Of course not.
That's why you need to pack yourself, your family and as many friends as can be persuaded into the ole' front wheel drive sleigh for a quick drive to Northern Michigan's annual mid-Winter shindig known affectionately as "Tip-Up Town." Strolling through the snowy streets of Houghton Lake, the home of Tip-Up Town, you'll quickly find yourself in the company of other travel mavericks -- a motley crew of cold-weather adventurers whose common valor is the annual pilgrimage to this uniquely Michigan event.
The crowd is diverse. On one corner parents crouch near grinning children awaiting the Grand Parade. Across the street, a close-knit group of men, obviously Tip-Up veterans, make with resolve for the nearest beer tent. In the distance, on the frozen tundra that is Houghton Lake, the distinct populous of middle-age fishers erect their shanties and settle in for the hunt. And behind you, from the bustling high-school auditorium, come the faint tunes of the local band and an appreciative audience.
This is Northern Michigan. This is Houghton Lake. This is TIP-UP TOWN!
It was more than fifty years ago when these winter-time shenanigans first came to be organized under the Tip-Up Town banner. With each successive year, the festival organizers have succeeded marvelously at promoting and preserving the appeal of the simple natured entertainment. Each year, droves of veteran and first-timers descend on Tip-Up Town not for its commercial appeal, but for its genuinely unique local flavor.
Heck, where else are they going to find someone to host events like these?
- Horse Shoes, Bed Races and Softball - all played on a field of ice!
- Professional and amateur snowmobile races
- Ice fishing and ice sculpting contests
- Twist, limbo and other dance contests
- Polar Bear and Cannon Ball Dip - into the icy waters of the lake!
- Scavenger hunts for the entire family
Michigan is known the world-over for its automobiles. It thrives as one of the nation's top ten tourist destinations. It produces world-class wines, Olympic athletes and even American Presidents. But truly, it is the unique local spirit of events like Tip-Up Town that make the residents proud to call it home.
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