Lake George

Logging was a major industry in Clare county in the 1870's. Dozens of logging camps existed, towns and villages sprung up around the camps and the railroads that served them. The world's first narrow gauge railway was built in 1874 by Winfield Scott Garrish: the Lake George and Muskegon River Railroad. In 1877 the track was only 7 1/2 miles long. It was built over swampy land, streams, hills and dales by human labor. In 1879 there were 17 bridges as part of the track which was over 45 miles long, extending from Bertha Lake to Lake George. Most of the old Lake George and Muskegon River Railroad grade can still be walked or driven. You can find a Historical plaque is erected on Old 27 midway between Harrison and Clare, commemorating the railroad. In1882, with the lack of pine to lumber, the railroad was no longer in use.