Skip to main content
Michigan’s nonpartisan, nonprofit news source

Listen: Who’s buried atop Michigan’s tallest mountain?

A gravestone is seen in the ground
When Bridge Michigan visited Mount Arvon on May 17, this memorial marker was found underneath a tree. (Laura Herberg/Bridge Michigan)
  • Bridge Michigan is checking things off our summer bucket list and telling the stories behind each item
  • As part of the series, a reporter hiked to the top of Mount Arvon and found a mysterious gravestone
  • The marker was for a person named Virginia Cleveland who died in 2022 but not much else is publicly known about her

As part of the Michigan Dreaming Ultimate Bucket List series, Bridge Michigan reporters have been checking things off a list of 10 under-the-radar activities voted on by readers, and telling stories along the way.

Sponsor

When Outdoors Life Reporter Laura Herberg hiked to the top of Mount Arvon, Michigan’s tallest mountain, back in May, she found something that she wasn’t expecting. 

There was a gravestone that read: “Virginia Cleveland: April 17, 1952 to September 9, 2022. Loving Mother.”

Who was this woman and why was she buried at the top of Michigan’s highest natural point? 

Herberg thought a simple Google search would lead to answers, but it didn’t. 

Click on the audio player below to hear what Herberg learned instead.

    The summer bucket list series

    This story is a part of Bridge’s own Michigan Dreaming Bucket List series. We put together 10 Michigan gems to add to your summer bucket list with input from readers like you. Now our staff is ticking them off, one story at a time. Follow along here!

    Here’s what we’ve done so far:

    #10 — Ride the Silver Lake Dunes

    #8 — Chill with sled dogs at MI Dog

    #5 — Visit the monks at the Jampot bakery

    #6 — ‘Climb’ to the top of Mount Arvon

    #1 — Sleep in a lighthouse

    How impactful was this article for you?

    Only donate if we've informed you about important Michigan issues

    See what new members are saying about why they donated to Bridge Michigan:

    • “In order for this information to be accurate and unbiased it must be underwritten by its readers, not by special interests.” - Larry S.
    • “Not many other media sources report on the topics Bridge does.” - Susan B.
    • “Your journalism is outstanding and rare these days.” - Mark S.

    If you want to ensure the future of nonpartisan, nonprofit Michigan journalism, please become a member today. You, too, will be asked why you donated and maybe we'll feature your quote next time!

    Pay with VISA Pay with MasterCard Pay with American Express Pay with PayPal Donate Now