Show pageOld revisionsBacklinksBack to top This page is read only. You can view the source, but not change it. Ask your administrator if you think this is wrong. ====== Crawford County ====== {{:counties:crawford_county.jpg?400|Crawford County, Michigan}} **Crawford County** is a county in Northern Lower Michigan known for its forests, rivers, outdoor recreation opportunities, and central location within the state's northern region. The county is often referred to as the "Heart of the North" due to its position near the geographic center of Northern Michigan. The county seat and largest city is [[places:grayling|Grayling]], which serves as the county's economic, governmental, and recreational center. --- ===== Quick Facts ===== ^ Attribute ^ Information ^ | County Seat | [[places:grayling|Grayling]] | | Largest City | [[places:grayling|Grayling]] | | Region | Northern Lower Michigan | | Established | 1840 | | Organized | 1879 | | Named For | William Crawford | | Land Area | Approximately 556 square miles | | Total Area | Approximately 563 square miles | | Population (2020 Census) | Approximately 13,000 | | Known For | Au Sable River, Camp Grayling, Outdoor Recreation | --- ===== History ===== Crawford County was established in 1840 and organized in 1879. The county was named after **Colonel William Crawford**, a military officer who served during the American Revolutionary War. The area's early development was shaped by: * Logging * Railroad transportation * Forestry * Tourism Following the decline of the lumber industry, the county became increasingly known for outdoor recreation, conservation, and military training operations. Today, Crawford County serves as a major destination for anglers, hunters, paddlers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. --- ===== Geography ===== Crawford County occupies a central position within Northern Lower Michigan. Major geographic features include: * Au Sable River * Manistee River watershed * Au Sable State Forest * Hartwick Pines region * Numerous inland lakes * Extensive pine forests The county's landscape was shaped by glacial activity and is characterized by sandy soils, rolling terrain, and forested wilderness. --- ===== Au Sable River ===== One of the county's defining natural features is: * [[geography:au_sable_river|Au Sable River]] The river is widely regarded as one of North America's premier trout streams and has become internationally known among fly-fishing enthusiasts. Popular activities include: * Fly fishing * Canoeing * Kayaking * Camping * Wildlife observation The Au Sable River remains central to Crawford County's identity and economy. --- ===== Camp Grayling ===== Crawford County is home to: * [[government:camp_grayling|Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center]] Camp Grayling is the largest National Guard training installation in the United States by acreage. The facility supports: * National Guard training * Military exercises * Emergency preparedness * Homeland security operations Camp Grayling is among the county's largest employers and economic contributors. --- ===== Communities ===== ===== City ===== * [[places:grayling|Grayling]] ===== Villages ===== No incorporated villages are located within Crawford County. ===== Townships ===== * Beaver Creek Township * Frederic Township * Grayling Township * Lovells Township * Maple Forest Township * South Branch Township --- ===== Economy ===== Major industries include: * Tourism * Outdoor recreation * Government services * Military operations * Healthcare * Forestry * Retail commerce The county's economy benefits from both year-round residents and seasonal visitors. --- ===== Recreation ===== Crawford County offers extensive year-round recreational opportunities. Popular activities include: * Fishing * Canoeing * Kayaking * Hunting * Hiking * Camping * Snowmobiling * Cross-country skiing The county's forests, rivers, and trail systems attract visitors throughout all four seasons. --- ===== Protected Areas ===== Protected lands and recreation areas include: * [[government:camp_grayling|Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center]] * [[geography:hartwick_pines_state_park|Hartwick Pines State Park]] * [[geography:au_sable_state_forest|Au Sable State Forest]] * [[geography:mason_tract|Mason Tract]] * State wildlife and recreation areas These lands support conservation, recreation, military training, and wildlife management. --- ===== Transportation ===== Major transportation routes include: * [[transportation:interstate_75|Interstate 75]] * [[transportation:m_72|M-72]] * [[transportation:m_93|M-93]] * [[transportation:us_highway_127|U.S. Highway 127]] The county's central location makes it an important transportation corridor within Northern Michigan. --- ===== Culture ===== Crawford County's culture reflects: * Lumber industry heritage * Military history * Outdoor recreation traditions * Conservation efforts * Northern Michigan communities Community events, sporting competitions, and outdoor festivals contribute significantly to local identity. --- ===== Notable Landmarks ===== * [[government:camp_grayling|Camp Grayling]] * [[geography:au_sable_river|Au Sable River]] * [[geography:hartwick_pines_state_park|Hartwick Pines State Park]] * [[geography:mason_tract|Mason Tract]] * [[places:grayling|Downtown Grayling]] --- ===== Government ===== Crawford County is governed by an elected Board of Commissioners and provides county services including: * Law enforcement * Courts * Emergency management * Public health * Property records * Community services County government offices are located in [[places:grayling|Grayling]]. --- ===== See Also ===== * [[places:grayling|Grayling]] * [[government:camp_grayling|Camp Grayling]] * [[geography:au_sable_river|Au Sable River]] * [[counties:roscommon_county|Roscommon County]] * [[counties:otsego_county|Otsego County]] --- ===== References ===== * United States Census Bureau * Crawford County Government * Michigan Department of Natural Resources * Michigan National Guard * State of Michigan records {{tag>counties northern_lower_michigan crawford_county grayling au_sable_river camp_grayling hartwick_pines}} counties/crawford_county.txt Last modified: 2026/06/01 10:59by admin