60th Anniversary of Iconic Michigan UFO Sighting Approaches

Residents reported strange aerial phenomena in Dexter, Michigan in 1966

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The 60th anniversary of one of Michigan's most famous UFO sightings is approaching. On March 20, 1966, Frank Manor reported seeing a strange red object that turned blue and white over the trees near his home in Dexter, Michigan. Days later, Hillsdale College students also reported seeing a mysterious craft in the sky. While officials dismissed the sightings as "swamp gas", the upcoming anniversary has renewed interest in the incident as the government prepares to release more information on unidentified aerial phenomena.

Why it matters

The 1966 Dexter, Michigan UFO sighting is considered one of the most well-documented and intriguing cases of its kind in the state's history. As the 60th anniversary approaches, it has sparked renewed public interest and debate around the possibility of extraterrestrial activity, as well as the government's historical handling and transparency around such incidents.

The details

On the night of March 20, 1966, Frank Manor reported seeing a strange red object that hovered over the trees near his home in Dexter, Michigan. He said the object then turned blue and white before disappearing. Just days later, some Hillsdale College students also reported seeing a mysterious craft in the sky. At the time, officials dismissed the sightings as "swamp gas", a controversial explanation that has long been criticized by UFO enthusiasts.

  • The original UFO sighting occurred on March 20, 1966 in Dexter, Michigan.
  • The 60th anniversary of the Dexter, Michigan UFO sighting is coming up on March 20, 2026.

The players

Frank Manor

A Dexter, Michigan resident who reported seeing a strange red object that turned blue and white over the trees near his home in 1966.

Sam Maranto

The Great Lakes director of MUFON, the Mutual UFO Network, who discussed the 1966 Dexter sighting.

President Donald Trump

The former U.S. president who directed the government to release more information on unidentified aerial phenomena.

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What they’re saying

“It initially looked like a meteorite, but then what was a red object stopped over the trees in the distance on their property and turned, I believe he said, blue and white. Him and his son went out there to take a peek at it. To say the least, this became a big hella blue out there.”

— Sam Maranto, Great Lakes Director, Mutual UFO Network (wsjm.com)

What’s next

President Trump's directive to release more government documents on unidentified aerial phenomena could provide new insights into the 1966 Dexter, Michigan UFO sighting as the 60th anniversary approaches.

The takeaway

The 1966 Dexter, Michigan UFO sighting remains one of the most well-known and intriguing incidents of its kind in the state's history. As the 60th anniversary approaches, it has renewed public interest and debate around the possibility of extraterrestrial activity, as well as the government's transparency around such phenomena.