Lake and accessed by the same drive off M-123. A gated community consisting of approximately 34 large waterfront lots (minimum 200 ft.) 16 homes homes and cottages, (6 year-round). A pristine and quiet area with small maintained private road surrounding the lake. The north part of the Wegwas area also abuts Frenchman’s Lake and there are some lots and home sites that have direct access to Frenchman’s Lake (fishing lake, regular motors allowed) but are still a part of the Wegwas Association. Loons eagles, deer and much wildlife can be viewed on a daily basis.
The whole ideal of the “Wegwas Lake Club” is embodied in conservation, maintenance, and perpetuation of all natural elements, woods and waters, as they presently exist….to preserve for the future, one spot of natural beauty. The “wilderness” idea is that man merely visits and looks on, but does nothing to change it.
Also a private lake (all sports) but quite shallow. Some spots of 20 feet may be found however passage into Big Trout Lake is limited to high water level times. Only one home is currently located on the Birchshores side of the lake.Home of loons, eagles and thousands of varieties of birds and animals. Also abutting the nature preserve area. Several lots are now available on this lake. Great spot for nature lovers who want Peace and Quiet.
Frenchman’s Lake
Also part of the Birchshores Subdivision to the west, a small fishing lake that connects to a river running up to Big Trout Lake. Public lake access is located at the entrance to the lakes near M-123 as is a small family resort with swimming beach area. The very south side of Frenchman’s Lake is also part of the Wegwas Association and accessed through the private road. The popular camping park and ball field as well as many private properties and several small resorts are located on the north side of the lake.
Restaurants
Area Restaurants include Toby’s Buckhorn Inn, McGowan’s and Trout Lake Inn. A small grocery store, a gas stations and small stores are located in or near the downtown area. Todd’s Tavern is located about 10 miles south in the village of Moran.
