The Ruins: Echoes of Copper and Childhood in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula

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.

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Discover Tranquility Piece by Piece: A Stunning Lake Superior Puzzle Experience

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.

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George Washington: The Legacy of a Founding Father in Pieces and Portraits

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.

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The Elk: A Winter Sentinel of Yellowstone

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.”

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Exploring the Everglades: A Journey Through Nature on the Boardwalks

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.

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Piece Together the Past with Pocket Change

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.

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Unveiling Jackson Square: History, Culture, and Festivities in the French Quarter

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.

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Copper Country's Gateway: The Portage Lake Lift Bridge

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.

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Firefall Magic: Our Unforgettable Yosemite Adventure

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.

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Only the Brave: Conquer the Flames with FISH BOIL FURY from the Insanity Series

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.

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Stressful Starfish: The Ultimate Challenge for Puzzle Enthusiasts

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.

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Smoky Mountain Memories: Capturing "The Old Cabin"

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.

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America's Shrimping Heritage: A Morning in Mississippi

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.

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Discover the Beauty of Lake Michigan and Its Majestic Sand Dunes

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.

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Garden Goodies: A Puzzle of Nature's Bounty

Last summer, I found myself inspired by the vibrant colors and diverse shapes of the vegetables from a garden. I decided to capture this beauty in a unique way by creating a puzzle called "Garden Goodies." This puzzle features an array of fresh vegetables, each one a testament to the bounty of nature.

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A Memorable Trip to Door Peninsula: Discovering the Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light

My wife and I recently embarked on a delightful journey to the Door Peninsula while staying at our cabin in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Our adventure was filled with picturesque views, delicious food, and a visit to the iconic Sturgeon Bay Canal North Pierhead Light, which inspired me to create a 1000-piece puzzle named "NORTH PIER RED LIGHT."

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Rediscovering the Gateway Arch: A Photographer's Journey

As a photographer, there's nothing quite like capturing the essence of iconic landmarks. On our way back from California in the spring of 2023, my wife and I made a memorable stop in St. Louis, Missouri. Our journey along Route 66 was filled with incredible sights, from classic cars and stunning rock formations to historic buildings that inspired the movie "Cars."

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Discovering the Magic of Old Man's Cave: A Fall Adventure

In the fall of 2023, my wife and I embarked on a memorable journey to Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio, a detour on our way to Florida. We spent a week exploring the park's various attractions, but one spot that truly captivated us was Old Man's Cave.

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A Glimpse Down the Street: Capturing Savannah's Plant Riverside

Savannah, Georgia, is a city that effortlessly blends historic charm with modern vibrancy. On my first visit, I found myself looking down a picturesque street towards the lively Plant Riverside District. This moment, with its mix of historic architecture and contemporary energy, was too perfect not to capture. The resulting photo has since become a favorite, embodying the unique spirit of Savannah.

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Capturing the Magic: Miners Castle and the Northern Lights

A couple of years ago, I embarked on a photographic adventure that led me to one of the most breathtaking sights I've ever witnessed. As a photographer and the founder of Phil Stagg Photography, I have always been drawn to the natural beauty of Michigan. This particular journey took me to Miners Castle, a stunning rock formation along the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, with the Northern Lights dancing in the background over Lake Superior. The result was a mesmerizing photo that I later transformed into a 500-piece puzzle for my brand, MI Puzzles.

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