The unincorporated community of Rock, Michigan is in Maple Ridge Township, northwest Delta County, in the Upper Peninsula.
While unincorporated communities in Michigan do not have established boundaries, Rock is a census-designated place (CDP) that has boundaries established for the purpose of the census, although they are without legal status.
The chief route to and from the community is M-35, which intersects 37th Road (Maple Ridge Road) downtown. Its nearest neighbors are Winde, Perkins, and Beaver, unincorporated communities within ten miles of Rock. The closest incorporated municipality is the city of Gladstone, 19.2 miles south-southeast of Rock. Other cities and villages within fifty miles of Rock include Escanaba, Chatham, Marquette, Negaunee, Munising, Ishpeming, and Powers.
Like many Michigan communities, Rock was formed as a railroad town when the Chicago & Northwestern Railroad line was completed from Escanaba to Negaunee in 1865, A station was established there, and some of the railroad construction workers settled in Rock.
The US Congress had granted the railroad land on either side of its track, so J.R. Steele purchased land from the railroad in 1866, building his home not far from the depot. George English opened the first store in 1866.
A post office was established as Malton on March 26, 1879, with Mrs. Henrietta Crawford as postmaster, although the town was known as Malton Spur. The post office closed on April 30, 1883, after which the community adopted the name, Maple Ridge, for the township.
On June 16, 1886, a new post office was granted, but there was another Maple Ridge post office in Michigan, so the post office and town were named Rock. The name was suggested by John Niequist, the new postmaster, and was a reference to the town's rocky terrain.
Rock first appeared on a census roll in 2020, when its population was 181. The community is a tiny, largely residential town, with a post office and only a few businesses. The railroad still runs through Rock, although it no longer stops. Currently, it is operated by the Canadian National Railway.
The focus of this portion of our guide is on the unincorporated community and census-designated place known as Rock, Michigan. Websites representing businesses, industries, schools, churches, organizations, events, activities, and recreational opportunities within the community are appropriate resources for this category.
Recommended Resources
Based in the former Old Rock School building, the business offers vinyl siding, windows, doors, roofing materials, decks, rails, fences, and other building products, such as nails, caulking, and tools. Located on East Maple Ridge 37th Road, the address, map, phone and fax numbers, email address, and an online contact form are provided, along with its hours of operation. Its products are highlighted on the site, and a blog offers informational articles on a variety of topics.
https://astrouprock.com/
The multi-day annual event is held along County Line G Road, Rock, Michigan, and includes a lineup of live music and camping. Boogie Fest began in the 1970s, when it was held at Rock Lion's Club Park by a group called Maple Ridge Benefit Concert Association. After outgrowing that location, it was moved to the east side of Rock, where it became a Labor Day staple. The festival came to an end in the 1980s, but was revived for the 2022 season. Confirmed bands, and camping options are outlined.
https://boogiefesttoo.rocks/
In partnership with Village Missions, which matches missionary families to churches that are a good fit for them, the congregation meets at its facilities on East Maple Ridge Road in Rock, Michigan for worship on Sundays, women's Bible study on Tuesdays, adult Bible study on Wednesdays, and at other times according to its posted schedules. Also featured is a statement of beliefs, photographs, directions, a telephone number, sermon audio, and information about Village Missions.
https://vmchurches.org/c/rock-bible-chapel/
U.P. Fabricating Company, Inc.
Founded in 1974, the Upper Peninsula-based company has its headquarters in Negaunee, a fabrication and engineering division in Rock, and a machining division in Manistique, Michigan. The company fabricates parts and tools for commercial, industrial, mining, residential, artwork, bridges, and specialty industries and markets. Its products and services are featured here, and its addresses are listed, maps showing its locations displayed, and contacts included.
https://upfab.com/
