Mount Arvon, Michigan ~ 10/6/23

 On google maps, it didn't look hard to find. But alas, google maps failed more often than not on our way to the highest, natural point in Michigan (elevation of 1,979 feet). At one point when google maps was working it wanted us to cross this creek 😏 A paper map wasn't much more helpful.

There were other cars we passed both coming and going from bogus pathways and we had a few hilarious conversations as well about how to get there. It was pretty funny to have so many people driving around trying to figure out how to get to the elusive Mount Arvon. 

We then saw a promising sign.

And finally, finally, we were there.

The view was spectacular!

It took a few hours to accomplish our goal but it was worth it. Would we ever do it again? Nope 😉

Here are a few maps showing its location. Good luck!

The Ironworkers Memorial and the Ironworkers Walk of Fame ~ St. Ignace and Mackinaw City, Michigan

Tall and majestic, this statue stands in Bridge View Park in St. Ignace. It is a memorial to the five workers who lost their lives in the building of the Mackinac Bridge. A plaque on the base lists their names.

The 6'3" ironworker stands on a iron beam. Janice Trimpe was the sculptor and the bronze statue was unveiled in 2007.

Also in Bridge View Park can be found the South Tower Fog Bell. It was removed from the bridge in 2002.

It's a lovely setting and a fitting memorial.

On the other side of the bridge, in Mackinaw City, the Ironworkers Hall of Fame stands.

It was constructed from bits of 3000 ironworker tools and steel building components donated by ironworkers. Also included are pieces from the World Trade Center, the Golden Gate Bridge, the George Washington Bridge, and Mackinac Bridge. It took 400 hours to assemble this three tons of galvanized steel. The architect was Moran Iron Works.

Commemorative bricks surround the sculpture and make up the "Walk of Fame."

Both sculptures honor the people who worked on the bridge and remember the five who lost their lives in the building of the mighty Mackinac Bridge.

 

Fayette Historic State Park, Garden MI

Walk the overlook hike to view this historic town from above that existed from 1867-1891 as a large iron smelting operation owned by the Jackson Iron Company. With this location close to the mining in the Upper Peninsula, the ore could be smelted into pig iron before being shipped further south to the steel producing cities.

When the area hardwoods were used up as fuel and the iron market declined, the company was closed and the up to 500 people moved away. In 1959, the State of Michigan acquired the site and turned it into a State Park.

Laborer's Alley houses were all destroyed and a replica was built to represent the worker's homes. They had a great view but under terrible conditions.

The State has been restoring this great hotel.

The furnace complex.

The limestone cliffs.

Take a look back at some upper peninsula history by walking through this well preserved ghost town.