Indian River
A snowmobile town between two big lakes, with log-cabin suppers, strong coffee, and a winter carnival unafraid of throwing fish.
Indian River lies between Burt Lake and Mullett Lake on the Inland Waterway.
The Fish-Throwing Championships
Plan a visit during Indian River Winterfest if the fish-throwing contest returns in 2027. Follow with dinner at Vivio's and compare which part of the day required more commitment.
The Railroad Depot's Second Life
Have lunch at The Station @ 310, inspect the historic depot building, then enjoy coffee at Wildwood and a short walk through downtown.
Saturday: Follow designated winter trails, explore the waterfront, and enjoy dinner in a log-cabin restaurant. Stay at Waterway Inn or Totem Lodges. Sunday: Visit Burt Lake State Park from public access areas, stop at North Star Cafe, and finish with a leisurely lunch.
Begin at Wildwood Coffee, explore the town and Burt Lake shoreline, and have lunch at Christopher's or The Station. Visit the Cross in the Woods before dinner at Vivio's or Michael's.
- 01
Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse
A steakhouse inside a historic log building, with polished dining and a rustic northern Michigan character.
4653 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-2137 · Website ↗
- 02
Vivio's
An established Italian-American restaurant serving pizza and pasta in a log-cabin setting.
4531 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-9471 · Website ↗
- 03
Christopher's Cafe
A local breakfast institution known for generous portions, cinnamon rolls, and classic diner cooking.
3725 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-9312 · Website ↗
Northern Michigan pizza
Prepare a medium-thickness pizza crust and top with tomato sauce, mozzarella, mushrooms, and Italian sausage. Bake until the edges are browned and the cheese bubbles.
Cinnamon roll pancakes
Swirl cinnamon-brown-sugar butter into pancake batter on the griddle. Cook until golden and drizzle with cream cheese icing.
Three things most people walk past.
- Railroad architectural details at The Station @ 310
- Winter shoreline views at Burt Lake State Park
- The log-building exterior of Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse
- 01
Northland Brewing Co.
A small local brewery with an indoor taproom and a friendly community atmosphere.
3798 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-2388 · Website ↗
- 02
Michael's Tavern & Steakhouse
A comfortable bar connected to an upscale steakhouse.
4653 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-2137 · Website ↗
- 03
The Wigwam
A casual local bar with burgers, pizza, draft beer, and occasional entertainment.
4529 Onaway Rd, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-0494 · Website ↗
- 01
Wildwood Coffee Co.
An independent coffee shop with specialty drinks, cozy seating, and an inviting northern Michigan atmosphere.
3464 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-2321 · Website ↗
- 02
North Star Cafe
Coffee and espresso at North Star Gardens, combining a warm drink with an opportunity to browse gifts.
4104 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-6810 · Website ↗
- 03
Christopher's Cafe
Traditional diner coffee alongside breakfast and homemade cinnamon rolls.
3725 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-9312 · Website ↗
- 01
Snowmobiling
Designated snowmobile season is December 1–March 31, subject to official trail conditions.
- 02
Winter hiking and photography
The park has extensive public shoreline. Confirm which facilities and paths are maintained in winter.
- 03
- Winter snowmobile travel is an important part of local life.
- The annual Winterfest brings together residents, riders, and visitors.
- Frozen lake surfaces require measured ice-thickness checks and local safety guidance.
- The North Central State Trail is central to winter snowmobile travel.
- The town has a strong tradition of independent motels and lodges.
- Its Winterfest has included fish-throwing, fishing competitions, music, and poker runs.
- Christopher's Cafe and Vivio's represent longstanding local dining traditions.
- The Cross in the Woods is a significant regional religious landmark.
Local customThe Thanksgiving-weekend craft show marks the start of the holiday season.
November 27, 2026, 9 AM–4 PM
46th Annual Indian River Holiday Craft Show
A long-running community craft show held on the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Usually the Friday and Saturday after Thanksgiving; confirm individual 2026 activities
Christmas in Indian River
A community holiday celebration with seasonal events and local business involvement.
Usually February; exact 2027 dates unconfirmed
Indian River Winterfest
Live entertainment, community contests, winter recreation, and a wonderfully improbable fish-throwing tradition.
- 01
Waterway Inn
A locally operated roadside motel with direct access to the North Central State Trail and a winter recreation focus.
6100 M-68, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-9370 · Website ↗
- 02
Totem Lodges
Small individual lodges designed for year-round stays, with a more private setting than a traditional hotel.
4846 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-445-2814 · Website ↗
- 03
Star Gate Motel
An independently operated motel offering convenient access to the town's restaurants and winter routes.
4646 S Straits Hwy, Indian River, MI 49749 · 231-238-7371 · Website ↗
Bring a little Indian River homeThe enamel camp mugDents add character. So does a little cocoa on the rim.Have a look ↗