The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. Offshore of Alpena is the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects an estimated 116 historically significant shipwrecks. The per capita income for the city was $17,476. This delightful small town is home to a marker for the 45th parallel in Michigan, and you'll want to experience it for yourself. Steaks, fish, good deep-fried green beans, Michigan beer. Thanks for sharing all the detail about things to do in the area. There is so much history and tradition wrapped in locations like these that one could genuinely elevate themselves merely by standing in the spot of so many others before them, whether that day or 10, 20, 30 years ago. So much interesting stuff up there! We really enjoyed our time in the UP. If theres another geographically significant place in Michigan that we should be aware of, be sure to fill out our official nomination form. Attraction: The National Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center is a splendid museum containing artifacts of sunken ships and a history of Great Lakes shipping. Attraction: Known as the elk capital of Michigan, the town holds an Elk Festival every year, this year Sept. 25-27. In the United States it passes through Oregon, Idaho, Montana, South Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. If you hope to see some of the more unique places in Michigan, I recommend viewing the 45th parallel markers and this site or those scattered in the area. These relevancies are what make this line of latitude so unique. Dining: The 45th Parallel Cafe for breakfast or lunch (104 W. Broadway, 45thfudge.com, 231-271-2233). 45th Parallel Marker Torch Lake, Michigan USA sign, Tags: MichiganNorth AmericaTorch lakeTraverse CityUSA, Your email address will not be published. Be careful if you are booking a stay here, though, as there is a Sault Sainte Marie in Michigan (US) and its twin city of Sault Sainte Marie across the river in Canada! Were the elk capital because it is one of the only places that can thrive where winters are mild and summers are good., Today's breaking news and more in your inbox. I only recommend products I use and find helpful. If the rising temperatures caused by climate change continue unaddressed, Fielder said, the Great Lakes could look a lot like the southern states in the future. Every order makes a difference! Pair this with a popping vest or something more comfortable; either way, you're going to feel present and pristine. In the city, the population was spread out, with 23.0% under the age of 18, 9.2% from 18 to 24, 26.5% from 25 to 44, 21.7% from 45 to 64, and 19.6% who were 65 years of age or older. Tourist information: suttonsbayarea.com, 231-271-5077. Lodging: Many small mom-and-pop spots like the 40 Winks Motel (1021 State, 989-354-5622), plus chains like Holiday Inn (1000 Highway 23 N., holiday-inn.com, 989-358-6732). RVingwithRobin.com is a participant in various affiliate programs. Made of rustic wood, it has a cheerful Up North quality the other signs lack. As of the census[30] of 2010, there were 10,483 people, 4,734 households, and 2,565 families residing in the city. Many international bodies of water are also within this particular area, such as the Gulf of Venice, the Sea of Japan, the Black Sea, and the Caspian Sea. . Such happiness Fielder said the harsh winters made fish adapt quickly and the fish in the area lay their eggs in the fall. Find address, phone number, hours, reviews, photos and more for 45th Parallel Cafe | 102 W Broadway, Suttons Bay, MI 49682, USA on usarestaurants.info Aha! Signupand we'll keep you posted when we launch new stuff, have a sale, or maybe even when we're just feeling generous. When I started to work in town I got to see more of that life that comes to town that I didnt get to see when I was a 7-year-old kid. You can find a list of restaurants from TripAdvisor here. Salt water on the 45th Parallel wont be as good in preservation as fresh water on the 45th Parallel.. Thanks for checking out my blog post. The average household size was 2.24 and the average family size was 2.93. (You can unsubscribe anytime). 2023, 45TH PARALLEL. It is the county seat of Montmorency County. Hold times are way down this tax season, Apple Inc bets big on India as it opens first flagship store, Minnetronix brings engineering to students at St. Paul high school, They spent their lives teaching Californias children. Inside the massive cargo hold is a museum with over 100 exhibits, including four 1200-gallon aquariums stocked with fish from the Great Lakes region. So, the next question is, where are these places? Its a good idea. If you require this refreshing experience on a more regular basis, then search no further. Internationally there are some unique places to take advantage of. My husband and I have been RVing full time in a motor home for over 4 years. All Rights Reserved. On July 14-18, you can attend Gaylords Alpenfest, which, in a stroke of good fortune, will be marking its 45th year, so were celebrating the 45th on the 45th. When we zoom in on Michigan, for example, it is noticeable that this consistency line touches a straight path of locations within the state. Look at a globe, and the parallel is like a hoop around the world connecting tiny Atlanta to sexier members of the 45th club Minneapolis; Yellowstone National Park in Montana; Hokkaido, Japan; and even Inner Mongolia. Also, theres a 45th Parallel wood sign on Hayes-Tower Road west of town. [8], The first European settler at modern-day Alpena was W.F. The fresh water and cold temperatures create the perfect environment for shipwrecks to be well-preserved. Address: N. West Bay Shore Drive, Suttons Bay, MI Directions: (Free, 500 W. Fletcher, thunderbay.noaa.gov, 989-356-8805), Dining: John A. Lau Saloon, circa 1893. With red, white, dry, sweet, sparkling and fruit vines to choose from, you're sure to find a new favorite. Stories abound of highly trained and dedicated surfmen who often risked their lives to render assistance to those in peril along this menacing coastal area. fresh lemon juice. 45th Parallel acknowledgement: The south part of town near McCoy Road is on the 45th Parallel. An added bonus to this beautiful region was seeing the peak of the fall leaves changing color. This line also passes through France, Italy, China, and Russia. The hotel, built in 1887 of Michigan white pine, has a 660-foot veranda, a Sunday buffet table very nearly as long and charming Jamaican waiters. News Photo by Alyssa Ochss Adding to the reality of this consistency is that there are so many places to experience the 45th parallel, and Northern Michigan is one of them. 45th Parallel Markers. Only a few other places in the world, such as winemaking regions of Canada and Germany, share our good fortune. elderflower liqueur. There are more than 13,000 vineyard acres in Michigan, and most of them contain juice-making grapes, such as Niagara and Concord. They are nicknamed the Root Beer Falls because of the brown color of the water. To know why its called the 45th, imagine standing in the center of the Earth. 39.4% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.2% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. This is about half of that time during the winter solstice. 45th Parallel - Old Mission Point Old Mission Point, Michigan At the end of Old Mission Point north of Traverse City, Michigan is the picturesque Mission Lighthouse which once warned mariners of the sandy shoals off the point. Now I know. If so, you know what a treat it is. Google Maps You can find a few restaurants in Traverse City or the places to stay that are near to the 45th Parallel. Have you had the pleasure of tasting Ice Wine? 0.5 oz. If you go farther north, catfish and bass would be really rare.. The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi. The population was 757 at the 2000 census. If left unaddressed, climate change will make us more like those southern states, Fielder said. Share. I wish wed been able to do the locks tour or visit the shipwreck museum, but we just didnt have time when we visited. Ive heard the UP is a great area to visit in the summer too. And, now, we take the kids to the park, where there wasnt one back then, and take my kids there and see the tourism.. It is the county seat of Montmorency County. Alpena High School has hosted several All-Star Band events. Visitors can get a 360-degree view of the entire area from the Sault Locks and St Marys River to the Canadian wilderness. The elementary schools are Besser, Ella White, Hinks, Lincoln, Sanborn, and Wilson Elementary Schools. #traveltheus #travelphotography #photography #rving #nomadlife #rvadventures #happycamper #rvers In particular, Alpena is home to Lafarge-Holcim cement plant and to Besser Company (maker of a concrete block making machinery), as well as a drywall board manufacturing facility owned by Decorative Panels International. With other plants, the growing season is long enough for them to thrive. A few more notable and/or unique stops on the official Michigan Historical Markers Trail include (listed by marker name): Travelers can also find Michigan historical markers in other states as they relate back to state history. There were 4,874 households, out of which 26.9% had children under the age of 18 living with them, 44.1% were married couples living together, 11.5% had a female householder with no husband present, and 41.2% were non-families. The route. Merry Christmas!! Instead, you meet many fine people and see a heck of a lot of trees. In the circa-1960s postcard below, the sign was surrounded by low arbor vitae bushes in the middle of a roadside lawn. I was glad we were in our car and not the motorhome, as I was squeezing the door handle very tightly. Most of those cities have markers at or a couple miles away from the parallel. Aside from the undeniable quality of Northern Nail Polishes products, the color itself is retro and posh, making it a no-brainer. #rvblogger #glamping #lifeontheroad Theres one south of Alpena at Squaw Bay and the most notable one, according to Discover Northern Michigan, is a stone polylith in Kewadin with every county in Michigan on it. Save. Merry Christmas to you too, Sandi! You can find 45th parallel marker signs in or near Leland, Suttons Bay, Bellaire, Gaylord, Atlanta and Alpena. There were 5,278 housing units at an average density of 618.0 per square mile (238.6/km2). Shop Now. 20.7% of residents were under the age of 18; 9.4% were between the ages of 18 and 24; 22.7% were from 25 to 44; 27.9% were from 45 to 64; and 19.4% were 65 years of age or older. That puts us squarely in the temperate zone and that means we have very pronounced seasons. #rvtravel #vacations #amazingplaces Reed said hes seen new shops pop up around town, including one dedicated to Michigan, because of the growth and tourism. Yes, you see official green state highway signs proclaiming you have just crossed the 45th Parallel, such as the one on U.S. 23 in Alpena. In Michigan, drive a crooked line to follow the, Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Submit to Stumbleupon (Opens in new window), In Michigan, drive a crooked line to follow the 45th Parallel, Calling the IRS? As you explore all the wine that Michigan has to offer, equip yourself with these handy facts about the states blooming grape and wine industry. Claim this business. We love hearing from our readers, so be sure to share your photos and experiences with us by leaving a Facebook comment. Required fields are marked *. Social. Dining: Betty and Buckys Family Dining (12545 State, 989-785-2695). Our name comes from our locationthe 45th parallel runs directly through our vineyard on Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula. Right next to the Soo Locks dock, the Valley Camp Ship Museumallows you to tour a Great Lakes steamship. To get a more comprehensive picture of Michigan's state history, as well as that of the U.S. and other unique, overlooked subgenres in regional history, Michigan is fortunate to be home to so many spectacular museums. Its no secret that Michigan is chock full of surprises, whether youre fascinated by the great outdoors, man-made attractions, or some combination of the two. The 45th Apparel is a unique boutique located on The Michigan Polar Equator Trail and the 45th Parallel. I-75 Gaylord MI 49735. Example: Yes, I would like to receive emails from RVing with Robin. There are a few of these markers around the world and eight of them are in Michigan State. Our mission is to inspire life and exploration on the 45th Parallel and to encourage adventures and connections with family and friends. You encounter Lake Huron and Lake Michigan, plus sparkling inland lakes. 149 W Main Street Gaylord Michigan 49735-1351 United States Store Hours: Tues-Thurs 10am - 5pm | Fri-Sat: 10am-6pm . But cobble together a route of your own, and youll always stay just a few miles from the famous latitude. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. 101 North Bridge, Bellaire, Michigan 49615, (231) 350-7009 . The first place in Michigan that I believe should be added to the list Is the Old Mission Point location. Reach your hand straight over your head, and thats the North Pole, 90 degrees latitude. This part of the state excels at producing big, jammy red varietal wines such as Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot. December 28, 2017. Another draw was 45th Parallel lore and curiosity. The towns Latitudes Bar is a reference to the 45th degree latitude of the city. feature roadside signs noting the location, making for great photo opportunities. Geographically, it is the largest school district in the Lower Peninsula, encompassing more than 620 square miles (1,600km2). Thanks for stopping by! But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Michigan is nestled nicely in there, with points of the state ranging between the 41st and 47th parallels. Located directly on the 45 th parallel, we use our distinct location as the driving force behind our approach to crafting world class wines that represent the region. The city is surrounded by Alpena Township, but the two are administered autonomously. Converting a van sounds so fun! Planting Trees! Bike got very loose, but made it over. ==>> You can find a list of restaurants from TripAdvisor here. The facility is open 24 hours. And its a serendipitous place to bump into the town fathers, who have big plans for their unincorporated city. Lodging: The Atlanta Motel is just down the street from the fishing pier (12520 State, theatlantamotel.com, 989-785-4509), Tourist information: atlantamichigan.com, 989-785-3400. TRIP TIPS: MICHIGAN CITIES ON THE 45TH PARALLEL. One of the most popular attractions in Sault Sainte Marie is the Soo Locks Boat Tours. Halfway Marker - 45th Parallel. The Michigan Air National Guard's Alpena Combat Readiness Training Center co-utilizes the airfield. A new Lincoln Nautilus for us 35.9% of all households were made up of individuals, and 17.9% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. Facebook; Instagram; YouTube; Vimeo; Be notified when a new unfamiliar destination is added. The Alpena area is home to the Ojibwe, Ottawa, and Potawatomi people. Gandulla said the shipwrecks found so far date from 1849 to 1960. Thats why were thrilled to share that were partnering with One Tree Planted to plant a tree for every order placed on our website. This northern area is surrounded by the waters of the Great Lakes and offers so much maritime fun and history. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Unfamiliar Destinations 2023. Although most of the land is undeveloped, there are several good hiking trails in the park. If you see one, consider yourself lucky. 35 were here. 0.5 oz. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. This is the best way to explore the 45th Parallel. Lake Michigan Shore AVA in the southwestern part of the state enjoys the benefit of an extended growing season, with approximately four additional weeks for ripening. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 85.4 males. One of the most unique ones is the Hugh J. 45th Parallel acknowledgement: Michigan Department of Transportation sign on Michigan 23 just south of town at Squaw Bay. There is also a restored 1861 Lightkeepers Quarters and 1923 Lifeboat Station Surfboat House. But it used to be harder, which is why some markers and signs stray far from the parallel itself. We use our distinct location as the driving force behind crafting world-class wines that truly showcase the unique qualities of our beautiful region. We loved our visit thereit sounds like you visited many of the same spots that we did. Alpena was also home to the Alpena Thunder hockey team, until it was disbanded in 2011. #wanderlust #homeonwheels #fulltimervers #rvlife #rvliving #rvtravels #fulltimerving The 45th Parallel may not (at this time) have its own official green and gold sign plate, but Michigan is nevertheless home to literally hundreds of unique historical and geographic markers - a unique program that was established in 1955. Coming back to the United States, there are quite a few areas that are touched by this circle of latitude. Gandulla said the Great Lakes in general are good at preserving shipwrecks. #wanderlust #homeonwheels #fulltimervers #rvlife #rvliving #rvtravels #fulltimerving A 1935 news article mentions a plan by Myron A. Cobb, secretary of the Taft Highway Beautification association, to place a marker for the 45th Parallel here, but it was not until July 1949 that the sign was finally erected by the Gaylord Study Club with the assistance of the Michigan highway department. The fresh water gives the shipwrecks the right environment, whereas salt water would make it a bit difficult. The 45th Parallel crosses Michigan from east to west starting just south of Alpena, through just south of Gaylord in central Michigan, then crosses through the Jordon [sic] River valley and across beautiful Torch Lake. People can go out to see these shipwrecks in many ways, including kayak, a glass-bottom boat tour, and, for the more experienced, diving. Ah, thats where the adventure starts. Fielder said the 45th Parallel is right in the temperate zone. Michigan wineries along the 45thparallel share the distinction with many notable winemaking regions, including parts of Frances Burgundy and Bordeaux, Italys Piedmont and Oregons Willamette Valley. Anyone with a good road map or a GPS. [Mike, 09/20/2010] Most highway signs celebrating the globe-girdling invisible line are standard reflective green. We loved seeing the trees change as well, since we dont get that much color normally in Texas. Alpena (/lpin/ al-PEE-n) is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan. The nearest airport is the Cherry Capital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, Michigan USA. These locations are sometimes marked with signs and plagues that help educate passersby on the value of the place they are residing in at that moment. Was this sign erected at the same time as the US-27 sign in the postcard, or moved here when the car dealership was built? Alpena is the third smallest (208) Nielsen Designated Market Area (DMA) in the United States.[39]. Our section begins at Kipp Road near Harbor Springs in Emmet County and flows south to Starvation Lake Road in Kalkaska County. The Detroit Free Press reported it was a backwoods trek in loveliness along the 45th Parallel.. 5. He said he can see the differences from when he was a kid to how it is now with his kids. Paul via Detroit, and to Pellston operated by SkyWest Airlines. The parallel (or near it) is a beautiful place to be during the summer, as the sun becomes visible for nearly 16 hours of the day. There is a sign on Old 27 just south of town marking the 45th parallel. We really enjoyed the cruise along the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The marker is located on US31 in the Torch lake area just north of Traverse City, Michigan. Fused glass works using colorful glass and interesting. We'll keep you posted on our favorite new gear, cool photosand stories. Latitude and longitude are horizontal and vertical grid lines that geographers put on maps to help navigators figure out where they are on the globe. 45th parallel marker. But you have to drive many more miles than that due to the lakes. I would have to agree with the vibrant colors of the UP. Tourist information: alpenacvb.com, 989-354-4181. I can definitely identify with your wife on that one! The boutique carries apparel, art, jewelry, music and unique items. You were brave to cross the bridge on your motorcycle! [31], Alpena's primary shopping center is the Alpena Mall, the only enclosed shopping mall in the northeastern Lower Peninsula, featuring approximately 20 stores, with JCPenney and Gordon Food Service as the anchor stores. The 45th parallel crosses through Italy as well and is best experienced within the town of Voghera. Heres a primer: The 45th Parallel is a measure of latitude. From small-town specialty sites to some of the most popular museums in the state, here are just a few Michigan museums worth checking out: Thank you! Or, check out some of the coolest natural wonders in Michigan! 205 reviews #7 of 19 Restaurants in Suttons Bay $$ - $$$ American Cafe Vegetarian Friendly. We loved the fall colors, but I have heard August is a great time to visit too. Heading up I-75 you cross the 45th parallel, marking the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole. I definitely think it would be worth a return visit! #ohbrotherphilly @ohbrotherphilly, Took a different road today and came across this! We traveled to the very top of the UP to Sault Sainte Marie (pronounced Soo Saint Mah-Ree), which is the oldest city in Michigan. My passion is travel, discovering new places, new experiences, cuisine, cultures, photography, nature, and animals. We toured the eastern half of the UP for our honeymoon 11 years ago! Whether you live on it, play on it, adventure on it, or just pass through it, we hope you're living the 45th Life. The species of fish that are most common include walleye, perch, trout, and cisco. The views from the Tower of History are spectacular. of Agriculture, Michigan State University Extension Service (soil, history, good general information), Clarke Historical Library, Central Michigan University, Bibliography on Alpena, Michigan, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Alpena,_Michigan&oldid=1150475514, Populated places on Lake Huron in the United States, Articles with unsourced statements from June 2016, Short description is different from Wikidata, Pages using infobox settlement with unknown parameters, Articles with MusicBrainz area identifiers, Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License 3.0. blog link in bio Reed said the region offers the perfect temperature for certain plants to grow. In 1856, George W. Fletcher and three others from Detroit platted a village by the name of Fremont, after John C. Frmont. In western Michigan, you must drive around Torch Lake and Grand Traverses West and East bays. : High and Dry 45th Parallel Marker. Thanks for providing such detail and great photos for all your travels. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Ive heard its lots of fun there, but our weather was cold and rainy so we opted to save that for another visit. The giant lake tempers the air along shoreline regions, protecting fall crops from harsh, early frosts, and preventing spring crops from blooming too early. I never thought about how Michigan (upper) must be accessed in unconventional ways. I wondered about the color of the water of the waterfall pic. We almost accidentally booked in Canada which would have been a problem since currently Americans cant cross the border due to Covid-19 restrictions. Knowing that someone in the world can appreciate the same sunrise or sunset as you, yet through different tree limbs, hazed by further traveled clouds, and surrounded by foreign commodities and comforts. The state's historical markers program tops the charts in comparison to the rest of the country, and creates an easy way for visitors to learn more about the state's history, most beautiful sights, and most fascinating pieces of architecture. #adventures #bucketlist #WeAreEntegra #entegracoach #sunflowers. One place to start is the first of the U.S. markers along the invisible line. Really enjoy your blog. Alpena is located at the head of Thunder Bay, a bay of Lake Huron. Then, it all went sliding into oblivion. Nearly 4,000 acres are devoted to more than 50 varieties of wine grapes, both vinifera (old-world grapes like Riesling, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Pinot Grigio) and hybrid (a cross between vinifera and native grapes). (414 N. Second; 989-354-6898). There may also be one on I-75 marking it also. It was great prep work for his 5-year run as the king of morel pickers in the 1980s,. Attraction: The city has its own elk herd in Elk Park, less than a mile from the 45th Parallel. Share. They transferred the common area elk to Michigan and they brought some from Yellowstone. Another favorite for this intriguing destination is the marker in Kewadin (not far from the Torch Lake area) at the Hugh J. Sadly, the marker most people see on their way Up North along Interstate 75 at Gaylord is wretchedly unsuited to photos. Can you drive it today? Gaylord, Michigan Motorists passing through Gaylord on Interstate 75 can spot a green highway sign posted where the freeway crosses the 45th Parallel. Its on the median of the freeway, with absolutely nowhere safe to stop. We also did Whitefish Point and the State Park and falls. Old Mission Point resides at the end of the drive down Old Mission Peninsula, a beautiful scenic route. Notify me of follow-up comments by email. If you make a purchase using my link, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. Alright, alright, alright! Whether youre appreciating the moment and relevancy of location from the four walls you call home or looking out over the bay at Old Mission Point, the 45th Parallel is awe-inspiring. The locks were constructed to bypass St. Marys Rapids, the result of the 21-foot difference in land elevation between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. The 45th Parallel cant be seen, but its as real as the property line dividing your back yard from your neighbors. The Soo Locks have the greatest tonnage moving capacity per day of any lock system on Earth. Northern Nail Polish has recently released a Winter line of polish colors, showcasing the stunning royal purple shade, 45th Parallel. You may also head to Traverse City for many more places to stay. Immanuel Lutheran School is supported by the Immanuel Lutheran Church and has preschool to 8th grade classes. Really? This map was created by a user. Residents there have seen significant growth and changes in their town, as well. Motorists passing through Gaylord on Interstate 75 can spot a green highway sign posted where the freeway crosses the 45th Parallel. Heading up I-75 you cross the 45 th parallel, marking the halfway point between the equator and the North Pole. [24] Earlier railroads that served Alpena were built and owned by the Alger Smith and Co. logging company: (1) the Detroit, Bay City and Alpena Railroad, which entered Alpena from the south around 1886, and (2) the Alpena and Northern Railroad.[25]. Review. The bluegill fishing off the town pier in the Thunder Bay River is fine. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thanks for stopping by! The Leelanau Peninsula in northwest Lower Peninsula hangs its hat on lovely white varieties with well-balanced acidity, such as Pinot Blanc, Pinot Grigio and Riesling. Crossing the 45th parallel The population density was 1,348.9 inhabitants per square mile (520.8/km2). Reed also said other towns around them are growing from the new tourism, as well. To make TRUE ice wine, grapes must be picked at exactly the right temperature, where the water is frozen in the grapes, but the sugar is notusually between 17 and 19 degrees Fahrenheit. #lincoln #alrightalrightalright #travel #matthewmcconaughey, Beautiful fall colors on our drive through West Virginia today Suttons Bay, MI - 45th Parallel Marker Suttons Bay, Michigan: 45th Parallel Marker In the pinkie of the Michigan Mitten, official green signs along a highway mark the halfway point between the Equator and the North Pole. It is both relieving and a reminder. The states biggest 45th Parallel monument is the Cairn Highway Monument near Kewadin. The racial makeup of the city was 97.66% White, 0.42% African American, 0.43% Native American, 0.48% Asian, 0.01% Pacific Islander, 0.09% from other races, and 0.91% from two or more races. 45th Parallel acknowledgement: The parallel marker is about 1/2 mile north of the city limits. Why 45th Parallel Marker, Torch Lake, Michigan USA The 45th parallel is the half way point between the equator and the north pole.