CORPORATION 6A Wildlife Drive, Hillsdale, Michigan 49242 Phone: (321) 243-5372  E-Mail

Where nature and tranquility meet.

Wildlife Sanctuary is located in lower Michigan near the Indiana/Ohio border. Hillsdale County is the only county of Michigan's 83 which has no water flowing into the county from other surrounding counties. It has an abundance of spring and lake fresh water. It has a most unusual watershed with its springs and lakes forming the beginning of five important rivers.

The St. Joseph River which travels west through southern Michigan and northern Indiana into Lake Michigan begins at Lake Baw Beese and runs through the west side of Wildlife Sanctuary. The Bee Bee on the North Side running east to west and joins the St. Joseph on the west side of the property. Also starting in the northern part of the county are the Kalamazoo and Grand Rivers which go north and west into Lake Michigan. Going to the east, emptying into Lake Erie, is the St Joseph River of the Maumee. The Raisin River, which starts in the northeastern part of the county reaches Lake Erie at Monroe.

In addition to the many natural springs that start these rivers and many of the small streams, there are numerous artesian wells, some with a large flow of constant volume and temperature. Many efforts in recent years have been directed toward maintaining the purity of Hillsdale County's water.

The parcels to build are covered with beautiful Michigan white pine and oaks, maples and poplars on the fringes.

The wildlife consists of deer, pheasant, wild turkey and many other species of birds. The water contains a variety of fish. Get your camera out and shoot some of the nicest pictures. When you take a stroll in the Sanctuary, you feel you leave your worries behind and are just with natural beauty to enjoy.

Hillsdale city is a warm peace loving community where you learn what the term "quality of living" means. It is only 90 minutes from Detroit or Toledo airports. You are a part of the picturesque panorama of green hills and dales abundant with game, waterways and lakes and the citizens are most hospitable.

 

Hillsdale College Education Hillsdale County people pride themselves with quality schools. Kindergarten through twelfth grade school systems are operated in Hillsdale and Jonesville. An adult education program, including courses for college credit, is operated by the Hillsdale school system. Schools have vocational education programs. Hillsdale College, founded in 1844, is a private, liberal arts college with a selective enrollment of 1,000 students. The college has a long history of independence of federal or state funds, and its only control is by a board of trustees which is a self-perpetuating board of 36 members. The college offers majors in 23 areas of the arts and sciences and confers degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Liberal Studies. College facilities are available to people of the community for many purposes and college athletic events are enjoyed by thousands of local residents. The college operates a unique conference center which is often used by local groups but also is used by business, industrial, educational, professional and church organizations nationwide. The college has an American Heritage Library and a fine academic library which are open to local residents. Slayton Arboretum, an 80 acre nature laboratory, is located on the 150 acre tree-lined campus. The interest in education in Hillsdale County extends to support public libraries around the county. Largest of these is the Mitchell Library located In the beautiful Victorian building which was originally the Mitchell home before being donated and remodeled for use as a library. Also nearby is the Jonesville District Library.

 

Hillsdale City Hall and the Post Office. Hillsdale is the county seat of Hillsdale Michigan.

Hillsdale County

The hardy New Englanders who settled Hillsdale County discovered a picturesque panorama of green hills and doles abundant with game, waterways and lakes. The settlers found the county to be most hospitable as they developed its resources and carved homes out of the wilderness.

The first county courthouse built in 1843 on the current courthouse square burned in 1847 or 48, destroying most of the county's original documents. A second courthouse, called the "Old Stonepile," was constructed in 1850-51 and served until the current building was constructed in 1898.

Hillsdale, incorporated as a city in 1869, has long been the county's center of commerce and cultural activities. Besides the railroad, many successful businesses have operated here. A gristmill was founded by Cook and Ferris and sold in 1869 to F.W. Stock. Stock's Mill became the largest flourmill east of the Mississippi River and remained so throughout the 20 century,

Hillsdale County has had a modest, orderly population growth over the years with a corresponding growth in industry, retail, and recreational facilities. With a rural atmosphere, the county remains a most pleasant place in which to live and work.

Today, approximately 40,000 people live in the county, yet it retains the beauty of woods and hills, offering the ecologist or the hunter abundant game. The lakes and streams offer fishermen great sport as well as providing opportunities for motor boating, water skiing, sailing, and canoeing. Not having been commercialized, the recreational areas remain un-crowded.

The City of Hillsdale

Hillsdale, incorporated as a city in 1869, has long been the county's center of commerce and cultural activities. It has a population of approximately 9000 residents. Hillsdale is home to Hillsdale College, Hillsdale Community Schools and numerous industrial, community and residential developments that provide a variety of opportunities to persons from local and surrounding areas.

 

 

Hillsdale Post Office

Besides the railroad, many successful businesses have operated here. A gristmill was founded by Cook and Ferris and sold in 1869 to F.W. Stock. Stock's Mill became the largest flourmill east of the Mississippi River and remained so throughout the 20 century,

Steeped in history, Hillsdale was the home ground of "Baw Bee's Village", a band of Potawatomi Indians (Potawatomi of the Woods sub-nation), and local residents subsequently name a lake, Baw Beese, in honor of this band's chief. Head waters for the Saint Joseph; and four other Michigan rivers arise from the Hillsdale area. An abundance of wildlife; deer, geese, pheasant, ducks, raccoons, and wild turkey inhabit the area and provide resources for area hunters.

First named a "Tree City" in the 1970's, Hillsdale embodies the rural "hometown" atmosphere coupled with modern shopping establishments; providing the best environment for schools, recreation activities and services to the populous.

 

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• Hillsdale County Michigan - Official Web Site
  
  
• Hillsdale College
  
• MSU-Hillsdale County Extension (demographics - resources)
  
• Hillsdale County Chamber of Commerce
  
• Hillsdale County Fair

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