According to gradphysics.com, Antrim County, Michigan is located in the northern lower peninsula, just south of Traverse City. The county is situated on the shores of Grand Traverse Bay and covers an area of 1,159 square miles. As of 2019, the population was estimated to be 23,871 people.
The history of Antrim County dates back to 1840 when it was first organized as part of Mackinac County. In 1843, it was officially organized as its own county and named after Antrim Township. Since then, the county has grown in population and industry with agriculture being the main economic driver for many years.
Antrim County offers a plethora of attractions for visitors to enjoy. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts offering hiking trails, beaches, camping sites and more. Other attractions include Torch Lake, which is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Michigan; Jordan Valley Park which features a scenic overlook; and Shanty Creek Resort which offers golfing and skiing activities in winter months.
Famous people from Antrim County include author Ernest Hemingway who spent time in this area during his youth; actor Jeff Daniels who grew up here; former U.S Representative Bart Stupak; and award-winning country music singer Tim McGraw who attended high school here before moving on to Nashville stardom.
The county also has several small towns that have become popular tourist destinations including Bellaire which houses the annual National Morel Mushroom Festival; Central Lake with its historic downtown district; Ellsworth with its antique shops and galleries; Mancelona known for its wineries and breweries; and Elk Rapids known as “The Gateway to Torch Lake” with its beautiful beaches along Torch River.
Climate and weather in Antrim County, Michigan
According to ehuacom.com, Antrim County, Michigan is located in the northern lower peninsula and enjoys a mild climate with four distinct seasons. The average annual temperature is around 53°F (12°C) and summers are warm with temperatures reaching the mid-80s (29°C). Winters are cold but generally snowfall is light with temperatures around 20°F (-7°C).
Spring in Antrim County brings blooming wildflowers and warmer temperatures. Summer months are usually dry with occasional thunderstorms that can bring heavy rains. Fall brings cooler weather and the changing of the leaves to vibrant colors. Wintertime can bring snowfall, especially during January and February when temperatures drop below freezing.
Antrim County enjoys a temperate climate that is perfect for outdoor activities throughout the year. In summer months, visitors can enjoy swimming, boating, fishing, hiking and biking while winter activities include downhill skiing at Shanty Creek Resort as well as snowmobiling and ice fishing on Torch Lake.
The county also experiences severe weather from time to time including high winds, hail storms, thunderstorms and tornadoes which occur mostly during spring months. The area has also been known to experience extreme cold weather events such as “Arctic blasts” where temperatures drop below zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18°C). Residents should be prepared for these types of events by having an emergency kit on hand in case of power outages or other severe weather events.
Transportation in Antrim County, Michigan
Antrim County, Michigan is served by a number of transportation options for both visitors and residents. The county is home to Cherry Capital Airport which offers daily flights to major cities throughout the Midwest and to some international destinations. There are also a number of bus lines that service the county including Indian Trails, Greyhound, and Lakefront Lines.
The county is also served by Amtrak’s Pere Marquette line with stops in Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix and other towns throughout the region. For those traveling by car, there are a number of highways that run through the area including US-31, M-37 and M-72.
Public transportation within Antrim County is provided by Bay Area Transportation Authority (BATA) which operates bus routes throughout the area. BATA also operates two seasonal trolleys that run from Elk Rapids to Traverse City during peak tourist season. There are also several taxi companies that serve the area as well as ride sharing services such as Uber and Lyft.
For those looking for alternative forms of transportation within Antrim County, there are several bike trails that run through the area as well as a growing network of bike lanes along many major roads. There are also boat launches located on most of the larger lakes in the county which offer access to Torch Lake, Elk Lake, Grand Traverse Bay and other bodies of water in the region.
Antrim County offers a variety of transportation options for both visitors and residents alike making it easy to get around no matter what mode of travel you choose.
Cities and towns in Antrim County, Michigan
According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, Antrim County, Michigan is home to a number of cities and towns that offer a wide variety of activities and amenities for residents and visitors alike. The county seat is Bellaire which is located on the shores of Intermediate Lake with plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation. Nearby is the village of Mancelona which offers a unique shopping experience with its downtown district filled with antique stores, restaurants, and galleries.
The city of East Jordan sits on the banks of the Jordan River and is a popular destination for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and other outdoor activities. Further north is Central Lake which has a vibrant downtown area as well as access to some of the best fishing in the county.
Just south of Bellaire lies Elk Rapids which offers a unique blend of art galleries, boutiques, restaurants, and other attractions that make it one of the most popular tourist destinations in Antrim County. Further south lies Charlevoix which has long been known as one of Michigan’s premier resort towns with its beautiful beaches along Lake Michigan as well as its many shops and restaurants.
The town of Rapid City sits on Torch Lake and provides access to some great swimming spots as well as waterfront dining options. On Torch Lake’s northern end lies Alden which offers a great selection of golf courses in addition to its many trails for biking and hiking enthusiasts.
Finally, there are several unincorporated communities throughout Antrim County including Ellsworth, Kaleva, Williamsburg, Atwoodville, Ellsworth Station, Indian River Trailers Park, Alba Township Park District Campground and several others scattered throughout the region. All in all, Antrim County has something for everyone whether you are looking for outdoor recreation or just want to relax in one of its many small towns or villages.