List of Michigan State Historic Sites in Leelanau County facts for kids
Have you ever wondered about the old buildings and places in your town? Some of them are super important because they tell us about the past! In Leelanau County, Michigan, there are many special spots called Michigan State Historic Sites. These are places that the state of Michigan has officially recognized as important for their history. They help us learn about how people lived, worked, and built communities long ago.
Some of these sites are even more special! They have a little symbol next to their name, like this: †. This means they are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. That's a list of places across the whole country that are important to American history.
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Exploring Leelanau's Historic Gems
Leelanau County is full of amazing history, from old schools to lighthouses. Let's take a closer look at some of these cool places that have been around for a long time.
Old Schools and Learning Centers
Imagine going to school in a building that's over a hundred years old! Leelanau County has some historic schoolhouses that show us what learning was like in the past.
Bingham District No. 5 Schoolhouse
The Bingham District No. 5 Schoolhouse† is a great example of an old one-room school. It's located at the southeast corner of Bingham Road and County Road 633 in Bingham Township. This school was listed as a historic site on October 23, 1987. Think about all the kids who learned their ABCs and math facts within those walls!
Walter T. Best Women's Club House
The Walter T. Best Women's Club House, found at 1125 Main Street in Leland, isn't a school, but it was a place for learning and community. It was a meeting spot for women's clubs. These clubs often worked to improve their towns and help others. This building became a historic site on July 20, 1989.
Lighthouses and Lake Life
Michigan is known for its Great Lakes, and Leelanau County has important sites related to lake travel and safety.
Grand Traverse Light Station
At the very tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, you'll find the Grand Traverse Light Station†. This lighthouse, near Northport, has guided ships for many years. It was recognized as a historic site on June 21, 1990. Lighthouses are like guardians of the coast, helping sailors find their way safely.
South Manitou Island Lighthouse Complex
Out on South Manitou Island, there's the South Manitou Island Lighthouse Complex and Life Saving Station Historic District†. This isn't just a lighthouse; it's a whole group of buildings that helped save lives at sea. It was listed as a historic site on September 21, 1976. Imagine the brave people who worked there, rescuing sailors from dangerous storms!
Historic Businesses and Buildings
Many historic sites were once busy stores, mills, or places where people gathered. They show us how communities grew and what daily life was like.
Empire Lumber Company
The Empire Lumber Company Informational Designation is located in Village Park at 10484 Niagara Street in Empire. This site tells the story of the lumber industry, which was very important in Michigan's early days. It became a historic site on November 7, 1977. Lumber companies helped build homes and towns across the state.
Frank E. Fisher Store
The Frank E. Fisher Store, at 5504 SW Manitou Trail (M-22) in Glen Arbor, was once a general store. These stores were the heart of small towns, selling everything from food to tools. It was listed as a historic site on June 15, 1984.
Glen Arbor Roller Mills
Also in Glen Arbor, at 5426 W. Harbor Highway (M-22), you can find the Glen Arbor Roller Mills. Mills like this were essential for grinding grain into flour. This site became historic on November 7, 1977. It shows us how food was processed before modern factories.
Leelanau Transit Company Suttons Bay Depot
The Leelanau Transit Company Suttons Bay Depot†, at 101 South Cedar Street in Suttons Bay, was a train station. Train depots were busy places where people traveled and goods were shipped. This depot was recognized as a historic site on September 4, 1997.
Unique Homes and Community Spots
Some historic sites are old homes or special buildings that tell us about the people who lived in Leelanau County.
Fountain Point
Fountain Point†, located at 990 South Lake Leelanau Drive near Lake Leelanau, is a beautiful historic resort. It has welcomed visitors for many years. It was listed as a historic site on August 15, 1975.
Greycote
Greycote, at 110 Pearl Street in Leland, is a historic home. It became a historic site on July 26, 1974. Old homes often have unique architecture and stories about the families who lived there.
Grove Hill New Mission Church
The Grove Hill New Mission Church†, at 5098 North West Bay Shore in Omena, is a historic church. Churches often serve as important community centers and have beautiful historical designs. This church was listed on October 29, 1971.
Leelanau County Jail
The Leelanau County Jail, at 107 Chandler Street in Leland, is another interesting historic building. It tells us about the county's justice system in earlier times. It became a historic site on July 26, 1974.
Images for kids
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Walter T. Best Women's Club House
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Bingham District No. 5 Schoolhouse
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Charlotte Bushnell House
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Empire Lumber Company Informational Designation
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Frank E. Fisher Store
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Fountain Point
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Howard E. Gill Building
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Glen Arbor Roller Mills
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Grand Traverse Light Station
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Great Lakes Sport Fishery Informational Designation
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Greilickville Informational Designation
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Greycote
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Grove Hill New Mission Church
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W. K. Hatt Cottage
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Leelanau County Jail
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Leelanau Transit Company Suttons Bay Depot
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Leland Historic District
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Manistee and Northeastern Railroad Cedar Depot
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Provemont General Store
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Saint Wenceslaus Roman Catholic Church and Cemetery
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South Manitou Island Lighthouse Complex and Life Saving Station Historic District
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Sunset Lodge (Omena, Michigan)
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Sylvan Inn
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Woodhow Lodge
See also
