Good Harbor, Michigan facts for kids

Good Harbor, Michigan was once a small town located right next to the beautiful Lake Michigan. It was in Centerville Township, within Leelanau County, Michigan. This town isn't there anymore, but its story is part of Michigan's history.

Good Harbor, Michigan: A Lost Town

Where Was Good Harbor?

Good Harbor was founded in the mid-1870s. It was built because a large sawmill was constructed there. A sawmill is a factory that cuts logs into lumber, which is wood used for building. Being right on Lake Michigan was perfect for shipping lumber.

What Was Life Like in Good Harbor?

Life in Good Harbor revolved around the sawmill. As the mill grew, so did the town. Soon, Good Harbor had many important buildings. There was a hotel where visitors could stay. Stores sold goods to the residents. A saloon offered a place for adults to relax. The town also had a school for children and a post office for sending mail. A long, 500-foot dock stretched into Lake Michigan. This dock was used to load lumber onto ships.

Why Did Good Harbor Disappear?

The main reason Good Harbor disappeared was a big fire. In 1905, the important sawmill burned down. Without the sawmill, there was no main industry to support the town. People started to leave Good Harbor. The post office closed in 1907. By 1924, any remaining buildings were taken down. The town was completely abandoned.

Good Harbor Today

Today, you won't find any buildings from the old Good Harbor. The land where the town once stood is now part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. This is a beautiful national park known for its huge sand dunes and forests. While the town is gone, its history lives on as part of this protected area.