Northwest Lower Peninsula

Earl Young’s Quirky Stone Masterpieces Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan lies Charlevoix, a charming town famous for its fairy-tale-like “Mushroom Houses.” These enchanting homes, with curved lines, stone façades, and imaginative shapes, were the vision of Earl A. Young, an untrained but wildly talented architectural designer. Over his 52-year career, Young created 31 one-of-a-kind structures that have captivated generations of visitors and earned Charlevoix its whimsical charm. There are 28 Mushroom Houses in Charlevoix. The Mushroom Houses are also all built from stones that Young dredged straight from Lake Michigan. They’re all close (or on) Lake Michigan waterfront… Read More »

A Haunting Chapter in Northern Michigan History On a quiet winter evening, January 7, 1971, the residents of Charlevoix, Michigan, were jolted by a fiery explosion over Little Traverse Bay. A U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) B-52C bomber, conducting a routine radar bomb scoring flight, tragically crashed into Lake Michigan. The disaster claimed the lives of all nine crew members aboard. It also came alarmingly close to the Big Rock Point Nuclear Power Plant. This incident not only left a scar on the local community but also raised critical questions about Cold War military practices and nuclear safety…. Read More »

Emelia Schaub’s Remarkable Journey Emelia Christine Schaub (1891–1995) was more than just a lawyer; she was a pioneer who broke barriers for women in law and advocated for justice throughout her life. As Michigan’s first elected female prosecutor and the first woman in the U.S. to successfully defend a murder trial, her legacy resonates deeply in both the legal profession and her Leelanau County community Early Life and Roots in Leelanau County Born in 1891 in a log cabin in Centerville Township, Michigan, Emelia was the eldest of eight children. Her family, early settlers in Provemont (now Lake Leelanau), operated… Read More »

A Story of Resilience and Community Nestled on the eastern side of the Leelanau Peninsula, Omena Presbyterian Church stands as a testament to resilience, faith, and community. Its roots trace back to the mid-1800s when Reverend Peter Dougherty moved his mission from Old Mission to Omena. He established what would become one of the oldest Protestant churches in Michigan. This historic landmark reflects the trials, triumphs, and dedication of its congregation over the decades. The Founding Years In 1839, the Presbyterian Board of Missions sent Reverend Peter Dougherty to Michigan’s Grand Traverse region to establish a mission. He founded the… Read More »

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 »