I’m visiting each of Michigan’s 83 counties
Fayette Historical State Park is one of the most fascinating places I have ever been; I was definitely not disappointed. An abandoned ghost town founded on the pig iron industry in the UP, sitting alone for decades before becoming a state treasure; Fayette is a Michigan gem.
According to the internet, “Kitch-iti-kipi” means “big cold water",” which is appropriate for the largest fresh water spring in the State of Michigan. The original name given to this site by indigenous people was “Mirror of Heaven,” which is also extremely appropriate given the placid water surface (I don’t know how accurate that is: like I said, the internet told me). One of the things I wanted to know most about this site was the history indigenous people had with it, but it’s really hard to find that kind of information. The DNR/State Parks Department didn’t have anything there about it, and the information online is super inconsistent.
Apparently, every single time I’ve ever crossed the Mackinac Bridge in my life, I’ve been in Cheboygan County. All of those summer trips heading up to Cedarville, St. Ignace, and Sault St. Marie took me through Mackinaw City and Cheboygan County. Stopping there for an evening was a first in my memory, though.
I’ve spent some time in Saugatuck at the State Park, and recently a friend took me downtown on our way to Chicago. I’d never heard of Mount Baldhead, despite it being a popular spot.
I live in Kent County, and I had been to lookout park before once or twice to catch a sunset. It’s a pretty typical city park: some picnic tables, trees, and a sign with rules posted on it. It’s relatively small, and the view from the park is honestly…okay.
My soundtrack was ironic driving into Kalamazoo, because it was totally still raining a little bit and the sun was no where to be seen. Kalamazoo County was my last stop of 6 on this particular weekend, and I was itching to get home. I’ve been in the city of Kalamazoo dozens of times, but this was the first time I went to visit Western Michigan University’s Heritage Hall.
Calhoun County, much like many other counties in Michigan, is covered in farms with small towns interrupting the otherwise constant flow of agricultural fields. Southern Exposure is a spot tucked away in Calhoun County, where farm meets fancy.
I visited Rawson’s King Mill Park on a rather rainy June day. It’s set back in a bunch of farmland, and was definitely quite a ways off the beaten path. The park is a historical mill site that was donated to St. Joseph County Parks by the Rawson family. It’s a pretty spot for senior pictures, engagement photos, or a small outdoor wedding. There are gazebos, and the gorgeous mill building still standing on the property.
They weren’t wrong, South Haven is a magical little lakefront town. It’s bursting with local shops, unique restaurants, and ample waterfront viewing options. Not to mention, South Beach.
Cass County is full of little towns with lakefront vibes that aren’t actually on the lakefront; it’s cute. When I first arrived in Cassopolis though, it was not what I was expecting for an inland lake town.
I’d driven through Berrien county on my way to Chicago many times, but I’d never bothered to stop there for anything before now.
I’ve lived in Michigan all my life, aside from my 5-ish month stint abroad in Panamá. Despite living here for almost 24 years, though, I’ve seen relatively little of my home state. I’ve traveled abroad, out west, to the east coast, down south, and all over the midwest; my travels in Michigan though, are always to my same favorite spots. This year, that changes.
