The Old Mission Log Church, located on Michigan’s Old Mission Peninsula, is a significant historical landmark that tells a compelling story of early missionary efforts and community development in the Grand Traverse region. While the current structure is a replica built in 1939 to commemorate the centennial of Reverend Peter Dougherty’s Presbyterian mission, it stands
This old building stands in Grindstone City at the tip of the Thumb. It was the Grindstone City Trading Company and it was the last company to own and operate the grindstone quarries and company store that were once the centerpiece of a thriving grindstone industry. The industry began in 1834 when Captain Aaron Peer
This old, abandoned concrete building stands near the shoreline on Sugar Island, east of Sault Ste. Marie. It held items of immense value—not gold or jewels, but books and manuscripts. It was the library for Chase Osborn. He was Michigan’s 27th Governor and the only one from the Upper Peninsula. He built an estate on
Perched on the northern tip of Old Mission Peninsula north of Traverse City, you’ll find The Old Mission General Store, one of Michigan’s most enduring historical landmarks. Established in the mid-1800s, this general store has been a vital part of the local community for generations. While it once served as a crucial hub for agricultural
In early 1958, motorists around Elkton in Michigan’s Thumb region began reporting sightings of a “little blue man.” This glowing figure, described as looking like a spaceman, would mysteriously appear on rural roads and then vanish just as suddenly, leaving startled drivers with no trace of him. As time went on, the sightings grew more
The Sieting Hotel, located in downtown Kalkaska, first opened its doors on Thanksgiving Day in 1912. Like many historic buildings, it has a past steeped in tragedy and is rumored to be haunted. It’s believed that the spirit of a man who died in one of the rooms in 1920 still lingers there. Guests and
Veterans Memorial Park of Northeast Michigan, located at 4400 N. Skeel Avenue in Oscoda, MI, stands as a profound tribute to military veterans. Situated on approximately six acres of donated land near the former Wurtsmith Air Force Base, the park was built entirely through generous donations and maintained by dedicated volunteers. Its central feature is
I am thrilled to announce the release of my new book, “Lost In Michigan’s Thumb.” This book invites you to discover the fascinating history and unique places within Michigan’s Thumb region. Having traveled extensively throughout the Thumb, I have compiled a collection of noteworthy locations. From its agricultural communities to its coastal harbor towns, the
West of Mullet Lake lies the small town of Riggsville, of which not much remains, though it boasts a beautiful old cemetery. The tombstone of Stephen Williams caught my attention, an American flag standing proudly beside it. He lived from 1841 to 1925 and was a corporal in Company K, 22nd Michigan Infantry. Some soldiers
Located near Lewiston, Michigan, Coopersville Wild West Town offers a quirky and unique experience, transporting visitors to a bygone era. This privately built, unofficial “town” is a passion project filled with rustic buildings, antiques, and memorabilia reminiscent of the Old West, particularly honoring the legendary John Wayne. Guests can wander through the various structures, offering
