Interlochen

Ottawa Indians once lived in the pine forest between Lakes Wahbekaness and Wahbekanetta. In the late 1800s white men came and cut the pines, leaving only a small forest between the lakes. This virgin pine was purchased in 1917 by the state and became part of one of the first state parks. When the lumber era ended, the Wylie Cooperage mill occupied the Indian village site, making barrels until the hardwood ran out.

Willis Pennington’s summer hotel, opened in 1909, was popular with fishermen until automobiles and better roads drew them elsewhere. Then, in 1918, Camp Interlochen, one of Michigan’s first girls’ recreation camps, was opened, followed in 1922 by Camp Pennloch for boys. In 1928, by arrangement with Willis Pennington, Joseph E. Maddy and Thaddeus P. Giddings established the National High School Orchestra Camp.

It grew rapidly in scope, size, and reputation, becoming the National Music Camp in 1931, and affiliating with the University of Michigan in 1942. Interlochen Arts Academy was chartered in 1960 to provide year-round training in the creative arts.