Luce County, Michigan

Luce County is a county located in the Upper Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2020 census, the population was 6,671. The county seat is Newberry, which is also the largest city in the county. Luce County is known for its vast wilderness, natural beauty, and outdoor recreational opportunities.

History

Luce County was established in 1843 and named after Simon Luce, an early settler and prominent figure in Michigan’s development. The county was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Ojibwa and Menominee. European settlers began arriving in the mid-19th century, and the area quickly became known for its forestry and fishing industries.

Luce County was heavily involved in the timber industry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, with vast forests of pine and hardwood trees being harvested. In the latter half of the 20th century, tourism became an increasingly important part of the county's economy, as visitors flocked to its lakes, rivers, and forests for outdoor recreation.

Geography

According to the United States Census Bureau, Luce County has a total area of 1,190 square miles, of which 1,155 square miles is land and 35 square miles (3.0%) is water. The county is located in the northeastern part of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and is bordered by:

Chippewa County to the south
Mackinac County to the southeast
Schoolcraft County to the west
Lake Superior to the north

Key geographic features of Luce County include:

**Lake Superior**: The northern border of the county is formed by Lake Superior, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and scenic views.
**Tahquamenon Falls**: A major natural attraction in the county, these waterfalls are among the largest in Michigan and are a popular destination for tourists.
**Tahquamenon River**: The river flows through the county, offering fishing, canoeing, and wildlife watching opportunities.

Economy

Luce County’s economy is based on a combination of tourism, agriculture, forestry, and services. Major sectors include:

**Tourism**: The county’s natural beauty, including its lakes, rivers, and forests, attracts tourists for outdoor activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The presence of Tahquamenon Falls State Park is a major tourism draw.
**Forestry**: The timber industry remains an important part of the county’s economy, with logging and the production of wood products contributing to the local economy.
**Agriculture**: The county’s agricultural sector is smaller than its tourism and forestry industries, but farming of crops such as hay and potatoes, as well as livestock, remains important in the rural areas.
**Retail and Services**: Newberry and surrounding areas serve as retail and service hubs for residents and visitors, with stores, restaurants, and local businesses providing essential goods and services.

Communities

Luce County includes one city, several villages, and numerous townships.

Newberry (city): The county seat and largest city, known for its small-town atmosphere, historic district, and role as a gateway to outdoor recreation.
McMillan (village): A village located in the southwestern part of the county, offering a rural, peaceful setting near natural areas.
Germfask (village): A village in the western part of the county, located near the Seney National Wildlife Refuge.

Townships

Luce County is divided into 12 townships:

Barker Township
Clyde Township
Deerfield Township
Ellis Township
Flowerfield Township
Hewitt Township
Hulbert Township
McMillan Township
Newton Township
Pentland Township
Portage Township
Red Oak Township

Parks and Recreation

Luce County offers several parks and recreational activities, including:

**Tahquamenon Falls State Park**: A large state park offering hiking, camping, fishing, and scenic views of the famous Tahquamenon Falls.
**Seney National Wildlife Refuge**: A national wildlife refuge that offers hiking, bird watching, and fishing opportunities in a pristine natural environment.
**Lake Superior**: The county’s access to Lake Superior provides opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, and beach activities.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, Luce County had a population of 6,671. The population is predominantly White, with smaller percentages of African American, Native American, and Hispanic residents. The county has a mix of rural and suburban communities, with most residents living in Newberry and surrounding rural areas.

Education

Luce County is served by several school districts:

Higher education opportunities include:

Lake Superior State University: A public university located in nearby Sault Ste. Marie, offering undergraduate and graduate programs.

Transportation

Luce County is served by several major highways:

U.S. Route 2: Runs through the southern part of the county, connecting the area to the rest of the Upper Peninsula and to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.
M-28: A state highway that runs through the northern part of the county, providing access to the county’s lakes and parks.

Public transportation is available through the Luce County Transit system, which provides bus services for residents and visitors.

References

United States Census Bureau. "QuickFacts: Luce County, Michigan."
Michigan Department of Natural Resources. "Tahquamenon Falls State Park."
Romig, Walter. Michigan Place Names. Detroit: Wayne State University Press, 1986.