The Turtle, The Mitten, and An Epic History of Michigan

by Aaron Helman

Part travel, part history, part adventure, and 100% Pure Michigan, The Turtle, The Mitten, and An Epic History of Michigan tells the irresistible story of the Wolverine State from the receding glaciers to the indigenous tribes to the European colonialists to the lumber kings, auto barons, and culture shapers who helped create the America we recognize today.

This honest and unvarnished account travels through the history of the glorious and gritty parts of Detroit, the ancient forests decimated and then regrown, dozens of charming lakeside tourist towns, and the battlefields that made Michigan a theater in international wars.

Discover the lost town of Singapore, buried beneath the sand dunes 150 years ago. Visit the beaches that once belonged to the Union Pier Nudist Club, a collection of Chicago writers who reshaped the western canon. Pause at the intersection at Phillips Corners where Michigan and Ohio went to war over Toledo. Linger in the beating heart of Detroit, the most American city there ever was.

Aaron Helman is a historian, storyteller, writer, and podcaster. He is the author of four acclaimed history books, including Ride the Jack Rabbit and An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County, Indiana.

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 19, 2025

Reviews

[Adarae Rempel · Rating 5 out of 5]

So well written!! I learned so much about my home state, and laughed so much along the way! BRB, going to go share this book with my fam.

[Cindy Walker · Rating 3 out of 5]

page 188: Michilimackinac translates to "Big Turtle" .. the native people were
referring to Mackinac Island, not the Lower Peninsula. the LP is the Mitten.

also, the beginning of the book talks about Gen. George Custer, but there was no mention of Ft. Custer training grounds or Ft. Custer National Cemetery in Augusta/Battle Creek. both are kind of a big deal to the state and nation.

sorry to be critical, but those two facts bothered me.

I enjoyed the writing style of the author & his wit, and it was like he was a friend talking about the bike ride along the way.

[Christy Mcfadden · Rating 4 out of 5]

I bought this book at Snowbound books in Marquette. I share a love for book stores and coffee shops (and ice cream) like the author. Great read with a lot of great historical info and funny wit throughout. Creative way of learning history via a bike ride. I feel like the next one should be all about women in Michigan’s history!

[Patrick Tarbox · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a beginner to Michigan history and culture, I definitely enjoyed it, but there is also a saltiness and critical eye to this where if you are looking for Michigan red meat, this might not be for you. It was fun though!

[Hannah Davidhizar · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting, entertaining, & warming. Great awareness of who really lived in Michigan first. Not me Google all the ice cream, beer, and sunset references to add to my bucket list.

[John Bagley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of fun ... whether you are from The Mitten or not. Interesting facts in this trip around the Lower Peninsula.