Empire, Michigan

49630

Empire is located on Lake Michigan coastline in the southwest corner of Leelanau County. The area was first settled in 1853 by the John LaRue Family. This town was eventually named after a boat "Empire" which became ice-bound in the harbor in the winter of 1863, and afterwards used as a schoolhouse. The town eventually thrived because of the lumber industry, organizing as a village in 1895.From 1950 to the early 1970's, Empire was the home to Empire Air Force Station - 752nd A C & W Squadron. This radar station, which was fairly remote in the 50's and 60's, was part of the Air Defense Command, who stood watch over America's skies during the cold war. Today, Empire retains its small town atmosphere and is primarily a tourist area. It is the gateway to the Sleeping Bear Dunes, which can be seen from its beach to the north.