Alger County, Michigan
Alger County is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It has a total area of 1,845 square miles, making it the fourth largest county in the state. The terrain of Alger County is predominantly flat, with rolling hills and low ridges scattered throughout. The surface waters are mostly small creeks and lakes that feed into larger rivers such as the Two Hearted, Manistique and Tahquamenon. There are also two large freshwater lakes – Lake Superior to the north and Lake Michigan to the east – which provide a variety of recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike. The climate in Alger County is typically cool and wet during the summer months, with occasional snowfall during winter months. There is also an abundance of wildlife throughout the county including deer, bear, moose and a variety of birds. With its varied landscapes and abundant natural resources, Alger County provides a unique backdrop for outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing and hunting. In addition to its natural beauty, there are many cultural attractions in Alger County including museums, historic sites and lighthouses. With its scenic beauty, abundant wildlife and diverse attractions, Alger County is an excellent destination for visitors looking to experience all that Michigan has to offer!
Country seat and other main cities of Alger County, Michigan
Alger County is home to the county seat of Munising, which is also the largest city in the county. It is located on the southern shore of Lake Superior and is a popular tourist destination due to its proximity to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Other cities in Alger County include Au Train, Grand Marais, and Wetmore. Au Train is located on Lake Superior’s western shore and is known for its beautiful beaches, dunes, and sandstone cliffs. Grand Marais is located on the eastern side of Alger County near Lake Michigan and offers several recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping, hiking, and snowmobiling. Wetmore is a small town located in the northern part of Alger County that features a variety of outdoor activities such as fishing and hunting.
According to Countryaah, Alger County also contains several unincorporated communities including Christmas, Germfask, Shingleton, Thompson, and Trout Lake. Christmas is a small community located near Munising that features several local attractions such as Christmas Nature Park and Christmas Riverwalk Trail. Germfask is an unincorporated community located in central Alger County that offers visitors access to nearby trails for biking or hiking. Shingleton is an unincorporated community situated on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan that features a variety of outdoor activities such as camping and fishing. Thompson is an unincorporated community situated near Grand Marais that provides access to nearby lakes for swimming or boating. Finally Trout Lake offers visitors access to nearby trails for biking or hiking as well as local attractions like Trout Lake State Park.
History of Alger County, Michigan
Alger County was first established in 1885, when it was split off from Marquette County. The county was named after former Michigan Governor, Russell A. Alger. Munising was designated as the county seat and the first courthouse was built in 1887. The area had long been inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Chippewa, Ottawa and Potawatomi who had used the area for fishing and hunting.
During the late 19th century, Alger County experienced a large influx of immigrants from Finland and Sweden who were drawn to the area by its natural beauty and abundant resources. The timber industry quickly grew in importance during this period, with logging camps being established throughout the region. By 1910, several small towns had sprung up in Alger County, including Grand Marais, Christmas, Germfask and Shingleton.
The Great Depression of 1930s caused a decline in timber production and led to an increase in unemployment throughout Alger County. In response to this crisis, a New Deal project known as Camp Munising was created to provide jobs for unemployed citizens of Alger County during this time period. This project helped restore many local businesses that were suffering from economic hardship due to the Depression.
In recent years, Alger County has become a popular tourist destination due to its scenic beauty and diverse attractions such as Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, lighthouses and historic sites. Additionally, it is home to several outdoor recreational activities such as fishing, boating, camping and hiking which continue to attract visitors from all over Michigan each year!
Economy of Alger County, Michigan
Alger County is a rural county located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. It is primarily agricultural, with a variety of crops and livestock being raised throughout the region. The primary crop grown in Alger County is potatoes, although other vegetables such as beans and corn are also produced in smaller quantities. The county also has a thriving dairy industry, with many local farms producing milk, cheese and other dairy products.
The timber industry has long been an important part of the economy of Alger County. Logging camps were first established during the late 19th century and continue to operate today. Several sawmills are located throughout the area which produce lumber for both commercial and residential uses. In addition to timber production, Alger County is home to several mining operations which extract iron ore from local deposits.
Tourism is another major contributor to the economy of Alger County. The area’s natural beauty and abundance of outdoor recreational activities attract visitors from all over Michigan each year. Popular attractions include Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, lighthouses and historic sites such as Fort Wilkins State Park and Grand Island National Recreation Area. Additionally, numerous lakes provide opportunities for swimming, boating or fishing while nearby trails are popular for hiking or biking enthusiasts alike!
Overall, Alger County’s economy has remained strong despite occasional downturns caused by economic recessions or natural disasters such as floods or forest fires. The county continues to maintain its agricultural roots while also benefiting from its timber production and tourism industries which contribute significantly to its overall economic health!