It’s no secret that Michigan is chock full of surprises, whether you’re fascinated by the great outdoors, man-made attractions, or some combination of the two. But when it comes to finding the most interesting places in Michigan, we’re definitely home to some out-of-the-box destinations. For geography buffs, there’s one unique community here in the Great Lakes State that’s well worth discovering – and those who aren’t aware of its existence are sure to be impressed. This delightful small town is home to a marker for the 45th parallel in Michigan, and you’ll want to experience it for yourself.

Kewadin, Michigan is situated approximately 20 miles north of Traverse City. This tiny yet utterly unique community houses a population of just over 2,000 residents, so it’s certainly a true small town.

Google Maps

It’s along US-31 in Kewadin that you’ll find a marker for the 45th parallel: a latitudinal line that designates the halfway spot between the equator and the North Pole. The spot sits just past Coleman Road.

Google Reviews/Jacob Nelson

Whether you’re here specifically to visit the marker or making a quick stop for a photo op on your Michigan road trip, there’s something exciting about recognizing this spot’s geographical significance.

Google Maps

While your visit to the 45h parallel marker might be brief, don’t be so quick to leave Kewadin as a whole. In addition to its geographic gem, the town offers plenty of excitement for guests from all walks of life.

Flickr/Rachel Kramer

Nature enthusiasts will enjoy unwinding at Barnes County Park, which offers frontage along Grand Traverse Bay and an on-site campground that’s full of charm. You might just want to settle in and stay a while.

Google Reviews/Jamie Fron

Other visitors appreciate sipping a few adult beverages from WaterFire Vineyards, an utterly enchanting winery that’s surrounded by fresh air and natural beauty. It’s tough to imagine a more peaceful locale.

Google Reviews/Robert Murrell

Golfers will have a blast at A-Ga-Ming Golf Resort, while others will appreciate sitting down for a meal at Kewadin’s delightful Garden Cafe. It’s easy to see why this region is so beloved among travelers.

Google Reviews/Edward Sihler

When you’re ready to check “stand along the 45th parallel” off your bucket list and enjoy a small town getaway, venture to Kewadin. This Michigan treasure is full to the brim with wonderful surprises.

Flickr/upnorthmemories

Have you ever visited this small town at the 45th parallel in Michigan? We love hearing from our readers, so be sure to share your photos and experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment. If there’s another geographically significant place in Michigan that we should be aware of, be sure to fill out our official nomination form.

Google Maps

Google Reviews/Jacob Nelson

Flickr/Rachel Kramer

Google Reviews/Jamie Fron

Google Reviews/Robert Murrell

Google Reviews/Edward Sihler

Flickr/upnorthmemories

If you’re looking for more fun things to do in Michigan, read about this one-of-a-kind international wildlife refuge. Or, check out some of the coolest natural wonders in Michigan!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Kewadin, MI 49648, USA

The OIYS Visitor Center

45th Parallel in Michigan & Related Info February 14, 2023 Jennifer Are there any historical markers in Michigan? The 45th Parallel may not (at this time) have its own official green and gold sign plate, but Michigan is nevertheless home to literally hundreds of unique historical and geographic markers - a unique program that was established in 1955. There are over 1,700 of them! The state’s historical markers program tops the charts in comparison to the rest of the country, and creates an easy way for visitors to learn more about the state’s history, most beautiful sights, and most fascinating pieces of architecture. A few more notable and/or unique stops on the official Michigan Historical Markers Trail include (listed by marker name):

Camp Lunden Chapman Abraham/Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War Conant Gardens Detroit July 1967 Douglass Houghton First Mile of Concrete Highway Fort Gratiot Light Kirtland’s Warbler Mackinaw City Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan Peter Seitz Tavern and Stagecoach Inn Silver Beach Carousel Sterns Telephone Treaty of Springwells Underground Railroad

  Travelers can also find Michigan historical markers in other states as they relate back to state history. What are some of the best historical museums to visit in Michigan? To get a more comprehensive picture of Michigan’s state history, as well as that of the U.S. and other unique, overlooked subgenres in regional history, Michigan is fortunate to be home to so many spectacular museums. From small-town specialty sites to some of the most popular museums in the state, here are just a few Michigan museums worth checking out:

Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Portage Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Paradise Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn Michigan History Center, Lansing Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Negaunee Hartwick Pines Logging Museum Ziibiwing Center, Mt. Pleasant Zekelman Holocaust Center, Farmington Hills

   

The OIYS Visitor Center

45th Parallel in Michigan & Related Info

February 14, 2023

Jennifer

Are there any historical markers in Michigan? The 45th Parallel may not (at this time) have its own official green and gold sign plate, but Michigan is nevertheless home to literally hundreds of unique historical and geographic markers - a unique program that was established in 1955. There are over 1,700 of them! The state’s historical markers program tops the charts in comparison to the rest of the country, and creates an easy way for visitors to learn more about the state’s history, most beautiful sights, and most fascinating pieces of architecture. A few more notable and/or unique stops on the official Michigan Historical Markers Trail include (listed by marker name):

Camp Lunden Chapman Abraham/Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War Conant Gardens Detroit July 1967 Douglass Houghton First Mile of Concrete Highway Fort Gratiot Light Kirtland’s Warbler Mackinaw City Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan Peter Seitz Tavern and Stagecoach Inn Silver Beach Carousel Sterns Telephone Treaty of Springwells Underground Railroad

  Travelers can also find Michigan historical markers in other states as they relate back to state history. What are some of the best historical museums to visit in Michigan? To get a more comprehensive picture of Michigan’s state history, as well as that of the U.S. and other unique, overlooked subgenres in regional history, Michigan is fortunate to be home to so many spectacular museums. From small-town specialty sites to some of the most popular museums in the state, here are just a few Michigan museums worth checking out:

Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Portage Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Paradise Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn Michigan History Center, Lansing Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Negaunee Hartwick Pines Logging Museum Ziibiwing Center, Mt. Pleasant Zekelman Holocaust Center, Farmington Hills

   

The OIYS Visitor Center

The OIYS Visitor Center

The 45th Parallel may not (at this time) have its own official green and gold sign plate, but Michigan is nevertheless home to literally hundreds of unique historical and geographic markers - a unique program that was established in 1955. There are over 1,700 of them! The state’s historical markers program tops the charts in comparison to the rest of the country, and creates an easy way for visitors to learn more about the state’s history, most beautiful sights, and most fascinating pieces of architecture. A few more notable and/or unique stops on the official Michigan Historical Markers Trail include (listed by marker name):

  • Camp Lunden
  • Chapman Abraham/Jewish Soldiers in the Civil War
  • Conant Gardens
  • Detroit July 1967
  • Douglass Houghton
  • First Mile of Concrete Highway
  • Fort Gratiot Light
  • Kirtland’s Warbler
  • Mackinaw City
  • Northernmost Point of Lake Michigan
  • Peter Seitz Tavern and Stagecoach Inn
  • Silver Beach Carousel
  • Sterns Telephone
  • Treaty of Springwells
  • Underground Railroad

 

Travelers can also find Michigan historical markers in other states as they relate back to state history.

What are some of the best historical museums to visit in Michigan?

To get a more comprehensive picture of Michigan’s state history, as well as that of the U.S. and other unique, overlooked subgenres in regional history, Michigan is fortunate to be home to so many spectacular museums. From small-town specialty sites to some of the most popular museums in the state, here are just a few Michigan museums worth checking out:

  • Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Museum, Portage
  • Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, Detroit
  • Detroit Historical Museum, Detroit
  • Detroit Institute of Arts, Detroit
  • Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners
  • Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids
  • Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, Paradise
  • Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation, Dearborn
  • Michigan History Center, Lansing
  • Michigan Iron Industry Museum, Negaunee
  • Hartwick Pines Logging Museum
  • Ziibiwing Center, Mt. Pleasant
  • Zekelman Holocaust Center, Farmington Hills