Chippewa County
Chippewa County is a county in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and is the second-largest county by land area in the state. Located along the eastern edge of the Upper Peninsula, the county borders Lake Superior, Lake Huron, and the St. Marys River, and serves as a major center for transportation, tourism, education, government, and outdoor recreation.
The county seat is Sault Ste. Marie, one of the oldest European settlements in the United States.
Quick Facts
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| County Seat | Sault Ste. Marie |
| Largest City | Sault Ste. Marie |
| Region | Upper Peninsula |
| Established | 1826 |
| Named For | The Ojibwe (Chippewa) people |
| Land Area | Approximately 1,558 square miles |
| Total Area | Approximately 2,698 square miles |
| Population (2020 Census) | Approximately 36,800 |
| Lakes | Lake Superior, Lake Huron |
History
Chippewa County was established in 1826 and is among Michigan's oldest counties.
The county takes its name from the Chippewa (Ojibwe) people, who inhabited the region for centuries before European exploration and settlement.
French missionaries and fur traders arrived during the seventeenth century, establishing what would become Sault Ste. Marie as a major center of trade and transportation in the Great Lakes region.
Throughout the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, the county developed through shipping, forestry, fishing, tourism, military activity, and international commerce.
Geography
Chippewa County occupies a large portion of Michigan's eastern Upper Peninsula.
Major geographic features include:
- Lake Superior shoreline
- Lake Huron shoreline
- St. Marys River
- Whitefish Bay
- Tahquamenon River
- Extensive forests and wetlands
The county contains thousands of acres of public land and recreational areas.
Soo Locks
One of the county's most important landmarks is the:
Located in Sault Ste. Marie, the locks enable ships to travel between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes by bypassing the rapids of the St. Marys River.
The Soo Locks are among the most important transportation facilities in North America.
Communities
Cities
Villages
Townships
- Bay Mills Township
- Bruce Township
- Chippewa Township
- Dafter Township
- De Tour Township
- Hulbert Township
- Kinross Township
- Pickford Township
- Raber Township
- Soo Township
- Sugar Island Township
- Whitefish Township
Education
Educational institutions include:
- Regional K-12 school districts
- Tribal educational programs
Lake Superior State University serves students from throughout Michigan and the Great Lakes region.
Economy
Major industries include:
- Tourism
- Government services
- Education
- Forestry
- Healthcare
- Transportation
- International commerce
The county's location along the Canadian border contributes significantly to its economy.
Recreation
Outdoor recreation is a major part of county life.
Popular activities include:
- Fishing
- Hunting
- Snowmobiling
- Camping
- Hiking
- Boating
- Wildlife observation
Visitors are drawn to the county's forests, lakes, rivers, and scenic shoreline.
Protected Areas
Protected lands within Chippewa County include:
These areas support recreation, tourism, and environmental conservation.
Transportation
Major transportation infrastructure includes:
The county serves as an important gateway between the United States and Canada.
Notable Landmarks
See Also
References
- United States Census Bureau
- Chippewa County Government
- Michigan History publications
- State of Michigan records
- Lake Superior State University archives
counties upper_peninsula chippewa_county sault_ste_marie soo_locks lake_superior