MLive says: “If you are looking for a picturesque vacation spot that is rich in history, head to Idlewild Lake. One of Michigan's 11,000 inland lakes, this body of water is located in Idlewild, once a popular destination for African-American vacationers. A resort in Idlewild opened in 1915 and operated during a time when black Americans were often banned from white resorts. The area boasted thousands of visitors and attracted several big-name musicians, including Louis Armstrong and The Temptations. It is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a music festival is held each summer to commemorate the resort's history.”
July 1, 2021
I’d wanted to visit Idlewild for a long time, and I was delighted to finally make it there this summer. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but was pleasantly content with the quiet town and beautifully clear lake. Due to the pandemic, some of the facilities (like the historical museum) weren’t open - luckily there were plenty of maps and signage throughout the town to help me navigate the amazing history and present appreciation of this area.
When I turned down the road to head toward town, the first thing I noticed was a Grand Rapids city street sign - I knew it was from GR because it had our city logo on it. I stopped to grab a photo, not realizing it wouldn’t be the only one I’d be seeing. Even though it wasn’t open, I stopped at the historical museum first and checked out a map of historical sites around the town to direct my stay.
I headed over to Williams Island where the old Flamingo Club and a public park with access to Lake Idewild are. The lake was impressively clear, and on a day with a sky this blue, it was absolutely gorgeous. I talked with some folks there: two year-round locals, and one man visiting from Flint with his family for the summer. They all told me that if I hung out until the weekend (it was Thursday morning), I’d see the place light up with parties and celebrations all around. Fourth of July on Lake Idlewild was apparently a sight to behold - and so was every other weekend, I was told.
I parked my car and walked about for a while, passing by some of the community assets like the post office and the business association. There were some folks out and about, riding bikes and walking their dogs. One of the local restaurants was preparing for the weekend rush of tourism and setting up dozens of picnic tables in anticipation.
As I walked and drove around town, I was trying to imagine what Idlewild was like in all of its historic glory: bustling with activity, tons of recreation, music flowing out the doors of clubs, people spilling into the streets hopping from bar to bar, and Black celebrities adding an air of mystery and class to this tiny Michigan paradise. As much as I loved the quiet town I found this summer, I wished I could see it the way it was intended to be, and the way it’s celebrated for.
I found a DNR boat launch and beach on the far side of Lake Idlewild and planted myself in the water for a while to sunbathe and swim. It was a perfect day to float in shallow water and lay out in the sand. The small park featured some signage that highlighted the significance of this place for the Black community, and touched on the Black leaders and influencers that helped build this place.
On my way out, I ran into a family from Grand Rapids! We connected and exchanged contact information before heading out separate ways. I had an awesome morning and afternoon exploring this small gem, and would love to return and learn more about the history there. My time there this summer came to an end though, and I hit the road for the next stop.