Each May, Holland, Michigan transforms into a vibrant canvas of color and culture during the Tulip Time Festival. For me, this celebration is more than just a floral showcase—it's a cherished tradition. From walking downtown with friends, tossing a frisbee in the park, sipping coffee and smoothies, to visiting Cherry Republic, the festival is a sensory delight. One of my favorite views during the festival was from Riverview Park located beside Window On The Waterfront, right beside the Macatawa River. From the park’s overlook, we admired Windmill Island across the swampy waters—a tranquil scene framed by nature and rich with nostalgia.

It was one of those serene mornings in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—the kind where the fog hangs low, the air smells like pine needles and possibility, and you start to believe nature might just be your best friend. I was at Oswald Bear Ranch, camera in hand, hoping to capture something special for my puzzle line. I didn’t expect to stumble into a scene that looked like it was straight out of a Disney movie… or a bear survival guide.

A couple of years ago, I found myself standing before the majestic Mt. Washington Hotel, camera in hand, as nature staged one of its most breathtaking performances. Fog hung delicately below the peak of Mount Washington, creating a soft veil that added mystery to the mountain’s rugged silhouette. The trees were just beginning to shift into their autumn attire—splashes of gold, amber, and crimson hinting at the season’s arrival.

There’s something magical about waking up early, packing your gear, and heading into the heart of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. On a quiet summer morning, I drove my red Jeep Wrangler up winding roads through the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, chasing a moment I hoped to capture — one that would later become a centerpiece of my MI Puzzles collection.

In the fall of 2022, my wife and I finally made it to the Black Hills Roundup Rodeo in Belle Fourche, South Dakota—a stop we had planned nearly two decades earlier. Back in 2008, we were pulling our trailer westward toward Yellowstone and the Grand Tetons with our kids, a couple of tents, and a Dodge Durango packed with totes. That trip was unforgettable, not just for the scenery, but for the unexpected detour down Crazy Woman Canyon Road.

Tucked deep in the rugged beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula lies a haunting relic of the past—an old copper mine building, now a canvas of graffiti and shattered glass. This forgotten structure, located in the Keweenaw Peninsula, once pulsed with the energy of industry. Today, it stands as a monument to both history and imagination, immortalized in a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle titled “The Ruins” by photographer Phil Stagg.

Immerse yourself in the peaceful majesty of Michigan with a puzzle that’s as breathtaking as the landscape it portrays. This exquisite 1000-piece puzzle captures a radiant sunset over Lake Superior at the mouth of the Hurricane River, nestled within the iconic Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Known for its dramatic cliffs and pristine waters, this scene reveals the lake’s gentler side—calm, golden, and utterly captivating.

George Washington, born in 1732 in Westmoreland County, Virginia, was more than just a military leader—he was the embodiment of a new nation's ideals. Known for his unwavering integrity and leadership, Washington played a pivotal role in the American Revolutionary War, leading the Continental Army to victory against British forces. His reputation as a unifier and a man of principle laid the foundation for his future as the first President of the United States.

In the heart of Yellowstone National Park, winter transforms the landscape into a quiet, snow-covered sanctuary. It’s here, in this serene setting, that a powerful image was captured—an elk standing tall and still, surrounded by the soft hush of snow. This moment, frozen in time, is now the centerpiece of a 500-piece puzzle titled “The Elk.”

Back in the spring of 2020, just before the world changed in so many ways, my wife Cindy and I took our youngest son, Luke, on a trip to celebrate his upcoming high school graduation. We wanted to do something special—something that would leave a lasting impression. So we packed our bags and headed south to one of the most unique ecosystems in the world: the Everglades.

At Phil Stagg Photography, we are proud to revisit one of the beloved classics in our MI Puzzles line: Pocket Change. This 500-piece puzzle has been a favorite among coin collectors and puzzle enthusiasts for many years, offering not just a test of your puzzling skills but also a journey through time, featuring a stunning photograph of a pile of coins, meticulously stacked and captured in the cozy setting of my dining room.

Jackson Square, nestled in the heart of the French Quarter in New Orleans, Louisiana, is a vibrant testament to the city's rich history and cultural tapestry. This iconic landmark, originally known as Place d'Armes, has been a central gathering place since its inception in 1721. Renamed in honor of Andrew Jackson, the hero of the Battle of New Orleans, the square is home to a striking equestrian statue of Jackson, sculpted by Clark Mills and erected in 1856.

Nestled in the scenic landscape of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the Portage Lake Lift Bridge stands as a testament to engineering marvel and community spirit. This iconic structure, also known as the Houghton–Hancock Bridge, serves as a vital link between the cities of Houghton and Hancock, bridging the waters of Portage Lake and the Keweenaw Waterway.

A few years ago, my wife and I embarked on an unforgettable journey around California, and one of the highlights was witnessing the awe-inspiring Firefall phenomenon at Horsetail Fall in Yosemite National Park. This blog post will share some fascinating facts about the Firefall and recount our incredible experience exploring Yosemite and its majestic sequoia trees.

At MI Puzzles by Phil Stagg Photography, we believe in the power of community and the importance of bringing people together. Whether it's through our Waterfalls of Michigan guidebooks, puzzles, calendars, or children's book, our mission is to create products that foster connection and build strong relationships. In this blog post, we explore the essence of friendship and community through the voices of real people who shared their thoughts on what makes someone a close friend and how physical distance affects their relationships.

Welcome to the latest addition to our Insanity Series from MI Puzzles by Phil Stagg Photography! We're thrilled to introduce the FISH BOIL FURY, a captivating and challenging 1000-piece puzzle that captures the essence of a beloved tradition from Door County, Wisconsin.

Welcome to MI Puzzles, where we offer a range of puzzles in 300, 500, and 1000 pieces that cater to all skill levels. However, we also take pride in creating challenges that push even the most seasoned puzzlers to the brink of insanity. I'm Wesley Stagg from Phil Stagg Photography, and today, I'm thrilled (and slightly amused) to introduce you to one of our latest creations in the "Insanity Series" – the "Stressful Starfish" puzzle.

Our adventure began just outside of Gatlinburg, Tennessee, at the cozy Twin Creek RV Resort. The vibrant fall colors of October 2021 set the perfect backdrop for our stay. We started our week with a few trips to Pigeon Forge, exploring its charming attractions. One of our favorite stops was Old Mill Street, where we discovered delightful shops like Stardust Candles, known for their prank candles. It was fun exploring the historic part of the city.

In the scenic harbor of Mississippi, one early morning at sunrise, I captured this stunning photo, showcasing seven shrimp boats, with three proudly bearing the names Sophie Anne, Brandi Ranae, and Boories Pride. Imagine standing there in the early morning chill, the air crisp and filled with the faint scent of saltwater. The sky begins to lighten, painted with hues of orange and yellow, before the sky transitions to the soft blue of the morning. As the first rays of sunlight break over the horizon, they cast a warm, golden light that reflects off the calm waters, creating a serene and almost magical atmosphere.

Lake Michigan, one of the five Great Lakes of North America, is a stunning natural wonder that captivates visitors with its vast expanse and serene beauty. Spanning approximately 1,640 miles of shoreline, Lake Michigan offers a diverse range of landscapes, from bustling urban areas to tranquil beaches and towering sand dunes.