Eastport, Michigan is an unincorporated community in the northeastern Lower Peninsula of Michigan.
Recently listed as a census-designated place, Eastport has defined boundaries, unlike other unincorporated communities. It is bordered to the east by Grand Traverse Bay, and to the south by Torch Lake, although a portion of its southern boundary, in the east, is made up of a portion of the Ojibway Trail, US Highway 31 N, and Emmetts Trail. Old Dixie Highway forms its northern boundary, and its eastern boundary is Farnell Road. A large portion of the community, in the northeast, is made up of Antrim County's Barnes Park. Eastport Creek enters the community in the north and empties into Torch Lake at its northernmost tip.
The 129-acre Barnes Park offers large wooded campsites, some with electricity, while others are rustic. The park also includes hiking trails, biking trails, a playground area, basketball court, and a staircase leading down to the beach.
Formed by the Leelanau Peninsula, Grand Traverse Bay is divided into two arms by the Old Mission Peninsula. It leads into Lake Michigan.
Eastport is situated on the north end of Torch Lake, an 18,770-acre body of water that is nineteen miles long. It is the longest inland lake in Michigan and the state's second-largest inland lake. Other communities located on Torch Lake are Alden, Clam River, and Torch Lake. The lake is popular for hiking, canoeing, fishing, and diving.
There are no incorporated villages or cities in Torch Lake Township, and the only other unincorporated community is Torch Lake, about two miles to the south. The nearest villages are Central Lake, Ellsworth, Forest Home, and Elk Rapids. The main routes to and from the community are US-31 and M-88, which intersect at the southeast corner of Barnes Park. While US-31 leads south from the community along the western shore of Torch Lake, Torch Lake Drive runs south and east along the eastern banks of Torch Lake.
As Eastport is a recent census-designated place, it has, thus far, appeared only on the 2010 census, at which time its population was 218.
The first European-American settler in the area was Murdock Andress, a woodsman who came in 1863. In 1869, a man named Phillips built a hotel there. On March 29, 1872, a post office was established under the name of Wilson, but its name was changed to Eastport on September 8, 1873, with Andrew Mudge as postmaster. The name Eastport was chosen because of a mill and dock that Cicero Newell and L.G. Wilcox built directly east, across Grand Traverse Bay, of Northport. The bay shore project was soon abandoned, and the town developed at the north shore of Torch Lake, but Eastport retained the name.
Although Eastport has a small year-round population, its proximity to Torch Lake, Grand Traverse Bay, and Lake Michigan makes it a popular summer place. The focus of this category is on the unincorporated town of Eastport, Michigan. Online resources representing individuals, businesses, churches, organizations, attractions, events, or recreational opportunities in Eastport are appropriate for this category.
Recommended Resources
The Eastport, Michigan congregation meets at its facilities on North M-88 Highway. Its physical and mailing addresses are published on the church site, along with its Sunday worship schedule, its ministries to children, youth, and adults, foreign missions, and testimonies from members of the church. Other resources include a statement of beliefs, leadership introductions, recent sermon series, a sermon archive, and live streaming of services.
https://www.eastportbc.org/
In business since 1978, the market added hardware in 2003, and its Country Store Smokehouse in 2012. Besides its standard grocery items, customers can fill up their gas tank, buy propane, as well as streaks for the grill, house paint, alcoholic beverages, and hot coffee. Its departments, products, and services are featured, along with recipes, a meal planner, wine pairing guide, health and wellness informational articles, a calendar of events, and job openings.
https://www.eastportmarket.com/
Opened in 1999, the family-owned assisted living facility provides housekeeping and laundry services, daily living assistance, home-cooked meals, a 24-hour nurse, and a physician on call, as well as respite and daycare services, with private or semi-private room options. The facility accepts Medicare, VA program assistance, long-term care insurance, and private pay options. Activities include bingo, concerts, and other activities, exercise programs and equipment, and an in-house salon.
https://eastportvillage.com/
FruitFast is the flagship brand of Brownwood Acres Foods, which has been in business since 1945, originally as a roadside market selling honey and produce from its family farm. Its FruitFast Tart Cherry Juice Concentrate is now a popular national brand and, in 2007, Brownwood Acres acquired fifty percent ownership in CherryFlex. Products may be ordered online, and its orders ship from its location in Eastport, Michigan. Wholesale and international orders are also available.
https://www.brownwoodacres.com/
Situated in Eastport, Michigan, within a half-mile of both Torch Lake and Grand Traverse Bay, the facility includes access to a boat launch at the north end of Torch Lake. Offering six cottage accommodations and eight guest rooms, including single queen beds, single king beds, or double full-size beds, each equipped with modern amenities, including WiFi, air-conditioning, and others. A gallery of photographs is provided, along with a contact form.
https://www.torchbayinn.com/
Housed in a circa 1880s building that was originally built as the Eastport Congregational Church, the history of the building and business are outlined, its chefs and staff are introduced, and its source partners are featured. Its address and a map are posted, along with a telephone number, food service hours, full menu, and an online reservation system. Promotional apparel and other items may be purchased online, and its event planning accommodations are included.
https://torchlakecafe.com/
