River Center exhibits feature canoeing, fly fishing and early life along the river.

CURRENT EXHIBITS AT THE AUSABLE RIVER CENTER

The exhibit space in the AuSable River Center features the building’s original knotty-pine paneling and is decorated in many instances with the original wildlife paintings of Roscommon artist George Kestenholtz. Current exhibits include the following:

Verlen Kruger – On Aug. 2, 2004, the paddling world lost a legend. Verlen Kruger, arguably the greatest canoe tripper ever, passed away at age 82. Kruger’s canoeing accomplishments are widely known in the paddling community and the AuSable River Center in Roscommon is the temporary home to many of the artifacts of those deeds. Among other things, the exhibit includes three of the crafts the legend built and paddled during his 41-year canoeing career, including the solo canoe he used in the 28,000-mile trip described in his book “The Ultimate Canoe Challenge: 28,000 Miles Through North America.” To sit in the midst of Kruger’s belongings and watch a video describing his fabled trips and the life of this extraordinary outdoorsman, is a singular experience.

(click on image for a larger view)

This authentic dugout canoe is

steeped in the history of the area.

The Verlen Kruger exhibit includes several of the decked canoes he made himself, then paddled all over the world.

The AuSable River Canoe Marathon – Now past the half-century mark, the history of this 120-mile overnight canoe race from Grayling to Oscoda is filled with legends and characters. Learn about what it takes to compete in this race – now sponsored by the Weyerhaeuser Company – and what it means to be in the running for one of the richest purses in North American canoe racing. On display are some of the more colorful elements of this grueling race, including T-shirts and paddles, from the collections of local racers.

(click on image for a larger view)

Today’s canoe racers use equipment made of

high-tech fibers design. The AuSable River

is home to several racing events

that are featured at the museum.

The challenge of the annual Weyerhaeuser

AuSable River Canoe Marathon has been

luring hardy paddles to the area for more

than 50 years. The marathon exhibit at the

ARC features equipment and souvenirs

loaned from several local participants.

Jack’s Fly Shop – View the work of the late Jack and Ann Schweigert who became local legends in the art of fly tying. Their story is an integral part of the history of the AuSable River. See artifacts from their shop and some of Jack’s good-sportsmanship promotional ideas.

Chief Shoppenagon – “Chief” David Shoppenagon, a Chippewa from the Saginaw River Valley who settled in Grayling sometime in the 1870s, was widely renowned as an expert trapper, hunter and fisherman. Dressing in his Native American regalia to impress his clients, he became a sought-after guide and stories of his exploits in the area abound. The ARC is home to an authentic dugout canoe that belonged Shoppenagon.