Ernest Hemingway had deep connections to Northern Michigan. Throughout his childhood, Hemingway would spend much of his summers in Horton Bay and explore the shores of Lake Charlevoix. Ernest Hemingway married his first wife, Hadley, in a small ceremony on the shores of Lake Charlevoix. You can actually view the original marriage license at the Charlevoix Historical Society. Hemingway's connection to Northern Michigan is reflected in several short stories and books including the "Nick Adams" stories, "The Last Good Country", "Up in Michigan", "Summer People", "The End of Something", "On Writing", and "The Indians Moved Away".
To complete a Hemingway tour, visit the following locations.
- The Perry Hotel
Ernest visited the Perry after a camping trip when he was 17 years old. - Summer Road Public Access on Walloon Lake
During his teenage years, Hemingway would often row across the shores of Walloon Lake. This scenic lake is featured in the scene from "Wedding Story" in which Nick Adams and his bride Helen would row across the lake for their honeymoon. Ernest and Hadley would spend their honeymoon night at Windmere after their wedding. - Horton Bay General Store
This historic building was often frequented by Hemingway. This general store was featured in both "Up in Michigan" and "The Last Good Country." - Little Traverse Historical Museum
Visit the historic train depot in Petoskey for a full exhibit about the author.
