Alger County, located in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula, is renowned for its rugged beauty, significant Native American heritage, and its role in the timber and mining industries. Established in 1885, Alger County was shaped by its abundant natural resources, including vast forests, mineral deposits, and Lake Superior’s shoreline. These resources attracted settlers and industries, leading to a period of rapid economic growth in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Today, Alger County is celebrated for its natural wonders, including Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and its preserved historical sites, which offer visitors a window into its rich and varied past.
Origins and Key Historical Events
Indigenous Inhabitants and Early Exploration
Before European settlement, the land now known as Alger County was home to several Native American tribes, predominantly the Ojibwa (Chippewa) people. The indigenous communities thrived by using the abundant resources of the Upper Peninsula, engaging in fishing, hunting, and trading with other tribal nations. They followed traditional routes along the rivers and Lake Superior’s shoreline, relying on birch-bark canoes for transport and trade across the Great Lakes region.
In the 17th century, French explorers and fur traders arrived in the Upper Peninsula, establishing trade networks with Native American tribes. The French, followed by the British, utilized the area’s rich natural resources, trading furs and other goods. The Great Lakes region remained a strategic trading route, with French and British settlements growing around the Upper Peninsula’s key areas, but significant European settlement of Alger County did not occur until the 19th century, following the establishment of Michigan as a U.S. state in 1837.
The Formation of Alger County
Alger County was officially created in 1885, carved out from the existing Schoolcraft County and named after Russell A. Alger, a former governor of Michigan and prominent timber entrepreneur. Munising was chosen as the county seat, located on the shores of Lake Superior. The establishment of the county was closely tied to the expansion of the timber and iron mining industries, which spurred population growth and development in the area.
The fertile forests surrounding Alger County became an essential resource for the booming timber industry. Large timber companies established logging camps and mills, and the vast stands of white pine were harvested and transported across the Great Lakes. With railways connecting the area to larger cities, lumber and other natural resources were efficiently moved to markets nationwide, making Alger County a central hub of the timber industry.
The Rise of the Timber and Mining Industries
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, timber and mining became the cornerstones of Alger County’s economy. Timber companies built mills and logging camps throughout the county, taking advantage of the region’s extensive pine forests. Thousands of workers moved to Alger County for jobs in the logging industry, leading to the growth of towns and communities. Munising became a bustling center, with sawmills processing timber for shipment to major markets across the Midwest and beyond.
In addition to timber, iron ore mining began to take hold in the region. The Marquette Iron Range, located nearby, provided rich deposits of iron ore, and mining companies set up operations throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Alger County became a vital link in the iron mining chain, as transport routes through Munising allowed iron ore to be shipped across the Great Lakes. The rise of these industries brought prosperity to Alger County, but also led to rapid deforestation and environmental changes that would eventually impact the area’s ecosystem.
Economic Shifts and Conservation Efforts
As the 20th century progressed, Alger County’s natural resources began to dwindle, and the county faced economic challenges. By the 1930s, many of the county’s forests had been depleted due to over-logging, and the timber industry entered a period of decline. The Great Depression further strained the local economy, as demand for timber and iron ore decreased. In response, the federal government initiated several conservation and reforestation projects in the Upper Peninsula, helping to restore forests and promote sustainable land use.
With the decline of the timber industry, Alger County turned to tourism and recreation to support its economy. The establishment of Hiawatha National Forest and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore helped protect large swathes of land and provided opportunities for outdoor activities. Tourism quickly became an important industry, with visitors drawn to the county’s natural beauty, scenic shorelines, and historical landmarks. Today, conservation efforts continue to play a vital role in preserving Alger County’s natural and historical heritage.
Historical Sites in Alger County
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Overview
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is one of the most iconic natural landmarks in Michigan and the first designated national lakeshore in the United States. Stretching along 42 miles of Lake Superior’s coastline, the park is known for its stunning multicolored sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and unique rock formations. Visitors can hike, kayak, and explore the shoreline, taking in scenic views and learning about the geological and cultural history of the area. The park also features remnants of the area’s logging past, with old logging camps and structures scattered throughout.
Location
Munising, MI 49862
Ticket Price
Free entry, though fees apply for camping and certain activities.
Parking Information
Multiple parking areas are available throughout the park, including at trailheads and visitor centers.
Munising Falls Visitor Center
Overview
The Munising Falls Visitor Center, part of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, offers exhibits on the natural and cultural history of Alger County and the surrounding lakeshore. The center provides information on the area’s geology, wildlife, and historical significance, including displays on Native American history and the logging industry. Munising Falls, a beautiful waterfall accessible by a short trail, is located near the visitor center, allowing guests to enjoy both educational exhibits and scenic views.
Location
1505 Sand Point Rd, Munising, MI 49862
Ticket Price
Free admission.
Parking Information
Parking is available at the visitor center and near the Munising Falls trailhead.
Au Sable Light Station
Overview
The Au Sable Light Station, built in 1874, is a historic lighthouse located on Lake Superior’s shoreline within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The lighthouse was constructed to help ships navigate the hazardous waters along the coast, where many shipwrecks had occurred. Today, the Au Sable Light Station is open for tours, with interpretive guides offering insights into the lighthouse’s history and the lives of the keepers who maintained it. Visitors can also explore nearby trails and view shipwrecks along the beach.
Location
Located within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, accessible via the Hurricane River Campground (approximately 1.5 miles east).
Ticket Price
$3 per person for lighthouse tours.
Parking Information
Parking is available at the Hurricane River Campground, and visitors can hike to the lighthouse from there.
Alger County Heritage Center
Overview
The Alger County Heritage Center, located in Munising, serves as a museum dedicated to the county’s history and cultural heritage. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts from the logging and mining industries, Native American artifacts, historical photographs, and personal items from early settlers. Visitors can learn about the development of Munising and surrounding areas, the county’s economic shifts, and the role of natural resources in its growth. The Heritage Center offers a comprehensive look at Alger County’s journey from a timber and mining hub to a center of tourism and conservation.
Location
1496 Washington St, Munising, MI 49862
Ticket Price
Free admission, though donations are welcome to support the museum’s operations.
Parking Information
Free parking is available on-site.
Wagner Falls Scenic Site
Overview
Wagner Falls is a picturesque waterfall located just outside of Munising, offering a tranquil natural setting and a glimpse into the county’s scenic landscapes. A boardwalk trail leads visitors through the forest to the falls, providing an easy and accessible way to enjoy the area’s beauty. Wagner Falls is part of the state’s protected natural areas, preserving the waterfall and surrounding habitat. Informational signs along the trail provide insights into the local ecosystem and efforts to protect Michigan’s natural resources.
Location
M-94, Munising, MI 49862
Ticket Price
Free admission.
Parking Information
A small parking lot is available near the entrance to the falls trail.
County Facts
Geography and Climate
Alger County is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, bordered by Lake Superior to the north and featuring a landscape of forests, waterfalls, and rugged shoreline. The county’s geography is characterized by its natural beauty, with scenic cliffs, dense woodlands, and freshwater lakes making up much of its terrain. Alger County has a humid continental climate, with long, cold winters and mild to warm summers. Average winter temperatures hover around 15°F, with significant snowfall, while summer temperatures average about 65°F. The proximity to Lake Superior moderates temperatures slightly, but also brings lake-effect snow, which contributes to the area’s winter snowfall.
Key Facts
- Year Founded: 1885
- County Seat: Munising
- Population: Approximately 9,000 (based on the latest census)
- Population Density: About 10 people per square mile
- Largest Cities: Munising, Chatham, Grand Marais
- Major Highways: U.S. Route 41, M-28, M-94
- Adjacent Counties: Marquette County (west), Schoolcraft County (south), Luce County (east)