Schoolcraft County

Schoolcraft County spans 1,884 square miles across the Upper Peninsula and contains forests, numerous lakes, and the northern shoreline of Lake Michigan. Water shapes the landscape and the way settlements are distributed throughout the territory.

The territory received its name from Henry Schoolcraft, an explorer and ethnologist who documented Native American tribes and mapped the Michigan region in the 1800s. His work shaped how this area became known and understood.

Local communities maintain connections to German, French, Swedish, Irish, Polish, and English roots through festivals and gatherings that shape daily life. These traditions remain visible in how residents celebrate together throughout the year.

Manistique serves as the county seat and main hub, accessible via US Route 2 and several state highways throughout the region. Plan for longer driving times between destinations, as settlements are spread far apart.

The Kitch-iti-kipi Spring features a glass-bottomed observation raft that lets visitors see the limestone basin and sand clouds 40 feet (12 meters) below the surface. This underground spring offers one of the few chances to view the submerged landscape without diving.

Location: Michigan

Inception: 1843

Capital city: Manistique

Shares border with: Luce County, Mackinac County, Delta County, Alger County, Leelanau County, Charlevoix County

Website: http://schoolcraftcounty.net

GPS coordinates: 46.02000,-86.19000

Latest update: December 7, 2025 20:45