South Boardman, Michigan

South Boardman, Michigan is an unincorporated community located within Kalkaska County, near the Manistee River and Boardman River, which are both tributaries of Lake Michigan. The area is surrounded by the Pere Marquette State Forest and is close to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is managed by the National Park Service. Residents of South Boardman often visit nearby Traverse City for shopping and entertainment, and the community is also near the Cherry Capital Airport.

Geography

The geography of the area is characterized by rolling hills, forests, and numerous lakes and rivers, including Long Lake and Duncan Lake. The community is situated near the Missaukee County line and is close to the Wexford County border. The area's terrain is similar to that of nearby Cadillac and Lake City, which are also located in northern Michigan. The Boardman River flows through the area and is a popular destination for trout fishing and canoeing, with nearby access to Lake Leelanau and Grand Traverse Bay. The community is also near the Pere Marquette River, which is known for its salmon fishing and is a popular spot for Orvis-endorsed guides.

Demographics

As an unincorporated community, South Boardman does not have a defined population, but the surrounding Kalkaska County has a population of around 17,000 people, according to the United States Census Bureau. The area is predominantly rural, with many residents commuting to nearby Traverse City or Cadillac for work. The community is also home to many retirees and seasonal residents, who are drawn to the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including skiing at Shanty Creek and Boyne Mountain. Nearby Interlochen is home to the Interlochen Center for the Arts, which attracts visitors from around the world.

History

The area that is now South Boardman was originally inhabited by the Odawa people, who were later displaced by European-American settlers. The community was named after the Boardman River, which was in turn named after Elijah Boardman, a United States Senator from Connecticut. The area was heavily logged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with many companies, including the Michigan Central Railroad and the Pere Marquette Railway, operating in the area. The community is also near the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which was established by Congress in 1970 to protect the area's unique natural features.

Economy

The economy of South Boardman is primarily driven by tourism, with many visitors drawn to the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities, including hiking at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. The community is also home to many small businesses, including bed and breakfast inns, restaurants, and outfitters, which cater to tourists and outdoor enthusiasts. The area is also known for its cherry and apple production, with many local farms and orchards, including King Orchards and Leelanau Peninsula Winery. Nearby Traverse City is a major commercial center, with many shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, including the Traverse City Film Festival.

Infrastructure

The community is served by Kalkaska County Road 612 and US Highway 131, which provide access to nearby Traverse City and Cadillac. The area is also home to a number of Michigan Department of Transportation maintenance facilities, which serve the surrounding region. The community is near the Cherry Capital Airport, which offers flights to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and other destinations, including Chicago O'Hare International Airport and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport. The area is also served by the Indian Trails bus system, which connects to nearby Grand Rapids and Lansing.

Education

The community is served by the Kalkaska Public Schools district, which operates several schools in the area, including Kalkaska High School and Kalkaska Middle School. The area is also home to a number of private schools, including Traverse City Christian School and The Leelanau School. Nearby Northwestern Michigan College and Western Michigan University offer higher education opportunities, including programs in forestry and environmental science. The community is also near the University of Michigan, which has a number of programs and research initiatives focused on the region's natural resources, including the University of Michigan Biological Station.