The STRANGEST Things About Michigan!
- 1 day ago
- 7 min read
Michigan is full of quirks, and today we’re diving into five of the strangest, most fascinating stories that make this mitten-shaped state such a weirdly wonderful place to live. From ghost towns to cursed creatures and eccentric communities, these tales prove Michigan is anything but ordinary. So, grab your favorite beverage, kick back, and let’s explore what makes living in Michigan such a trip—and I’m not just talking about potholes.
Beyond the well-known quirks, there are layers and layers of mystery and strangeness that most people have never even heard about. That’s right—Michigan has secrets, and today, I’m pulling back the curtain on five of the weirdest, most fascinating stories this state has to offer. And if you’re loving this series, I will link several videos I have done in the description so you can binge the haunted and strange things about Michigan coming from a lifelong Michigan resident and realtor serving this weird state.
Strange Things About Michigan
#1 Fayette, Michigan
Let’s kick things off with #1 Fayette Michigan, a ghost town that feels like something straight out of a Scooby doo episode—but with a touch of spooky. Nestled in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Fayette was once a thriving iron-smelting town in the late 1800s. Imagine 500 people living and working on the edge of Lake Michigan, surrounded by limestone cliffs and dense forests. At its peak, this place had blast furnaces, worker housing, a hotel, and even a company store (probably selling overpriced mustache wax and rock candy).
Fayette wasn’t just an industrial hub; it was also home to hardworking families trying to make a living during Michigan’s lumber and mining boom. But when the iron market tanked, the town folded faster than a deck chair in a Michigan windstorm. Today, Fayette Historic State Park preserves what’s left. Visitors can wander through eerily quiet buildings, from the general store to the remnants of the massive furnaces that once roared with fire.
Imagine stepping into one of these old homes and hearing the faint echo of conversations from the 1800s.
People have reported feeling a strange heaviness in the air, like the past is still lingering around—and some even claim to hear footsteps or whispers when no one else is nearby. Whether it’s the wind or something more supernatural, Fayette keeps you on your toes. For the adventurous (and slightly brave), it’s a fantastic way to mix history with a dash of ghostly intrigue. Plus, it’s the perfect story to drop at your next dinner party: “So, this one time, I hung out with some ghosts in Michigan…”
Strange Things About Michigan
#2 Singing Bridge of Dimondale
Now, let’s cruise over to #2 and that’s the Singing Bridge of Dimondale. This isn’t your average bridge—it doesn’t just sit there looking pretty and holding up cars. Oh no, this bridge likes to make itself heard. As you drive across it, the bridge produces an eerie humming or singing sound. Some say it’s haunting; others think it’s oddly comforting—like a metal lullaby. The sound is caused by the unique construction of the bridge and how it interacts with the vibrations of passing cars. But wouldn’t it be cooler to believe it’s the bridge’s way of saying, “Thanks for visiting. Don’t forget to leave a Yelp review”? Locals love the Singing Bridge, and some even drive out of their way to hear it hum its tune. There are rumors that the sound changes depending on the weather or time of day, which is probably just science doing its thing.
Over the years, the Singing Bridge has attracted curious visitors who drive across it just to experience the phenomenon.
Some even claim the sound changes depending on the weather, adding to its mystique. Is it science? Magic? Or just Michigan doing its usual weird thing? Either way, it’s a delightful little oddity that makes road trips more interesting. And let’s be real: in a state where you spend half your time dodging potholes, a bridge that hums is practically a welcome mat. Next time you’re in Eaton County, roll down your windows, take a slow drive across, and let the bridge serenade you. Just don’t be surprised if your passengers think you’ve officially lost it.
Strange Things About Michigan
#3 Detroit Michigan's Nain Rouge
Speaking of weird Michigan legends, let’s talk about #3 and that’s Nain Rouge, Detroit’s resident troublemaker, known more by the locals and less by outsiders across the country. Picture a creepy red troll with glowing eyes and a knack for bad timing. The Nain Rouge—or “Red Dwarf”—is said to appear right before disasters strike, making it Detroit’s unofficial mascot of doom. Legend has it, the Nain Rouge first made an appearance in the 1700s, when Detroit’s founder, Antoine de la Mothe Cadillac, had a run-in with the little guy. Apparently, Cadillac insulted the Nain Rouge, which, as you can imagine, didn’t end well. Cadillac’s fortunes took a nosedive, and the Nain Rouge has been blamed for everything from the Great Fire of 1805 to Detroit’s more modern woes.
But leave it to Detroit to turn a curse into a party......
Every year, the city holds the Marche du Nain Rouge, a parade where residents dress up and symbolically chase the Nain Rouge out of town. Think Mardi Gras, but with more red trolls and fewer beads. It’s a wild, fun tradition that’s equal parts catharsis and celebration. So, if you’re ever in Detroit in March, grab your red cape and join the festivities. Just maybe don’t insult the Nain Rouge—we’ve learned that lesson already. Here's a LINK to the march.
Strange Things About Michigan
#4 Michigan's Prehistoric Whale Fossils
Let’s pivot from mythical creatures to prehistoric wonders because Michigan’s history goes way deeper than lumberjacks and cherry pie. Case in point, #4 are the prehistoric whale fossils. Yes, you read that right. Whales. In Michigan. Millions of years ago, during the Devonian period, Michigan was covered by a tropical sea. Fast forward to modern times, and researchers in Alpena unearthed fossils of ancient whales and other marine life. Because, apparently, Michigan’s been weird for a while now. These fossils offer a fascinating glimpse into a time when Michigan wasn’t all Great Lakes and maple trees.
Imagine digging in your backyard and finding out it used to be a prehistoric ocean. Mind blown, right?
These fossils have turned Alpena into a mini hotbed for paleontology. The Besser Museum for Northeast Michigan showcases many of these discoveries, offering visitors a chance to see remnants of creatures that lived millions of years ago. It’s like stepping into Jurassic Park, minus the T-Rex. The idea that whales once swam where we now have forests and lakes is enough to make you rethink everything you know about Michigan. So the next time someone tries to tell you Michigan is boring, hit them with this gem: “Oh, you think Michigan’s just about snow and cherries? We’ve got WHALE FOSSILS. Checkmate.”
Strange Things About Michigan
#5 The House of David in Benton Harbor, Michigan
Finally, we have #5, a religious commune that’s equal parts fascinating and bizarre. Founded in 1903 by Benjamin and Mary Purnell, the House of David had some, let’s say, unique rules. Members had to remain celibate, vegetarian, and totally devoted to the community. Despite these restrictions—or maybe because of them—the commune thrived. They even built their own amusement park, complete with miniature trains and a zoo. Yes, you read that right—a religious commune with a zoo. You can’t make this stuff up.
The House of David also had a killer baseball team known for their long beards and impressive skills. They toured the country, drawing crowds and baffling opposing teams who probably weren’t ready for the combo of stellar pitching and biblical aesthetics. But the House of David wasn’t without its controversies. Allegations of misconduct and financial mismanagement eventually led to its decline, but its legacy lives on. Today, you can visit the House of David museum in Benton Harbor and marvel at artifacts from this truly one-of-a-kind community. And let’s be real—how many religious groups can say they ran a theme park and a baseball team? That’s peak Michigan weirdness.
Michigan is a state that doesn’t just embrace its weirdness—it thrives on it. Whether it’s a ghost town with whispers of the past, a singing bridge that defies explanation, or a red dwarf that just won’t quit, these stories prove the Great Lakes State is anything but ordinary. So, the next time someone asks what makes Michigan so special, just hit ‘em with prehistoric whales, ghost towns, and bridges that hum. If that doesn’t leave them speechless, nothing will.
My question for you is, have you heard of any of these 5 things before? And what other weird things about Michigan do you know that some people may not? Drop them in the comments below.
If you’re not too weirded out to move to Michigan, I help people all over the world move to, within and out of the state of Michigan, and I love it, so if you ever need anything don’t hesitate to reach out I’m happy to be a resource. Until next time.
Cheers,
Andrew
Andrew McManamon is a Michigan REALTOR® with Signature Sotheby’s International Realty and provides real estate services to Buyers, Sellers and Investors throughout SE Michigan including Livingston County, Oakland County, Washtenaw County, Genesee County & beyond. Andrew has become one of the pillars of Michigan real estate. Prior to his real estate career Andrew was responsible for managing a senior living facility in Brighton, Michigan as a dining supervisor and an activities assistant. Andrew’s passion to help people is unlike any other, and he continues to strive to be the best resource he can be. Andrew graduated from Cleary University in Howell, Michigan with a double major in business and marketing, and currently resides in Brighton, Michigan.
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