It’s spooky season and you know what that means, right? Yep! The Coddiwomplist is here to bring you our annual visit to a Michigan ghost town! So, where are we going this year? Follow me to the watery remnants of Emerson, Michigan
In The Beginning…
It seems I begin the history of most Michigan towns the exact same way – it started as a lumber town. Emerson was no different. It was established by a lumberman from the Saginaw area named Kurt Emerson in the 1880’s. However, the one difference I noticed while researching this town was that Emerson came to the Whitefish Bay area strictly to make his fortune. He then quickly sold it to a lumber company to gain his profit. Most of the time when I am doing the backstory I find that the founders want to hold onto it as their legacy. Not Kurt Emerson.
At the town’s peak in 1890, it had around 109 residents and offered them a hotel, a general store, schoolhouse and more. They had a post office that was opened in 1884 and was operated by Fremont Chesbrough.
Emerson, Michigan was sold twice from 1884 to 1912. First to the Chesbrough Lumber Company in 1884 and, lastly, to the Charcoal Iron Company in 1912. With lumber depleted by 1912, residents turned to commercial fishing on Lake Superior.
Emerson At The End
Nearby Paradise opened their own school in 1927 which soon led to the closing of the one in Emerson and the students combined into one location. The population of Emerson had dwindled by 1939 to a mere 25 residents and by the end of World War 2, the town of Emerson was no more.
Emerson’s post office was officially closed in 1914
One thing I found interesting while looking into the past of this ghost town was that any building that remained – which wasn’t many – after the residents left were moved to other locations in the Upper Peninsula. That’s not something I usually come across in my research.
An Accidental Visit
I explored Emerson in August 2021. I’ll be honest…I didn’t even know that is where I had been until a year later.
My family and I often drive around and stop at places that look interesting while we are on vacation. That is exactly what happened this time. We had driven through the Tahquamenon Falls State Park to check out the camping facilities and then cruised across the road to wander around the boat launch and shore where the Tahquamenon River flows into Lake Superior.
While looking at the bay and bird watching we noticed a peninsula on the other side and decided to explore the area. We found there is a small parking lot on the north side of the river and from there we followed a footpath to the water. Don’t be surprised if you miss the path to the peninsula! You need to venture to your right while walking south along the shoreline. As you wander through the weeds and wildflowers, you may feel a bit like Robinson Crusoe…I did!
The summer we stopped here there was water encircling the peninsula but we could still walk around most of the perimeter. However, when we drove by it in 2022, it was almost all underwater. So, if you’re lucky enough to hit the area during a dry spell, the time spent here is very tranquil and a nature lover’s haven – even with the highway right there next to you.
Beauty All Around
As I said, there is a multitude of wildflowers here. We came across thistle, jewelweed and many more species of flora. We were also fortunate to share our time here with a couple of cranes. They were vocal enough to let us know when we were venturing too close for their comfort and we respected their space.
This Is Emerson?
How did we not know this was what was left of the town of Emerson? Easily! The only evidence we found that told us there was something here at one point were a few wooden pilings in the water belonging to some docks. I did read during my research that there are a few remains of the sawmill on a small island just off shore.
You can see the wood pilings in the picture below to the right of the trees and the island in the background.
Where Is Emerson?
The remainder of Emerson is located approximately 5 miles south of Paradise, on the Lake Superior shoreline of Whitefish Bay.
Final Thoughts
If you have read any of my previous posts then you know I have said that sometimes the best adventures happen by accident. This stop is definitely one of those times. No costs were involved – except for gasoline – and it was a lovely time spent with family outdoors. Even if there is water over the peninsula and you can’t get to it (and, please don’t try if there is water present!), Lake Superior always offers a beautiful shoreline to wander on as you listen to her harmonious melody splashing around you.
Is this the typical ghost town? No. There are no buildings to meander through. No uneasy vibes. Nothing to make the hair on your neck stand up…unless the calls of the cranes get to you. But, you will still enjoy your stop for an hour or two.
While You’re In The Area
The area that was home to Emerson, Michigan offers you a lot of activity. Some of it is at no cost while others have a fee. Listed below are some activities to get you started, as well as, website links.
Have fun exploring!
- Whitefish Point – there is no cost to walk the shoreline and watch the ships pass by, stargaze or enjoy a few hours of searching for Yooperlites after dark
- The Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum – there is a cost to enter the museum if you want to visit while at Whitefish Point and, if you have the time/money, I definitely recommend walking through it and the grounds. Here is their website for up to date information: https://shipwreckmuseum.com/ I have a blog post available on my visit that you can read here: https://thecoddiwomplist.com/lost-in-the-depths-of-the-great-lakes-shipwreck-museum/ (TIP: Check for discounts on your admittance ticket such as AAA)
- Tahquamenon Falls – If you are in this area, stopping by and seeing these beautiful falls is a must! Here is a link to a blog post from my visit – honestly, if I’m in the area, I go to these falls even if I’m there every year!: https://thecoddiwomplist.com/tahquamenons-upper-falls-is-the-epitome-of-michigan-beauty/ Remember, you will need a state recreation pass to enter the state park. I ALWAYS suggest you purchase one at the time of your plate/tag renewal but if you don’t, you can purchase at the entrance of the park
- Crisp Point Lighthouse – this lighthouse is an adventure in itself to get to but worth every minute of it. There is no charge for this and you can spend hours going through the lighthouse tower and walking the shoreline watching the ships pass or looking for spectacular rock finds. Here is the link to a previous blog post that you may find useful when planning a stop: https://thecoddiwomplist.com/crisp-point-lighthouse-a-welcoming-sight-on-lake-superior/
Last Looks
