Northwest Lower Peninsula

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 »

Woolsey Memorial Airport is a publicly owned, public use airport located 3 miles northeast of Northport in Leelanau Township on the Leelanau Peninsula. It was built in 1935 and is owned and operated by Leelanau Township. The Airport is quite a site and unlike any other airport. The grass field is accented by a charming stone-sided air terminal and a gazebo-like observation deck. The airport has two runways. The East-West runway is 3,663 feet long and the North-South runway is 2,500 feet long. The terminal is unmanned and there are four hangars. History of the Airport Woolsey Memorial Airport has… Read More »

The Shay locomotive, also known as the Shay gear and locomotive, was a type of steam locomotive used primarily in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, especially for logging and industrial purposes. It was invented by Ephraim Shay, who was a schoolteacher and a civil servant in Northern Michigan. Shay designed this unique locomotive to better navigate the rough and uneven terrain of the forests and industrial sites where it was used. Shay locomotives were known for their distinctive features: Geared Power Transmission: The Shay locomotive used a vertical, non-rotary power transfer system that included gears, drive shafts, and… Read More »

Come along on a journey through Northern Michigan’s history in our captivating 5-part series, where we delve into the eerie tales of the most haunted locations in the region. Our inaugural installment focuses on the Northwest Lower Peninsula, where an array of ghostly encounters await, from haunted restaurants and theaters to chilling asylums. In northwest Michigan, the spirits of the past are far from scarce. Cadillac Former Escape Bar and Grill: Originally the Northwood Hotel in the 1800s and is rumored to be haunted. There have been reports of a woman in an old-fashioned dress in the ballroom and a… Read More »

Seems many great family stories start with an eccentric, creative and fun relative. Legs Inn’s story is no different. Current owner George Smolak’s Uncle Stanley came to Northern Michigan in the 1920’s looking for a place that would remind him of his homeland, Kamionka, Poland. He wanted a place that would let him explore his many talents. Uncle Stanley loved to make sculptures out of the trees in the region. Stanley Smolak (1887-1968) was a polish immigrant that settled in Cross Village in 1921. Before heading north, he worked in the auto factories in both Detroit and Chicago. It was… Read More »

Grand Traverse Bay is composed of two main arms: the West Arm and the East Arm. The West Arm stretches about 20 miles from its entrance at the Manitou Islands to its junction with the East Arm. The East Arm is slightly shorter, extending around 15 miles from its entrance near Elk Rapids to its confluence with the West Arm. The bay has a rich history that dates back thousands of years and encompasses various periods, including Native American settlements, European exploration and colonization. The Anishinaabe (Ojibwe) and Odawa (Ottawa) tribes were among the first known inhabitants of the area,… Read More »

Power Island in West Grand Traverse Bay in Northern Michigan. The island is owned by Grand Traverse County and offers many recreational activities. There is a boat dock, picnic area, trail system, sandy beaches, and rustic camping. Basset Island is connected to Power Island via an isthmus. The islands are a popular destination for boaters, kayakers, and nature enthusiasts. There are opportunities for wildlife viewing, fishing, and exploring the natural beauty of the area. The trails lead visitors through wooded areas and along the shoreline, providing scenic views of the surrounding waters. Trail Map The 200-acre Power Island has over… Read More »

Excelsior Township, a township in Kalkaska County was established in 1875, but the first settlement in the town was made in 1874. As of the 2020 census the population was 991. Kalkaska County, formerly named Wabassee, was an unorganized county in 1840. It was separated from Michilimackinac County and in 1843 it was renamed Kalkaska County. At that time, it was attached to Grand Traverse County and then Antrim County before it was organized on January 27, 1871. In 1874 Nathaniel Woodfield built a home in what is now Excelsior Township. Followed by James Elliot, W.W. Crippen, D.E. Wherry, and… Read More »