alley. The community became a popular tourist destination due to its scenic and peaceful environment. The hotel burned down again in 1928 and was rebuilt again. During the Great Depression, the hotel no longer became profitable and was sold to Edward Moloney for $850 in 1935. The hotel closed in 1950, and another fire in 1965 led to the hotel being razed in 1970. Recent history In 1958, the railway line was disestablished, and the train depot was bought by the township. The former station was converted into a historical museum and library, while the railway lines themselves were eventually removed. The structure was then converted into a full-time library, which still houses a safe that contains many historic railroad records and photographs. By late-1961, Topinabee would benefit from the creation of M-27, which is a state highway that serves as a direct connector route from Interstate 75 in the south to U.S. Route 23 to the north in the city of Cheboygan. The highway passes directly through Topinabee and is known locally as North Straits Highway. The path along the former railway line was converted into the North Central State Trail, which was completed in 2007. The trail is used primarily for biking, as well as snowmobiles during the winter. The trail connects Gaylord to Mackinaw City and runs directly through Topinabee along the shores of Lake Mullett. The Topinabee Trailhead is north of Indian River and continues north for to Cheboygan. The Topinabee Library received a technology upgrade though a $7,804 grant by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in July 2000. By early 2022, the library received numerous structural upgrades, including new paint, interior shelving, and improvements to the surrounding environment. The Topinabee Library is listed as part of the US-23 Heritage Route. The area around the library and Lake Mullett shoreline has been organized as the Topinabee Beach Park with modern amenities along the North Central State Trail. References External links Topinabee community website Topinabee Library Unincorporated communities in Cheboygan County, Michigan Unincorporated communities in Michigan Populated places established in 1881 1881 establishments in Michigan