Little Michigan: A Nostalgic Look at Michigan?s Smallest Towns

Michigan’s small towns have great stories.

Little Michigan presents 100 towns with populations under 600. From the state’s long mining history to its Civil War heritage, each community is charming and unique. With full-color photographs, fun facts, and fascinating details about every locale, it’s almost as if you’re walking down Main Street, waving hello to folks who know all of their neighbors.

Plus, these small towns have their share of surprises. Do you know which crime scene inspired the famous film Anatomy of a Murder or where you will find the infamous “Naughty Cow” statue―and how it got its nickname? The locations featured in this book range from quaint to historic, and they wonderfully represent the Great Lakes State. Little Michigan, written by lifelong resident Kathryn Houghton, is for anyone who grew up in a small town and for everyone who takes pride in being called a Michigander. They may be small towns, but they have huge character!

Born and raised in mid-Michigan, Kathryn Houghton has spent most of her life in the Mitten State. She can’t imagine living anywhere else, and not just because no one in Michigan looks at her funny when she calls it pop instead of soda. It’s the people that make Michigan feel like home. She teaches writing and editing at Michigan State University. She lives in Holt with her sister and three dogs.