Seven Spots Up North & What They're (Somewhat) Famous For

May 28, 2024

Everyone knows Traverse City is famous for the Cherry Festival. Leelanau is home to Sleeping Bear Dunes. Mackinac Island has great fudge. But what about some of those lesser-known attractions? The cool, quirky, or downright weird things that define our northern Michigan towns?

In this week's Northern Express, sister publication of The Ticker, staff explore what some of our friends and neighbors are known for…at least among those in the know. From the lone stoplight in Benzie County to the official state soil (Kalkaska sand) to Traverse City's Hippie Tree to Kaleva's Bottle House, learn more about some of the offbeat attractions and histories that make our region unique.

The Northern Express is available to read online, or pick up a free copy on newsstands at nearly 700 spots in 14 counties across northern Michigan.