Indian Country Sports History
It seems only yesterday the waters of Keweenaw Bay were dotted with great, wooden masted ships, belching smoke as they hauled their loads of timber, copper, and iron ore down the Great Lakes waterway. The town of L’Anse, nestled in the curve at the bottom of the bay, was a popular stop along the way, whether you needed safe harbor or just some overdue rest and recreation. The great old ships are mostly gone now, but the memories of bygone days remain alive in the heart of this lakeside town. One weathered downtown building, overlooking the port and waterfront, has housed a number of different businesses since the late 19th century; shipping warehouse, livery, fish market, blacksmith, and glass factory. In 1968 it became home to Indian Country Sports, servicing mostly local hunting, fishing and outdoor enthusiasts. But when Steve and Anne Koski took over in 1977 it became much more. Their homegrown knowledge of the area, easy-going manner and love of all things nautical have transformed Indian Country Sports into an area landmark.
In 1995, Steve’s ultimate dream was realized with the completion of a 44-foot tall, fully operational, Coast Guard approved lighthouse. The lighthouse and store symbolize the recent revitalization of the beautiful L’Anse waterfront – an effort due, in no small part, to Indian Country Sports. Locals still stop by to visit and swap stories over a cup of coffee. Tales of fishing the Big Lake, hunting the elusive monster buck or exploring the rugged back trails are among the hottest topics. Displays of nautical, fishing and hunting antiques and memorabilia line the walls, recalling a history rich in local lore and adventure.
While the store’s atmosphere is anchored firmly in this colorful past, it’s shelves brim with the latest in sporting goods and recreational equipment. The impressive inventory includes archery supplies, canoes and kayaks, guns, ammunition and optics, fishing tackle and electronics, rods, reels, bait, waders, nets, licenses, ice augers, snowshoes, sleds, knives, maps, plat books and much, much more.
Steve and Anne’s familiarity with the area allows them to field daily phone calls and inquiries on everything from fishing conditions and stream levels to directions to nearby Mt. Arvon, Michigan’s highest peak. All this has earned Indian Country Sports a reputation as the year round sportsman’s headquarters in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. |
