Elk Rapids in Antrim County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The City Dock

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023

1. The City Dock Marker

Inscription. Look carefully westward to see what remains of the Elk Rapids City Dock. This dock was one of three docks situated within the village limits. It served the community of Elk Rapids from 1905 to 1911. The pier extended 1,440 feet out into East Grand Traverse Bay where the waters were 17 feet in depth, John Monroe of East Jordan and Captain Charles Lowe of Harbor Springs were among the many men involved in its construction.

A railroad car ferry the Manistique, Marquette and Northern No. 1 is shown approaching the City Dock in 1906. This ship floundered and sank in a 1929 storm after leaving Milwaukee, WI. All hands were lost.

The passenger steamer Missouri and her sister ship the Illinois frequently brought new residents and visitors to Elk Rapids. The larger Missouri had a 40 foot beam, was 275 feet over all and had accommodations for 300 people.

Over the years, winter winds and ice shortened the life of the City Dock. A 1915 winter storm removed most visible pilings.

Erected 2011 by Elk Rapids Area Community Foundation.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1905.

Location. 44° 53.804′ N, 85° 25.273′

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W. Marker is in Elk Rapids, Michigan, in Antrim County. It is on River Street west of Ash Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 611 River St, Elk Rapids MI 49629, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula

and in the Grand Traverse Bay Region.

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: The Orginal School Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away); Township Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Those Who Gave Their Lives (approx. 0.2 miles away); First Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. ¼ mile away); The Island House (approx. ¼ mile away); Rotary Park "Centennial Project" (approx. 0.6 miles away); Because of the Water... (approx. 0.6 miles away); Elk Rapids (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elk Rapids.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023

2. The City Dock Marker

View West from the Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J. J. Prats, September 24, 2023

3. View West from the Marker

Nothing to see of the old dock on an autumn afternoon.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on May 28, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. This page has been viewed 407 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 28, 2024, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio.