Oh, Leelanau. One of Michigan’s coolest coasts, it’s 348 square miles of majestic views, farm-fresh dining, curious wildlife, and a whole lot of lore! You know the drill - grab a cozy drink and your favorite game mates and test your knowledge of the county with our fifth annual Fireside Trivia.

Question 1
In 2013, Suttons Bay made a splash by setting a Guinness World Record for the largest floatilla. What, exactly, is a floatilla?
Answer 1
A floatilla is an organized gathering of boats that come together to create a connected raft or formation on the water. With 2,099 participants, the 2013 event raised about $45,000 for local organizations, including Suttons Bay Public Schools. To qualify, the kayaks and canoes had to stay physically connected for at least 30 seconds. Suttons Bay held the record until it was surpassed by Inlet, New York a year later with 3,150 participants.

Question 2
What’s the name of the metallic T-Rex that towers over 13 feet just off W Empire Hwy?
A)    Ronald
B)    Gilbert
C)    Jim
Answer 2
It’s Gilbert! Designed and constructed by sculptor Enoch Flaugher, the heavy metal dino was commissioned by artist Curtis Warnes and named in homage to his father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who were all Gilbert’s.

Question 3
Leelanau's coast is the site of over 50 shipwrecks, mostly from the 19th and early 20th centuries when Great Lakes shipping was at its peak. Which wreck can be spotted from the shores of South Manitou Island?
Answer 3
The Francisco Morazan (pictured). Perhaps the most visible shipwreck in the area, the Francisco Morazan ran aground on South Manitou Island in 1960 during a snowstorm. The ship, a Liberian freighter, was abandoned, and its rusting remains are still partially above water today.

Question 4
Which annual New Year's meteor shower will be visible from the dark skies of Sleeping Bear Dunes this week?
Answer 4
The Quadrantids Meteor Shower, which peaks January 2-3, will light up the sky. Bundle up and fill that thermos with plenty of coffee – the show is most spectacular just before dawn.

Question 5
Julia Sheridan was the first ____ on South Manitou Island?
A)    Official Assistant lighthouse keeper
B)    Park Ranger
C)    School teacher

Answer 5
The answer is A). Julia became the first Official Assistant Lighthouse Keeper at South Manitou Lighthouse in 1872. She was one of the few women at the time to be paid for her work. Before that, she’d unofficially assisted her husband, head keeper Aaron Sheridan, since they moved to the island in 1866. Her duties included maintaining the light, making repairs, and helping with water rescues.

Question 6
What is the name of Michigan’s only native venomous snake, which primarily inhabits wetlands including some in Leelanau?
Answer 6
The Eastern Massasauga Rattlesnake, which is listed as a threatened species, is most active during the summertime. It’s also quite shy and rarely poses any danger to humans other than offering a good scare.

Question 7
Located in Solon Township, Cedar is famous for its long-standing Polka Fest. But which nearby township was the original home to Polish-American immigrants in Leelanau?
Answer 7
That would be Centerville! Leelanau County’s Polish heritage dates back to the 1870s, when immigrants looking for land ownership settled in Centerville Township, cultivated potatoes as a cash crop, and founded communities like Isadore, Schomberg, Bodus, and of course Cedar.

Question 8
When The Pathfinder School completes renovations to its iconic staircase this spring, how many more steps will have been added to its previous 48?
A)    40
B)    16
C)    25
Answer 8
25. Through the help of local volunteers, The Pathfinder School is fully replacing its iconic 48-step outdoor staircase (which has been in place since the 1970s) with 73 brand new steps leading to their main campus.

Question 9
Which “no party poopers allowed” burger joint installed a custom-built hoist to lift their pool table to the floor for winter shenanigans – and lower it back down to make way for hectic and hungry summer crowds?
Answer 9
Art’s Tavern. The Glen Arbor staple just celebrated its 90th year of serving up baskets of piping hot tots and frosty tumblers of beer. 

Question 10
How much is the rescue fee posted on a sign at overlooks #9 and #10 at Sleeping Bear Dunes?
A)    $3,000
B)    $750
C)    $5,000
Answer 10
$3,000. The sign was put in place with the hope of deterring visitors (including TikTok daredevils) from hauling down the steep dune only to find that the two-hour hike back up in full sun is a lot less fun. Depending on the rescue, resources like the National Park Service, local fire departments, and even the Coast Guard might respond.