Mikel B. Classen – Sault Sainte Marie, Michigan
Author, Photographer, and Historian
Recipient of the Historical Society of Michigan’s, 2020 George Follo Award for Upper Peninsula History
News From Mikel: 7/31/2026 – The summer has just flown by around here. It’s hard to believe that it is the end of July already. Currently I’m working on some fascinating stories that will finish up True Tales Volume 2. One is a story of one of John Dillinger’s men that was from the U.P.! Another is a big train robbery that includes Pinkertons and a Jesse James style train holdup. These and about 15 other stories will adorn the pages of my next book, the second True Tales. In the meantime, I am making appearances this fall in several places with new ones being added all the time, so follow our events listings and hopefully I will see many of you on the road.
I recently released my second Yooper History Hunter book: Grand Island, Island of History and Mystery. Not only does this book contain a history of the Island, but also advises on highlights of exploring the Island. Situated in Munising Bay, Grand Island is an often overlooked great place to explore. The book not only takes the reader there, but is meant to be taken there with the reader to aid in exploring Grand Island. For a more in-depth description of the book or to purchase a signed copy, click here.
If anyone is interested in having me sell and sign books at an event or give a talk on U.P. history, send an email to mikelclassen@mikelbclassen.com
Latest Posts
The Legend of John Hulbert’s Gold
From time to time, I come across unusual tales about lost finds of precious metals. The Upper Peninsula of Michigan is well known for its mineral wealth. The same geological processes that make copper also create gold and silver. They are often found together. It is not unusual to read that the copper mines were…
Grand Island – Island of History and Mystery -New Release Book!
Just Released, my new book, Grand Island – Island of History and Mystery. This is the second in the Yooper History Hunter Series and it is now available! This is book designed to encourage readers to spend some time at Grand Island. The book not only features the Island’s history but it comes complete with…
The Detour Michigan Sawmill Caper – A Bit of Piracy
The Sawmill Escapade In 1890 there were four brothers named Moiles, John, George, Henry, and James. They were from Saginaw, Michigan and set up a large sawmill in Detour, Michigan. The four brothers invested everything and carried a large debt. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to secure enough logs to make the sawmill profitable even though…
Shooting the Rapids with the Ojibwa
Sault Ste. Marie’s Whitewater Adventure Sault Ste. Marie and the rapids of the St. Mary’s River provided an obstacle to Lake Superior. The cataracts of the river cascaded for a mile and no large ships could make it over them. For the local Native Americans, this was no object. Using their canoes, they would fish…
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