Northern Michigan is filled with places that people pass every day without realizing the history that surrounds them. A quiet lighthouse, an old downtown building, a forgotten railroad grade, a shipwreck beneath the waves, or a small cemetery along a country road all have stories waiting to be discovered.
At Northern Michigan History, our mission is to uncover those stories, preserve them, and share them with everyone who loves this remarkable corner of Michigan.
We believe history should feel approachable and engaging. It is not just about dates and names. It is about the people who built our communities, explored our forests, sailed our lakes, and shaped the places we enjoy today.
Whether you are a lifelong resident, a seasonal visitor, or someone planning your first trip Up North, we hope our articles help you see Northern Michigan with new eyes. After all…
Every Place Tells a Story.
Marisa is the primary historian and writer behind Northern Michigan History. She loves asking one simple question, “I wonder what happened here?” That curiosity often leads to fascinating stories hidden beneath the surface.
She enjoys researching everything from shipwrecks and lumber camps to forgotten resorts, railroads, historic bridges, and the people who helped shape Northern Michigan. Her goal is to tell each story in a way that is informative, approachable, and enjoyable for readers of all ages.
One subject that has always fascinated her is transportation across the Straits of Mackinac before the Mackinac Bridge. If you’ve ever wondered how people reached the Upper Peninsula before 1957, you’ll enjoy her articles about Michigan’s State Car Ferries and the rail ferries that once connected the two peninsulas.
Arianna brings the perspective of a lifelong Northern Michigan resident and an active outdoor family. She and her husband are raising three teenagers who spend as much time as possible exploring everything Northern Michigan has to offer.
Whether boating on Long Lake, enjoying Duck and Green Lakes near Interlochen, skiing, snowmobiling, hiking, or discovering new places together, her family is always creating new adventures. She also writes for our sister website, Adventures in Northern Michigan, where she shares family friendly destinations and outdoor experiences throughout the region.
Some of our favorite stories include Michigan’s little known Gold Rush, the Gaylord and Alpena Car Companies, the history of the Inland Waterway, and the surprising fact that Michigan is home to more than just the famous Soo Locks. There are also stories about the USCGC Acacia and the S.S. Milwaukee both docked in Manistee.
Wherever your curiosity takes you, we hope you’ll discover a story that helps you appreciate Northern Michigan just a little more.
Because every place tells a story.
Northern Michigan History is proud to be part of the Up North Entertainment Group, a collection of websites dedicated to helping people explore, experience, and appreciate Northern Michigan.
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