Sanilac Petroglyphs - The "Thumb" of Michigan
Head
west on the Minden road out of Forestville until you reach
Germania Rd. Go south about 1/2 mile and you will reach the
park where these remarkable carvings are located. These were
uncovered by the forest fires in the late 1800's and are the
only known petroglyphs in Michigan. The area is poorly
marked but parking is not a problem and the walk through the
forest to the site of the sandstone carvings is very nice.
The carvings are in sandstone that is flat and were covered
by vegetation for a very long time. After the great
fires swept across the "thumb" so hot they melted railroad
tracks, the carvings were revealed.
A visit here can put one into a bit of a poignant mood. The carvings are in a bad way. The usual damage from the thoughtless and time itself has required the carvings to be enclosed in a fence. Badly deteriorated, they are difficult to see yet, beautiful for their unique character.
Find local Michigan lodging at www.thumbbedandbreakfast.com and www.southmilodging.com