1959 Polaris Model W-7 Sno-Traveler

1959 Polaris Model W-7 Sno-Traveler: In 1955 Polaris built their first snowmobile. The original design concept was a steel boat hull cab made to plow or float through the snow. The full length wooden skis were for floatation. The rear winch system was used to raise the track and chassis when stuck in deep snow. This design was their mainstay until 1964-1965 with the introduction of the Comet and then the Mustang. This model utilized a 7hp Wisconsin motor. This sled was purchased directly from the Polaris factory in Roseau, MN and was the second snowmobile on Lime Island, which is in the eastern part of the U.P. It was used to haul groceries across the bay for the islanders. It was also used to gather maple sap in the spring, and to tow cars that became stuck in the snow. This sled was restored by Mark & Marcia Williams, Gulliver, MI and was first purchased by John's uncle in 1959.

On Sept 20, 2019, The Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum was awarded a grant of $12,500 for Operational Support from the State of Michigan Council for Arts and Cultural Affairs (MCACA) and the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA – ART WORKS). The grant was awarded through the MCACA peer review process and was one of 561 applications to compete for MCACA fiscal year 2019 funding. The grant requires a 1:1 match and helped the museum leverage the $12,500 of support from its annual income and the many donations from supporters. In particular the museum has received grants from the Graymont Community Economic Development Fund and the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians. It has also received significant donations from the Antique Snowmobile Club of America, The Midwest Vintage Snowmobile Shows, Inc., many snowmobile clubs, several recreational and snowmobile shows, the museum’s internal $1,000.00 Challenge, and many museum members. The grant funds will be applied to museum operating costs. Applicable costs include internal operations, marketing, travel to shows within the State of Michigan and cost of employees. The MCACA peer review process allows for each grant applicant to be competitively considered by a panel of in-state and out-of-state arts and culture professionals. This ensures the taxpayers, who support this project through legislative appropriations, and all other visitors or residents in Michigan will have access to the highest quality arts and cultural experiences. A complete list of grant awards around the state is available by contacting MCACA at (517) 241-4011, or by visiting the MCACA website at www.michigan.gov/arts

Top of the Lake Snowmobile Museum
P.O. Box 2
W11660 US-2
Naubinway, MI 49762
Hours: 906 477-6298
Appointment: 906 477 6192

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