National Trappers Association Convention and Outdoor Show

July 27 – 29, 2023 | Escanaba Michigan

Upper Peninsula State Fairgrounds

Check out some photo highlights from the last NTA Convention in Lima Ohio

Convention Highlights

Demonstrators

Inside Vendors 

Kids Activities

Watch Over 20 Demos or Shop till You Drop!

24 SCHEDULED LIVE DEMONSTRATIONS!

There will be great trapping demos given on the hour, every hour, for three solid days! Whether you are a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport who is eager to obtain the knowledge, supplies and confidence to get that first season under your belt, you can bet that we will have something for everyone. While wandering around the fairgrounds chat with some of the biggest names in trapping. Many famous trappers from all over the nation attend these national conventions and even more of your “heroes” might show up in 2023 – because this one is being held in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula! You never know who you might “bump elbows with” at an NTA Convention! Would you believe Marty Meirerotto from HISTORY channel’s Mountain Men will once again be here for a “meet and greet” — and so will many of The Last Alaskans!!

VENDORS

At last count the 2023 NTA convention had 78 INSIDE vendors registered. Once outside, there will be tailgaters stretched almost as far as the eye can see. Nearly every well-known trapping supply dealer in the country will be at the convention. Many of these top-notch vendors will be offering special “Convention Pricing”. This will be your chance to stock up on needed supplies without having to pay shipping and handling — and picking up a trick or two from these trapping greats is totally FREE!

NOT JUST FOR TRAPPERS

Vendors selling snowshoes, predator calling supplies, outdoor clothing, waders, crafts, antiques, etc. & noone knows what those almost endless TAILGATERS may be selling!

A Vacation Paradise

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is an outdoor vacation paradise with attractions for the whole family.

• 1700 Miles of Shoreline on three of the Great Lakes!

• Approximately 15 miles of beautiful Sandstone Cliffs rising 50 – 100 feet above Lake Superior in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!

• 324 Waterfalls!

• Hundreds of abandoned underground copper, iron, and gold mines!

• Fishing and hunting paradise!

• Ninety percent of the U.P. consists of forests.

• Two National Forests, several State Forests, many State Parks, and hundreds of Inland Lakes with free or low cost access.

Area Information

Delta Chamber Member Listings

Delta Chamber Member Listings

Delta Chamber Member Listings

Delta Chamber Member Listings

U.P. Wide Lodging

U.P. Wide Dining

U.P. Wide Attractions

U.P. Wide Experiences

U.P. Steam & Gas Engine Antique Village

As part of its ongoing resolve to preserve our American heritage, the U.P. Steam and Gas Engine Association, with the support of the U.P. State Fair Authority, has developed Antique Village.

Evoking the feel of a by-gone era, Antique Village offers visitors an interactive learning experience.  Local artisans demonstrate traditional handicrafts such as glass blowing, knitting, spinning, weaving, quilting, pottery, and woodcarving.  Many of these goods are available to purchase.

The Village also features a blacksmith shop, granary, barber shop, general store, cook shack and ice cream parlor.

Exhibits include a steam-powered sawmill, railroad depot, schoolhouse and an 80-ton Fairbanks diesel engine.

In all, there are almost two full acres of shops and displays.

Shops & Displays

Blacksmith Shop

An authentic working recreation circa 1920.  The smith specializes in hand-forged knives.

General Store

Named after I Stephenson & Co, a large sawmill operation in the 1800s, the General Store offers baked goods, penny candy, hats, teapots, and much more.

School House

A faithful reproduction of a circa 1905 classroom created with antique pieces from an area school.

Fiber Boutique and Candle Shop

Hand-spun and dyed yarns, knit and felted items, and handmade soaps and candles.

Granary

Offering whole grain baked goods. You can also take home a pound or two of freshly ground cornmeal.

Railroad Depot

Explore the history of railroads in the U.P. The Upper Michigan Central Model Railroad Club also demonstrates the many diverse aspects of model railroading.

Rock Shop

Learn about minerals and watch rock drill demonstrations.

Telegraph Office

Explore the history of communication from 1800s telegraph equipment to modern ham radio.

The Wooly Sock

Beautiful hand-crafted yarns, hats scarves and soap.

Agricultural Museum

The Museum houses an eclectic collection of antique equipment and artifacts. We believe that these items are as much a part of America’s history as the hardy men and women who used them in forging this great nation.