Crawford County

Crawford County is an administrative division in Northern Michigan covering forested land, rivers, and lakes throughout much of the Lower Peninsula. Rivers like the Au Sable and Manistee flow through the region, creating a landscape shaped by water and woodland.

The area was originally named Shawono County but changed its name to Crawford County in 1843 to honor Colonel William Crawford, an officer from the Revolutionary War. This renaming reflected the political ties of early settlers to American history.

The county maintains multiple outdoor recreation sites along the Au Sable, Manistee, and Muskegon rivers for fishing and water activities.

Much of the county is accessible for outdoor activities like fishing and paddling on the various rivers and waterways. Most services and amenities are centered around Grayling, the main community in the county.

Camp Grayling, one of the nation's largest National Guard training facilities, sits within the county and shapes much of its character and economy. The military presence has defined the region for decades and continues to influence daily life.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1840

Capital city: Grayling

Shares border with: Otsego County, Montmorency County, Oscoda County, Ogemaw County, Roscommon County, Missaukee County, Kalkaska County, Antrim County

Website: http://crawfordco.org

GPS coordinates: 44.68000,-84.61000

Latest update: December 8, 2025 13:41