Big Bay Depot

Come and spend a beautiful weekend surrounded by history and the beautiful Lake Independence! The year was 1905 and the Big Bay Depot was the center of activity for the bustling lumber town of big Bay. After a prosperous twenty years, the "Great Whit...

Come and spend a beautiful weekend surrounded by history and the beautiful Lake Independence! The year was 1905 and the Big Bay Depot was the center of activity for the bustling lumber town of big Bay. After a prosperous twenty years, the "Great White Pine Logging Era" diminished as well as the town, which now has a small population of only 250. A boom town turned small to locals, a vacation destination for others. Henry Ford took interest in the area, and in 1940 purchased the Thunder Bay Inn as a retreat. The Depot blocked his view of Lake Independence and was moved 250' from its original site. The train quit running in the late 1940s and in the early 1960s, reopened for tours from Marquette to Big Bay. Unfortunately, the tracks were uprooted in the 1980s. The original train station, now refurbished and under new ownership is thriving again. The depot houses five large, uniquely decorated suites. They are all equipped with the amenities of home and overlook Lake Independence. The view from the depot toward the sunrise is one of quiet beauty. Get away from it all at the Big Bay Depot motel!! For room rates and availability please call (906)345-9350.