The Drummond Island Jamboree is set in the beautiful Upper Peninsula of Michigan. This is another jamboree that is nestled in a thick wooded area with plenty of wild life, views and scenery to take in. This year was an exception to the norm with dryer conditions than usual as well as higher temps, but it was still a great weekend. Many areas of the trails are usually wet or under water by a few inches, this year there were a few mud holes to slop around in but for the most part is was dry.  

For those of you who are not familiar with the upper peninsula of Michigan it is quite the setting. It sits amongst a group of islands and is about as far north as you can get without being in Canada, although you can see it from the waters edge of Drummond Island. Traveling to get there one must cross the Mackinaw Bridge which is a sight to be seen in itself. Once you get as far as you can you get to the ferry that takes you across the St. Marie River to get you to the island. The St. Marie river is a popular and frequently traveled path used by ships, barges and boats loaded with fishermen and merchandise between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. 

Drummond Island is a quiet little community that moves at its own comfortable pace, the people are very nice and there really isn’t a bad place to be on the island so it is easy to see why people enjoy being there as much as they do. Now show up in January and there might be a different view because I can only imagine how cold it gets with that air coming off the water. 

Aside from the trails, mud holes and few obstacles there is also a wheeling park there for people who may want a bit more of a challenge for their weekend wheeling experience. The place is called “Turtle Ridge” nothing too hardcore there but there are some fun little places to play. If you go to the island by your self or with a small group check to make sure that you will be on trails that you are supposed to be so you don’t get into trouble with the DNR (Dept. of Natural Resources). These are the folks who would like to see our trails closed if we don’t stay on designated paths. So tread lightly!! 

This year there were many after market companies that showed up from Solid Axle, Terra Flex, 2 Track Minds and many, many others. Being as close as we were to Daimler Chryslers HQ we did see many folks (even some working as guides) that actually work for Daimler Chrysler so it was great to have them there and involved.  

These events really show what the Jeeping community is all about, the new friends, and the support from complete strangers to others, from assistance, to replacement parts or just knowledge that can be passed on. I truly believe we see the best in people come out at these events and I couldn’t be happier to be involved with such a great group of businesses and individuals.