The Village of Eastlake, Michigan is on the eastern shore of Manistee Lake, across from the City of Manistee, in southern Manistee Township, in the southwestern portion of Manistee County.
The Manistee River, north of Eastlake, flows west into Manistee Lake, and then connects the lake with Lake Michigan to the west. Eastlake is situated on a high bluff, presenting a scenic view of the City of Manistee and the Manistee River.
Although the City of Manistee is directly across the lake from Eastlake, sharing a common border, the distance from the center of Eastlake to the center of Manistee is 4.1 miles because it is necessary to drive around the north end of the lake. Nearby villages include Onekama (12.7 miles), Freesoil (13.3 miles), Bear Lake (16.3 miles), Kaliva (20.4 miles), and Fountain (21.8 miles). The main route through the village is M-55 (Caberfae Highway), which passes through the northeast corner of the village. Other routes include Eastlake Road, East Lake Road, Olson Road, and Pine Creek Road. Harris Road forms the southern boundary of the village, then connects with M-55 to the east.
With a current population of just over 500, Eastlake's peak population was 1,856, the first year that it appears on a census report, and its lowest point was 392 in 1930, reflecting the crash of the forest industry.
As with much of Michigan, the first European-American settlers in Eastlake came for the forests. Louis Sands built a sawmill there around 1870, which he sold to Richard G. Peters in 1879. Peters was apparently responsible for platting the village, as he is referred to in an 1881 record as the proprietor of the village of Eastlake.
Although the railroad was late in getting to Eastlake, in 1880 the Manistee Railroad, a subsidiary of the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad, began laying track along the east side of Manistee Lake, on its way to Manistee and Lake Michigan, giving the F&PM access to area lumbering and salt manufacturing resources. A station was established at Eastlake. In the 1890s. the Manistee, Filer City, and East Lake Railway was created as a fourteen-mile stretch connecting Eastlake with Filer City via Manistee, connecting with the F&PM and the Michigan East and West depots.
On May 21, 1883, a post office was established at Eastlake, with Henry W. Magoon as the first postmaster. Eastlake was incorporated as a village in 1912, at which time its population was already in decline. Today, Eastlake is primarily a residential community, often considered a Manistee suburb, although its location on Manistee Lake and its proximity to the Manistee River and Lake Michigan have made it a popular summer place.
The focus of this category is on Eastlake, Michigan. Online resources representing the village or any individuals, businesses, industries, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, or events within the village are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
Established in 1881, Eastlake Fire & Rescue is one of the oldest fire departments in Michigan. Although its coverage is the village of Eastlake, the department has mutual aid agreements with every fire department in Manistee County. Besides fire suppression services, the Eastlake department is also a licensed Medical First Responder service, providing prehospital care, but not transport. Photos, contacts, and nearby government services are featured.
https://www.govserv.org/US/East-Lake/747995548579238/Eastlake-Fire-&-Rescue
Manistee County Humane Society
Situated just west of Eastlake, Michigan, the county animal shelter provides temporary homes for dogs and cats, putting them up for adoption whenever possible, providing medical care, food, and attention. Applications for adoption may be downloaded from the site, but adoptions are approved in person only. Special needs pets are highlighted, and ways in which others may contribute to the shelter are discussed, including volunteer opportunities.
https://homewardboundmanistee.org/
Located in Manistee County, on the bluffs of the village of Eastlake, overlooking Lake Manistee and the City of Manistee, the manufactured home and recreational vehicle community is designed for those fifty-five or older. Open year-round, guests may reserve sites for their RV for a weekend or a season, and manufactured homes are available for sale. Photos of the RV park, available homes, and community common areas are put forth, with a newsletter and contacts.
https://www.thebluffsonmanisteelake.com/
