The Edmund Fitzgerald, a colossal ore carrier, had been fighting her way through a pounding November storm on Lake Superior. Then the Fitz's radar went out, and she started to take on water. Despite gale-force winds and thirty-foot seas, there was no reason to think the Fitz wouldn't find safe harbor at Whitefish Point, Michigan. The last words from the Fitz's captain, Ernest McSorley, was We are holding our own. By all indications, the crew had no idea they were in mortal danger before they plunged to Lake Superior's bottom with no chance to call for help.

Michael Schumacher relates in vivid detail the story of the Edmund Fitzgerald, her many years on the waters of the Great Lakes, the fateful final day, the search efforts and investigation, as well as the speculation and controversy that followed in the wake of the disaster. A fitting tribute to one of the largest ships to have sailed the Great Lakes and the men who tragically lost their lives, Mighty Fitz provides a comprehensive look at the most legendary shipwreck on America's inland waters.

Learn to identify wild berries and fruits with this handy field guide, organized by color.

Get the popular field guide by expert author Teresa Marrone, and get started on your way to becoming a forager. Teresa has been gathering and preparing wild edibles for more than 20 years, and she shares her foraging experience with you. Use this book with confidence as you learn about nearly 200 species found in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. The species are organized by color and then by form, so when you see a red berry, go to the red section to learn what it is.

Book Features

• Species organized by color, then by form
• Full-page photos and insets showing each plant's key identification points
• Interesting tidbits about the plants' many uses
• Range maps, ripening calendar, and more
• Nearly 200 wild berries and fruits in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan

Learn what's edible and what to avoid with this easy-to-use field guide. Fact-filled information contains the particulars that you want to know, while full-page photographs provide the visual detail needed for accurate identification.

You know the adage. Good things come in small packages. Here's proof: dozens of delicious little destinations that delight travelers who crave fun, safe, surprising, and under-the-radar escapes from big-city bustle and congestion. Time to downshift and discover the natural beauty, unique spirit, and enduring character of unusual burgs of Wisconsin. An eclectic mix of communities makes the cut for this selective guide to rural treasures, many of which are lesser known because of limited or no advertising. Visit for an hour, day, overnight or longer. All these special places have a population of no more than 5,000 people, and many have less than 1,000.

Identify butterflies with this easy-to-use field guide, organized by color and featuring full-color photographs and helpful information!

Butterflies are fascinating, beautiful, and a joy to behold. Now observing them is even better with the Butterflies of the Midwest Field Guide. This handy book by acclaimed author and professional entomologist Jaret C. Daniels makes field identification simple and informative. It features 198 species of butterflies (and common moths) organized by color for ease of use. Detailed photographs present the species as you'll see them in nature, and a compare feature helps you to decide between look-alikes.

Inside you'll find:

• 198 species: Butterflies and common moths
• Simple color guide: See a butterfly with prominent blue? Go to the blue section
• Jaret's Notes: Naturalist tidbits and facts
• Professional photos: Crisp, stunning images

The information is applicable to Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. So grab the Butterflies of the Midwest Field Guide for your next hike, walk in the park, or visit to your garden--to help ensure that you positively identify the butterflies that you see.

In this portrait of Wisconsin, photographer Darryl R. Beers captures what makes the Badger State one of the most unique places in the nation. The state's cultural and natural history is presented in stunning color photography, with images of lighthouses on Lake Michigan, sailboats at dawn on Lake Superior, wildflowers, monarch butterflies, Lambeau Field, historic sites, and much more.

Chicago's legacy of organized crime is legendary. Through a vivid and visually stunning collection of images author John Binder tells the story of the people and places of the world of organized crime in the center of the midwest.

No business, legitimate or otherwise, has had a more raucous influence on the history of a city than that of the Outfit in Chicago. From the roots of organized crime in the late 19th century to the present day, The Chicago Outfit examines the evolution of the city's underworld, focusing on their business activities and leadership along with the violence and political protection they employed to become the most successful of the Cosa Nostra crime families. Through a vivid and visually stunning collection of images, many of which are published here for the first time, author John Binder tells the story of the people and places of the world of organized crime from a fresh and informed point of view.

The second revised edition of this companion to the ponds and lakes of New Hampshire's White mountains celebrates their rich diversity: You can hike, ski, snowshoe, swim, paddle a canoe, watch birds or moose, or simply linger by a sunny shore. Expanded fishing information tells you where to cast a line for small-mouth bass, perch, native speckled trout, and more. The ponds that Smith describes range from a tree-lined roadside beauty perfect for a spontaneous swim to an isolated mountain tarn reached only after a day of serious hiking or snowshoeing. He weaves into the text anecdotes and quotations culled from old guidebooks and local history. Additional information includes a bibliography and the author's lists of everything from the best ponds for a family hike to the best rocks to sit on. Each of the 68 descriptions include: * A trail description * Directions to road or trailhead access, with a topographical map * A summary of hiking facts, pond and lake statistics, activities, and fishing opportunities * Descriptions of nearby overlooks that offer bird's-eye views * Notes on visiting in winter

Tracking Made Easy--from the Backyard to the Backwoods

You've seen animal tracks while hiking, camping, or even in your backyard. Now learn what made them. Animal Tracks of the Midwest Field Guide by expert tracker Jonathan Poppele features the tracks of more than 95 species of mammals found in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. This new edition spotlights more species--including common birds and reptiles--as well as updated track illustrations, photographs, and information.

Book Features:

• Animals of the Midwest: More than 95 mammal species, plus common birds and reptiles
• Designed for your success: Realistic track illustrations and quick identification tips
• Fact-filled information: Scat photos and descriptions of other signs that animals leave behind
• Accessible and informative: Easy enough for beginners yet detailed enough for experienced trackers
• Gait illustrations: Depictions and descriptions for each animal, from walking to trotting and hopping to bounding

Species are organized into groups, based on similarities in track appearance and then by track size. So it's easy to find the tracks in the book once you see them in nature. Bring this handy guide on your next outing, and leave a book at the cabin. You'll be surprised how often you encounter animal tracks--and how much you can learn from them

Lighthouses of the Great Lakes combines the fascinating history and lore of approximately forty-one lighthouses with stunning color and black-and-white photographs. Focusing on the lighthouses of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior, this beautifully illustrated book provides stirring descriptions of the lighthouses as well as directions and details on visiting these memorable Great Lakes landmarks.

Something truly fascinating is afoot in a region of the Upper Midwest commonly known as the Driftless that runs counter to many of the trends in the rest of the nation and just might be blueprint for the future of a downsized United States. Covering parts of four states--Illinois, Iowa, Wisconsin, and Minnesota--that share a shoreline with the Mississippi River, the Driftless area was spared the glacial activity that leveled the rest of the Midwest landscape. What is left is a common culture of tucked away hills and valleys, where small-scale farming, a respect and love of nature, and close-knit community are a way of life.

A seasoned journalist known for his nuanced reporting, Stephen J. Lyons tells the stories of the Driftless through the colorful and unforgettable voices of residents who defy easy characterizations and lazy narratives. Readers will meets seed savers, off-the-gridders, birders, farmers, musicians, artists, and writers, all who share a common bond in a separate nation called the Driftless.

Hiking Ohio is your complete guide to 83 of the most scenic day hikes in the Buckeye State. From the shores of Lake Erie to the Ohio River, this handy guide will lead you to the best trails. In this one-of-a-kind resource, you'll find the following features:

- Detailed descriptions, complete with GPS coordinates for every hike in every region

- Special points of interest; descriptions of the topography, flora, fauna, and climate; estimated hiking time and distance; and difficulty ratings for each trail

- Phone numbers and websites, park hours and rules, and available facilities for 65 of the state's most scenic hiking areas

- Easy-to-read maps for every park and trail to help you navigate your hike and locate landmarks and other points of interest

- A convenient trail finder that provides a summary of each trail's features and available facilities

Hiking Ohio brings to life the history, terrain, flora, and fauna of each area. And the descriptions of nearby recreational and sightseeing destinations ensure you won't miss anything on your trip. Hiking Ohio is your guide to enjoying the great outdoors

The Oregon Trail, the route of the pioneers during the largest mass migration in United States history, was a long and difficult journey made by Americans nearly two centuries ago. This guidebook, rich with photos, interviews, and information about the famous landmarks, facilities, individuals, activities, and towns along the trail, will please both adventurers planning to travel the trail and individuals who wish to learn about and follow the trail from an easy chair. Complete with maps and details of each state from Missouri to Oregon, Exploring the Oregon Trail will give readers everything needed to follow in the footsteps of the American pioneers.

Follow a team of real-life ghost hunters on the trail of visitors to the Hawkeye State from the spirit world. You say you don't believe in ghosts? Tell it to the woman who was thrown down the stairs by unseen hands, or the entire church congregation that heard a ghostly voice over the PA speakers After you read the spine-tingling stories of real-life encounters with the uncanny, you'll have to admit that there's something hard to explain going on in the old mansions and graveyards of Iowa.

When the Union Electric Company finished constructing Bagnell Dam in 1931, they had done more than build a source of electrical power-they had created a vacation paradise. Bordered by lush hills and ancient bedrock, the Lake of the Ozarks covers more than 50,000 acres. Since the opening of the lake's first boat docks, three generations of visitors have spent countless days relaxing by its waters. H. Dwight Weaver reconstructs these lazy days, offering readers a vintage tour of one of America's favorite destinations. Each generation witnessed the area's growth, from rustic rock masonry buildings to gravity-defying mystery houses. While travelers in the 1930s and 40s came seeking respite from the Great Depression and World War II, their children and grandchildren returned in happier times, drawn back by the natural beauty and man-made wonders, as illustrated in these historic images.

With the first edition out of print, readers--and libraries--have had to resort to searching for copies online to replace their old, much-used, dog-eared copies. No more. This second edition of Wisconsin Underground provides an up-to-date listing of the state's most publicly accessible caves, former mines, and other subterranean treasures. Whether you are a sport caver, researcher, or vacationer, this guide offers unique travel destinations, suggests possible study projects, and points to both widely known and little known underground locations.

YOU'LL FIND

• Updated listings of 44 sites
• 18 new sites
• 14 museums featuring cave and mine replicas and geology exhibits
• 13 sidebars highlighting Wisconsin's underground history and geology, as well as less accessible--yet fascinating--locations
• Directions, precautions, and amenities for all sites listed

This guide offers ideas for travelers who want an unordinary travel experience. While some sites require sure-footedness and an ability to climb scores of stairs, others are accessible even for families with young children. Whether you're ready for a serious trek or a simple peek beneath the surface, Wisconsin Underground can the lead the way.

Michigan, a state steeped in history, has experienced both periods of great prosperity and economic decline over the past two centuries. This rich history has left its mark on the landscape, with numerous abandoned buildings and machinery scattered across the state.

This book invites you to explore these forgotten remnants of the past. It delves into the stories behind over 50 unique locations, offering detailed information on their history, current state, and accessibility.

Whether you're a history buff, an intrepid explorer, or simply curious about the state's past, this book will lead you on a journey through time. Discover the haunting beauty of abandoned buildings, the industrial might of former factories, and the quiet solitude of forgotten mining towns.

Each location offers a glimpse into Michigan's diverse heritage, from the bustling era of industrialization to the more recent economic shifts. As you explore these sites, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the state's history and the people who shaped it.

Michigan, a state forged in the fires of industry and the embrace of the Great Lakes, boasts a history as dynamic as its landscape. From the soaring heights of automotive dominance to the quiet whispers of forgotten mining towns, the state has witnessed both periods of unprecedented prosperity and the inevitable ebb and flow of economic tides. This rich tapestry of progress and decline has left an indelible mark on the Michigan landscape, a poignant reminder of the state's ever-evolving story.

This book invites you on a captivating exploration of these forgotten remnants of the past, a journey through time that unveils the stories behind over 50 unique locations across the state. Each chapter delves deep, offering a rich tapestry of historical details, current observations, and practical information on accessing these often-overlooked sites.

Whether you're a seasoned history enthusiast, an adventurous explorer seeking off-the-beaten-path experiences, or simply curious about the intricate layers of Michigan's past, this book will serve as your guide.

No business, legitimate or otherwise, has had a more raucous influence on the history of a city than that of the Outfit in Chicago. From the roots of organized crime in the late 19th century to the present day, The Chicago Outfit examines the evolution of the city's underworld, focusing on their business activities and leadership along with the violence and political protection they employed to become the most successful of the Cosa Nostra crime families. Through a vivid and visually stunning collection of images, many of which are published here for the first time, author John Binder tells the story of the people and places of the world of organized crime from a fresh and informed point of view.

Let's eat out

Minnesotans have always loved to, in the opulent dining rooms of fancy hotels, in piney resort halls, or in standard around-the-corner caf s, where the food is hot and plentiful. And the best of these eateries inspire cherished memories of fabulous food and charming camaraderie.

Minnesota Eats Out is a virtual romp through the state's dining spots, from early health resorts to Prohibition-era speakeasies to A&W drive-ins, illustrated with nearly one thousand photographs, postcards, menus, matchbooks, and collectible dishes. Kathryn Strand Koutsky and Linda Koutsky narrate the history of dining in the North Star State, highlighting innovative foods, inspired restaurant architecture, and cutting-edge graphic design, along with anecdotes about beloved restaurants remembered through the decades.

Accompanying this rich history is a priceless collection of recipes for dishes made famous through the years, like the pioneers' Indian Pudding and old favorites from Eibner's Bakery in New Ulm or Ruttger's Resort in Brainerd. Eleanor Ostman revised these recipes for preparation in modern kitchens. Embellished with photographs of historic restaurants, collectible tableware, and restaurant ephemera, the recipes invite today's readers to re-create cherished food memories.

Minnesota Eats Out, a one-of-a-kind venture into the state's history, serves up over a century of fine and fun Minnesota dining.

A detailed guide to fifty-five wineries in Minnesota and Wisconsin, including tours of thirteen wine trails and delightful sidebars packed with food pairings, tips and local lore.

From the day that French explorer Robert Cavelier de La Salle launched the Griffin in 1679 to the 1975 sinking of the celebrated Edmund Fitzgerald, thousands of commercial ships have sailed on the vast and perilous waters of the Great Lakes. In a harbinger of things to come, on the return leg of its first trip in late summer 1679, the Griffin disappeared and has never been seen again. In the centuries since then, the records show that an alarming number of shipwrecks have occurred on the Great Lakes. If vessels that wrecked but were later repaired and returned to service are included, the number certainly swells into the thousands. Most did not mysteriously vanish like the Griffin. Instead, they suffered the occupational hazards of every lake boat: collisions, groundings, strands, fires, boiler explosions, and capsizes. Many of these disasters took the lives of crews and passengers. The fearsome wrath of the storms that brew over the Great Lakes has challenged and defeated some of the staunchest vessels constructed in the shipyards of port cities along the U.S. and Canadian lakeshores. Here Richard Gebhart tells the tales of some of these ships and their captains and crews, from their launches to their sad demises--or sometimes, their celebrated retirements. This volume is a must-read for anyone intrigued by the maritime history of the Great Lakes.