Northport, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Northport, Michigan
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Village
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Downtown Northport, along M-201
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Location within Leelanau County
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 Northport, Michigan
Location in Michigan
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| Country |  United States |
| State |  Michigan |
| County |  Leelanau |
| Township | Leelanau |
| Area | |
| • Total | 1.65 sq mi (4.28 km2) |
| • Land | 1.65 sq mi (4.27 km2) |
| • Water | 0.00 sq mi (0.01 km2) |
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 496 |
| • Density | 300.97/sq mi (116.24/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
49670
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| Area code(s) | 231 |
| FIPS code | 26-58740 |
| GNIS feature ID | 0633697 |
Northport is a small village in Leelanau County, Michigan, USA. It's found at the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula, right on the beautiful Grand Traverse Bay, which is part of Lake Michigan. In 2020, about 496 people lived there. Northport is about 29 miles (47 km) north of Traverse City. From 1863 to 1883, Northport was the main town, or county seat, for Leelanau County.
Contents
History of Northport Village
How Northport Got Its Name
In 1848, a sickness called smallpox spread across Michigan. Chief Peter Waukazoo and Reverend George Smith helped their community move by boat to the Leelanau Peninsula. They called their new home Waukazooville. In 1854, Deacon Joseph Dame arrived and changed the name to Northport.
Early Days in Northport
For many years in the late 1800s and early 1900s, Northport was the biggest town in Leelanau County. In 1859, several general stores opened, selling everything from cloth and food to tools. There wasn't a doctor, so Reverend Smith often helped people who were sick or delivering babies.
Many people who came to live in Northport were from New York or Canada. Fishermen, farmers, and other community members would gather at the bay. They would cut large blocks of ice to use in fisheries, hotels, and even private homes.
The Cherry Industry Begins
The cherry industry, which is very important to Northport today, started in 1853 on Reverend Smith's farm. Farmers began growing so many cherries that they were soon shipping them to nearby cities. The cherry industry in Northport and Leelanau County is still one of the largest in the world.
Geography and Highways
Where is Northport Located?
Northport is a village that covers about 1.65 square miles (4.27 sq km) of land. It does not have much water area.
Main Roads in Northport
- M-22: This highway reaches its northernmost point in Northport. South of Northport, M-22 follows the Lake Michigan shore through many towns like Leland and Glen Arbor. It ends near Manistee. North of Northport, M-22 goes along the western side of Grand Traverse Bay through towns like Omena and Suttons Bay, ending in Traverse City.
- M-201: This is a short highway that helps people travel through Northport village. North of the village, M-201 becomes Leelanau County Road 640. This road leads to Leelanau State Park and the Grand Traverse Lighthouse.
Climate in Northport
Northport has a climate with big changes in temperature throughout the year. Summers are warm to hot, and often humid. Winters are cold, sometimes very cold. This type of weather is called a humid continental climate.
| Climate data for Northport, Michigan | |||||||||||||
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| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | Year |
| Mean daily maximum °C (°F) | −2.0 (28.4) |
−1.1 (30.1) |
3.4 (38.2) |
10.3 (50.6) |
16.1 (60.9) |
21.3 (70.4) |
24.0 (75.2) |
23.8 (74.8) |
20 (68) |
13 (56) |
6.5 (43.7) |
0.4 (32.8) |
11.4 (52.5) |
| Mean daily minimum °C (°F) | −8 (17) |
−9 (16) |
−5.7 (21.8) |
0.3 (32.5) |
5.4 (41.7) |
11.0 (51.8) |
14.8 (58.6) |
14.6 (58.3) |
11.1 (51.9) |
5.2 (41.3) |
−0.5 (31.1) |
−5.2 (22.6) |
2.9 (37.2) |
| Average precipitation mm (inches) | 56 (2.2) |
36 (1.4) |
48 (1.9) |
69 (2.7) |
66 (2.6) |
74 (2.9) |
74 (2.9) |
81 (3.2) |
97 (3.8) |
91 (3.6) |
71 (2.8) |
58 (2.3) |
820 (32.3) |
| Source: Weatherbase | |||||||||||||
People Living in Northport
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1860 | 393 | — | |
| 1870 | 238 | −39.4% | |
| 1880 | 198 | −16.8% | |
| 1890 | 304 | 53.5% | |
| 1910 | 524 | — | |
| 1920 | 507 | −3.2% | |
| 1930 | 577 | 13.8% | |
| 1940 | 606 | 5.0% | |
| 1950 | 582 | −4.0% | |
| 1960 | 530 | −8.9% | |
| 1970 | 594 | 12.1% | |
| 1980 | 611 | 2.9% | |
| 1990 | 605 | −1.0% | |
| 2000 | 648 | 7.1% | |
| 2010 | 526 | −18.8% | |
| 2020 | 496 | −5.7% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
Northport's Population in 2010
In 2010, there were 526 people living in Northport. These people lived in 251 households, with 147 of them being families. Most residents (93.2%) were White. About 2.5% were Native American, and 6.1% were Hispanic or Latino.
The average age in Northport was 57.5 years old. About 14.4% of residents were under 18. Many people (36.1%) were 65 years or older.
Fun Things to Do in Northport
Events and Festivals
- Winter Carnival: Held in February at Braman Hill Park. You can go sledding, tubing, and ice skating. There's also a Cardboard Box Sled Race and a Chili Cook-off!
- Scott Brow Fishing Derby: An annual fishing event each spring at the Old Mill Pond. The Northport Sportsman's Club helps stock the water with fish and gives prizes for the biggest catch by a child.
- Fly In Breakfast: Takes place at Woolsey Airport. Small, unique airplanes come to the airfield. You can also see antique and sports cars. Breakfast is served, and a community band plays music.
- Cars in the Park: An annual car show at Haserot Park. You can see classic cars and listen to music. Trophies are given to the top 25 vehicles.
- Miles For Mammograms: Also called The Alice Busby Memorial Walk, this event is in early September. It's a 2-mile or 4.5-mile walk that starts and ends downtown. This walk helps people with low incomes get free health services.
Places to Visit
- The Grand Traverse Lighthouse: About 9 miles (14 km) north of town, this historic lighthouse was built in 1858. It's now a tourist spot inside Leelanau State Park. They even have events like a Haunted Lighthouse!
- Leelanau State Park: Located at the very tip of Michigan's "little finger." It has almost 1,300 acres with the Grand Traverse Lighthouse museum, a campground, mini cabins, and 8.5 miles of hiking and skiing trails. You can even find Petoskey stones along the shoreline!
- Braman Hill Recreation Center: This center is open all year. It has tennis courts, basketball courts, a skate park, and an ice rink. There's also a shooting range, a sledding hill, and hiking trails. At the top of the hill, you'll find a fire ring and a great view.
- Woolsey Airport: A small airport north of town with two runways. It's popular for people who fly their own planes to the northern part of the peninsula. The Northport Lions Club hosts a yearly "Fly-in, Drive-in" event with a pancake breakfast and old car exhibit.
Education
- Northport Public School serves most of northern Leelanau County.
Famous People From Northport
- Tim Allen, actor and comedian
- Mario Batali, chef
- Jonathan Kuck, speed skater
- Nathan Scherrer, music video producer
Images for kids
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A sign for Northport along M-22
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Welcome sign
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St. Gertrude the Great Catholic Church
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Charlotte Bushnell House
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Howard E. Gill Building
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Great Lakes Sport Fishery Historical Designation
See also
In Spanish: Northport (Míchigan) para niños
