Delaware Park in Sanilac County

When driving around the thumb of Michigan's lower peninsula, we came across Delaware Park. Located  along M-25 near Sanilac, the area is a hidden treasure. No one was there but us chickens on the 111 acres. We explored the hiking and fishing trails along with a beach and saw traces of a cozy campfire. Did we mention the views of Lake Huron are gorgeous???

Dancers on M-25

We haven't placed many posts from private residences in the past, but this sculpture, visible from M-25 in Port Sanilac, forced us to stop when we spotted it.  The dancers?!? made us smile as they are life size, graceful, joyful and there for everyone passing by to enjoy.

Marlette's First United Methodist Church

The neo-gothic First United Methodist Church in Marlette has been standing on Main Street since 1902. Joseph Mills was not only the architect of this historic church but also the local high school and the county courthouse. December 16th at 10am, the service includes a solo concert by Jerry Garcia who resides in Adrian.

Marlette Library

There were 53 Carnegie Libraries built in Michigan and the Marlette Library, dating back to 1921, was the last one built in the Midwest. Marlette belongs to MelCat, the Michigan Electronic Library Catalog.  This entity contains the combined holdings of all participating Michigan libraries which will eventually include 48 million items.  That means that Michigan residents whose library belongs to MelCat get to take advantage of this entire collection. This also includes interlibrary loans. It's a beautiful thing. So many books--so little time! The playful dragon in the children's section is called Pageburner.

Lexington's A Night to Remember

For a special occasion, you'll get all the pampering that is expected at A Night to Remember, a beautiful bed and breakfast in Lexington. Impeccably decorated, each room has a comfy pillowtop mattress, lovely linens and down comforters and free wifi. For the buffet breakfasts, hostess Nadine serves her homemade fare using Grandma's special china. This is a great spot from which to explore Lexington on Lake Huron.

Wind Farm in the Thumb

They loom large in the thumb as you drive by. DTE Energy has set up a wind farm in a quadrangle cornered by Kinde, Bad Axe, Port Hope and Harbor Beach. Those 400 foot tall towers are pretty much jaw droppers on a windy day as the rotors churn. 140 of these giants are being installed by DTE in the thumb which is a 500 million dollar investment by the company.

Hershberger Amish Furniture in Snover

If you are traveling Van Dyke up in the thumb, you'll notice one sign indicating Hershberger Furniture south of Bad Axe. The 2 mile trek to the east on Shabbona Road is definitely worth a visit. It's a picturesque Amish farm in Snover where Aaron Hershberger creates beautiful rustic works of art from log beds and dressers to dining room tables, rocking chairs and bar stools.

Marlette's Mastodon at the Train Depot

On Sundays in October from 2-5pm, the Marlette Historical Society is opening their lovely restored 1890 train depot to visitors. On display is a 10,000 year old mastodon skull that was unearthed 12 years ago on a nearby farm. Marlette is celebrating its 150th birthday this year and the fossil is on loan from the University of Michigan where it normally resides. Situated on the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad line, the historical society purchased the depot in 1999 and this multi-use building now can be enjoyed by many.

Mother-in-Law Bridge in Croswell

The Mother-in-law bridge over the Black River in Croswell is a hoot. Also known as the Swinging Bridge, this suspension structure was built over 100 years ago by the Michigan Sugar Company to give their employees a quick foot access to reach their jobs at the sawmill. At the time, the cost for this 139 foot bridge was $300. Like the sign says, capacity is limited to 50 people at a time.  It is so annoying when people jump up and down! You have to put this on your bucket list because it is the longest suspension footbridge in our state.

Lexington Pier and Harbor Park

The town of Lexington is filled with many surprises!  We enjoyed walking along the pier on Lake Huron during the sunset with a music tribute to ABBA playing in the Harbor Park. The food concessions were from  local restaurants like the delicious Wimpie burger. We even did a little dancing.  Music concerts are held in the park throughout the summer on week end evenings.

Port Sanilac's Raymond House Inn

The Raymond House Inn is a luxurious and cozy bed and breakfast in Port Sanilac.  Less than two hours from Detroit, 7 spacious bedrooms are available with warm period furnishings (five with private baths).  The whole establishment is filled with antiques and collectibles. Ask Cristy and her mom where the shawl came from in the green room.  A private residence for the Raymond Family for over 112 years, it was restored in 1983 and placed on the historic register in 1992.  It is very reasonably priced and within walking distance of Lake Huron, the marina and some of the towns favorite restaurants.  Don't forget to visit the Harbor Light Gift shop in the back for some real treasures!

Sanilac County Historic Village

We really enjoyed or visit to the Sanilac County Village and Museum.  The hour and a half tour is about gives much interesting detail about the town, how people lived, what things were used for, etc. We began in the Loop Harrison Mansion built in 1872 and walked outside to the general store, dairy museum, carriage barn, log cabin, schoolhouse, cottage, church and depot. More buildings are being added. Take some time to enjoy a little bit of yesteryear in Port Sanilac.   

Barn Theatre in Port Sanilac

It's not often you can watch live theatre in a 150 year old barn, but that is what takes place up in Port Sanilac in the thumb. The Barn Theatre has been entertaining locals since 1980 just 15 minutes north of Lexington on Lake Huron. Arsenic and Old Lace, one of our favorites, is playing this weekend.

Sanilac Petroglyphs near Cass City

The Sanilac Petroglyphs in Michigan's thumb area are rock carvings that have been etched in sandstone hundreds of years ago by native Indians. They are the only known ones that exist in our state. They were discovered after a fire in the 1880's cleared the brush. Protected by the state now in a 240 acre park, these unique etchings are open Wednesday through Sunday starting June 2 through September 5. There are also trails that cross the Little Cass River for hikers. Visitors are given paper, pencils and plaques with replications of the designs to make rubbings of the ancient drawings to keep as great souvenirs.