This Magnetic North: Candid Conversations on a Changing Northern Michigan

by Tim Mulherin

What happens when a place is so beautiful that everyone wants to go there—and then they stay? 
This book explores a phenomenon occurring around Michigan’s Great Lakes and other high-demand scenic locations across the natural landscapes are undergoing profound human and climatological change as people pick up their lives and move to bucolic locations. The Grand Traverse region in northwest lower Michigan has been one of the most impacted regions in the state, with the population increase accelerated by the pandemic and climate change. The impact of this growth is explored through field observations and interviews involving dozens of born-and-raised locals, “boomerangers” (those who grew up, left, then returned), and relocators. The author explores the tensions between newcomers and “natives.” Interviewees include tourist industry leaders, conservationists, business owners, public safety officials, tribal members, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore officials, and more. These voices characterize the region’s diverse views, providing insight into how one of the most popular vacation destinations in the country is attempting to balance environmental preservation with an influx of people. Northwest lower Michigan’s story of transformation, as tradition collides with progress, holds many lessons and will resonate with everyone who has ever lived in or visited such an enchanting place and dreams of calling it home.

304 pages, Paperback

Published June 1, 2025

Reviews

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a year-round part-time resident of Cedar, MI, I was curious to pick this up and probably just skim it to see familiar names and places. Once I got past his bashing of Indy and complaints that his wife was keeping him from fulfilling his dream of moving up north (I am also a wife, with Hoosier roots) I was soon caught up in the story and saga of pandemic and climate migration. Mulherin’s comprehensive research was impressive, covering everything from the history of the area to the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore to law enforcement and all the local farms and foods. It could’ve been dry, filled with only statistics, but his descriptive storytelling and the experts he interviewed helped to make it an informative but entertaining book.

[Kate Pipa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very much enjoyed this book after taking a trip to Michigan at the beginning of summer and experiencing the beauty of the Grand Traverse and Leelanau Peninsula regions for the first time.

[Libby Henderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good reference / short story coffee table type book for cottages up north.

[Rebekah · Rating 2 out of 5]

I love anything that discusses Michigan, this just got caught too much in its own weeds.