MICHIGAN SHADOW TOWN: Partello in Calhoun County

***AS ALWAYS, SEEK PERMISSION TO ENTER ABANDONED STRUCTURES; TRESPASSERS RISK BEING PROSECUTED.***

This little burg can be considered either a shadow town or a ghost town, even though there are some residents left. Partello is located in Calhoun County's Lee Township, down 23 Mile Road, just south of the V Drive N junction.

The town got it's start in 1844 when the Dover Company attempted to build a lumber mill. They sold the land to J.R. Partello, who built a more successful sawmill, but it burned down the following year.

Even so, the village grew and more businesses started to pop up: two blacksmiths, church, cider mill, general store, post office (1856-1905), schoolhouse and wagon shop. There was also an entertainment center where they held special programs, dances, music and potluck dinners.

The original town plat had over 50 proposed lots and three side streets: East, West and Mill, but you wouldn't know it from the town's current state. A very few old buildings still stand within overgrown weeds and bushes.

Owners & neighbors seem to be OK with stopping for photos, but as mentioned above, seek permission to enter or you could be prosecuted.

Partello is another closeby, forgotten Michigan town that makes a great place to drive-thru for some photo ops!