All of Northern Michigan

First to Ratify, First to Celebrate Prohibition was one of the most ambitious and controversial social experiments in American history. While it aimed to curb alcohol consumption and its perceived societal ills, it instead fueled crime, corruption, and an underground booze trade that made gangsters rich and law enforcement frustrated. Michigan played a unique role in both implementing and ending Prohibition, standing out as the first state to ratify the 21st Amendment, which repealed the national ban. Let’s dive into Michigan’s wild ride through its history with alcohol, both the dry years and the celebratory return of legal drinking. Michigan:… Read More »

Michigan Chooses the American Robin as Its State Bird In 1931, Michigan officially adopted the American Robin (Turdus migratorius) as its state bird. The decision followed a vote organized by the Michigan Audubon Society. The Society declared the robin “the best known and best-loved of all the birds in the state.” While the robin had plenty of supporters, the journey to make it the official state bird wasn’t without controversy. The competition wasn’t over even after the decision was made. Back in 1929, more than 190,000 Michiganders participated in a state-wide contest to select their favorite bird. The robin and… Read More »

On April 8, 2002, the Michigan Legislature officially designated the mastodon (Mammut americanum) as the state fossil. This large, elephant-like creature is not only a key part of Michigan’s ancient past but also represents a unique chapter in North American history. The journey of the mastodon’s designation as Michigan’s state fossil is a story of community effort, scientific discovery, and the lasting legacy of these magnificent creatures. In this article, we’ll explore the history of the mastodon in Michigan. Look at the grassroots campaign that led to its official designation, and the lasting significance of this prehistoric animal in today’s… Read More »

A Bold Experiment That Paid Off On April 2, 1966, a golden bucket full of coho salmon was ceremoniously poured into the Platte River in Benzie County, Michigan. It may have seemed like an ordinary wildlife release, but this moment marked the beginning of one of the most ambitious and successful fishery experiments in history. Howard Tanner, the Michigan Department of Conservation’s new fish chief, had a bold vision: introduce salmon to the Great Lakes to control invasive alewives and create a thriving sport fishery. What followed was nothing short of spectacular. Michigan Outdoors did an episode about the salmon… Read More »

March has seen some pivotal moments in Michigan’s history—shaping its landscapes, industries, and communities. Let’s take a journey through the noteworthy events that happened on this day in history throughout March. March in Northern Michigan History March 3, 1875 Just three years after Yellowstone became the first national park, Congress designated Mackinac Island as the nation’s second national park. When the military departed 20 years later, the park was transferred to the state, becoming Michigan’s first state park. March 3, 1931 Recognizing its rugged beauty and rich history, Congress authorized the establishment of Isle Royale National Park. By the early… Read More »

Michigan’s Legacy of Protecting Natural Resources On March 30, 1921, Michigan took a major step forward in the management and protection of its natural resources. The Michigan Legislature officially created the Department of Conservation, bringing together various agencies that had previously overseen forests, parks, fish, and wildlife. This move laid the foundation for what would later become the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR). The Birth of Conservation in Michigan Before 1921, Michigan’s natural resources were managed by an assortment of commissions and officials, including the State Geological Survey, the Game and Fish Warden, and the Michigan Forestry Commission. While… Read More »

1836 Treaty of Washington A significant agreement was signed in Washington, D.C. on March 28, 1836. The agreement was between the United States and several Anishinaabe leaders from Michigan. The Treaty of Washington resulted in the cession of over one-third of Michigan’s land. This spanned the eastern Upper Peninsula and much of the northwestern Lower Peninsula. In return, the tribes retained their rights to hunt and fish on the lands and waters they had called home for generations. The impact of this treaty would be felt for over a century. In the 1960s, Michigan imposed strict regulations on commercial fishing,… Read More »

A Tall Tale of Timber and Tradition Michigan’s eastern white pine isn’t just a towering beauty—it’s a symbol of the state’s rich history. Officially designated as the state tree on March 4, 1955, this giant of the forest played a central role in Michigan’s logging boom, which made the state the national leader in lumber production during the late 19th century. The Eastern White Pine The eastern white pine (Pinus strobus) can reach heights of 150 feet and grow up to 40 inches in diameter. In Michigan’s early days, these massive trees covered vast stretches of land, particularly in the… Read More »

February is a month steeped in history for Northern Michigan with many significant events. From record-breaking cold temperatures to groundbreaking world records. From the birth of legendary figures to the signing of important treaties. February is a month full of milestones that have shaped the area. Whether it’s the triumphs in sports or key moments in Michigan’s history, this month’s remarkable stories help make Northern Michigan so unique. February in Northern Michigan History February 2, 1954 The Detroit Red Wings, fresh off a promotional tour of the Upper Peninsula, returned to play the first outdoor game in NHL history against… Read More »

Michigan’s Hidden Treasure Did you know Michigan is home to a gemstone so unique it can’t be found anywhere else in the world? Meet chlorastrolite, also called Isle Royale greenstone. With its striking starburst patterns and turtle-shell-like appearance, it’s no wonder Chlorastrolite was named the “official state gem” of Michigan with Public Act 56 of 1972. Thanks to the passionate efforts of the lapidary community and a signature from Governor William G. Milliken, chlorastrolite secured its place in Michigan’s history and hearts. Let’s dive into what makes this gemstone so extraordinary and how it came to symbolize our Great Lakes… Read More »

The Great Freeze of 2014: Lake Superior’s Icy Spectacle The winter of 2013-2014 delivered an icy masterpiece, with Lake Superior nearly freezing over entirely for the first time in decades. By February 5, 2014, 92% of the lake’s surface was covered in ice, peaking at 96% by the end of the month. This extraordinary event brought beauty and challenges to the region, from delayed shipping to icebergs lingering well into June. The freeze captivated onlookers and showcased the lake’s raw power and resilience. Let’s dive into the remarkable story of the Great Freeze of 2014. The Ice Came Early and… Read More »

How Michigan Became British In 1763, a momentous treaty changed the trajectory of Michigan and North America as a whole. The Treaty of Paris, signed on February 10, 1763, officially ended the Seven Years’ War (commonly known in America as the French and Indian War). It marked the transfer of Michigan and all French territory east of the Mississippi River to British control. What seemed like a major victory for the British Empire carried long-term consequences that sowed the seeds of conflict in North America. The Seven Years’ War began as a territorial dispute over the Ohio River Valley, pitting… Read More »