northern Michigan
For the past 25 years, I have been trying to figure out what it is about this place for me.
What I have narrowed it down to the last couple of years is Old buildings and ridge lines. And really I have probably known that deep down from the first moment I felt my heart drop into my stomach 25 years ago.
We came over a rise on M-109 on the Leelanau Peninsula in Northern Michigan. It was a beautiful blue sky summer day, and as we topped the rise I saw this barn.
I had this electrifying tingle course through my whole body. I knew that someday, I wanted to spend my days in this place.
The best we have been able to obtain so far is vacations a couple times a year, and I try to sneak along with my husband when he comes for work whenever possible. For me, this is much better than nothing, and the place feels new and magical every time I come. Maybe some of that magic would be lost if I lived here all the time.
july 2021
My husband and I just came back from spending part of a week in Northern Michigan celebrating our 35th Anniversary. We were fortunate to find a condo to rent in the restored main building of the Northern Michigan Insane Asylum. The main building was built 1881-1885. It closed in 1989.
I have photographed here many times, but to have the opportunity to stay on site, walk the grounds early or late, photograph and just feel the place any time was a dream come true.
But what really makes my heart flutter are the unrestored buildings. I love decay and derelict buildings that I don’t have to trespass to access. Not that I would ever trespass. Shhh.
Asylum film
