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

Part History, Part Travel, Part Adventure—And 100% Pure Michigan

From vanished towns and famous battles to forgotten beaches and backroad legends, The Turtle, The Mitten, and An Epic History of Michigan takes readers on a captivating journey through the people, places, and moments that shaped the Great Lakes State.

This isn't your typical textbook history. It's a road-ready companion — perfect for travelers, history lovers, lifelong Michiganders, and curious newcomers alike.

You’ll explore:

• The lost town of Singapore, buried beneath Lake Michigan sand dunes

• The Union Pier Nudist Club, where Chicago writers helped reshape literature

• The intersection at Phillips Corners, where Michigan and Ohio went to war

• The lumber towns, auto plants, and battlefields that defined a nation

Along the way, you’ll visit charming lakeside destinations, ancient forests, and the gritty heart of Detroit — the most American city there ever was.

Whether you’re planning your next Michigan road trip or rediscovering the stories of home, this book offers a smart, surprising, and unforgettable adventure through one of America’s most fascinating states.

Aaron Helman is a historian, storyteller, and podcaster whose books bring local legends and overlooked history to life. His previous works include Ride the Jack Rabbit and An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County, Indiana.

Aaron Helman is a Midwestern historian, storyteller, and the author of several acclaimed regional books, including The Turtle, The Mitten, and An Epic History of Michigan, Ride the Jack Rabbit, and An Incomplete History of St. Joseph County, Indiana. His work explores the surprising, forgotten, and fascinating corners of American history - often with a focus on the Great Lakes and the communities that grew around them.​His latest book, The Turtle, has become a regional bestseller in Michigan and has been featured on NPR, in museum gift shops, and on history podcasts across the Midwest.​When he's not writing or researching, Aaron is probably wandering through a local museum, hiking a lakeside trail, or drinking too much coffee while planning his next historical deep dive.