The End of the Road in Michigan

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the gripping true story of the 1924 Caseville forest fire. With high winds and dry weather fueling the blaze, a small Michigan town faced down disaster with grit, shovels, and community strength.

Hear how residents and neighbors fought to save Caseville, Oak Beach, and beyond. It's a tale of bravery, quick thinking, and one narrow escape after another. This historical flashback is packed with drama—and just the right amount of sass.

To read the full story, check out Flashback - The Heroic Battle to Save Caseville, Michigan from a Raging Forest Fire - 1924

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan,  we recount the harrowing collision between the passenger steamer City of Cleveland III and the freighter Ravnefjeel off the coast of Harbor Beach in 1950.

Through survivor accounts, local headlines, and historical context, we revisit a deadly fog-shrouded morning that left three dead, one missing, and a community in mourning. This little-remembered incident offers a sobering look at how quickly disaster can unfold on the Great Lakes—and how the echoes of that day still reach us 75 years later.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we revisit the tragic crash of Capital Airlines Flight 67 near Midland.

The disaster claimed 47 lives and exposed critical gaps in mid-century aviation safety. Hear eyewitness accounts, explore the investigation, and learn how one crash reshaped U.S. airline procedures. This is the story of a flight that never made it home—and the changes it forced across the skies.

For more on this story, check out Capital Airlines Flight 67 Crash: The Disaster That Shook Mid-Michigan – April 1958

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

Dive into the intriguing history of Michigan’s Pontiac, Oxford & Northern Railroad, affectionately known as the Polly Ann.

Running through the Thumb region from 1889 to 1984, the Polly Ann was crucial for local agriculture and industry, from beans and sugar beets to gravel for construction.

Discover how this struggling railway shaped communities, transformed into a recreational trail, and left lasting landmarks in Caseville, Michigan. Join us on this nostalgic journey along one of Michigan's most endearing railways.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

Beneath the waters of Michigan’s Thumb lie hundreds of shipwrecks—silent remains of steamers, barges, and schooners that met their end in Lake Huron.

In this episode, we share the gripping stories of five lost vessels, from deadly collisions to ghost ship mysteries. Featuring the 1893 collision of the Philadelphia and Albany, the strange fate of the Caprice, and shallow wrecks you can visit today, this episode takes you to the edge of history—and under the waves. 

Got your own shipwreck story? Connect with us on social media or leave a comment.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we trace the long, colorful life of Port Austin’s iconic Lakeside Inn — a building that began as Huron County’s temporary courthouse in the 1860s and ended in a fiery blaze more than a century later.

From its Prohibition-era notoriety as a raided speakeasy to its golden age in the 1930s under Charles Finzel, the Lakeside Inn was once the Thumb’s premier entertainment venue. Big bands, roller-skating, political rallies, and poetry readings filled its lakeside pavilion — affectionately known as “The Fun Center.”

But in July 1967, it all went up in smoke. Join us as we recount the story of a building that mirrored Michigan’s changing times — and left behind a legacy that still echoes through the village of Port Austin.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

On a frigid December night in 1930, Elkton, Michigan, watched helplessly as its beloved schoolhouse rose in flames. The fire lit the sky for miles, consuming a building that had stood since 1903 and served generations of local students.

 In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we recount the devastating blaze, the community's swift response, and how a small Thumb town came together to ensure education didn't stop—despite the loss. From improvised classrooms to a new state-of-the-art schoolhouse rising just months later, this is a story of loss, resolve, and rebuilding—and of the old school bell that rang one final time before falling silent forever.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we head back to 1894 and uncover the story of Bay Port, a once-thriving summer resort on Saginaw Bay. Promoted by the Flint & Pere Marquette Railroad, Bay Port drew wealthy travelers from Chicago, Cincinnati, and St. Louis looking for fresh air, first-class lodging, and a break from the grime of big cities.

Bay Port was no ordinary stop, with electric bells in every room, a mineral well said to have healing powers, and a casino for dancing and bowling. So what happened to this ambitious lakeside resort? And why did it vanish from memory? 

Join us for a trip back in time to Michigan’s Thumb and a look at one of the state’s lost vacation hotspots.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

From Civil War-era origins to the modern day, the Smith-Culhane House in Port Austin stands as a quiet witness to Michigan's evolving story. In this episode of End of the Road in Michigan, we visit the historic Victorian home at the tip of the Thumb. Once a grand residence during the lumber boom, the home later transformed into a B&B and has now returned to private ownership. Join us as we explore the home's architecture, its many roles, and the lives of those who shaped its legacy.

The Smith-Culhane House, a 150-year-old Victorian home in Port Austin, Michigan, reflects the region’s lumber boom heritage. Once a family residence, it now serves as a private home after being revived into a Bed and Breakfast, preserving local history and architecture.

The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications

The Upper Thumb has been deemed the “Closer Up North” for Southeast Michigan and Detroit.


Are you looking for a summer trip just far enough to feel like a getaway? We share 12 things to do in Michigan’s Upper Thumb—from the quirky Cheeseburger Festival in Caseville to haunted inns, polka dances, and hidden beach camping. It’s the kind of place where the burgers are big, the vibes are weird, and the locals like it that way—a perfect episode for road trip season.


The End of the Road in Michigan is a production of Thumbwind Publications