Boyne City, Michigan

Boyne City, Michigan is a city located in the northwestern part of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, near Lake Charlevoix and Walloon Lake, and is situated about 35 miles south of Mackinaw City and the Mackinac Bridge. The city is part of the Traverse City-Petoskey-Charlevoix Micropolitan Statistical Area and is close to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Boyne City is also near the University of Michigan's University of Michigan Biological Station and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory.

Geography

The city of Boyne City is situated in Charlevoix County, near the Boyne River, which flows into Lake Charlevoix. The city is surrounded by the Pere Marquette State Forest and the Au Sable State Forest, and is close to the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The geography of the area is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and numerous lakes and rivers, including Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and the Au Sable River. The city is also near the Soil Conservation Service's Au Sable River Watershed and the United States Forest Service's Ottawa National Forest.

History

The area that is now Boyne City was originally inhabited by the Odawa people and the Ottawa people, and was later settled by European-Americans in the mid-19th century. The city was founded in 1856 by John Miller and was named after the Boyne River, which was in turn named after the River Boyne in Ireland. The city was incorporated in 1885 and quickly grew into a major center for the lumber industry, with companies such as the Michigan Lumber Company and the Peninsula Lumber Company operating in the area. The city was also home to the Boyne City Railroad, which connected the city to Grand Rapids and the Grand Trunk Western Railroad.

Demographics

As of the 2010 United States Census, the city of Boyne City had a population of 3,735 people, with a median age of 43.1 years and a median household income of $43,419. The city has a diverse population, with a mix of European-Americans, African-Americans, and Native Americans, and is home to a number of Catholic and Protestant churches, including the St. Matthew's Episcopal Church and the Boyne City United Methodist Church. The city is also served by the Boyne City Public Schools and the Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District, and is close to the North Central Michigan College and the Western Michigan University.

Economy

The economy of Boyne City is driven by a mix of industries, including tourism, manufacturing, and agriculture. The city is home to a number of major employers, including the Boyne Resorts, which operates several ski resorts in the area, including the Boyne Mountain Resort and the Boyne Highlands Resort. The city is also close to the Cherry Republic and the American Spoon Foods, and is a major center for the cherry industry, with companies such as the National Cherry Festival and the Cherry Growers, Inc. operating in the area. The city is also served by the Boyne City Municipal Airport and the Pellston Regional Airport, and is close to the Interstate 75 and the US Highway 131.

Culture

The city of Boyne City has a rich cultural scene, with a number of festivals and events throughout the year, including the Boyne City National Morel Mushroom Festival and the Boyne City Pirate Festival. The city is also home to a number of museums and art galleries, including the Boyne City Historical Museum and the Charlevoix Circle of Arts. The city is close to the Interlochen Center for the Arts and the National Music Camp, and is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, with numerous parks and trails in the area, including the North Country Trail and the Au Sable River Trail. The city is also served by the Boyne City Public Library and the Charlevoix County Library.

Infrastructure

The city of Boyne City has a well-developed infrastructure, with a number of major roads and highways passing through the area, including the US Highway 31 and the M-75. The city is also served by the Boyne City Municipal Airport and the Pellston Regional Airport, and is close to the Torch Lake and the Grand Traverse Bay. The city has a number of parks and recreational facilities, including the Boyne City Park and the Avalanche Preserve Recreation Area, and is home to the Boyne City Police Department and the Charlevoix County Sheriff's Office. The city is also served by the Boyne City Fire Department and the Charlevoix County Emergency Medical Services. Category:Cities in Michigan