PLEASE NOTE: NMJ ran this excerpt but we DID NOT write the book, nor do we have any additional information regarding the subject matter or the author. You can buy the books at Leelanau Books. Please don't email us about this!!
Mystic Michigan by Cadillac writer Mark Jager might well be titled: A Field Guide to Exploring Michigan's Mysteries. "I didn't want to really get into the really far out stuff," he explained. "What's in there are things that for the most part are scientifically accepted -- just not widely known."

Without further delay then, here are just two of the 49 tales from Jager's book.

Dolmen Altars
On top of a rocky mountain in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is a strange rock formation which is thought to be an ancient Norse altar.

According to Ancient American magazine, the stone formation was first seen in 1873 by John Longyear of the Arctic Coal Company. Some researchers believe that it was built by vikings who travelled on the Great Lakes before Columbus set foot on American soil.

The formation consists of three large rocks set in a triangular form with a large boulder sitting on top of them. It is believed that the "altar" was used for religious ceremonies by travellers who came to mine copper on the Keewanaw Peninsula. The strange rock formation is located in Marquette County. Such rock formations were called "dolmens" and were thought to have been placed in magical locations.

The Paulding Lights

At one time, Ripley's Believe It Or Not offered in excess of $100,000 to the person or persons who could solve a bizarre light phenomenon in Paulding, Michigan.

Nearly every clear evening, strange circular spheres of light dance on the horizon of the tiny community, and at one point seem to follow the pathway of electrical lines.

The lights have been captured on film by Michigan Magazine and Channel Six News out of Marquette. Experts from Ripley's have been to the location to examine the phenomenon.

At the location of the Paulding lights, the Michigan Forest service has put up signs which indicate the best area from which the lights can be seen. So far, no logical conclusions have been reached. The lights have been witnessed as being red, white and green. These lights are not to be confused with the Northern Lights. They are a phenomenon that is unique to Paulding, Michigan.

Locals say the lights have been viewed for a long time. Eye witnesses claim to have seen the lights way back at the turn of the century, while on their way to the train depot at Watersmeet.

Various legends have developed concerning the lights. One myth explains the lights as the ghost of a railroad brakeman, while other say it is the ghost of an Indian dancing on the power lines. Some locals attest to the fact that the lights start over Lake Superior and make their way inland. The public is welcome to view the strange lights.

Mystic Michigan is available from regional booksellers as well as by sending $7.00 to:
Zosma Publications
PO Box 73
Cadillac, MI 49601

Those who have an unusual fact or phenomenon they would like to see in a future issue of Mystic Michigan are encouraged to send the information to the above address as well.

Links From This Article
Leelanau Books	The Fox Islands North and South
The Bird in the Waterfall by Jerry Dennis & Glenn Wolff

copyright 1995 Mark Jager

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