Author: Michael Hardy

Michael is the owner of Thumbwind Publications LLC. It started in 2009 covering Michigan and the Upper Thumb. Today, his Michigan Moments series has established a loyal base of 110,000 followers.

Grindstone General Store and Rybak’s Ice Cream Are Sweet Cool Comfort

Posted on July 14, 2021November 7, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Grindstone City has in the midst of a full range war between two marvelous ice cream shops.

Both are in historic buildings and are minutes from Port Austin.

Caseville Mystery – Was The Mouth of the Pigeon River an Orchard Before Caseville was Settled?

Posted on July 13, 2021November 25, 2025 by Michael Hardy

It’s becoming commonplace. I’m researching something and encountered an entirely new and interesting story I’ve never heard before. In this

4 Amazing Stories About the Michigan Indian Trails of The Upper Thumb

Posted on July 13, 2021May 11, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The first major highways were based on trails Native Americans has used for centuries throughout Michigan.

Here are four tidbits about those trails in Michigan’s Upper Thumb.

5 Mysterious Little Facts About Michigan’s Historic Fort Gratiot

Posted on July 6, 2021November 7, 2021 by Michael Hardy

The site of the mysterious fort was first built in 1686 by the French. The Americans rebuilt the fort in 1814 and it was used until 1879. The exact location of the fort is listed as “restricted” by the US National Archives.

What is The Oldest Original Michigan Coney Island In The State? – 3 Claims Examined

Posted on July 1, 2021November 17, 2023 by Michael Hardy

The three major versions of the Michigan Coney Island spark an intense rivalry. We take a test of one of the originals from West Michigan.

8 Michigan Roadside Parks In the Thumb Area

Posted on June 30, 2021November 17, 2021 by Michael Hardy

The first roadside park was developed in 1918 on US 2 in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Today Michigan has 85 roadside parks.

8 are located in the Thumb.

Michigan Monday – Mystery Author Steve Hamilton

Posted on June 28, 2021December 3, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Michigan native Steve Hamilton is an acclaimed mystery author. He is one of only two writers to win Edgars for both Best First Novel and Best Novel.

Turnip Rock Mi In Top 13 Amazing Rock Formations in America by CNN

Posted on June 27, 2021November 4, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Cable News Network, CNN, has declared Huron County’s iconic rock one of America’s most amazing, or weird, rock formations. Located on private property at Pointe Aux Barques and accessible only by canoe or kayak.