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.

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

Published May 19, 2025

Reviews

[Erin Cataldi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won't lie, I was not very impressed looking at the cover. Where are the commas? Is this just a stock photo or AI? But man, I REALLY enjoyed this book when I started reading it. I've vacationed in Michigan several times but I've never made it further north than Saugatuck. Author, Aaron Helman is a cyclist and he framed this history book through his bike ride around Michigan's mitten. He tells the story of Detroit's rise and fall, the lumber barons, the Indigenous tribes, the wrecked ships, the dunes, the fight for land, and more. It's not a linear history, nor is it exhaustive, but it's a captivating history of a beautiful state. As a Hoosier, I've long been jealous of their beautiful scenic vistas and vacation hot spots (no one is coming to Indiana for vacation). This book made me appreciate the state even more and makes me want to visit all the places that that Aaron biked through. I really appreciated his wit and humor, this was a laugh out loud funny and educational. I enjoyed this travel book so much that I want to read more by this author! Look past the cover and you will love this book. The only thing that could have improved this would be a map of the state with all the towns and the bike route taken.

[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.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you live, have ever lived, thought about visiting or living, or don't even care about the State of Michigan you need to read this book! "The Turtle, The Mitten, and An Epic History of Michigan" is exactly that- EPIC. I have lived in the state for over 60 years and have never been so engaged in the history of Michigan. I took a Michigan History class in high school and if the teacher had just read this book (of course it hadn't even been written yet) I would have been so much more interested and learned so much more about my home state. Author, Aaron Helman, takes you on this fantastic loop around the shorelines mixing in humor with the historical beginnings of several Michigan towns. Of course, in the background of the story is the fact that this whole area of land never belonged to those who claimed to have settled it. The earliest forefathers were the Indian tribes who were tricked, bribed, and cheated out of their homes in order for the land to be destroyed all for the love of money.

[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.

[Jenna Parks · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was fine- the parts I liked I really liked.

The history vignettes were very interesting but the rest was repetitive and got old quick. His view of Detroit is concerning as was using “Indian summer” in a book that mentions the white washing of Native American history so many times. Weird choice!

[Darlene Hathaway · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such an amazing book. I’m not a lover of history books but this was so much fun to read. I learned some interesting history about the state I’ve grown up in and enjoyed the “ride” with Mr. Helman. I’ve recommended this book to many of my “reader” friends. Thank you, the title intrigued me to borrow the book from my library and I’m so glad they were able to get it for me.

[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.