All of Michigan’s towns and cities have a rich history, but some small, lesser-known communities had a big impact on the state in their own, unique way. Here are some interesting towns you should know about.
- Chesaning
Ken/Flickr This town has strong ties to Native American history. In fact the name of the city comes from their culture. The community was originally called Northampton, but later change to reflect that connection.
- Eaton Rapids
Wystan/Flickr This small town fills up during its annual music and movies festival.
- Escanaba
Jasperado/Flickr This UP town originally revolved around the lumber industry. It remains as a gorgeous place to enjoy natural beauty.
- Manistique
Wystan/Flickr This place got its start in the iron smelting industry and is filled with structures of historical significance.
- Marshall
Wystan/Flickr This small town was once a contender with Lansing as a possible state capital and actually has its own Governor’s Mansion.
- Idlewild
Wystan/Flickr This retirement community was known as one of the few resort areas where African Americans were allowed to vacation before such descrimination was outlawed in the 1960s.
- Mackinac Island
ashokboghani/Flickr One of the few places were automobiles do not have a presence in Michigan, this city has been able to maintain its historic, small town charm that way.
- Fayette
Andrew/Flickr Once a booming iron smelting town, it’s now a historic landmark.
- Watervale Historic District
Facebook This luxurious resort community was originall built to accomodate workers in the local logging industry until Chicagoan Dr. Oscar H. Kraft bought the entire town and had it converted into a family-owned retreat.
So what do you think? Some of these places had some really interesting back stories, right? Tell us about some of your favorite historic Michigan cities in the comments below.
Ken/Flickr
This town has strong ties to Native American history. In fact the name of the city comes from their culture. The community was originally called Northampton, but later change to reflect that connection.
Wystan/Flickr
This small town fills up during its annual music and movies festival.
Jasperado/Flickr
This UP town originally revolved around the lumber industry. It remains as a gorgeous place to enjoy natural beauty.
This place got its start in the iron smelting industry and is filled with structures of historical significance.
This small town was once a contender with Lansing as a possible state capital and actually has its own Governor’s Mansion.
This retirement community was known as one of the few resort areas where African Americans were allowed to vacation before such descrimination was outlawed in the 1960s.
ashokboghani/Flickr
One of the few places were automobiles do not have a presence in Michigan, this city has been able to maintain its historic, small town charm that way.
Andrew/Flickr
Once a booming iron smelting town, it’s now a historic landmark.
This luxurious resort community was originall built to accomodate workers in the local logging industry until Chicagoan Dr. Oscar H. Kraft bought the entire town and had it converted into a family-owned retreat.
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