Featured Story

Discovering Big Prairie Township: A Journey Through Time

Black and white photo of an old wooden house with a small window and a door, surrounded by a simple yard.
Black and white photo of an old, weathered wooden house with boarded-up windows and a chimney, surrounded by leafless trees.
Historical black and white photograph of a rural dirt road with old houses and a vintage car, marked with handwritten notes and numbered labels.

Big Prairie Store & Post Office

Big Prairie Corner

The Pioneer Days: A Bold Beginning

1849

In 1849, Ephraim H. Utley made history by purchasing 1,000 acres from John McBride, establishing himself as the first white settler of Big Prairie. His arrival marked the beginning of a new era, laying the foundation for what would become an interesting part of Newaygo County History.

1852

Just a few years later, in 1852, Big Prairie officially became a township within Newaygo County. But how did it earn its name? Perhaps it was inspired by the vast, open grasslands that stretched as far as the eye could see—a natural wonder to early settlers.

A Township is Born

A black and white photo of a field with rows of young plants or sprouts growing in the soil.

Pine Planting on Big Prairie Desert

Black and white photo of a group of children and their teacher in front of a house, taken in June 1911 at Barton School, Big Prairie Township.
Photograph of children and adults outside a building, labeled as Sunday School at Big Prairie Church around 1902-1903. Children are in the front row, some in dark dresses, others in patterned or plaid clothing. The back row includes women and young women in dark clothing, some wearing hats. The group is standing on snow, with a wooden building in the background.

Barton School, Big Prairie Twp. 1911

Sunday School, Big Prairie 1908-09

From Boom to Bust: The Farming and Lumbering Era

1856–1930s

Big Prairie flourished from the mid-19th century to the early 20th century, thriving as a hub for farming and lumbering. But prosperity came at a cost. Over-farming, the relentless harvesting of trees, and the unyielding winds transformed the fertile land into a sandy expanse. The boom faded, leaving behind stories of resilience and lessons from the land.

Several cars and trucks parked on a dirt lot with tire marks in the foreground and trees in the background.

Tourists on Big Prairie Desert

A black-and-white historical photo of a snow-covered landscape with people and animals, possibly dogs, in the distance.
A silhouette of a large haystack or mound with grass on top, set against a bright sky.

Whispers from the Past: Is the Cemetery Haunted?

Black and white photo of a rural landscape with a barn and a church, with trees and open fields.

Big Prairie Church & Cemetery

Adding an air of mystery to Big Prairie’s history is a chilling rumor—some say the local cemetery is haunted. Could it be the spirits of the past, or simply the power of folklore?

For those eager to uncover more about Big Prairie Township’s rich and complex history, reach out to the Terry Wantz Historical Research Center at (231)-335-2221. Let the stories of Big Prairie inspire your curiosity and sense of adventure.

Adventures with the Restless Viking: Exploring Big Prairie

For a modern-day adventure into the heart of Big Prairie’s history, join Michigan’s own Restless Viking on his exploration of this unique area. In his engaging video, he delves into the fascinating story of Big Prairie Township and its transformation into a sandy "desert" due to over-farming and deforestation.

Through his journey, the Restless Viking uncovers the remnants of the township’s farming and lumbering heyday, reflecting on the resilience of its early settlers and the lessons nature left behind. His narrative brings history to life, offering a fresh perspective on this remarkable part of Michigan’s past.

Don’t miss his video: Michigan’s Big Prairie Desert and discover the stories hidden within the shifting sands. While you’re there, explore more of his adventures across Michigan and beyond. Follow the Restless Viking as he uncovers untold tales, from historical treasures to off-the-beaten-path discoveries.

Learn More from the Restless Viking
Back