East Side

   History and businesses

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Follow the boardwalk under U.S. 31.

The U.S. 31 bridge was built in 1953. Note the exceptional view of Elk River from the boardwalk. In the 1870s, the stumps were still on dry land with buildings on it. Building the dam for the saw mill, and then rebuilding the dam in the 1880s, the water was raised to cover this area of the river. On the left bank of the river were the Elk Rapids Iron Company and a chemical plant.

At boardwalk end, follow the pathway and then go right on the sidewalk to the Iron Company marker [12].

Here are two more Garden Club flower beds. Arrowhead Garden – South: (next to path) This garden was established in 1991. A view of Elk Lake furnishes a stunning backdrop accenting the swaying movement of the grasses and shrubs, providing texture and color interest. Arrowhead Garden- Iva's North: (across the street) was created by Mrs. Iva Byerly this in 1983 and 1999.

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Wirt Dexter and Henry Noble bought the existing saw mill and established the Dexter and Noble Company. The company's first order of business was lumbering, which flourished in the later part of the 1800s. Dexter and Noble also owned a flour mill, a company store, a chemical works and the giant Elk Rapids Iron Company, which stood along the banks of the Elk River.

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The company built a huge dock extending into the Bay that was used by ships from all of the Great Lakes to take iron ore to the world.

The Iron Works marker was placed near the old furnace hearth in 1973. The Wayside Display shows this area of the river as it existed in the past. Sand dunes were north of here until about 1957, when the sand was removed for the new highway.

Go back along the sidewalk that you came on, then take the boardwalk back under U.S. 31.

The Chain of Lakes consists of 75 miles of waterways, separated by only one dam in Bellaire (about half way). From here, you can boat through Elk River, Elk Lake, Skegemog Lake, Torch River, Torch Lake, Clam River, Clam Lake, Grass River and into Lake Bellaire.