Iverson Snowshoes

Iverson's, makers of traditional white ash snowshoes and snowshoe furniture, is back in business again, at a new location in Shingleton. U.P. snowshoers are delighted. When the earlier Iverson's closed, an employee went to work for nearby Grand Island Log Homes. Its owner, Bobby Graves, and his wife, Linda, decided to revive Iverson's, where a typical pair of snowshoes now costs about $220.

In this age of high-tech, lightweight metal snowshoes, traditional wood snowshoes, derived from Native American designs, have been eclipsed. But Iverson's bent ash snowshoes are still the best, according to a U.P. man who spends much of his time in winter working outdoors in the snow. "It's not a matter of snowshoe weight," he says. "You have to add the snow that gets lifted on the tops of new-style snowshoes. Traditional snowshoes with tails were designed for long distances. The heavy snow slides off the tail. Iverson's bearpaw, with the rounded back, is a wonderful, stable platform to work off of. The high-tech snowshoes just punch holes in the snow." For people with short legs, traditional showshoes do force a spread-legged gait some find uncomfortable.

Snowshoes are easy to use and practical. Iverson's original customers were lumberjacks and park rangers who work on snowshoes. The firm makes nine models for different purposes, in either the higher-maintenance traditional rawhide lacing or tough but less attractive neoprene. Iverson's will advise prospective snowshoers which shoes best suit their size, weight, and purpose.

At Iverson's workers take long strips of white ash, steam them to increase their flexibility, bend them around a form, and dry them in a kiln overnight. The labor-intensive job includes hand-lacing with traditional rawhide or more durable neoprene.

Rustic, snowshoe-style furniture, fishnets, clocks, and stained glass — and Adirondack chairs — are also made on site, sometimes finished by other craftsmen. A full line is displayed in the retail shop. The $325 rocker is functional and attractive. There's an online catalog and list of retailers.

At the intersection of M-28 and M-94 at the blinker in Shingleton, turn south onto M-94. Cross the tracks, turn left onto Mill St. Iverson's is at E12559 Mill. (906) 452-6370. Open Mon-Fri 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Handicap access: 2 steps.

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