November 2017 - Lost In Michigan

The Old Railroad Station in Battle Creek

Posted on November 22, 2017 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Train Depots .

In downtown Battle Creek standing along the river with the same name as the city is this fantastic old train depot. The railroad tracks are gone now and the last passenger train left the station in the 1980’s. I can imagine the in its heyday the passengers coming and going thru this station on their journey looking up at the clock tower to see if they are on time. Trains no longer use the station but it is still used a restaurant. It’s also a Michigan Historical Marker with a sign that reads:

The Michigan Central Railroad Depot opened on July 27, 1888. Rogers and McFarlane of Detroit designed the depot, one of several Richardsonian Romanesque-style stations between Detroit and Chicago in the late nineteenth century. Thomas Edison as well as Presidents William Howard Taft and Gerald Ford visited here. The depot was acquired by the New York Central Railroad in 1918, Penn Central in 1968 and Amtrak in 1970. The depot was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971.

A much as I like driving around the state I have always wondered what it would be like to travel the state by train, I guess i was born a little late for that.

Lost In Michigan wall calendars are ON SALE this weekend, I sold out of them by the middle of December last year. Now is a good time to get one. you can order yours HERE

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Taking A Hike At The Pond

Posted on November 15, 2017 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Nature .

Between Metamora and Dryden in southern Lapeer County is the Seven Ponds Nature Center. Inside the building, they have a large variety of taxidermied animals and an impressive collection of taxidermied birds on display. They also have some interactive exhibits for kids of all ages to learn about the natural area surrounding the building.

The Nature center consists of about 500 acres, and yes it does include seven ponds to explore. With miles of trails, it’s a fantastic place to take a hike. I really enjoyed the walk along the boardwalk thru the marsh along the pond. There is even a spot where you can see a beaver hut or lodge or whatever they call a beaver home, I was surprised at how large it was. I did not see any beavers though. they must have been on break. The deer were out and thank you to the one that scared the crap out of me when it ran past me.

I really enjoyed my walk thru the woods at 7 Ponds although the leaves were mostly gone off the trees for the season. I guess that means I will just have to go back. If you want to know more you can check out their website HERE

P.S. There are some nice little towns to visit in the area also, but that’s a post for a different day.

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The Best Dam Waterfall in Michigan

Posted on November 13, 2017 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Dam, Waterfalls .

In 1971 a dam was built on the Flint River creating C.S. Mott Lake. at the end of the dam near the walking path is a series of concrete steps and blocks that the water cascades down as it flows down the river. It’s a marvelous addition to what would have been an ordinary dam. You should check it out, especially if you love waterfalls. Here is a link to Genesee County Parks website where you can see the falls.

Lost In Michigan wall calendars are ON SALE this weekend, I sold out of them by the middle of December last year. Now is a good time to get one. you can order yours HERE

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Why I am Able To Do What I Do

Posted on November 11, 2017 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Uncategorized .

I am fortunate to be able to drive around anywhere I want to go and create photographs of public places. I have never been detained or questioned. If I lived in a country like China or Russia with a repressive that controls what its citizens do that I would probably not be able to post the things I have. It because of the men and women who proudly took an oath to defend the constitutions and the rights granted to the citizens of the United States of America that give us the freedom to pursue our happiness. I have always been a civilian and could never fully understand the sacrifices they have made in protecting my freedom. All I can say is Thank You.

P.S. In the photo is my Father standing on the beach in Vietnam when he served in the army. He now a proud member of the VFW and it was sad when he told me that he has had several people ask him what VFW stands for. I know what it stands for, and I can’t thank and honor them enough for all they have done.

The Old Shack in Da U.P.

Posted on November 10, 2017 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Forgotten Places, upper peninsula .

Whenever I go into the town of Brimely I pass by this old shack. I often wonder about its story, if walls could talk I am sure this little building could tell an interesting tale.

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The Big Red House

Posted on November 9, 2017 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Houses .

I took a trip to southeast Michigan and my goal was to get to New Baltimore. Unfortunately, I did not make it that far. I got to roaming around and taking a bunch of pics along the way and time was not on my side. I went through the town of Dryden and this big old dark red brick house stood out and I had to stop and take a photo of it. I wish I knew more about the history of the home. I do know that the town was named after poet John Dryden.

Lost In Michigan Books and Calendars are on SALE this weekend. they help me with expenses to do this website I hope you will check them out HERE.

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The Old Presque Isle Lighthouse

Posted on November 7, 2017 by Mike Sonnenberg Posted in Lighthouses .

The Old Presque Isle lighthouse built in 1840 is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes. It was replaced by a taller lighthouse in 1870 built on the north side of Presque Isle. If you are wondering, Presque Isle is a French term for “almost an island” and if you have ever visited you know exactly why it was given that name. Some say the old lighthouse is haunted. (See my post HERE ) It’s a kind of “off the beaten path” but its well worth the trip to see the old and new lighthouse.

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