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.

Frankenmuth Brewing CO., Frankenmuth, Mich

Frankenmuth Walking Tour Offers Free Powerful Look At 14 Historic Stops

Posted on July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Michael Hardy

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. — Visitors to Frankenmuth can now use their phones to take a free self-guided historical Frankenmuth walking tour

Muskegon Lakeshore Museum Center Sets Night at the Museum Fundraiser For Oct. 3

Posted on July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Lakeshore Museum Center will host Night at the Museum Oct. 3 at the Muskegon Museum of History and Science. Tickets start at $60 before prices rise Sept. 1.

Keweenaw County Historical Society Museums Mark Busy July Season In Upper Peninsula

Posted on July 6, 2026July 6, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Keweenaw County Historical Society is continuing its 2026 museum season with eight historic sites, 11 museums and July events in Eagle Harbor, Phoenix and Copper Harbor.

History of Charlevoix Michigan – 21 Vintage Photos Show A Working Harbor Transformed To A Resort City On Three Lakes

Posted on July 5, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The History of Charlevoix Michigan is more than a resort story. Pine River’s channel, working docks, steamship arrivals, railroad service, grand hotels and fishing trade turned a small harbor town into one of northern Michigan’s most memorable summer destinations.

1900s Small Town Michigan 4th of July – 13 Vintage Photos From a Lost Holiday Era

Posted on July 4, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Early 1900s photos show how small-town Michigan celebrated the Fourth of July with parades, brass bands, horse races, decorated cars, church picnics and crowded Main Streets.

Fort Drummond – Britain’s Last Stand In Michigan (1812 – 1828)

Posted on July 3, 2026July 3, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Fort Drummond Michigan was not just an old ruin on Drummond Island. It was a British military village that remained after the War of 1812, until surveys and politics forced Britain to leave in 1828.

Harbor Beach Lighthouse Tours Offer A Rare Lake Huron Trip For 2026

Posted on July 2, 2026July 9, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Harbor Beach Lighthouse tours return June 20 through Sept. 5, giving visitors a guided look at Lake Huron history, the Fourth Order Fresnel lens and the Grice House Museum.

History of The Fishing Village of Leland Michigan – How Fishtown Kept Its Working Waterfront

Posted on July 1, 2026July 9, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Leland, Michigan evolved from a sawmill and iron-smelting town into one of Lake Michigan’s last commercial fishing villages. Its historic Fishtown, weathered docks and family fisheries continue to tell one of Michigan’s most remarkable waterfront stories.

Uncovered Cross Village History – The Charming Lake Michigan Town That Once Aimed to Be a 2nd Chicago

Posted on July 1, 2026July 13, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Cross Village was never just a scenic stop near the Tunnel of Trees. Rare postcards show an Odawa homeland, a logging town, a mission center, a burned-out Main Street and the folk-art wonder of Legs Inn.

History of Indian Beach & Indian Lake Michigan – The Resort Era West of Dowagiac

Posted on June 29, 2026July 5, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Indian Lake west of Dowagiac was once a busy resort district with trolleys, steamers, cottages, pavilions and packed summer beaches. Indian Beach and Wiest’s Resort show how Cass County families turned a rural lake into a seasonal gathering place.