Thumb Quilt Trail
Discover the Quilt Trail: A Patchwork of Art and Heritage.
The Thumb Quilt Trail promotes the art, craft, and legacy of quilt-making. The trail showcases, preserves, and celebrates the Thumb Region's rural and agricultural heritage and traditions.
Each barn tells a story through vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and rich symbolism, inviting travelers on a scenic journey through both artistry and heritage.
Learn more below.
Quilt Trail Locations
Click the map below to view the Quilt Trail locations on Google Maps.
Tips for Traveling the Thumb Quilt Trail
The majority of quilt blocks are situated on private property. Kindly honor the owner's privacy and refrain from entering the property without permission. If visiting a site, please stay in your vehicle unless the quilt block is at a business.
Travelers should exercise caution and observe all safety measures when viewing quilt blocks from the roadside. Upon nearing a quilt block site, remain vigilant of traffic and park responsibly. Certain roads along the trail may offer limited shoulder space, so endeavor to pull over as much as possible. Upon stopping, activate your hazard lights, particularly if you intend to capture photographs.
TULIP GARDEN BLOCK
Empkie Barn
LOCATION
7541 N Van Dyke Rd, Port Austin, MI 48467
Empkie Barn stands on a family's Sesquicentennial Farm, established in 1867, and was constructed in 1930 by Fred Empkie. Built in the traditional "barn-raising" style by local craftsmen, it stands as a testament to both heritage and community spirit. Fred’s wife’s passion for quilting is reflected in the choice of the Tulip quilt design, reminiscent of her own intricate appliqué creations. Situated approximately 2 miles south of Port Austin on the west side of M53, this barn holds a cherished place in the Emkie family's history and the local landscape.
GATHERING OF GEESE BLOCK
Miller Barn
LOCATION
2380 Grindstone Road, Port Austin, MI 48467
The Miller Barn stands 2 3/4 miles east of Port Austin on M-25. The Strozeski family has owned the farm since 1926. Over the decades, it has served as a shelter for cattle, horses, and storage needs. Once boasting a silo for grain storage, it has since been dismantled due to deterioration. The current resident, who was born at this homestead, inherited the farm from her mother, Pauline Strozeski, upon marrying John W. Miller. With 89 years of cherished memories, she remains deeply connected to the barn and the farm. Notably, the lower half of the barn features construction with colored stones, believed to have been sourced from the farm's fields.
EDDY STONE BLOCK
Theummel Barn
LOCATION
1890 Grindstone Road, Port Austin, MI 48467
Around 1940, the Theummel Barn was built for Charles Thuemmel, marking the culmination of numerous barns constructed by Herman Pinkoski, with this being the final one.
GOAT TIMES BLOCK
Best of Times Farm
LOCATION
720 Port Crescent Road, Port Austin, MI 48467
The intricate quilt block adorning the barn was conceptualized, painted, and installed by Dave Price. Although relatively new residents of Thumb, Dave and Karen hold deep ties to the area that brought them back home. The barn, dating back to approximately 1920, stands as a testament to the region's agricultural heritage, once serving as a bustling dairy farm.
Dave and Karen Price manage a modest herd of dairy and fiber goats on their seven-acre farmstead. They take particular pride in the exquisite yarn crafted from the fleece of their Pygora goats, often mistaken for sheep, as well as the rare British Guernsey goats they raise. Visitors are warmly encouraged to explore the complimentary little library located at the roadside. Feel free to peruse its offerings, borrow a book, or contribute to its collection. Remember, the joy of reading knows no boundaries, even on vacation.
Another point of interest is the labyrinth, open for all to wander freely. Whether you seek solace, reflection, prayer, or meditation, the labyrinth offers a space to unwind and contemplate. Brochures providing additional details are readily available.
BOUQET BLOCK
Baranski Barn
LOCATION
8103 Hellems Road, Port Austin, MI 48467
STARS & CUBES
Murawski Barn
LOCATION
7542 N. Van Dyke Road, Port Austin, MI 48467