Bad Axe

Bad Axe is a city and county seat in Huron County, located in the Thumb region of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. The city sits along transportation routes including M-19, M-53, and M-142, which connect it to surrounding areas throughout the state.

The city received its name in 1861 when surveyors discovered a damaged axe at their campsite while mapping what would become the first state road in the area. This unusual event gave the settlement its distinctive name and identity.

The Historical Pioneer Log Cabin Village preserves local heritage through authentic buildings such as a blacksmith shop, chapel, general store, and one-room schoolhouse. Visitors can see how people lived and worked here generations ago.

The city is accessible via main transportation routes that make it easy to reach and navigate. The town center is relatively compact and walkable, making it straightforward to explore local shops, restaurants, and attractions on foot.

A resident named William Potts invented the modern three-lens traffic light system that later became standard at intersections worldwide. This practical innovation from a small town had global reach and impact.

Location: Huron County

Inception: 1870

Elevation above the sea: 231 m

Shares border with: Port Austin

Website: http://cityofbadaxe.com

GPS coordinates: 43.80194,-83.00083

Latest update: December 20, 2025 11:36