Our Story
Mt. Shasta: A Timeless Upper Peninsula Treasure
Nestled along US-41 near the picturesque town of Michigamme, Michigan, Mt. Shasta Restaurant has been a cherished landmark of the Upper Peninsula for over 75 years. While its role in the 1959 film Anatomy of a Murder is a notable highlight, the true story of Mt. Shasta lies in its resilience, charm, and the generations of memories created within its log walls.
The story of Mt. Shasta began in the mid-1930s, during the Great Depression, when the building was first constructed just north of Ishpeming. Originally intended as a lodge, the project stalled when its builder went bankrupt. The unfinished structure sat vacant until 1939, when Maurice and Norma Ball purchased it for $1,500. Determined to give the log building a new purpose, the Balls paid another $700 to have it dismantled log by log and moved west to its current location in Michigamme.
Rebuilding the lodge was a meticulous process. Each log was numbered to ensure precise reassembly, a task expertly managed by builder Bill Frogerg of Rapid River. The new location, beneath a towering bluff that Maurice noted as one of the highest points in the county, inspired the name Mt. Shasta. By the end of 1939, the transformed lodge opened its doors, embodying rustic elegance with polished wood floors, rough-hewn beams, and a massive fieldstone fireplace.
A Gathering Place Through Generations
Initially more of a bar and nightclub, Mt. Shasta gradually evolved into a full-service restaurant. Norma Ball once reflected on the transformation, saying, “Originally, Mt. Shasta was more a bar, like a nightclub. Then they talked me into cooking for people.” This shift turned the establishment into a destination for travelers and locals alike.
Through the 20th century, Mt. Shasta became renowned for its warm hospitality and timeless charm. Guests were drawn to the breathtaking views of Lake Michigamme, visible from almost every table, and the inviting atmosphere of the log cabin interior. “People love places like this,” said Bob Ball, Maurice and Norma’s son, who later managed the restaurant.
Preserving History and Community
The Ball family owned and operated Mt. Shasta for over three decades, nurturing its reputation as a community hub. After they sold the business in 1972, subsequent owners maintained the restaurant’s legacy, even as it underwent occasional updates. One of its most significant transformations occurred in 2018, when Scott Holman purchased the restaurant after it had closed in 2015. Holman undertook extensive renovations, stripping the structure back to its studs to install modern amenities while preserving its historic character. With the guidance of Tom and Elizabeth Wahlstrom, the restaurant reopened, ready to serve a new generation of visitors.
“It’s got a lot of history, a lot of memories. A lot of people have made friendships here,” Holman remarked, reflecting on Mt. Shasta’s enduring place in the hearts of locals and travelers.
A Living Connection to the Past
While Anatomy of a Murder may draw some curious visitors, most come for the experience of stepping into a bygone era. The restaurant proudly displays its historic connections, from the antique piano used in the film to the photographs documenting the production. Yet, its true appeal lies in the simplicity of its log-cabin aesthetic and the sense of continuity it offers.
For more than 75 years, Mt. Shasta has been more than a restaurant; it has been a living piece of the Upper Peninsula’s history. Whether enjoying a Friday night fish fry, warming up by the fireplace, or simply taking in the view of Lake Michigamme, visitors are part of a tradition that began with Maurice and Norma Ball’s vision in 1939. In a world that changes rapidly, Mt. Shasta stands as a testament to enduring charm, community spirit, and the beauty of the north woods.
