Empire, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Empire, Michigan
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Village
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View of Sleeping Bear Dunes from Empire Bluffs
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Location within Leelanau County
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 Empire, Michigan
Location in Michigan
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Michigan |
| County |  Leelanau |
| Township | Empire |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.12 sq mi (2.90 km2) |
| • Land | 1.03 sq mi (2.66 km2) |
| • Water | 0.09 sq mi (0.24 km2) |
| Elevation | 610 ft (186 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 362 |
| • Density | 351.80/sq mi (135.89/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
49630
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| Area code(s) | 231 |
| FIPS code | 26-25980 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0625588 |
Empire is a small village in Michigan, located right on the beautiful Lake Michigan. It is in the northwestern part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Empire is part of Leelanau County.
In 2020, about 362 people lived there. The village is inside Empire Township. It is very well known because it is close to the amazing Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The main office for the lakeshore, called the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center, is in Empire.
Contents
History of Empire Village
Empire was first started in 1851. It officially became a village in 1895. The first leader of the village was E. R. Dailey. He was also in charge of the Empire Lumber Company, which was the biggest employer in the area.
The village got its name from a ship called the "Empire." This ship got stuck in the ice near the village during a big storm in 1865.
The Lumber Industry in Empire
The Empire Lumber Company was very important to the village's history. It ran from 1887 to 1917. This company made Empire a busy lumber town.
Before that, George Aylsworth ran the first lumber mill from 1873 to 1883. Then, in 1885, Potter and Struthers built another mill. The T. Wilce Company bought this mill in 1887 and named it the Empire Lumber Company.
This company grew into one of the largest and best-equipped hardwood mills in the region. It could produce up to 20 million feet of lumber each year! Because of the mill, new docks, businesses, and even a railroad were built in Empire.
In 1906, a fire destroyed the mill, but it was quickly rebuilt. However, it burned down again in 1917. By then, most of the big, old trees nearby were gone. So, the mill was not rebuilt.
Local Landmarks and Traditions
The Robert H. Manning Memorial Light is a lighthouse built in 1991. It was built by O'Brien Brothers Construction to honor Robert H. Manning. He lived in Empire his whole life and loved to fish.
On the beach, there is also an old anchor. Douglas Manning, Robert H. Manning's son, and Michelle Stryker found it in 1977. Every year, on the third Saturday in July, the village celebrates the "raising of the anchor."
Geography and Natural Beauty
Empire is about 22 miles (35 km) west of Traverse City. It is right in the middle of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Stunning Views and Lakes
To the south of Empire are the Empire Bluffs. To the north are the huge sand dunes of the National Lakeshore. From this area, you can see amazing views of the dunes. You can also see North Manitou and South Manitou islands, and the vast Lake Michigan.
Many postcard pictures of Sleeping Bear Dunes are taken from a walking trail. This trail goes to the top of the Empire Bluffs.
A wide beach separates Lake Michigan from its nearby neighbor, South Bar Lake. South Bar Lake is much smaller and gets warmer than Lake Michigan in the summer. The small village of Empire is located up a short hill, just a few minutes' walk from the beach.
Highways Connecting Empire
M-22 runs north and south through the village. It follows the Lake Michigan coast in both directions.
M-72 starts in Empire and goes east across Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It ends at US 23 on the Lake Huron coast in Harrisville. Along its way, M-72 also goes through Traverse City, Kalkaska, Grayling, and Mio.
Population and People
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1900 | 609 | — | |
| 1910 | 578 | −5.1% | |
| 1920 | 298 | −48.4% | |
| 1930 | 302 | 1.3% | |
| 1940 | 266 | −11.9% | |
| 1950 | 251 | −5.6% | |
| 1960 | 448 | 78.5% | |
| 1970 | 409 | −8.7% | |
| 1980 | 340 | −16.9% | |
| 1990 | 355 | 4.4% | |
| 2000 | 378 | 6.5% | |
| 2010 | 375 | −0.8% | |
| 2020 | 362 | −3.5% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2010, there were 375 people living in Empire. Most people were White (99.2%). About 0.8% were Native American. A small number (0.8%) were Hispanic or Latino.
The average age of people in the village was 56.8 years old. About 13.3% of the residents were under 18 years old. Many people (29.6%) were 65 years old or older.
Empire Air Force Station
For many years, Empire was home to many service members from the Empire Air Force Station. This was a radar site used during the Cold War. Its main job was to watch the northern skies of the United States for any military threats.
Later, the site was given to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Most of the old site is gone now. However, there is a museum and a historical marker in the village. People who worked at Empire AFS have a reunion every year.
Fun Things to Do in Empire
Empire has many fun places to visit and events to enjoy!
Outdoor Adventures
- Shore to Shore Riding & Hiking Trail: This long trail system is about 500 miles (805 km) long. It runs from Empire through Grayling to Oscoda, and also goes north and south. It's great for riding and hiking.
- Empire Bluff Trail: This trail offers amazing views, especially from the top of the bluffs.
- Philip A. Hart Visitor Center: This is the main visitor center for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. You can learn all about the dunes here.
Museums and More
- Empire Area Historical Museum Complex: Learn about the history of Empire and the surrounding area.
- Gilbert the T-Rex: A fun and surprising dinosaur attraction!
Yearly Events and Festivals
Empire hosts several exciting events throughout the year:
- Empire Winterfest: Held every year in mid-February, this festival has been celebrated for over 25 years. You can enjoy ice skating, curling, and even a "polar bear dip" into South Bar Lake! There's also a pool tournament and a pancake breakfast.
- Empire Heritage Days: This event takes place on the second weekend in October.
- Empire Asparagus Festival: Celebrate asparagus on the third weekend in May, just before Memorial Day weekend.
- Empire Hops Festival: This festival is held on the first Saturday in October.
See also
In Spanish: Empire (Míchigan) para niños
