Cities and Towns in Schoolcraft County, Michigan
Founded in 1843, Schoolcraft County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Schoolcraft County was formed from parts of Chippewa County and Mackinac County. The city of Manistique is the county seat. With FIPS code of 153, Schoolcraft County has a population of 8,030 and area of 1,884 square miles (4,880 km²).
List of all cities in Schoolcraft County, MI alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Blaney Park, MI | 49836 | 906 |
| Cooks, MI | 49817 | 906 |
| Germfask, MI | 49836 | 906 |
| Gulliver, MI | 49840 | 906 |
| Manistique, MI | 49854 | 906 |
| Seney, MI | 49883 | 906 |
| Thompson, MI | 49854 | 906 |
Major Cities and Towns in Schoolcraft County, Michigan
Manistique
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 3.49 square miles
- Population: 2,828 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49854
- Latitude: 45.9575° N
- Longitude: 86.2469° W
City Location and History
Manistique is the largest city and the county seat of Schoolcraft County, located on the northern shores of Lake Michigan along the Manistique River. It lies approximately 88 miles west of the Mackinac Bridge and is a major gateway to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. The city was originally established in the mid-19th century, primarily due to the lumber industry. Manistique’s strategic location on the lake and the river made it a vital hub for transporting timber. Over time, the city’s economy diversified to include manufacturing, fishing, and tourism. The historic Chicago Lumber Company provided a major economic boost during the city’s early years, and the city continues to be a center for regional services, education, and outdoor recreation.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Manistique Area Schools serve the community, with Manistique High School being the primary secondary education institution. Major landmarks include the Manistique East Breakwater Light, a striking lighthouse that guides ships into the harbor. The Manistique Boardwalk and River Walk are popular attractions, offering scenic views of Lake Michigan and the river. The historic Water Tower, built in 1922, stands as a reminder of the city’s early 20th-century growth. Palms Book State Park, home to the Big Spring (Kitch-iti-kipi), Michigan’s largest freshwater spring, is located nearby and attracts many visitors for its crystal-clear waters and picturesque surroundings.
Germfask
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 44.61 square miles (Germfask Township)
- Population: 491 (2020 Census, including township)
- Zip Codes: 49836
- Latitude: 46.2533° N
- Longitude: 85.9336° W
City Location and History
Germfask is a small unincorporated community located in the central part of Schoolcraft County, along the Manistique River. It is approximately 20 miles north of Manistique and situated near the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. The town was founded in the late 19th century, with its unique name being an acronym derived from the first letters of the last names of its early settlers. Historically, Germfask has been a hub for logging and agriculture, benefiting from the natural resources in the surrounding forests and rivers. The proximity to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge has helped shape the community into a destination for outdoor recreation, particularly birdwatching, fishing, and canoeing.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Germfask falls within the Manistique Area Schools district, although there are no large schools within the immediate community. The town’s major landmark is its proximity to the Seney National Wildlife Refuge, a 95,000-acre preserve that is home to a variety of wildlife, including bald eagles, trumpeter swans, and black bears. The Manistique River provides opportunities for kayaking and fishing, while nearby Big Manistique Lake offers additional recreational options. The peaceful, natural environment makes Germfask a quiet retreat for outdoor enthusiasts.
Seney
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: 180 square miles (Seney Township)
- Population: 119 (2020 Census)
- Zip Codes: 49883
- Latitude: 46.3447° N
- Longitude: 86.0208° W
City Location and History
Seney is a small, unincorporated community located in northern Schoolcraft County, near the junction of M-28 and M-77. Seney is about 27 miles north of Manistique and is historically known for its association with the logging and railroad industries during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The town was a booming lumber center, but as the timber resources diminished, so did the town’s population. Seney’s decline was famously chronicled in Ernest Hemingway’s short story “Big Two-Hearted River,” which is set in the region. Today, Seney is primarily known as a gateway to the nearby Seney National Wildlife Refuge and as a peaceful stop for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts exploring the Upper Peninsula.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Seney is served by the nearby Manistique Area Schools, but it does not have its own major educational institutions. The Seney National Wildlife Refuge is the community’s most significant landmark, attracting visitors who enjoy wildlife observation, hiking, and nature photography. The area is renowned for its birdwatching opportunities, as the refuge hosts migratory birds and endangered species. Seney also marks the starting point for the North Country Trail, a long-distance hiking trail that stretches across several states. Additionally, the small community of Seney draws visitors with its quiet, natural beauty and historical connection to Hemingway’s literary legacy.
Cooks
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Unincorporated community (located in Inwood Township)
- Population: Approximately 600 (including township)
- Zip Codes: 49817
- Latitude: 45.9064° N
- Longitude: 86.4772° W
City Location and History
Cooks is an unincorporated community located in Inwood Township in the western part of Schoolcraft County, about 25 miles west of Manistique. The community was originally established as a station along the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad in the late 19th century. Named after the Cook family, early settlers in the area, Cooks served as a small hub for logging and agricultural activities. While it remains a quiet, rural community, its proximity to Lake Michigan and Hiawatha National Forest makes it a desirable location for those interested in outdoor activities such as fishing, hunting, and hiking.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Cooks is part of the Big Bay de Noc School District, with Big Bay de Noc School located in nearby Garden providing education for the area’s students. Landmarks in the vicinity include the Hiawatha National Forest, which offers miles of trails and numerous lakes for outdoor recreation. Thompson State Fish Hatchery, located nearby, is also a point of interest, focusing on raising fish for Michigan’s inland lakes and rivers. Cooks is surrounded by natural beauty, with Lake Michigan’s shores and numerous inland lakes offering scenic views and a range of recreational activities for residents and visitors alike.
Gulliver
Area, Population, and Zip Codes
- Area: Unincorporated community (located in Doyle Township)
- Population: Approximately 600 (including township)
- Zip Codes: 49840
- Latitude: 45.9417° N
- Longitude: 86.1286° W
City Location and History
Gulliver is an unincorporated community located in Doyle Township, southeast of Manistique along U.S. Route 2. It is about 12 miles from Manistique and is located near Lake Michigan’s northern shore. Gulliver was originally settled in the late 19th century and grew with the development of the lumber industry, like many other communities in Schoolcraft County. It is also known for its proximity to Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, a key navigational aid on Lake Michigan and a popular tourist attraction today. The area around Gulliver remains rural and forested, contributing to its reputation as a quiet and scenic locale.
Major Schools and Landmarks
Gulliver is served by the Manistique Area Schools district, with no major schools in the immediate community. The most significant landmark in the area is the Seul Choix Point Lighthouse, which was built in 1895 and is still operational today. The lighthouse is part of a larger historical site, featuring a museum that details the history of the area and its maritime heritage. Gulliver Lake, a small inland lake, offers fishing and boating opportunities, while the nearby shores of Lake Michigan provide additional recreational possibilities. The community’s history and natural beauty make it an attractive spot for visitors exploring the region.
