Idlewild Lake: Michigan's Black Eden

It's a community on the west side of the state once known as "Black Eden." Idlewild, located between Cadillac and Big Rapids, became a safe, recreational haven during the Jim Crowe era when among other things. Blacks, even those with means, could not easily buy property. But when legalized discrimination ended in 1964, Blacks could buy property anywhere they wished.

[@vivp5078]

we were a family of 5 stayed in one of their cabins near the lake and I'll never forget the awesome stars the heavens we were able to see at nite .. dark sky absolutely no lights!! give thanks and appreciation for that time ... God Bless!

[@jenwill5722]

I loved visiting there and learning about the community.

[@CJ-jt4wq]

It would be nice to see it restored to its original glory

[@galaxyandstars9084]

My parents use to tell me stories about this place glad to see it being renovated

[@chuckdeezy_313]

Come visit

[@olgasoto9221]

I went there a while back and it was like a ghost town but it was awesome walking through the town

[@platinumog913]

This where outkast got the story from 4 there film salute too BH

[@leebrown6153]

They even have the red rooster bar

[@Harley.Davidson]

If it was SO great why did it go to hell?

[@sherrycambridge1531]

We were all set free and no longer had a need for it, have you not heard ??

[@diva2.0diva20]

@@sherrycambridge1531 Exactly!!!

[@sherrycambridge1531]

@@diva2.0diva20 heh heh heh heh heh