Five Channels Dam Archeological District

Great for fishing on the river and the pond.

FIVE CHANNELS DAM WORKERS CAMP

Consumers Power Company (now Consumers Energy) built Five Channels Dam in 1911 and 1912. It was the second of six hydroelectric plants to be built on the lower Au Sable River by the Foote brothers of Jackson (founders of Consumers Power). During construction, the company sought to provide a healthy environment for workers and their families by building a forty-five-acre camp complete with a central water supply and sewage system, icehouse, school, washroom, store, and boardinghouse. Workers received land on which to build a house. Housing ranged from log or clapboard to tarpaper shacks and tents. Camp buildings were moved to the next site (Loud Dam) or razed as the plant neared completion in late 1912.

Birding Site: M-65; Waterfowl (s,su,f) Trumpeter Swans (w)

Key for best birding season- y (year round) s (spring) su (summer) f (fall) w (winter)

Source: Peggy Ridgway, AuSable Valley Audubon

Things to Do: Fishing

Open: Year-Round, 24 Hours; Restrooms Available, Handicap Accessible

GPS: 44.45504, -83.67608