Mikel Classen
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Mikel Classen
@mikel-classen.bsky.social
Mikel B. Classen has been writing and photographing northern Michigan in newspapers and magazines for 40 years, creating feature articles and 10 books about the life and culture of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
I did a For the Love of Books Podcast about my new book, Piracy on the Great Lakes. We talked about pirates and how I do my research for my books. There is also a contest involved where you can win a hardcover, signed copy of Piracy on the Great Lakes.
emmapalova123.podbean.com/e/author-mik...
Author Mikel Classen pens Piracy on the Great Lakes | For the Love of Books Podcast
"Loaded with rare period photos and engravings of the infamous pirates who wreaked havoc in Great Lakes waters and shore communities, Classen's inviting narrative is fast-paced and filled with legends...
emmapalova123.podbean.com
March 22, 2025 at 5:59 PM
I came across this interesting story about the Coast Guard cutter named after Escanaba. Really worth a read. mikelbclassen.com/2025/03/12/s... #greatlakes #coastguard #escanaba
Strange Fate of the USS Escanaba - Mikel B. Classen On The Road
The story of the strange fate of the USS Escanaba is a World War II mystery that endures today. 131 crewmen were lost in an instant.
mikelbclassen.com
March 12, 2025 at 9:55 PM
This weekend, if you are in the neighborhood, stop by and say hello. My booth is in the second row. I have copies of my new book, Piracy on the Great Lakes. I also have our cool new Great Lakes Pirates wanted poster and a lot of other goodies. Should be a good time. #arts&crafts #escanaba #pirates
March 1, 2025 at 2:12 AM
Occasionally, I have folks come up to me at my events and ask me historical questions which have become what I call U.P. myths. There a many of them, but this is one I hear repeated a lot, "Calumet was once considered for Michigan's capitol." Was it? The answer: mikelbclassen.com/2025/01/28/c...
Calumet once considered for Michigan Capitol? - Mythbusted - Mikel B. Classen On The Road
Was Calumet once considered for Michigan's Capitol? This mythbuster looks into this often asked historical question.
mikelbclassen.com
January 29, 2025 at 7:54 PM
The audio version of my new book has just come out. Check out the sample of my book, Piracy on the Great Lakes.

www.audible.com/pd/B0DTWMGSZ...
Piracy on the Great Lakes
Check out this great listen on Audible.com. Waiting in the night, hidden behind a remote island, no lights showing, pirates would lure unsuspecting ships into unknown waters. Then they would silently ...
www.audible.com
January 28, 2025 at 9:07 PM
I just finished this write-up on my website. I thought a few of you might be interested in it. #Puremichigan #Yoopers #Lakesuperior mikelbclassen.com/2025/01/04/i...
Icy Ordeal of the Alexander McDougall - Lake Superior - Mikel B. Classen On The Road
A brief story about the freighter, Alexander McDougall, lost for 3 days in a storm, makes it to port at Sault Ste. Marie with 20 inches of ice
mikelbclassen.com
January 5, 2025 at 1:19 AM
I was just working with some of my photographs and came up with this one of the Menominee Lighthouse and pier. #lighthouse #greatlakes #puremichigan #yoopers
January 2, 2025 at 1:52 AM
We just came up with this great "Wanted" poster to go along with my new book on Great Lakes Pirates. #Greatlakes #Pirates
December 28, 2024 at 10:51 PM
I have received physical copies of my new book, Piracy on the Great Lakes, True Tales of Freshwater Pirates. Anyone looking for copies of this book can contact me. Since I have them, I can sign them. It can be ordered through any bookstore. #puremichigan #greatlakes #pirates #yoopers
December 19, 2024 at 8:08 PM
Female mallard getting ready for the long fall flight. I took this at Kingston Lake in Alger County, MI. This is a large nesting area for waterfowl. #puremichigan #Yoopers #waterfowl #duck
December 17, 2024 at 10:24 PM
Amazon has now finished uploading the hardcover version of my new book, Piracy on the Great Lakes: True Tales of Freshwater Pirates. www.amazon.com/Piracy-Great...
Piracy on the Great Lakes: True Tales of Freshwater Pirates
Piracy on the Great Lakes: True Tales of Freshwater Pirates [Classen, Mikel B] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Piracy on the Great Lakes: True Tales of Freshwater Pirates
www.amazon.com
December 14, 2024 at 7:02 PM
There's a boatload of snow here. I needed to see something that was predominantly not white. Lady Slipper Orchid, they grow wild here in the summer. #puremichigan #yoopers #wildflower
December 12, 2024 at 5:49 PM
My new book, Piracy on the Great Lakes, True Tales of Fresh Water Pirates is now available online. I know many have been waiting for this. Hardcover will be later this week. www.amazon.com/Piracy-Great...
Piracy on the Great Lakes: True Tales of Freshwater Pirates
Piracy on the Great Lakes: True Tales of Freshwater Pirates [Classen, Mikel B] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Piracy on the Great Lakes: True Tales of Freshwater Pirates
www.amazon.com
December 11, 2024 at 9:47 PM

A partridge in a crab apple tree. Not quite the saying but this guy showed up today and was gorging on the tiny crab berries. He's so fat that if he eats much more he might explode. Winter in the U.P. #yoopers #puremichigan #wildlife
December 4, 2024 at 9:39 PM
The wind on Lake Superior and the Lake effect snow has wreaked havoc on the northern shore of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. The picture is of Scott Falls in Alger County. When the wind is right an ice wishing well forms as the falls begin to freeze up. Magic. #Yoopers #puremichigan #waterfall
November 30, 2024 at 11:54 PM
I spent Black Friday selling my books in Escanaba, Michigan. Will be here tomorrow too. The fun's just beginning. #yoopers #author #pureMichigan
November 29, 2024 at 9:34 PM
Happy Thanksgiving! I thought I would post a picture of a wild turkey in honor of the holiday. I caught him strutting around my yard. #thanksgiving #yoopers #puremichigan
November 28, 2024 at 11:32 PM
Since there is snow on the ground, had to have my driveway plowed, I thought I would post one of my favorite wildlife shots. This is a U.P. wolf from Marquette County. I took this photo in the dead of winter a few years ago. #yoopers #puremichigan #wolf
November 27, 2024 at 7:54 PM
Just finished final edits on my new book, Piracy on the Great Lakes, True Tales of Freshwater Pirates. The picture below is "Roaring" Dan Seavey notorious Lake Michigan pirate. #pirates #Puremichigan
November 27, 2024 at 1:54 AM
I thought it would be fun to post this historical picture from my collection taken in Manistique. I think there was alcohol involved. #yooper #puremichigan
November 24, 2024 at 3:12 AM
My newest novel, an action thriller that is a roller coaster ride from beginning to end. #novel #thriller
November 21, 2024 at 12:18 AM
I like black & white occasionally and this one of the lighthouse at Big Bay, Michigan is a favorite. #lighthouses #greatlakes
November 20, 2024 at 4:20 AM
One of my photos of Grand Sable Falls near Grand Marais, Michigan.
November 18, 2024 at 10:35 PM