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History of Grand Ledge

The town's name, inspired by the impressive ledges of rock carved by the flow of the Grand River, and its first post office were established in 1850. Grand Ledge was incorporated as a village in 1871 and as a city in 1893.

In Victorian times, the town was renowned for its Health Spas and Hotels. One of the first, and best known, hotels in the area was the Island House Hotel, which was established on the second of Grand Ledge's seven islands, around 1878. Three boats, the 'Island Queen' and the steamers 'Lanota' and 'Swallow', plied the waters of the Grand River, offering views of the beautiful Ledges and relief from the summer heat. A wonderful Summer Amusement Park prided itself for a rollercoaster that spanned two of the seven islands in the Grand River. Grand Ledge was one of "The" towns to visit in Michigan if one was inclined to travel during the summer months to cooler locations for a bit of fun.

Of the famous Seven Islands which dot the Grand River as it courses through Grand Ledge, the main island is open to the public, and remains a place of beauty and much delight to the town's residents and visitors. Home in the 1800s to the popular Seven Islands Resort and Island House Hotel, the main island is accessible via a foot bridge at Island Park, in the heart of downtown Grand Ledge. When the Grand River is running at its full depth there is still a river boat that docks at the main island and offers rides to one and all.

The remaining six islands, while somewhat smaller than they once were, have become a habitat for all manner of flora and fauna. A stroll along the Ledges Trail from Island Park to Fitzgerald Park offers scenic views of the Seven Islands, the Ledges, and a wonderful iron train tressle that is still in use and spans the Ledges, several stories high. In Victorian times, trains thundering over this chasm brought travelers from far and wide to wonder at the natural splendour and modern amenities of 1800s Grand Ledge.

The town now boasts both a display of Historical artifacts shown in an 1880 restored Gothic Revival house, and a beautifully restored Victorian era Opera House, which is used for both public and private affairs. Many of the shops in the downtown area have retained much of their Victorian charm, and nearby homes have been lovingly restored to their original Victorian elegance. Were it not for the wide paved streets and modern automobiles, one might easily believe they had traveled back in time!

Each year the town is host to several events:

March:: St. Patrick's Day Parade
May:: The Victorian Days event; Memorial Day parade
June:: Yankee Doodle Days
July:: Fourth of July celebration
August:: Island Art Fair
October:: Color Cruise & Island Festival; Fall Festival of Bands
December:: Holiday Home Tour; Festival of Trees & Holiday Tables; Antique Show

For event dates and locations, visit the Grand Ledge Area Chamber of Commerce.

Two of our local parks are renowned for the beauty of The Ledges. Fitzgerald Park, which offers a self guided tour (a first hand look at the geology of the area), with interpretive exhibits and three miles of nature and hiking trails; and Oak Park for the rock climbing enthusiasts. The rock there is made up of Ionia sandstone, which was formed by a salt-water sea about 280 million years ago. The Sand stone is composed of quartz grains cemented together by iron oxide. The Ledges is one of the most geologically significant areas in lower Michigan.

For more information, visit the Grand Ledge Area Chamber of Commerce Web Site.

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