If the Upper Peninsula can lay claim to anything quirky, it's native population which we call "Yoopers" would be it. Da Yoopers Tourist Trap on US-41 in Ishpeming Michigan is a comedic tribute to the character of the area. It's owned and operated by Jim "Hoolie" DeCaire who is also the head of the comedy musical group Da Yoopers.(Gee, wonder where they got the name for the store?:) )
Here are photos taken during my October 1997 visit to "Da Trap."
Camp Go For Beer exterior Fictional hunting camp of Da Yoopers brought to life in this exhibit. |
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Camp Go For Beer interior Da Yoopers actually used this as a set for filming the video for "Second Week of Deer Camp" |
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Yooper innovation at work The plaque in front of this display reads "Da Sno-cycle invented by Brian Katajamaki. Why you ask? So a Yooper guy can keep riding his snowmachine for the one month we ain't got no snow. What you tink you stooge ball?" |
Big gun!
This is the largest black powder rifle ever made, and it actually works!
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Big Chainsaw! This is the largest chainsaw ever constructed, and they have a certificate from the Guinness records people inside the store to prove it. It measures 22 feet 11 inches long, 6 feet tall and is powered by a v-8 engine. It was created by the Moran Iron Works, Inc. of Onaway in 1996. |
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Ok, so you've seen my take on the Tourist Trap, now maybe you'd like to visit their official website and buy some of the stuff from their gift shop?