Stories from the 45th
The Complete Guide to Morel Hunting in Northern Michigan
Morel season doesn't announce itself. You either know where to look or you don't. Here's everything we know about hunting morels in Northern Michigan. When to go, which ones to pick, what to watch out for, and the only recipe you actually need when you get home.
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Maple Season on the 45th Parallel. One Year After the Storm That Almost Ended It.
Maple season is back on the 45th Parallel. One year after an ice storm took a third of Michigan's crop, the sap is running and the producers who stayed are still here.
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The In-Between: What Nobody Tells You About April Up North
Nobody puts April on a poster. Here's what's actually happening Up North right now, and why the weird in-between season is worth paying attention to.
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Solar Maximum and what to expect.
As the Solar Cycle 25 approaches its peak, the night sky is becoming more alive with color. This blog breaks down what causes the shifting hues of the Aurora Borealis, how the Kp index predicts visibility, and why now is one of the best times in years to look up.
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The return of the Sandhill Crane
Each spring the unmistakable call of the Sandhill Crane returns to Michigan’s marshes and wetlands. These ancient birds, which have existed for millions of years, depend on healthy wetland ecosystems for nesting and survival. Their migrations, courtship dances, and powerful bugling calls make them one of the most iconic wildlife species in the state and an enduring symbol of seasonal change.
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Keeping The Fire
For thousands of years, fire has been at the center of the human story. It warmed our ancestors, cooked our food, and gave us a place to gather, reflect, and share stories. But fire is more than a tool. It is a force that demands patience, respect, and balance. When tended with care, it sustains us. When neglected or fueled without restraint, it can destroy everything in its path. Perhaps the same is true of the fires we carry in our own lives.
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Shingle Mill Pathway: The Most Accessible Winter Hike in Pigeon River Country
Looking for an easy-access winter hiking or snowshoeing trail in Northern Michigan? Shingle Mill Pathway in the Pigeon River Country State Forest offers scenic river views, a 1,700 foot cedar swamp boardwalk, and loop options from three quarters of a mile to eleven miles, all directly off Sturgeon Valley Road with no need for four wheel drive. This popular winter trail near the Pigeon Bridge Campground winds along the Pigeon River, climbs into quiet highlands, and provides opportunities to spot elk, deer, and other wildlife. Whether you are new to snowshoeing or planning a longer winter hike, Shingle Mill Pathway delivers one of the most accessible and beautiful cold weather trail experiences in Northern Michigan.
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Following the 45th Parallel Through Michigan
The 45th Parallel cuts across the northern half of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, through cherry orchards, pine forests, and small towns that know how to live well in every season. Here's what the line looks like on the ground.
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What Is the 45th Parallel? Why It Defines Life in Northern Michigan
The 45th Parallel runs halfway between the Equator and the North Pole, and it runs right through Northern Michigan. Here's what that means, where it goes, and why the people up here feel it.
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POLAR EQUATOR TRAIL
Three years ago I was walking the woods along the road of our property and saw a an an old metal sign covered by leav...
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