Welcome to Perkins Park, a place where history and nature intertwine along the serene shores of Lake Independence. This park, located in Big Bay, Michigan, offers a glimpse into the past while providing a tranquil escape for modern-day adventurers.
Perkins Park’s story begins in the early 20th century, during the bustling era of the lumber industry. The Brunswick Lumber Company, renowned for its billiards tables and bowling pins, established a sawmill in Big Bay around 1903. This mill became a cornerstone of the local economy, processing wood from the rich forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Remarkably, at its peak, the mill produced about 90% of the world’s bowling pins.
In 1932, the sawmill closed, marking the end of an era. However, this closure paved the way for a new beginning. On January 3, 1936, Brunswick Lumber Company sold 6.11 acres of land to Powell Township for a mere dollar. This transaction came with a condition: the land must be used as a public park. Supervisor Perkins, a key figure in the township at the time, played a pivotal role in this transition, and the park was eventually renamed in his honor.
The park initially struggled with funding and management, leading Powell Township to transfer ownership to Marquette County. Under county management, Perkins Park expanded significantly, thanks in part to the Works Progress Administration (WPA) during the Great Depression. The WPA’s involvement not only improved the park’s facilities but also provided much-needed employment to the local community.
Throughout the decades, Perkins Park continued to evolve. Grants in the 1970s and further improvements in the 1990s helped transform it into a top-notch camping destination. Today, the park boasts over 70 campsites, a fishing pier, a sandy beach, and hiking trails that offer glimpses of the area’s lumbering past.
Visitors to Perkins Park are treated to a rich tapestry of natural beauty and historical significance. As you explore the trails, you might spot remnants of the old Lake Superior and Ishpeming Railroad, a reminder of the park’s industrial roots. And if you’re lucky, you might even witness the Northern Lights dancing over the lake—a spectacle that has enchanted many a camper.
Perkins Park stands as a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the Big Bay community. From its origins in the lumber industry to its current status as a cherished recreational area, the park encapsulates a unique slice of Michigan’s history, inviting all who visit to step back in time while enjoying the natural splendor of the present.
