Wexford County

Wexford County is a county located in the United States, specifically in the state of Michigan, and is part of the Cadillac, Michigan Micropolitan Statistical Area. The county is named after County Wexford in Ireland, and its county seat is Cadillac, Michigan, which is situated near Lake Cadillac and Lake Mitchell. The area is known for its natural beauty, with numerous lakes, rivers, and forests, including the Pere Marquette River and the Manistee National Forest. Nearby cities include Traverse City, Michigan, Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Ludington, Michigan, which are connected by US Highway 131 and M-115 (Michigan highway).

Geography

Wexford County is located in the northwestern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, and its geography is characterized by a mix of forests, lakes, and rivers, including the Pine River (Michigan), Manistee River, and Lake Missaukee. The county is bordered by Grand Traverse County, Michigan to the north, Kalkaska County, Michigan to the northeast, Missaukee County, Michigan to the east, Osceola County, Michigan to the southeast, and Lake County, Michigan to the southwest. The county's terrain is also home to several parks and recreation areas, including the Cadillac Pathway, Pere Marquette State Forest, and Lake Cadillac Park, which offer opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, and boating on Lake Michigan. Nearby attractions include the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Leelanau Peninsula, and Old Mission Peninsula.

History

The area that is now Wexford County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ottawa people and Chippewa people, who were later joined by European-American settlers, including French colonists and British colonists. The county was officially established in 1840 and was named after County Wexford in Ireland, which was the home of many of the area's early settlers, including Irish immigrants who came to the United States during the Irish diaspora. The county's history is also closely tied to the logging industry, with many lumber camps and sawmills operating in the area, including the Michigan Lumber Company and the Cadillac Lumber Company. Nearby historical sites include the Fort Michilimackinac, Mackinac Island, and the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort.

Demographics

As of the 2020 United States Census, the population of Wexford County was approximately 33,673 people, with a mix of European Americans, African Americans, Asian Americans, and Native Americans, including the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians. The county's population is spread across several cities and townships, including Cadillac, Michigan, Manton, Michigan, and Mesick, Michigan, which are served by the Cadillac Area Public Schools and the Wexford County Sheriff's Office. Nearby institutions include Western Michigan University, Central Michigan University, and the Northwestern Michigan College.

Economy

The economy of Wexford County is diverse, with major industries including manufacturing, healthcare, and tourism, with many visitors attracted to the area's natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities, including skiing at Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort and Shanty Creek Resort. The county is also home to several major employers, including Cadillac Hospital, Wexford County Courthouse, and the Michigan Department of Corrections, which operates the Pugsley Correctional Facility. Nearby businesses include the Dow Chemical Company, General Motors, and the Cherry Republic.

Transportation

Wexford County is accessible by several major highways, including US Highway 131 and M-115 (Michigan highway), which connect the county to nearby cities such as Traverse City, Michigan and Grand Rapids, Michigan. The county is also served by the Cadillac Wexford Transit system, which provides public transportation to residents and visitors, including those traveling to the Cherry Capital Airport and the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. Nearby transportation hubs include the Port of Ludington, Muskegon County Airport, and the Pere Marquette Railroad.

Government

Wexford County is governed by a board of commissioners, which is responsible for overseeing the county's various departments and services, including the Wexford County Sheriff's Office, Wexford County Courthouse, and the Wexford County Clerk's Office. The county is also part of the 13th Congressional District of Michigan and is represented in the Michigan State Senate and Michigan House of Representatives by several elected officials, including Senator Gary Peters and Representative Bill Huizenga. Nearby government institutions include the Michigan State Capitol, Grand Traverse County Courthouse, and the Leelanau County Government Center. Category:Wexford County, Michigan