Crawford County, Michigan is located in the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan and has a population of 14,358 people. According to dictionaryforall.com, the county was formed in 1840 from parts of Mackinac County and was named after Colonel William Crawford, who fought in the French and Indian War. The county seat is Grayling, which is home to many historical sites such as the Grayling Fish Hatchery & Historical Museum and Veterans Memorial Park.
The county is known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities such as camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, biking trails, water sports on Lake Margrethe or Au Sable River canoeing/kayaking trips. There are also several state parks located within Crawford County including Hartwick Pines State Park and Au Sable State Forest.
Crawford County has a rich history that dates back to the mid-1800s when it served as a major lumbering center with logging camps scattered throughout the area. Today, visitors can explore many historical sites such as Camp Grayling National Guard Training Center or Hartwick Pines Logging Museum.
The area is also home to several famous people including actor Jeff Daniels who grew up in Chelsea; country singer Suzy Bogguss who grew up in Petoskey; musician Michael Bolton who was born in New Haven; actor Sam Elliott who was born in Sacramento; actor Jeff Goldblum who grew up in Detroit; actor Robert Downey Jr., who grew up in Greenwich and singer-songwriter Bob Seger who spent his early years living near Ann Arbor.
In addition to its natural beauty and historical attractions, Crawford County also offers plenty of shopping opportunities with stores like Big Bear Sports Center located within its borders along with several restaurants that serve delicious local cuisine like smoked whitefish from Fisherman’s Market or pasties from Lucky’s Pasty Shop.
Climate and weather in Crawford County, Michigan
According to mcat-test-centers.com, Crawford County, Michigan has a humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters. The average winter temperature is around 24°F (-4°C) while the average summer temperature is around 69°F (20°C). In the summer months, temperatures can reach up to 90°F (32°C) on some days. During the winter, temperatures can drop as low as -20°F (-29°C). The county receives an average of 33 inches (84 cm) of snowfall per year.
The region typically experiences four distinct seasons: spring from March to May, summer from June to August, fall from September to November and winter from December to February. Spring brings mild temperatures and blooming flowers while summer can be hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms. Fall brings cool weather with colorful foliage while winter brings snowfall and cold temperatures.
The county also experiences occasional lake-effect snow due to its proximity to Lake Huron in the north. This type of snow can bring heavy accumulations of snowfall in short periods of time during the winter months. The lake-effect season typically begins in late November or early December and lasts until late March or early April depending on weather conditions.
Crawford County has a pleasant climate year-round with plenty of outdoor activities available no matter what season it is. Visitors will find that there’s something for everyone here whether they’re looking for a relaxing day fishing on the lake or an energetic hike through one of the area’s many state parks.
Transportation in Crawford County, Michigan
Crawford County, Michigan has an extensive transportation network that makes it easy to get around the area. The region is served by several major highways, including US-10, US-2, M-28, and M-94. These highways make it easy to travel in and around the county as well as to other parts of the state.
The closest major airport is located in Escanaba which is about 45 minutes away from Crawford County. The airport offers daily flights to Detroit and Chicago as well as seasonal flights to other destinations. There are also several smaller airports within Crawford County that offer private charter services for those looking for a more personalized travel experience.
Public transportation is also available in the form of bus services provided by Indian Trails and Greyhound. Both companies offer regular routes throughout the region as well as connections to other parts of the state and beyond.
For those who prefer a more relaxed mode of transportation, there are numerous bike paths that wind their way through Crawford County’s picturesque landscape. These paths provide an excellent way to explore the area’s natural beauty while getting some exercise at the same time.
Crawford County has a well-developed transportation network that makes it easy for visitors and locals alike to get around with ease. From biking trails to public buses and airports, there’s something for everyone here no matter what their preferred mode of transport may be.
Cities and towns in Crawford County, Michigan
Crawford County, Michigan is home to many cities and towns, each with its own unique charm. The county seat is Grayling, a small town that serves as the hub for government and commerce in the area. See top 3 cities in Michigan.
Grayling is home to several local attractions including the Grayling Fish Hatchery, the Grayling Country Club, and Hartwick Pines State Park. It also boasts a vibrant downtown area with numerous shops, restaurants, and cafes.
Other notable cities in Crawford County include Frederic, Mio, Roscommon, and Houghton Lake. Frederic is known for its historic buildings and beautiful scenery while Mio is home to the AuSable River Canoe Marathon which takes place annually in July. Roscommon offers visitors a chance to explore its many lakes while Houghton Lake has become a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts from all over the world.
In addition to these larger towns there are also numerous smaller communities scattered throughout Crawford County such as Lovells Township, South Branch Township, Whitney Township, LaFayette Township, and Wilcox Township. These towns offer visitors a chance to experience rural life in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula while still being close enough to enjoy all of the amenities of larger cities nearby.
Crawford County provides visitors with plenty of opportunities for exploration whether they’re looking for outdoor activities or just want to relax in one of its charming small towns or cities. From fishing on Houghton Lake to exploring Hartwick Pines State Park there’s something here for everyone.