Grayling in Crawford County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Michigan Grayling
Side One
While now extinct in Michigan, members of the grayling family are found in Montana, Europe, and the Arctic. The grayling are related to the trout and salmon and are distinguished by a thyme-like odor and a long wavy dorsal fin, a superb mark of beauty. Measuring from twelve to fifteen inches, the Michigan grayling lived in cold, swift streams and were a gamy fish and delicious as food.
Side Two
Although fishermen had been catching this fish in such rivers as the Manistee, Pere Marquette, and AuSable for some years, its classification as true grayling came only in 1864. The thrill of landing this fish drew sportsmen from the country over as railroads entered northern Michigan in the 1870's. The town of Grayling was the center for fishing trips on the AuSable. Habitat changes following deforestation were making Michigan grayling rare by about 1900, and by about 1930 they were extinct.
Erected 1958 by Michigan Historical Commission. (Marker Number 144.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Environment. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1864.
Location. 44° 40.221′ N, 84° 42.283′ W. Marker is in Grayling, Michigan, in Crawford County. Marker can be reached from West North Down River Road, 0.2 miles east of South Roberts Road, on the right when traveling east. Marker is next to the Grayling Fish Hatchery Visitor's Center. The hatchery has limited hours when it is open to the public. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4890 West North Down River Road, Grayling MI 49738, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Grayling (within shouting distance of this marker); Creation Of An Artificial Trout Stream (within shouting distance of this marker); History of the Grayling Fish Hatchery (within shouting distance of this marker); Michelson Memorial Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); Au Sable Riverboat Commemoration (approx. 0.8 miles away); Chief Shoppenagon / Shoppenagon's Homesite (approx. 0.8 miles away); U.S.S. Grayling Anchor (approx. 0.9 miles away); Grayling Depot (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grayling.
Also see . . . Michigan Arctic Grayling Initiative. Information about the establishment of self-sustaining populations of Arctic Grayling throughout its historical range in Michigan (Submitted on June 25, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
Credits. This page was last revised on January 8, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 25, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 130 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on June 25, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 2. submitted on August 14, 2023, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3, 4. submitted on June 25, 2022, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.