Discover the Whimsy and Wonder of the Trenary Outhouse Classic!

Nestled in the heart of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Trenary hosts an event so unique it's guaranteed to wipe away your winter blues – the Trenary Outhouse Classic! Every last Saturday in February, the sleepy town springs to life with a bizarre yet utterly delightful tradition that's been a community staple for over two decades.

History In The Making

The 2023 Trenary Outhouse Classic saw an exhilarating competition, particularly in the Stinkers category (ages 18-35). The local duo, Mutti Timonen from Trenary and Waytt Fink from Skandia, MI, were the stars of the show. After their narrow victory over Double Duty Ranch in 2022 by just two seconds, they aimed for a repeat in 2023. In an intense twist, in their final race, the Turdy Toasters pulled out an incredible run, tying with a final race time of 34 seconds. The tiebreaker? A dramatic foot race where Mutti clinched the win, capitalizing on the unfortunate stumble of their competitor. This victory marked another memorable chapter in the history of this unique and spirited event.

Will Mutti and Waytt dominate the track for a third year in a row, achieving an unprecedented three-peat at this year's Trenary Outhouse Classic? Or will new challengers emerge to dethrone the reigning champs? Mark your calendars for February 24th, 2024 to find out!

The Origins: 

This quirky event sprouted from the humorous mind of local Yooper Toivo Aho. In 1994, sitting in the Silver Dollar Bar, Toivo got inspired by an outhouse race in Washington State and proposed bringing such a race to Trenary. It was a wild idea meant to break the monotony of a long winter, but it quickly caught on. The community rallied together, flush with excitement, and within three weeks, the first-ever Trenary Outhouse Classic was a smashing success​.

Imagine a parade of homemade outhouses, each as unique as its creator, racing down Trenary's Main Street. Constructed from materials ranging from wood and cardboard to grand piano crates, these outhouses are mounted on skis and pushed by teams of two. The designs are a blend of simplicity and extravagance – some so elaborate, you might wish to have them in your backyard! It's not just about speed; there are seven different age categories, and prizes are awarded for various aspects beyond the fastest time:

• Squirts (ages 5-8)
• Squeekers (ages 9-12)
• Dingleberries (ages 13-17)
• Intermission
• Stinkers (ages 18-35)
• Da Sharts (ages 36-49)
• Old Farts (ages 50+)

Toivo's vision didn't just create a race; it fostered a tradition that continues to brings the community together in the most unusual yet heartwarming way. His legacy is evident in the joy and laughter that fill the streets each year. His dream of making this event one of the largest winter events in the U.P. certainly came true, as evidenced by the hundreds of participants and thousands of spectators that flock to little Trenary every February.

Join the Fun!

The Trenary Outhouse Classic has surpassed all expectations, growing each year thanks to the community's dedication and enthusiasm. It's a testament to the spirit of Trenary, Michigan, a place that knows how to turn a chilly winter day into a warm celebration of community and creativity.

Don't just read about it – experience the Trenary Outhouse Classic for yourself. Pack your sense of humor, brace for the chill, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure. After all, what else is there to do in the middle of a U.P. winter?