Cheboygan County

Cheboygan County is a county located in the United States, specifically in the state of Michigan, bordering Lake Huron and Mackinac County to the north, Presque Isle County to the east, and Otsego County to the south. The county seat is Cheboygan, which is also the largest city in the county, and is situated near the Cheboygan River. The county is part of the Northern Michigan region and is close to popular tourist destinations like Mackinac Island and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The area is also home to several notable institutions, including North Central Michigan College and Alpena Community College.

Geography

Cheboygan County is located in the northern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, bordering Charlevoix County to the west and Montmorency County to the southeast. The county has a total area of 885 square miles, with 715 square miles of land and 170 square miles of water, including parts of Lake Huron and Burt Lake. The county is also home to several islands, including Bois Blanc Island and Round Island, which are part of the Hiawatha National Forest. The terrain is varied, with forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, and is near the Pigeon River Country State Forest and the Shore-to-Shore Trail. The county is also close to the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the Soo Locks.

History

The area that is now Cheboygan County was originally inhabited by the Ottawa people and the Ojibwe people, who were later joined by French colonists and British colonists. The county was established in 1840 and was named after the Cheboygan River, which was named after the Ottawa chief Cheboygan. The county played an important role in the logging industry and the fishing industry, with many lumber camps and fishing villages along the coast of Lake Huron. The county was also home to several notable figures, including Henry Ford, who built a sawmill in the area, and William Mitchell, who was a United States Army Air Forces general during World War II. The county is also near the Sault Ste. Marie Canal and the Mackinac Bridge.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Cheboygan County was 25,493, with a population density of 35.7 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European Americans, Native Americans, and African Americans. The median household income is around $43,000, and the median home value is around $140,000. The county is also home to several notable events, including the Cheboygan County Fair and the Michigan Lighthouse Festival, which is held in nearby Alpena. The county is near the University of Michigan and the Michigan State University.

Transportation

Cheboygan County has a well-developed transportation system, with several major highways, including US-23 and I-75, which connect the county to Detroit and Sault Ste. Marie. The county is also served by the Cheboygan County Airport, which offers flights to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and Pellston Regional Airport. The county has a public transportation system, including the Cheboygan County Transit system, which provides bus service to several communities in the county. The county is also near the Soo Locks and the Mackinac Bridge.

Communities

Cheboygan County has several communities, including the city of Cheboygan, which is the county seat, and the villages of Mackinaw City and Tower. The county also has several townships, including Beaugrand Township and Inverness Township. The county is home to several notable landmarks, including the Cheboygan Crib Light and the Fort Michilimackinac, which is a National Historic Landmark. The county is near the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the Keweenaw National Historical Park.

Government

Cheboygan County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is composed of seven members elected by district. The county has several departments, including the Cheboygan County Sheriff's Department and the Cheboygan County Health Department. The county is also part of the Northern Michigan region and is served by the Northern Michigan University and the North Central Michigan College. The county is near the Michigan State Capitol and the United States District Court for the Western District of Michigan. The county is also home to several notable institutions, including the Cheboygan County Historical Society Museum and the Inland Water Route Historical Society Museum. Category:Counties in Michigan