Michigan’s Upper Peninsula Has One of the Last Real Carhop Drive-Ins in the Country

You park facing the water. A carhop walks out to take your order. A Great Lakes freighter sounds its horn from the St. Mary's River. That's Clyde's Drive-In in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan.

Clyde VanDusen started the drive-in in 1949 at age 19, next to the Sugar Island ferry landing. The current building dates to 1961 and is a rare surviving example of googie burger-stand architecture.

His nine children own and operate it today. 'The nine sons and daughters of Clyde VanDusen aren't just owners, but proudly have over a century of experience,' the family wrote on Facebook in 2022. That continuity of ownership, spanning seven decades, is what keeps Clyde's feeling like a genuine institution rather than a tourist attraction.

The full national 50 Best Burgers list is worth reading alongside it. It made the most-loved burger joint in every U.S. state.

What to Order

The Big C Burger, named for Clyde himself, is the signature: fresh beef, made the same way since 1949. The sloppy joe and pizza burger are the other classics that regulars rotate through across the season.

Real ice cream milkshakes are made to order. The bison burger, added in more recent years, provides an alternative protein option. The whitefish basket and fried smoked fish reflect the Upper Peninsula's proximity to Lake Superior and are outstanding when the fish is fresh.

The Big C Challenge Wall of Fame is there for those inclined to attempt the oversized version. It's a separate experience from the regular menu and worth knowing about if you're visiting with a competitive group. For more on the food scene nearby, see restaurants in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

75 Years of Family Ownership on the River

The seasonal operation closes for winter and reopens each spring to a community that treats the opening like a genuine celebration. That seasonality is part of what makes Clyde's feel special.

The carhop service, the freighters, and the fresh beef are unchanged across seven decades of operation. The building has been maintained but not modernized. What you see at Clyde's is what it has always been.

The VanDusen family has operated Clyde's for three generations. Each successive generation has maintained the carhop nostalgia, the fresh beef, and the seasonal rhythm that defines the experience.

The bison burger, added more recently, reflects a willingness to update the menu without disrupting the original format. It is the only significant protein addition in 75 years. For more of the state's dining history, see classic Michigan drive-ins still going strong.

Plan Your Visit

Clyde's Drive-In is at 1425 Riverside Drive in Sault Ste. Marie. Seasonal: spring through fall. Check Facebook for exact opening and closing dates each year.

Hours run daily from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. during the summer months, but then switch to limited hours in spring and fall. Rotary Park is directly next door in case you want to plan an outing with a meal at the end. While you're planning the trip, check out where to eat in Sault Ste. Marie.