Littlefield Township near Oden in Emmet County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Luring Visitors
— Oden Hatchery Visitors Center —
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023
1. Luring Visitors Marker
You are looking at the original 1920 Oden Hatchery. The main floor was used to hatch eggs into fry, which were then moved outside into rearing ponds. The second floor was the manager’s residence.
Michigan's Department of Conservation (now the Department of Natural Resources) encouraged people to visit state hatcheries. Show ponds featuring large fish created a park-like atmosphere that attracted visitors.
In 2002, the hatchery building was renovated into a visitor center. Today, guided tours and public programming enhance hatchery visits.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Natural Resources • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1920.
Location. 45° 25.498′ N, 84° 50.773′ W. Marker is near Oden, Michigan, in Emmet County. It is in Littlefield Township. Marker is on Oden Road (U.S. 31) 0.9 miles west of Luce Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3377 Oden Rd, Alanson MI 49706, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. State Board of Fish Commissioners / State Game and Fish Warden (a few steps from this marker); Passenger Pigeons (a few steps from this marker); Fish and Rails (within shouting distance of this marker);
this page online
Also see . . . Oden State Fish Hatchery Visitor Center. Excerpt
The Oden Hatchery Visitor Center, located on the grounds of the Oden State Fish Hatchery, is the site of the original fish hatchery building, which began operations in 1921. In 2002, a new hatchery was built one quarter-mile northeast of the current visitor center. ...(Submitted on May 25, 2024.)
The hatchery buildings are not available to the public unless on a guided tour. Free public tours are offered daily between Memorial Day and Labor Day and begin at the gazebo in the hatchery parking lot. ...
Photographed By J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023
2. Oden Hatchery Visitors Center and Marker
Bronze by Kent Ullberg photographed by J.J. Prats, September 24, 2023
3. “Ring of Bright Water II”
This sculpture is at the Oden Hatchery Visitor Center. Text of plaque on its base: “Knox Galleries gifted this artwork, created by world-nenowned wildlife sculptor Kent Ullberg. The inspiration came from a best-selling book, Ring of Bright Water. which describes a relationship between a man and his otter companions.”
Credits. This page was last revised on May 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 25, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 115 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 25, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.
