Antrim County is located in the northwest region of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula and is bordered by Kalkaska, Grand Traverse, Charlevoix, Emmet, and Otsego Counties. The county covers an area of approximately 626 square miles and is home to a population of around 23,000 people. Antrim County’s geography is quite varied with a mix of flatlands, rolling hills, and heavily forested areas.
The county’s western border is formed by the shores of Lake Michigan while the northern border follows along the edges of Grand Traverse Bay. To the south lies the Manistee National Forest which covers a large portion of Antrim County providing a wealth of outdoor recreational opportunities for its residents. The eastern border follows along Torch Lake which provides some stunning views as it winds its way through this part of Michigan.
Antrim County has several large rivers that flow through it including the Jordan River which winds its way through the county from east to west before emptying into Lake Michigan at Elk Rapids. The Boardman River also cuts through much of Antrim County before emptying into Grand Traverse Bay near Traverse City. Additionally, there are numerous smaller creeks and streams that provide excellent fishing opportunities in certain areas throughout the county.
The terrain in Antrim County ranges from flat agricultural lands to heavily forested hills with elevations ranging from 600 feet above sea level near Elk Rapids to 1,600 feet near Bellaire in the northern region. There are several lakes throughout Antrim County including Torch Lake, Clam Lake, Skegemog Lake, and Grass Lake all offering excellent fishing opportunities as well as plenty of room for recreational activities such as boating or swimming during those hot summer days.
In conclusion, Antrim County offers a unique geography with something for everyone whether it be enjoying outdoor recreation or simply taking in some stunning views from one of its many lakes or rivers. This region has become increasingly popular over recent years due to its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities available for visitors and residents alike.
Country seat and other main cities of Antrim County, Michigan
The county seat of Antrim County, Michigan is the city of Bellaire. This small city is located in the northern region of the county and has a population of approximately 1,100 people. Bellaire is a charming town with plenty to offer visitors and residents alike. The downtown area features several shops and restaurants as well as a library, community center, and post office. There are also a few nearby parks that provide plenty of outdoor recreational activities such as hiking, biking, and fishing.
According to COUNTRYAAH, the largest city in Antrim County is Elk Rapids which has a population of about 2,500 people. Elk Rapids is located on the shores of Lake Michigan near the mouth of the Jordan River. This charming town features several shops and restaurants as well as a public marina where visitors can take advantage of all that Lake Michigan has to offer. There are also several parks in Elk Rapids such as Fisherman’s Island State Park which provides spectacular views over Grand Traverse Bay from its beaches and trails.
Central Lake is another popular destination in Antrim County with a population of around 1,000 people. This small village sits on the northern edge of Torch Lake where visitors can enjoy swimming or boating while taking in some stunning views over this large lake. Central Lake also features several parks such as Central Lake Park which offers plenty of recreational activities for all ages including playgrounds, picnic areas, and even an annual summer festival held each year in August.
Eastport is another small village located at the southern end of Torch Lake with a population around 500 people. Eastport offers stunning views over Torch Lake from its main beach area and there are several other smaller beaches to explore along its shoreline. Additionally, there are two public parks located within Eastport; one featuring playgrounds and picnic areas while the other offers excellent fishing opportunities from its pier extending into Torch Lake.
In conclusion, Antrim County has something for everyone whether it be exploring nature at one of its many parks or simply enjoying some shopping or dining in one of its charming towns or villages like Bellaire, Elk Rapids, Central Lake or Eastport.
History of Antrim County, Michigan
Antrim County, Michigan is a county located in the northern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan. The county was first established in 1840 and was named after County Antrim in Ireland. The county has a population of around 23,000 and covers an area of 861 square miles.
The earliest inhabitants of Antrim County were the Ottawa tribe who lived along the shores of Lake Michigan and Torch Lake. They were driven out in 1836 by the U.S. government and replaced by settlers from New England and New York state who began arriving in 1837. Among these settlers were some from Antrim County, Ireland, hence the name given to this region.
In 1842, the first sawmill was built near Bellaire by Charles Mears and William Starring which helped to spur economic development in the area. By 1850, Antrim had become one of Michigan’s leading producers of lumber with over 30 sawmills operating on its lakeshores at that time. As a result, many small towns sprung up all over Antrim such as Bellaire, Central Lake, Elk Rapids and Eastport with each town having its own unique character shaped by its early settlers.
Since then, tourism has become an important industry for Antrim County due to its abundance of natural beauty including stunning views over Grand Traverse Bay from Fisherman’s Island State Park or Torch Lake from Eastport beach. Additionally, there are several other parks located throughout the county offering activities such as hiking, biking and fishing for visitors to enjoy while taking in some beautiful scenery.
Today, many people visit Antrim County every year to take advantage of all it has to offer whether it be exploring nature at one of its many parks or simply enjoying some shopping or dining in one of its charming towns or villages like Bellaire, Elk Rapids, Central Lake or Eastport.
Economy of Antrim County, Michigan
The economy of Antrim County, Michigan is largely based on tourism and agriculture. The area is known for its abundance of natural beauty, including stunning views over Grand Traverse Bay from Fisherman’s Island State Park or Torch Lake from Eastport beach. Additionally, there are several other parks located throughout the county offering activities such as hiking, biking and fishing for visitors to enjoy while taking in some beautiful scenery.
Agriculture is also an important part of the economy in Antrim County. The area has a large number of small family farms that produce a variety of crops such as apples, cherries, blueberries and vegetables. Dairy farming is also popular in the county with several local dairies producing cheese and other dairy products for sale in stores throughout Michigan.
In addition to agriculture and tourism, Antrim County also has a thriving manufacturing industry. Several large companies have established operations in the county including American Axle & Manufacturing Inc., which produces automotive components; Cherry Republic which produces jams and jellies; and Rohde & Schwarz USA Inc., which manufactures electronic equipment. These businesses provide employment opportunities for many residents in the county.
The economy of Antrim County continues to grow and evolve with new businesses opening up every year bringing more economic opportunity to the area. With its abundance of natural beauty, agricultural resources and manufacturing capabilities, Antrim County offers a great place to live or visit for those looking for a unique experience in northern Michigan.