30 Things You Need To Know About “The Thumb” Of Michigan Before You Move

1. The Pristine Beauty Of The Thumb Will Blow Your Mind

With more than 150 miles of coastland, 51,000 acres of public recreation land and a few old growth areas, beauty is abundant here. So much so that…

2. Cheeseburgers + Jimmy Buffett = The Best Festival EVER

Every year, Caseville hosts Cheeseburger in Caseville, a festival dedicated to cheeseburgers, tropical paradise, and Jimmy Buffett. This 10 day long festival includes it all, but the crowd favorites are the fireworks and the Parade Of Tropical Foods. There’s not many places that you can watch a burger drive by.

3. Have You Ever Celebrated A Fish Sandwich? The Thumb Does… And Much More

The Tuscoloa County Pumpkin Festival, The Bay Port Fish Sandwich Festival, The Michigan Bean Festival… Listing off all the festivals here would take forever. Since the area is largely agricultural, if it’s fruit, fish or something that’s harvested, it’s celebrated. There’s even a festival for bologna! Seriously—it’s called the Yale Bologna Festival and it’s been going strong since ‘89. [Insert your own joke about the shelf life of bologna here.]

4. There May Not Be A Leaning Tower Of Pisa, But There Is The Venice Of Michigan

The largest freshwater delta in North America is found in the Algonac/St. Clair Flats area. Often referred to as the Venice of Michigan, as there are many canals that wind their way through the city. So rent a canoe, grab a lantern and make someone paddle while you pretend you’re in a gondola far, far away.

5. Hunting And Fishing Are A Way Of Life

With more than 49,000 acres of state game and wildlife areas on top of the easy access to multiple bodies of water, it’s easy to see why hunting and fishing are more than just pastimes here. People from all over flock to the area to try and bag the buck with the most points or break the record for the biggest fish.

6. Summer Is For Festivals

In The Thumb, if it’s a thing then there’s a festival for it. From the Crosswell Swinging Bridge Festival to the numerous maritime festivals, summer is the time for celebration. They’re also home to many music festivals as well, like Port Sanilac’s weekly concerts in the park.

7. Everyone Gets Folksy At Thumbfest

Lexington hosts an all-day bash centered on folk music called Thumbfest. With multiple stages, you can hear everything from blues to gypsy worldbeat to bluegrass. Got a banjo? Great! Bring it—they’ve got workshops and jam circles galore.

8. People From The Thumb Are Super Sweet, Literally

The Thumb boasts the Sugar Beet capital (Sebewaing) and multiple sugar companies. They even celebrate it yearly with the Michigan Sugar Festival. With all this sucrose in the area, how could they be anything but sweet?

9. Polka Is On The Airwaves

That’s right—while scanning radio stations in the Thumb you may catch a polka show (or two, if you scan AM and FM). But with such strong German and Polish heritage, it’s only natural that polka is still broadcast. It is also celebrated in Kinde, with Polkafest. So if you’ve ever wanted to bust out your two-stepping polka skills (just me?) this is the place to debut.

10. The Thumb Had County Fairs Before You Did

The Croswell Agricultural Society Fair has been around since 1884, making it one of the oldest fairs in Michigan. With such a longstanding tradition full of family friendly events, rides and more—it’s safe to say this is one county fair that knows what it’s doing.

11. It’s Root, Root, Root For The Sort-Of Home Team

Though Detroit may be a drive away, the pride for Detroit’s sports teams is definitely at home in The Thumb. From the Pistons to the Tigers to the Lions, there’s a sport for everyone and every season to enjoy. That is, of course, when they’re not rooting for their actual home team, like the Port Huron Icehawks.

12. It’s Full Of The Best Tourist Hot Spots

The Thumb has many resort communities along the beautiful shores of Lake Huron. The small town, simple way of living draws in many people looking to unwind and get away from the daily hustle and bustle. But the people living here would rather live in a small town anyway.

13. Take The Scenic Route And Cruise M-25

M-25 is a mainly scenic route that generally remains in view of Lake Huron or Saginaw Bay for its entirety. So go ahead and act like it’s 1955 and spend the day cruising the picturesque highway.

14. The Thumb Is Indefinable

While most say The Thumb area includes only Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac counties, many tend to lump in Lapper and St. Clair counties as well. But that’s okay because no matter where you draw the line on this appendage, you’re sure to be in awe.

15. Cider Mills And Orchards Are A Fall Favorite

There is something very satisfying about picking your own apples. The fruit of your labor is sweeter when it’s ultra fresh. Cider mills are a fall tradition that starts before you can even walk. The Thumb is full of areas to get your fill of fresh pressed cider and crisp, sweet apples, like Janik’s Orchard and Apple Layne Orchard.

16. The Blue Water Area Boasts The Best Views

The Blue Water Area includes the cities and towns along the coast of The Thumb. It’s truly recommended to wake up early or stay up late at least once and catch the best sunrise of your life along any of the unparalleled beaches in the area. It is, after all, called the sunrise side.

17. With Great Land Comes Great Wineries

The Blue Water Area provides a great climate for growing grapes, so it’s only natural that The Thumb is dotted with delicious wineries. Take on the Sunrise Side Wine Tasting Trail or simply choose one, like the Lexington Brewing Company and Wine House, and sample all they have to offer.

18. Hi-Way Drive-In Is Alive And Well

Let nostalgia take over as you head to Michigan’s oldest drive-in theater. Hi-Way Drive-In offers new releases in a historic setting. If you’ve never sat on the hood of your car with your radio tuned to the movie, you’re truly missing out.

19. Treasure Hunting For Antiques Is A Great Past Time

Antiques are plentiful here. From the world famous Water Street Antique Mall to smaller antique shops and flea markets, there’s no shortage of great finds. Antiques are such a big deal here, there’s even numerous festivals for them—ike Port Sanilac’s Antique Boat Show and Vintage Festival.

20. Buying Local Is A Way Of Life

You don’t live in a largely agricultural area and not eat locally. That would be like living next to a pristine lake and never even dipping your toes in. With a farmers’ market in practically every city, you won’t have to look hard to find the freshest produce and locally made goods.

21. The People Change With The Seasons

With bountiful, beautiful land comes a seasonal population. Many people fall hard for the fall colors or become enamored with the ease of access to freshwater and decide to purchase a seasonal home so they can enjoy everything The Thumb has to offer. Which is to say, great views, kind people, and a lot of fun.

22. You Don’t Have To Be Lance Armstrong To Ride The Blue Water Ramble

The Blue Water Ramble is one of the largest one-day riding events in North America. With five route distances ranging in length, you don’t have to be Lance Armstrong to participate. An added bonus? The routes take riders along the beautiful St. Clair River and Port Huron countryside; the scenes will take your breath away even more than the exercise.

23. Everybody Knows Everybody, Or At Least It Seems That Way

Here in The Thumb, the towns are small and Midwest Charm is bountiful. It seems as if everyone knows everyone, and that’s because they practically do. It’s part of the small town charm that fosters their strong sense of community.

24. Lighthouse Tours Are A Big Thing

While you’re cruising along M-25, take a few breaks and check out the remarkable amount of lighthouses located along the way. Whether you want to look at them from afar or tour a few public ones, the lighthouses offer a great glimpse into the region’s history.

25. Pretend You’re Jacques Cousteau And Scuba Through Shipwrecks

With Great Lakes come great shipwrecks. The Thumb has two underwater preserves that are dedicated to preserving more than 35 different shipwrecks. Scuba divers and snorkelers of all levels can explore the unique vessels on the bottom of Lake Huron.

26. People From The Thumb Are So Agricultural They Farm The Wind

The Thumb has consistent wind that is fairly strong, making it an ideal location for wind turbines. Though some do feel the turbines are an eyesore there are others that take pride in the dotted landscape. Opinions may differ, but there is no doubt that they are a growing source of energy for the nearby communities.

27. Thespians Are Abundant In The Thumb

Practically every town, city and village in The Thumb has their own version of a community theatre. Whether you go for the laughs, the cries, or any emotion—you won’t be disappointed. From Port Austin to Pigeon to Harbor Beach, their players deliver outstanding performances that will make you feel like you’ve been teleported to Broadway.

28. The Bayview Mackinac Race Is A Big Deal

The Bayview Mackinac Race is the longest consecutively run freshwater race in the world. From just north of the Blue Water Bridge ships begin their journey, sailing along the coast of Michigan until they reach the Mackinac Island. Even if you don’t find sailing races exciting, there is something magical about seeing them sail into Lake Huron from the river.

29. The Senate Can Thank Kinde For Their Bean Soup

Kinde was once the bean capital of the world. So it’s only natural that you will find all variations on bean soup in the Thumb region. And it’s not just the people of the Thumb that are bananas about bean soup—the Senate likes it too. Though there are several stories about the mandate of Senate Bean Soup, which is served daily in the Senate Cafeteria in Washington, D.C., one thing is for sure—the beans that started the tradition came from Michigan.

30. Thomas Edison Grew Up Here

Thomas Edison moved to Port Huron in 1854 and lived there from the ages of seven to sixteen. Edison began selling newspaper and candies on a train that went from Detroit to Port Huron. Subsequently, the depot in Port Huron now acts as a museum documenting his life while he lived there. What do you love about living in The Thumb? Tell us in the comments below!