Boon: Forest, Trails, and History

Boon combines connections to the forest, trails, and a history linked to the expansion of the railroad in the 19th century. More than half of the area lies within Manistee National Forest; at the same time, the town’s history and the Boon Country Store in Boon Township tell stories of commerce and local tradition. As you plan your stay, you can think about Boon in terms of the themes that matter to you: landscape, trails, or history.

Railroad and Early Development

Boon was established in 1889, as construction of the Ann Arbor Railroad advanced through central Wexford County. Railroad construction led to a significant increase in trade in Boon. The town’s founding and the growth in trade were part of the same development: the town was established during the period of railroad construction, and railroad expansion boosted trade. If you also consider a destination’s history when choosing where to travel, you’ll find a concrete connection here between the time it was founded and its economic development.

Forest and Rivers

More than half of Boon lies within Manistee National Forest. The Manistee National Forest around Boon is considered predominantly rural and forested. Boon is also surrounded by rivers and connected by them. Forest and water provide two clear landscape features to consider when planning your trip. If nature is a priority when choosing a destination, you can use these characteristics as a guide: the forested area and the rivers are the main landscape features of the town.

Trails and Recreation in the Township

Boon is connected by hiking trails. The Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail (MCCCT) runs through Boon Township; Boon Township Park, located there, has a playground. For clarity, these details relate to different activities and levels of local government: Boon is associated with hiking trails, while the MCCCT and the playground park are specifically associated with Boon Township. This makes it easier to match each trail or recreational feature to your travel interests.

Cheese Tradition in Boon Township

The Boon Country Store is located in Boon Township. Its atmosphere is reminiscent of a general-store museum, with numerous antiques on display. The cheese tradition is also evident in a specific detail: cheese is still wrapped in butcher paper and tied with string. The store is considered the oldest continuously operating cheese shop in Northern Michigan and possibly even in the entire state of Michigan. Its history stretches back well over 100 years. The combination of a cheese shop, traditional packaging, and displayed antiques gives the store its own distinctive local character. For travelers interested in everyday life and commercial history, it offers a distinct point of interest. Its age and continuous operation refer to its longevity and continuity.

Discover more destinations: Harrietta, Cadillac.

For the broader travel overview: Wexford County.