Introduction to Cheboygan, Michigan
Cheboygan, Michigan, in Cheboygan county, is 156 miles N of Saginaw, Michigan (center to center) and 240 miles N of Detroit, Michigan.
Cheboygan History
Originally, this region was home to Native American tribes. White settlers arrived in 1844, and Cheboygan was declared the county seat of Cheboygan County in 1853. The name was likely derived from the Cheboygan River. The origin of the word "Cheboygan" has been traced to "zhaabonigan," which in the Ojibwe language meant "sewing needle." Another tradition states that it was derived from the word "Chabwegan" which meant "a place of ore." In 1877, a theater was constructed, and the community served as the home port for ferryboats to Bois Blanc. Flagler, the pioneering brass era cyclecar maker, was based in this city during the early 1900s. In 1944, Cheboygan was home to Mackinaw, the former U.S. Coast Guard icebreaker and cutter.
Cheboygan and Nearby Attractions
- Cheboygan County Historical Museum Complex
- Colonial Michilimackinac
- Cheboygan State Park
- Father Marquette National Memorial and Museum
- Cheboygan Crib Light
Things To Do In Cheboygan
Cheboygan has numerous historical places of interest. The Cheboygan Crib Light, which was originally built in 1884 on Lake Huron, has been preserved as a centerpiece in Gordon Turner Park. The 1877 Cheboygan Opera House, and the Carnegie Free Library are also located in the city. Cheboygan County Historical Museum Complex, which houses artifacts depicting the region's history, also includes the Cheboygan County Sheriff Residence, the Spies Heritage Hall, a jail built in the early 1900s, a log cabin belonging to the Native Indians, and the Memorial Rose Garden. Cheboygan offers easy access to other museums and historic sites like the Colonial Michilimackinac, Father Marquette National Memorial and Museum, and Fort de Buade Museum. Camping, boating, hiking, fishing, and picnicking can be enjoyed at the Cheboygan State Park. The community also hosts the Cheboygan County Fair during August every year.
Cheboygan Transportation
Air transportation is available from the Chippewa International Airport.
Cheboygan Higher Education
Nearby colleges are Lake Superior State University, Northwestern Michigan College, and Northwood College.
