Pellston in Emmet County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Big Wheel History
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 13, 2026
1. Big Wheel History Marker
The Michigan Logging Wheel, (Big Wheel) was invented by Silas C. Overpack in 1875 in Manistee, Michigan.
The invention of the Big Wheel enabled the logging industry to harvest timber on a year-round basis. Previously logging was restricted to the winter months. Thousands were manufactured in Manistee, Michigan and later in Redding California. They sold in three different sizes, 9-foot, 9-foot 6 inches, and 10 foot and sold for $100 per diameter foot.
The wheels could carry logs from 12 to 100 feet long and a total 1000 to 2000 board feet in a single load. They were used all over the Northern United States and Canada. During World War I many of them were sent to France to aid the U.S. Army.
The company ceased manufacturing Big Wheels in 1937 after more modern methods of harvesting timber were developed.
The replica on display here was built to the exact specifications of the drawings used by Mr. Overpack in 1875 by craftsman Bailey Sides. It took nearly a year to build using local hard maple and ironwood.
This model was donated to the Village of Pellston through a grant from the Henry E and Consuelo S Wenger
this page online
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • War, World I. A significant historical year for this entry is 1875.
Location. 45° 33.292′ N, 84° 47.048′ W. Marker is in Pellston, Michigan, in Emmet County. It is on Stimpson Street (U.S. 31) north of East State Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Pellston MI 49769, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula and in one of the Lake Michigan Shore counties. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. Globally, it is in North America, the Great North Woods, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pellston (a few steps from this marker); Veterans Memorial
Photographed by Joel Seewald, April 13, 2026
2. Big Wheel History Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 27, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 27, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 27, 2026, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.
