Luce County

Luce County is a county located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, bordered by Lake Superior to the north, Chippewa County to the east, Mackinac County to the south, and Schoolcraft County to the west. The county seat is Newberry, which is also the largest city in the county, and is situated near the Tahquamenon River and Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Luce County is part of the Soo Locks and St. Marys River watershed, and is home to several United States Forest Service lands, including the Ottawa National Forest and the Hiawatha National Forest. The county is also close to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge and the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Geography

Luce County covers a total area of 1,911 square miles, with 903 square miles of land and 1,008 square miles of water, making it one of the largest counties in Michigan by total area. The county is bordered by Lake Superior to the north, and is home to several islands, including Grand Island and Sugar Island. The Tahquamenon River flows through the county, and is known for its Tahquamenon Falls, which are a popular tourist destination. The county is also home to several United States Forest Service lands, including the Ottawa National Forest and the Hiawatha National Forest, which provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and hunting.

History

Luce County was founded in 1887, and was named after Cyrus G. Luce, a Governor of Michigan who served from 1887 to 1891. The county was originally inhabited by the Ojibwe and Ottawa tribes, and was later settled by French and British colonists. The county played an important role in the logging and mining industries, with several lumber camps and mines operating in the area. The county is also home to several historic sites, including the Tahquamenon Falls State Park and the Newberry Historic District, which are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Luce County was 5,275, with a population density of 5 people per square mile. The county has a diverse population, with a mix of European American, African American, and Native American residents. The county is also home to several tribal communities, including the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The median household income in the county is around $40,000, and the median home value is around $120,000. The county is served by several school districts, including the Tahquamenon Area Schools and the Newberry Area Schools.

Communities

Luce County is home to several communities, including the city of Newberry, which is the county seat and largest city. Other communities in the county include the village of McMillan, the township of Pentland, and the township of Lakefield. The county is also home to several unincorporated communities, including Curtis and Helmer. The county is served by several roads, including US-123 and M-28, which provide access to nearby cities such as Sault Ste. Marie and Marquette.

Government

Luce County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's budget and policies. The county is also served by several departments, including the Luce County Sheriff's Office and the Luce County Clerk's Office. The county is part of the 6th Congressional District of Michigan, and is represented in the Michigan State Senate by the 37th district. The county is also home to several courts, including the Luce County Circuit Court and the Luce County District Court, which are part of the Michigan Court System. The county is served by several law enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police and the United States Border Patrol.