Explore a Real Ghost Town at This Michigan Nature Preserve

Have you ever wanted to spend a day exploring a Michigan ghost town, but didn't know where to find one? Well, you're in luck, because here's one that's off the beaten path and filled with an amazing variety of ecosystems... and the remains of an early 1900s limestone quarry.

The Fibron Karst Preserve is located in Naubinway in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, between St. Ignace and Newberry. The limestone quarry was originally opened in 1904 by Chase Osborn and William Fitch.

In 1905, they incorporated the quarry under the name Fiborn, which is a mashup of their surnames.

Karst is a type of terrain where the rock beneath the surface has dissolved, creating the formulation of sinkholes, caves, and other characteristic features.

The unique formations provide unusual habitats that invite flora and fauna that wouldn't usually thrive in this area. Both brown and long-eared bats can be found in the caves of this Michigan ghost town, which they use for both swimming and hibernation.

There are two self-guided trails at the Fiborn Karst Preserve. The shorter of the two trails is the Sinkhole Trail, which takes visitors past a creek that disappears below ground, along with a fair amount of sinkholes.

The second trail is about 1.5 miles long and is called the Barbara Ann Patrie Memorial Trail. It takes hikers along the quarry's edge, some second-growth forest, and Fiborn Pond.

One of the most popular spots at this Michigan nature preserve is the Hendrie River Water Cave. This cave is only 7,000 - 10,000 years old and spans about 1,500 feet.

Tours of this and other caves on the preserve are available. Visitors who wish to go inside the cave must ensure they have the proper equipment and fill out the Fiborn Karst Preserve Use Permit and any other current addendums. This is to ensure the safety of the guests, as well as protect the cave.

Preservation is of utmost importance to this Michigan hiking trail, so things that are normally allowed at a park are not here. These include fires, camping, vehicles, pollution, and more.

Fiborn Karst Preserve does an excellent job of protecting both the natural and manmade history of this peaceful spot. Visitors are free to explore the remains of the bustling town that once surrounded this limestone quarry.

All that remains from this more-than-100-year-old settlement are sorting bins, a powerhouse, and the building where the railroad cars were housed. You can explore the interior of these buildings during your visit, and imagine what life could have been like back then.

Wandering through the grounds of this Michigan ghost town must feel somewhat surreal, making it an excellent stop for photos.

In the grand scheme of ghost towns, the Fiborn Karst Preserve is small. But it's mighty, as what remains is well-preserved for the age. It's obvious that the caretakers take their jobs very seriously.

However, how many other ghost towns are home to the deepest cave in Michigan?

Without a doubt, you should stop at the Fiborn Karst Preserve when you visit the Upper Peninsula. There's a lot to see up in the Yoop, but after learning more about this place, it should be at the top of your list.

Do you know any Michigan ghost towns? I'd love to hear about them in the comments!