Category: History

We examine stories and events that shaped the history of the Upper Thumb and Michigan. While we focus on the Thumb region, other Great Lakes historical events are covered. Major events include the lumbering era and the 1871 and 1881 great fires. We cover major pioneers and personalities that shaped the region. To hear many of our best stories, visit and subscribe to our Podcast, “The End of the Road in Michigan.”

Our best Michigan history posts are found below.

Michigan State Campgrounds: A Guide to DNR Systems and Regional Favorites

Posted on August 4, 2026August 9, 2026 by Paul Austin

If you wait until the snow melts to book your summer stay at Michigan state campgrounds, you’ve already lost the best sites to planners who started…

Michigan’s Southern Thumb Crossroads – Travel 6 Small Towns Built by Railroads, Farms and Fire

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

Six small Michigan towns once depended on two intersecting railroad routes. This Southern Thumb history hub brings together Michigan Moments videos, rare photographs and supporting articles about Marlette, Clifford, North Branch, Mayville, Kingston and Silverwood, tracing their shift from lumber settlements to farm communities today.

Category: History

Michigan State Campgrounds: A Guide to DNR Systems and Regional Favorites

Michigan’s Southern Thumb Crossroads – Travel 6 Small Towns Built by Railroads, Farms and Fire

How to Visit Turnip Rock in Port Austin, Michigan

History of Silverwood Michigan – 12 Shots Of A Railroad Town Once Called Easy and Rollo

Port Austin Travel Guide: Navigating the Tip of Michigan’s Thumb in 2026

New Mid-Michigan Guidebook Gives the Thumb a Larger Place in Michigan History

6 Notable Historical Events in Michigan that changed Everything

Donuts & Cider – Fall Festivals in Michigan

The History of Trout Creek Michigan – Sawmills, Railroads and Baseball

The Story of Indian Dave – A Legend in the Thumb 1803–1909