Eagle Township in Grand Ledge in Eaton County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Historic Island Rollercoaster

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 21, 2023

1. Historic Island Rollercoaster Marker

Inscription. In 1891, Julian Scott Mudge constructed what is believed to be the first roller coaster in Michigan, on the second island (now Island Park) of the Seven Islands Resort. The resort featured a hotel on the second island, a casino on the third island, and numerous foot bridges connecting the islands to the mainland. The roller coaster thrilled visitors as a one-way ride over the Grand River from the second to the third island. In 1883, after just two years of operation the roller coaster went down in a flood. To learn more about the history of the Seven Islands and Grand Ledge visit www.gledgehistsoc.org. For more information about art in Grand Ledge visit CityofGrandLedge.com.

Erected by Lansing Economic Area Partnership with PNC Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1891.

Location. 42° 45.319′ N, 84° 44.74′ W. Marker is in Grand Ledge, Michigan, in Eaton County. It is in Eagle Township. It is on Boardwalk near West River Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker

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is at or near this postal address: 206 West River Street, Grand Ledge MI 48837, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Mid-Michigan

and in Greater Lansing.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Second Island (within shouting distance of this marker); Blake's Opera House (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Shane Jewelry Company (about 500 feet away); Grand Ledge 1909 (about 600 feet away); "Growing Progress" (about 600 feet away); Governor Frank D. Fitzgerald Home (about 700 feet away); Preston's Grocery - Preston's Bar (about 800 feet away); Grand Ledge Chair Company (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Ledge.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 21, 2023

2. Historic Island Rollercoaster Marker

Bridge to Second Island image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, August 21, 2023

3. Bridge to Second Island

Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,091 times since then and 132 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on January 19, 2024, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.