Tag: Bay Port

Even the King makes sandwiches

Home of the Bay Port Fish Sandwich Festival. Bay Port was settled in 1851 by Carl H. Heisterman. It was first named “Geneva” and later “Wildfowl Port”. The post office was relocated here from Ora Labora in 1872. Today this tiny town has a population under 500.

1 of Michigan’s Most Famous Haunted Houses That You Never Heard Of

Posted on October 19, 2023October 19, 2023 by Michael Hardy

The former B&B has been featured on Pure Michigan, two Haunted Michigan travel books and highlighted in a paranormal documentary and a movie.

Bay Port Fish Co. in 1996 – A Retrospective

Posted on December 10, 2022December 17, 2022 by Michael Hardy

I have a great collection of pictures my parents took of the Upper Thumb region in the 1980s and 90s.

The Amazing History of The Bay Port Commercial Fishing District

Posted on July 22, 2022July 25, 2022 by Michael Hardy

Bay Port Commercial Fishing District was designated a National Historic Place in 1977. At the time there were seven buildings on the site. Now three remain.

Fascinating Stories from Ora et Labora Colony Near Bay Port Michigan 1862 – 1898

Posted on July 30, 2021June 16, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Letters from Ora Labora 1862 – 1898. Offers a glimpse of the challenges of being a religious pioneer in Michigan’s Wilderness.

This is a collection of stories written through the years.

20 of the Best Michigan Tourist Attractions in The Thumb Region

Posted on May 26, 2021June 3, 2026 by Michael Hardy

Top 15 “Must See” Michigan Upper Thumb Attractions.

A perfect recipe for a day trip or a week of exploring. Many are free to see and all are an easy drive to get to.

These 8 Michigan Thumb Attractions Offer Family Fun & Festivals

Posted on April 22, 2021December 16, 2023 by Michael Hardy

The Upper Thumb offers many family friendly attractions and things to do.

The Summer of 2021 looks return to offering events and festivals that we love to attend and see.

12 Free Things to do in Michigan’s Thumb

Posted on February 14, 2021November 11, 2021 by Michael Hardy

We went looking for over a dozen free things to in Michigan’s Thumb. This are fun for the family and only cost your time and travel.

Michigan DNR Shut Down Michigan Commercial Fishing in 2021

Posted on January 7, 2021January 28, 2026 by Michael Hardy

The Michigan Fish Producers Association representing the few commercial fishermen that remain in Michigan is suing the state’s Department of Natural Resources over changes to industry rules. Commercial fishermen were informed by the Michigan DNR that the agency did not renew commercial fishing licenses for 2021.

Ora Labora – The Final Days of the Colony 1866 – Part 5

Posted on January 5, 2020November 18, 2021 by Michael Hardy

Ora Labora’s final viable year as a religious colony in the wilderness of the upper thumb of Michigan was 1866. We reveal the final desperate attempts to keep it going.

The Planned Demise of Michigan Commercial Fishing Industry

Posted on October 20, 2019December 16, 2025 by Michael Hardy

A trio of bills now under consideration in the Michigan legislature will, if passed, be the final act that may eliminate the 13 remaining family owned commercial fishing businesses in the state.