Baldwin Michigan
It seems Baldwin has always been a destination. These days riders go there every May for the Blessing of the Bikes, whole families of Michiganders go every summer for the famous ice cream, a new generation of fishermen join their parents to pursue the evasive trout in the Pere’ Marquette river, and the trail system attracts outdoorsmen in every season. Baldwin has a colorful history. Fortunately, the Lake County Historical Society has preserved that history because much of it is not readily apparent to the casual visitor.
The Historical Society recently got new digs. The original museum buildings, two US Forest Service ranger residences, were constructed in 1938 by the CCC/WPA. In 2012 the County of Lake transferred a prime downtown piece of property, located at the head of the Rails to Trails bicycle and snowmobile trail, to the Society for its use. In addition, the Forest Service donated the two ranger residence houses to the Society so the buildings, and their unique history, would be preserved. The staff can answer questions and give directions to those hidden treasures that aren’t in the downtown district. Baldwin is another cool Michigan day trip.
