====== Wexford County ======

{{:counties:wexford_county.jpg?400|Wexford County, Michigan}}

**Wexford County** is a county in Northern Lower Michigan known for its forests, lakes, outdoor recreation opportunities, and role as a regional center for commerce and transportation. Located in the northwestern portion of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the county serves as a gateway to Northern Michigan and is home to a diverse economy supported by tourism, healthcare, manufacturing, and natural resources.

The county seat and largest city is [[places:cadillac|Cadillac]], one of Northern Michigan's principal economic and population centers.

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===== Quick Facts =====

^ Attribute ^ Information ^
| County Seat | [[places:cadillac|Cadillac]] |
| Largest City | [[places:cadillac|Cadillac]] |
| Region | Northern Lower Michigan |
| Established | 1840 |
| Organized | 1869 |
| Named For | County Wexford, Ireland |
| Land Area | Approximately 565 square miles |
| Total Area | Approximately 575 square miles |
| Population (2020 Census) | Approximately 34,000 |
| Known For | Cadillac, Outdoor Recreation, Manufacturing |

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===== History =====

Wexford County was established in 1840 and organized in 1869.

The county was named after **County Wexford** in Ireland.

Early economic development centered on:

* Logging
* Railroad transportation
* Forestry
* Agriculture

During the late nineteenth century, Cadillac emerged as one of Michigan's most important lumber centers. The county's forests supported extensive timber harvesting operations that contributed significantly to regional growth.

As the lumber era declined, manufacturing, healthcare, retail commerce, and tourism became increasingly important economic sectors.

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===== Geography =====

Wexford County occupies a strategic location in Northwestern Lower Michigan.

Major geographic features include:

* Lake Cadillac
* Lake Mitchell
* Clam River
* Manistee River watershed
* Extensive forests
* Inland lakes and wetlands

The county contains a mix of forestland, recreational waterways, agricultural areas, and urban development.

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===== Cadillac =====

The county's principal community is:

* [[places:cadillac|Cadillac]]

Cadillac serves as the county seat and regional center for:

* Government
* Healthcare
* Education
* Manufacturing
* Retail commerce
* Tourism

The city is among the largest communities in Northern Michigan and functions as an important service hub for surrounding counties.

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===== Lake Cadillac & Lake Mitchell =====

Two of the county's most important natural features are:

* [[geography:lake_cadillac|Lake Cadillac]]
* [[geography:lake_mitchell|Lake Mitchell]]

Connected by a canal through the City of Cadillac, the lakes support:

* Boating
* Fishing
* Swimming
* Ice fishing
* Waterfront recreation

These lakes contribute significantly to the area's tourism industry.

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===== Communities =====

===== Cities =====

* [[places:cadillac|Cadillac]]

===== Villages =====

* [[places:mesick|Mesick]]

===== Townships =====

* Antioch Township
* Boon Township
* Cherry Grove Township
* Clam Lake Township
* Colfax Township
* Hanover Township
* Harrietta Township
* Henderson Township
* Haring Township
* Liberty Township
* Selma Township
* Slagle Township
* South Branch Township
* Springville Township

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===== Economy =====

Major industries include:

* Manufacturing
* Healthcare
* Tourism
* Retail commerce
* Forestry
* Construction
* Government services

Wexford County serves as a regional economic center for Northwestern Lower Michigan.

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===== Manufacturing =====

Manufacturing remains an important component of the county's economy.

Key sectors include:

* Industrial production
* Automotive suppliers
* Wood products
* Metal fabrication
* Distribution and logistics

Manufacturing employment helps support the county's year-round economy.

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===== Recreation =====

Wexford County offers extensive recreational opportunities.

Popular activities include:

* Fishing
* Boating
* Camping
* Hiking
* Snowmobiling
* ATV riding
* Hunting

Visitors are attracted to the county's forests, lakes, rivers, and trail systems throughout the year.

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===== Mesick Mushroom Festival =====

The village of:

* [[places:mesick|Mesick]]

hosts the annual:

* [[event:mesick_mushroom_festival|Mesick Mushroom Festival]]

The event celebrates the region's connection to morel mushroom hunting and attracts visitors from throughout Michigan.

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===== Protected Areas =====

Protected lands include:

* [[geography:manistee_national_forest|Manistee National Forest]]
* [[landmarks:cadillac_pathway|Cadillac Pathway]]
* State recreation areas
* Public forest lands

These areas support conservation, recreation, and wildlife habitat management.

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===== Transportation =====

Major transportation routes include:

* [[transportation:us_highway_131|U.S. Highway 131]]
* [[transportation:m_55|M-55]]
* [[transportation:m_115|M-115]]

Additional transportation infrastructure includes:

* [[transportation:wexford_county_airport|Wexford County Airport]]

The county serves as an important transportation crossroads in Northern Michigan.

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===== Culture =====

Wexford County's culture reflects:

* Lumber industry heritage
* Outdoor recreation traditions
* Manufacturing history
* Northern Michigan communities
* Conservation efforts

Community festivals, recreational events, and local traditions contribute significantly to county identity.

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===== Notable Landmarks =====

* [[places:cadillac|Downtown Cadillac]]
* [[geography:lake_cadillac|Lake Cadillac]]
* [[geography:lake_mitchell|Lake Mitchell]]
* [[landmarks:cadillac_pathway|Cadillac Pathway]]
* [[event:mesick_mushroom_festival|Mesick Mushroom Festival]]

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===== Government =====

Wexford County is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners and provides county services including:

* Law enforcement
* Courts
* Public health
* Emergency management
* Property records
* Community services

County government offices are located in [[places:cadillac|Cadillac]].

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===== See Also =====

* [[places:cadillac|Cadillac]]
* [[places:mesick|Mesick]]
* [[counties:missaukee_county|Missaukee County]]
* [[counties:osceola_county|Osceola County]]
* [[counties:benzie_county|Benzie County]]

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===== References =====

* United States Census Bureau
* Wexford County Government
* Michigan Department of Natural Resources
* Michigan History publications
* State of Michigan records

{{tag>counties northern_lower_michigan wexford_county cadillac mesick lake_cadillac tourism manufacturing}}