Glen Haven Wayside: Michigan Vacationland

Michigan Vacationland

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Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits

Pristine beaches, turquoise lakes, verdant green hills, mountains of sand-D. H. Day loved the beauty and cool, clean summer climate of this area and knew that others would, too; so he promoted tourism, campgrounds, and vacation homes. Because the U.S. economy was booming in the early 1920s, Day planned a luxury resort on Alligator Hill. Deemed "fit for the permanent summer White House," by one real estate publication, plans for Day Forest Estates included a championship eighteen-hole golf course, magnificent club house, beach and tennis club, polo field, vacation homes, access roads, and an air strip.

Day foresaw a year-round resort with skiing, ice boat races, curling, and other winter activities as attractions.
Although development of the resort was begun, including installation of the golf course, Day's plan was halted by his death in 1928 and the onset of the Great Depression shortly thereafter. Day Forest Estates remained an unrealized dream. The area, however, has become a premier vacation destination-just as Day had envisioned.

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