5 Reasons Not to Give the Ax to Bad Axe, Michigan

At first glance, Bad Axe, Michigan may be a town with an intimidating name. But we’re here to tell you there are plenty of reasons not to give Bad Axe a bad rep. As a Thumb town that’s a stone’s throw from Lake Huron, Bad Axe is a charming place with plenty of reasons for Michiganders and out-of-towners to visit.

1. It’s a Town With a Quirky Name and Quirky History

Michigan has more than its share of towns with interesting names, including Hell, Paradise, Ypsilanti, Ononagon, Dowagiac, and Mackinac Island. But Bad Axe might just be the coolest name of any Michigan city.

It’s a name that immediately piques curiosity and is one of several Michigan cities whose name has a double meaning — sounds an awful lot like badass doesn’t it?

The story for its awesome name dates back to the 1800s when surveyors George Willis Pack and Rudolph Papst found a badly damaged axe where they were making camp. Papst referred to their camp as “Bad Axe Camp” on a trail sign on one of Michigan’s first state roads and in their survey minutes.

The rest is history and Bad Axe’s name remains a unique piece of trivia and a conversation starter.

2. It’s a Gateway to the Thumb Region

With its location in the upper part of Michigan’s Thumb, Bad Axe is the perfect gateway to exploring this fascinating region of Michigan.

With over 100 miles of shoreline and tons of parks, beaches, trails, and small towns to explore, the Thumbcoast is a summertime paradise, but it’s also a lively year-round destination with plenty to do.

Bad Axe makes the perfect home base for all kinds of day trip adventures. The area is filled with hidden treasures waiting to be explored from lakeside towns like Port Austin and Caseville to historic lighthouses on Lake Huron and curiosities like Turnip Rock.

3. It’s Got Plenty of Small-Town Charm

It may have a tough-sounding name, but Bad Axe is the epitome of small-town America, and residents and visitors alike can feel right at home here.

Stroll through Main Street and check out the unique shops, cozy cafes, and delightful diners. The sense of community here is palpable, making it a perfect spot to unwind and enjoy a slower pace of life.

• Bad Axe is home to Murphy’s Bakery, one of the best donut shops in Michigan that delights customers of all ages with a tasty variety of treats.
• The Dizzy Daisy Winery offers dozens of delicious handcrafted wines to satisfy every tastebud.
• The Gathering Place is just what it sounds like — a friendly restaurant with lots of options and a friendly atmosphere.
• Emma’s Coffee House is the perfect place for a morning boost with specialty drinks, breakfast goodies, and more.

RELATED: Bad Axe is also home to several fun events during the year, including the Huron Community Fair in the summer, Fall Frenzy in the fall and Tidings & Tinsel Christmas events in the winter.

4. It’s Got a Rich Agricultural Heritage

Nestled in Huron County — an area known for its agricultural heritage — Bad Axe is a great starting point for a scenic drive through the countryside past sprawling farmlands and quaint barns. If you’re lucky, you might even stumble upon a farmer’s market where you can pick up fresh, locally-grown produce.

Bad Axe is also one of the best places to go each winter for a fresh-cut Christmas tree. Hill Top Nursery is open year-round but specializes in Christmas trees each winter, including Colorado Blue Spruce, White Spruce, Canaan Fir, and Norway Spruce trees.

RELATED: The Thumb has plenty of awesome winter things to do too — including sledding on the “kindergarten hill” in Bad Axe across from St. Huberts Sacred Heart Church.

5. It’s a Nature Lover’s Paradise

We’ve already established that Bad Axe is a gateway to discovering Michigan’s Thumb. But for outdoor enthusiasts, Bad Axe is also a gateway to nature’s wonders in the Thumb.

• Port Cresent State Park in Port Austin is famous for its sandy beaches, but it’s also one of Michigan’s best spots for stargazing.
• Turnip Rock, one of the must-visit spots for kayaking and photos in Michigan, is a short drive away and then a leisurely paddle out into Lake Huron.
• Port Huron is a fun day trip destination that’s home to an Edgar Allan Poe-themed cafe, historic Fort Gratiot, and the Blue Water Bridge.

Whether you’re into hiking, fishing, or simply soaking up the natural beauty, this Thumb has something for every outdoorsy visitor.

Be Kind to Bad Axe and Come Visit

So, there you have it — five compelling reasons not to give Bad Axe, Michigan the ax. This delightful town is bursting with charm, natural beauty, community spirit, and access to the very best of Michigan’s Thumb.

So next time you’re planning a road trip, add Bad Axe to your itinerary — you might find that this quirky little town with a cool name becomes your new favorite Michigan destination.