By Carleen Nelson-Nesvig

Every year, the US-12 Heritage Trail in Michigan hosts an event that transforms this stretch of road into a treasure hunter’s paradise.

Known as Michigan’s longest garage sale, this event takes place each August and draws visitors from across the state and beyond to explore over 200 miles of street vendors. From New Buffalo, MI, to Detroit, the US-12 Heritage Trail is lined with booths selling everything from antiques and collectibles to homemade jam and garden produce.

Jason Schofield is the organizer and aims to connect people with the heart of Michigan. The sale has been an annual tradition since 2003 and attracts hundreds of vendors and thousands of visitors.

“Last year I enhanced and expanded the event by connecting with communities, businesses and organizations,” Schofield said. Most recently, he introduced a new Yard Sale Trail Guide. He mentioned that the brochure was available on the Yard Sale Trail Facebook page and served as a dynamic resource with information on must-see destinations, co-occurring events, lodging options and restaurants. “It is updated every time there is an edit or change leading up to the event,” he said. “The brochure acts as a curated guide and provides highlights of what participants can discover along the trail.”

This three-day event spans eight Michigan counties – Wayne, Washtenaw, Lenawee, Hillsdale, Branch, St. Joseph, Cass and Berrien – and celebrates history, community and the joy of discovering hidden treasures.

One such gem was discovered by Riley Honson, a University of Michigan graduate and professional artist now living in Philadelphia. In August, Riley visited Saline, Michigan, and his trip coincided with the US-12 Heritage Trail garage sale. One of his stops was Rentschler Farms in Saline, where he was immediately drawn to a makeshift gift shop filled with old pictures, portraits and frames – items that spoke to his artistic soul.

Among the items on display, a portrait of a woman by the fireplace caught Riley’s attention. Upon closer inspection, he noticed that the portrait was in a high-quality Turner frame, a name he recognized, and bore a label indicating DeVoe & Raynolds, a renowned manufacturer. But what really intrigued him was the artist’s signature on the back of the portrait: “Rousseau.” Could it be the work of Henry Rousseau, the famous landscape painter, or Theodore Rousseau, a younger impressionist known for his valuable works?

Although Riley knew the Turner frame alone was worth more than $100, he offered only $30 for the portrait and frame. For him, this find was not only a financial bargain, but a valuable connection to the artistic legacy he admired.

Volunteers who worked at the event said the treasures at the sale could be as simple as a glass milk bottle or as inspiring as a soldier’s uniform. With its rich history and vibrant community spirit, the US-12 Heritage Trail Garage Sale continues to be a place where such moments are created and treasures are found.