Boon offers a clear contrast between its landscape and local history: more than half of the community lies in the Manistee National Forest, while Boon was laid out in 1889, coinciding with the construction of the Ann Arbor Railroad. Rivers and hiking trails add to the natural setting; the Boon Country Store represents a long cheese-making tradition. This gives you several distinct areas to explore as you plan your trip: nature, railroad history and local business life.

Forests, Rivers and Trails

More than half of Boon lies in the Manistee National Forest. The forest around Boon is considered predominantly rural and wooded. The forest setting is therefore not limited to the surrounding area: a large part of the community itself lies within the National Forest. Rivers surround and connect Boon; hiking trails also connect the community. Together, the rivers and trails add other landscape features to the forest setting.

When it comes to trails, the geographic scale matters. The Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail (MCCCT) runs through Boon Township, while hiking trails connect Boon. This means that a named trail at the township level and the community’s general trail connections are two distinct points of reference. Boon Township Park also has a playground and is part of the township’s amenities. When planning, you can distinguish Boon itself from the trail and park at the township level. The activities also differ: in Boon, the focus is on hiking trails, while at the township level, there is a cycling trail.

Railroad and Development

Boon was laid out in 1889, as construction of the Ann Arbor Railroad advanced through central Wexford County. The railroad’s construction led to a significant increase in trade in Boon. The railroad therefore provides not only the historical context for the community’s founding, but is also linked to a specific economic change. If you want to trace Boon’s development, a clear historical sequence emerges: the community was laid out during the period of railroad construction, and the railroad brought more trade to Boon.

Cheese Tradition at the Boon Country Store

The Boon Country Store is located in Boon Township, and its history stretches back well over 100 years. It is considered the oldest continuously operating cheese business in Northern Michigan and possibly in the entire state of Michigan. The store thus combines a long business history with a cheese-making tradition that continues to this day.

Cheese is still wrapped in butcher paper and tied with string at the Boon Country Store. The shop also has the atmosphere of a general store museum, with numerous antiques on display. While the cheese packaging reflects a continuing sales practice, the antiques shape the character of the business. For travelers interested in local business history and traditional retail practices, the store offers a tangible cultural point of reference.

Discover more destinations: Cadillac, Harrietta.

For the main travel overview: Wexford County.