When you arrive in Alpha Michigan and make your way to the Alpha Circle Historic District, you can travel back in time and experience life in an Upper Peninsula village during the era of iron ore exploration and mining. During the late 1800’s, exploration for iron ore began here, and eventually three ore mines operated in the area. These mines allowed a village to grow; Alpha Michigan was incorporated in 1914. The village flourished until the mining activity diminished and finally closed down in the 1960’s.

Alpha Michigan and Porter School

Unlike so many other small villages in the region, this one is not being slowly abandoned, the difference is that there is an effective effort to preserve the history and turn the village into a viable community again.

Situated on a hill overlooking the Alpha Creek, with a “Circle” as the center of town, directly in front of the Porter School, Alpha Michigan Township Hall, water tower and the First National Bank building.  Renovation has now begun on the old school classrooms so that they will be available for small businesses or other public usage.  To date, the following fledgling businesses have moved into the old school; Sewing Shop, Hand-made Soap Shop, an Antique/Collectible Resale Shop, Custom Bird Houses & Bee Towres, Specialty Pet Shop, and one of the rooms is home to the Porter School Library and Resource Center.

More Photos Of Old School Pizza & Cafe: https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1032031706888967.1073741852.150366861722127&type=3

Porters School Farmer’s Market: You are invited to take part in the fresh-air shopping experience offered by the Porter School Farmers’ Market. We’re located in front of the historic Porter School on the circle in the Village of Alpha, Michigan. Our market is open mid-June through mid-October, Saturdays from 9:00 am to noon and features locally grown seasonal produce, farm fresh eggs and assorted kitchen delights. Watch for our summer schedule of events which include musical entertainment and “Tastes of Summer”, prepared produce dishes you can sample with take home recipe cards. Also displayed on the front lawn are arts and crafts which have included: jewelry, custom designed frames, wood carvings and found object art. The historic Porter School also is home to The Circle Cafe open for breakfast and lunch as well as the Porter School Market Place unique specialty shops housed in the 1914 school building.