Northwest Lower Peninsula

A Historical Overview The Traverse City State Hospital, originally known as the Northern Michigan Asylum, opened its doors on November 30, 1885. Established in response to overcrowding in existing facilities like the Kalamazoo State Hospital (1859) and Pontiac State Hospital (1873), it became the third psychiatric hospital in Michigan. The site was secured by Perry Hannah, a prominent lumber baron from Traverse City,. He used his political influence to advocate for the hospital’s location. Architectural Significance and Early Operations Building 50 was the first structure erected at the hospital, designed according to the Kirkbride Plan in a Victorian-Italianate style. Dr…. Read More »

On November 1, 1973, Michigan celebrated a significant milestone in its transportation history with the completion of Interstate 75 (I-75). Stretching 395 miles from the Ohio border near Toledo to Sault Ste. Marie, I-75 stands as the longest expressway in Michigan and one of the most important highways in the state. This vital corridor connects the southern and northern regions of Michigan, making road trips and travel across the state faster and more convenient. The Journey to Completion The journey to completing I-75 began in 1957, when construction crews broke ground on this ambitious project. By 1959, signs marking the… Read More »

A Historic Landmark on Walloon Lake Perched along the shores of Walloon Lake in Emmet County is a cottage that witnessed the formative years of one of America’s most celebrated authors: Ernest Hemingway. Known as “Windemere,” this single-story, white clapboard structure served as the Hemingway family’s summer retreat and as a sanctuary where Hemingway developed his lifelong passions for hunting, fishing, and storytelling. The History of Windemere In 1898, Hemingway’s parents, Dr. Clarence Hemingway and Grace Hall Hemingway, purchased four lots on Walloon Lake. The following year, Grace designed a cottage, and in 1900, the couple had it constructed for… Read More »

The Royal Connection of Northern Michigan Tucked away in the serene St. Wenceslaus Cemetery in Leelanau County lies an unexpected yet fascinating piece of European history. His Imperial and Royal Highness Archduke Stefan of Austria, Prince of Hungary, Bohemia, and Tuscany, rests beside his former wife, Mary Jerrine Soper. In this remote Northern Michigan cemetery is a connection to royalty that many are surprised to discover. A Life of Royal Heritage and American Roots Born on August 15, 1932, in the suburban community of Mödling, Vienna, Archduke Stefan was the eldest son of Archduke Anton of Austria and Princess Ileana… Read More »

Michigan’s Northern Lower Peninsula is steeped in ghostly tales, from haunted lighthouses and inns to eerie forests and islands. These historic locations hide chilling stories of tragic deaths, paranormal encounters, and spirits that refuse to rest. Northeast Lower Peninsula Old Presque Isle Lighthouse After George Parris died, his widow saw an impossible light glowing from the disconnected lantern room. Many believe it’s George’s way of keeping the lighthouse’s spirit alive. Anchor Inn (Houghton Lake) Paranormal investigators have reported shadowy figures, moving objects, and even a vortex at the front of this 100-year-old building. Pere Cheney (Roscommon) This ghost town is… Read More »

Ancient Stone Circles Beaver Island, known as “amikwag-endaad” by the Ojibwe, meaning “where the beavers live,” holds a deep connection to its ancient past. On this island, there are at least two significant stone circle sites. The most prominent being the Beaver Island Sun Circle (site no: 20CX65), also referred to as the Beaver Island Stone Circle or Beaver Island Stonehenge. This site features an unusually symmetrical stone circle with a diameter of 397 feet. It consists of approximately 39 to 150 stones and boulders of various sizes, some as large as 10 feet. These stones, some appearing to have… Read More »

Hugh J. Gray may not be a household name, but his influence on Michigan’s tourism industry is profound and far-reaching. He saw the potential threat from Colorado’s burgeoning tourist industry. Colorado aimed to attract visitors from cities like Chicago and St. Louis, Gray made it his mission to ensure that Michigan didn’t lose out. In 1917, Gray, along with 75 other visionaries, gathered in West Michigan to form the Michigan Tourist and Resort Association (MTRA). Their goal was clear and focused. They wanted to promote the unique beauty and attractions of Michigan. To provide travelers with comprehensive information about the… Read More »

Andrew Jackson Blackbird/Makade-Binisii (c. 1815/21 – 17 September 1908) Andrew Blackbird was a key figure in the history of the Odawa (Ottawa) tribe. As a leader and historian, he made significant contributions, including his 1887 book, “History of the Ottawa and Chippewa Indians of Michigan.” He also held the distinction of being the last chief of the Ottawa and the first postmaster of Harbor Springs. Early Life Andrew Blackbird was the youngest of ten children, born in the L’Arbre Croche area of Michigan, which is now known as Harbor Springs. The exact year of his birth is debated, with estimates… Read More »

Imagine strolling along the tranquil shores of Lake Michigan, where the cozy village of Frankfort sits. The village stretches just over a mile from end to end but is steeped in history. Despite its modest size, Frankfort holds a cherished spot in the hearts of its residents. Folks have embraced everything this corner of Benzie County has to offer, its crisp air, fertile land, and shimmering waters.  Prior to European settlement, the area around Frankfort was inhabited by the Ottawa and Chippewa tribes. These Native American groups had established villages and hunting grounds in the region for centuries. European exploration… Read More »

Northern Michigan is not just a picturesque destination; it’s also steeped in golfing heritage. From the region’s early days, it has been a haven for golf enthusiasts, home to some of the nation’s oldest and most storied courses. Northern Michigan’s golfing legacy dates back to the late 1800s, with five courses leading the charge. In Northwest Michigan, Harbor Point and Wequetonsing in Harbor Springs, along with Charlevoix Golf Club in Charlevoix. In the Upper Peninsula, there’s Les Cheneaux Club in Cedarville, part of the archipelago of 36 small islands in Lake Huron, and on Mackinac Island, the Wawashkamo Golf Club,… Read More »

Once upon a moonlit night in the dense forests of Michigan, a creature of folklore and mystery roams the shadows – the legendary Dogman. While many websites touch upon the surface of its existence, we embark on a journey to delve deeper, exploring sightings and unraveling the enigmatic history that shrouds this canine-like being. Buckle up, as we navigate through the untrodden paths of Dogman lore, bringing you not just the usual, but the extraordinary. The origin of the Dogman legend in Michigan can be traced back to the late 19th century. The first reported sighting of the Dogman was… Read More »

Thompsonville is a small village located in Benzie County and was founded in the late 19th century. The history of Thompsonville is closely tied to early European-American settlement, the lumber industry, agriculture, and its transformation into a community near Crystal Mountain Resort. The lumber industry played a significant role in the local economy during the late 19th century. The vast forests in the region were logged to provide lumber for construction and shipping, contributing to the growth of the community. The Railroads In 1889 two railroads, the Chicago & West Michigan and the Frankfort & Southeastern had line that crossed… Read More »