Big Bay, MI (Lumberjack Tavern)

As we've traveled in & around Marquette, we kept seeing a sign for Big Bay, MI.  Donna looked it up and said, "There's a restaurant there that has something to do with some big, well known movie or something."  Well, that's what I heard, anyway.  After biking around town Saturday, off we went to see what was there.

First up, our in-dash GPS knew Big Bay existed, but not a clue how to get there.  Literally, it said it could not process a route to Big Bay, MI. So off we go the old fashion way - follow the signs!  (BTW: Google Maps App on the smartphone knows how to get there.)  Beautiful drive up.  Only one paved road to/from there.

Turns out the restaurant is the Lumberjack Tavern.  The book "Anatomy of A Murder" is based on a murder committed at the Lumberjack Tavern in 1952. The movie, "Anatomy of  A Murder" is based on that book.   They've painted a copy of the movie's poster where the victim fell.  They have a scrapbook at the tavern that tells ya all about it.  Based on the pictures in the scrapbook, the victim didn't quite end up in the position indicated in the poster.  The location on the floor is accurate, though. The bar has been relocated & enlarged since the murder occurred.  Great pizza, by-the-way.

Worth the trip if you're in the area.  Don't forget to stop at the Thomas Rock Overlook and walk to Thomas Rock while you're there.  Nice short walk with great views - weather permitting.

Big Bay, MI is at the center along the Independence Lake Shoreline