Northwoods Improvisers first came together in 1976. Early versions of the band played totally collective electro-acoustic improvised music. Around 1980 the band switched to an all acoustic instrumentation which has remained to this day. Mike Gilmore and Mike Johnston were founding members of the ensemble. Nick Ashton joined in 1986.

In the 1980's the band published several homemade cassette tapes of various live performances. in 1987 the band played several gigs with Canadian saxophonist (and Coda Magazine editor) Bill Smith. 

In 1994 Northwoods released their 1st recording Fog and Fire on Trevor Watts Arc label. In 1996 Northwoods began recording on the Michigan based Entropy Stereo label owned by violinist Mike Khoury. 

In 2000 the group began colaborating with Detroit saxophonist Faruq Z. Bey. Mike Carey a long time Bey collaborator joined the ensemble in 2002.

• A list of members that have been in the Northwoods collective over the years;
  
  John Plough-drummer and founding member of the Northwoods Improvisers
  Ray Kaczynski-drums and percussion.
  Cliff Davies-drums (ex Ted Nugent)
  Bill Blackford-guitar
  Don Barber-drums and percussion
  Kirk Lucas-cello, guitar
  Brad DeRoche-guitar
  Bill Smith-soprano saxophone
  Randy Marsh-drums
  Miles Frank Davis-trumpet
  Len Bukowski-contra alto clarinet
  Ben Bracken-guitar, etc.