Life on the 45th 2022

Mancelona
Photography by Joanie Moore
The Village of Mancelona is situated along the busy
US-131 corridor on the east side of Antrim County,
inland from the captivating chain o’ lakes. It is
home to some of the region’s key outdoor events,
rewarding the locals with many opportunities to greet visitors
and extend friendly hospitality.
The Township, and later the Village, took its name from the
daughter of the first settler to locate at the site of the town.
Mancelona Andress was the daughter of Perry Andress.
Mancelona came here with her parents in 1869 when she
was four years old. The Village of Mancelona organized and
the first Village Council met April 18, 1889.
Mancelona has maintained momentum and continues
to see progress with development and growth. Investors
have purchased abandoned and distressed properties,
restoring them into housing and economic opportunities.
Explore131north.org was launched following several years
of studies, planning and meetings with community leaders
from Cadillac to Petoskey, including Mancelona. The
Website focuses on communities along the U.S. 131 North
corridor, highlighting each of the area’s assets. Decals can
be ordered from the Website, free of charge.
Winter is a favorite season for those who love outdoor recreation.
Snowmobilers arrive by the thousands, navigating the
miles of meticulously groomed trails that wind through scenic
Jordan River and Jordan Valley, Deadman’s Hill, and areas
around Lakes of the North and Alba. Competitive snowmobile
drag-race events are held throughout winter as snow
conditions permit. Shanty Creek Resort has three properties
for those who love to ski and snowboard.
The annual White Pine Stampede is a premiere point-topoint
ski race held each year the first Saturday in February.
Volunteers from Mancelona and Bellaire work check-points
along the scenic trail, providing moral support and encouragement
to participants right up to the finish lines of the
10K, 20K and 50K events. Races begin in Mancelona and end
at Schuss Mountain and Shanty Creek resort villages.
Village of Mancelona holds a fishing day for the trout season
opener on the last Saturday in April. Johnson’s Pond
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