Ever Been To Little Michigan?
Even in the Michigan cold – we start thinking about places to go and things to do in the spring. What about a unique road trip that’s definitely different. Somewhere unique, a little historic, and definitely Instagram-worthy. Enter Little Michigan at Camp Lunden, a quirky gem tucked away in Montmorency County (Lewiston), about three hours north of Detroit. Sure, it’s not the Grand Canyon, but hear me out—this spot has history and a splash of old-school charm.
What the hell is Little Michigan?
First, let’s talk about the Civilian Conservation Corps—the OG squad of unemployed young men from the Great Depression. Back in 1933, President Franklin D. Roosevelt came up with the CCC to get people working. Over 8,000 men in Michigan signed up, including 200 guys who pitched their tents at Camp Lunden, just outside Lewiston. These dudes didn’t waste time lounging around. Nope, they were busy building roads, replanting forests, digging fire lines, and even constructing trout ponds. Oh, and for fun? They decided to recreate Michigan—literally.
Little Michigan, as it’s called, is a scaled-down version of our great state, complete with four Great Lakes and Lake St. Clair. The “lakes” were hand-dug by CCC members training to be civil engineers, probably thinking, “You know what Michigan needs? A tiny Michigan.” Fast-forward to today, and this mini-Mitten is still intact, lovingly maintained by the Lewiston Historical Society. Sure, the camp shut down in 1936, but the legacy? Alive and well.
If you’re into quirky roadside stops—and who isn’t?—this is your spot. Not only can you stroll around Michigan in minutes, but you can also soak up the CCC’s history. They even built a county airport out of the forest! So, grab your road trip playlist (yes, Bob Seger is mandatory), pack some snacks, and hit the road. Little Michigan is waiting, and trust me, it’s worth the drive.
