On This Day in History

On this day in history, March 3, 1931, Congress authorized the establishment of Isle Royale National Park. The purpose was to preserve its rugged wilderness and deep historical roots. From ancient Indigenous copper mining dating back over 6,500 years to 19th-century fishing settlements and failed mining ventures, Isle Royale has long been a place of human resilience and natural beauty. Now a protected national park, its stories live on through preserved artifacts, historic sites, and even the shipwrecks resting beneath Lake Superior’s waters. A Storied Past in the Heart of Lake Superior Long before it became a national park, Isle… Read More »

The Rise and Fall of Mackinac National Park When you think of national parks, places like Yellowstone or Yosemite probably come to mind. But did you know that America’s second national park wasn’t a vast wilderness out West, but rather a small island in Lake Huron in Northern Michigan? On March 3, 1875, Mackinac National Park was officially designated, just three years after Yellowstone. However, its time as a national park was short-lived, and in 1895, it transitioned to Michigan’s first state park. So what happened? Let’s dive into the history of Mackinac National Park and its lasting legacy. 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 »

County Seat St. Ignace, nestled along the northern shore of the Straits of Mackinac in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, holds the distinction of being the state’s second-oldest continuous settlement. Incorporated as a village on February 23, 1882, and later as a city in 1883, the city has a rich history that reflects the blend of Native American heritage, French exploration, and the dynamic fur trade economy. Today, it continues to serve as the county seat of Mackinac County and a cherished destination for heritage tourism. A Gateway Through Time The history dates back to 1671, when French Jesuit priest Jacques Marquette… Read More »

Ski Jumps and Slopes In the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies a small town with big history: Ishpeming. Known as the “birthplace of organized skiing in America,” Ishpeming’s legacy is steeped in snow, speed, and soaring ski jumps. If you’re a fan of winter sports, this is a story you’ll want to hear. It all began on February 21, 1905, when ski enthusiasts from Ishpeming, Minneapolis, Red Wing, and Eau Claire gathered to form the National Ski Association. This groundbreaking meeting was led by Carl Tellefsen, a Norwegian immigrant and founder of the Ishpeming Ski Club. Tellefsen, an early… 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 Gipper Few athletes leave a legacy so enduring that their name becomes synonymous with inspiration. George Gipp, affectionately known as “The Gipper,” is one of those rare figures. Born on February 18, 1895, in Laurium, Michigan, on the Keweenaw Peninsula, Gipp’s story is one of raw talent, grit, and a little bit of myth-making. Gipp rose from humble beginnings to become one of Notre Dame’s most celebrated athletes. George Gipp initially enrolled at Notre Dame with dreams of playing baseball. Gipp caught the eye of the legendary coach Knute Rockne, who convinced him to join the football team despite… Read More »

A Leap Through History in Ishpeming Few traditions in Michigan match the boldness and spectacle of ski jumpers launching themselves off the imposing Suicide Hill in Ishpeming. This iconic ski jump has been the heart of winter sports in the region since February 26, 1926, when brave souls first tested its daring heights. But the story of Suicide Hill goes back even further. It is rooted in the passion of early ski clubs and the adventurous spirit of a community united by winter. Before Suicide Hill came into existence, the Ishpeming Ski Club (formerly the Norden Ski Club) was already… Read More »

Soaring Through History Nancy Harkness Love, a trailblazer in aviation, was born Hannah Lincoln Harkness on February 14, 1914, in Houghton, Michigan. From an early age, her adventurous spirit and passion for flying set her on a path that would forever change the role of women in aviation. At just 16, Nancy took her first flight and earned her pilot’s license within a month—a clear indication of her determination and skill. Her journey into the skies continued while attending Vassar College, where she famously earned the nickname “The Flying Freshman.” Nancy not only transported passengers for income but also pushed… Read More »

Once upon a time, Michigan had a county that no longer exists on the map: Manitou County. This fascinating “ghost county” came into existence in 1855, encompassing Beaver Island, the Fox Islands, and the North and South Manitou Islands in Lake Michigan. Its county seat, St. James, was nestled on Beaver Island, where the story of Manitou County intersects with an enigmatic figure: James Jesse Strang. The Curious Creation of Manitou County Manitou County owes its name, likely, to Henry Rowe Schoolcraft, the man behind the poetic naming of many Michigan counties. Schoolcraft had a penchant for weaving Native American-inspired… 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 Stayed… Read More »

A Forgotten Chapter of WWII History February 12, 1944, marked the arrival of German soldiers in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula (U.P.), bringing a piece of World War II history to this remote and rugged region. Members of Field Marshal Erwin Rommel’s Afrika Corps were transported across the Atlantic and the United States to POW camps such as Camp Evelyn and Camp Sidnaw. Eventually, approximately 1,000 German prisoners of war (POWs) would reside in five camps scattered across the U.P., with others sent to facilities in the Lower Peninsula. A Journey Across the Atlantic With Great Britain running out of space for… Read More »