• Saturday-What'sUP April 29 - 02:58 pm

This is a building that has always caught my eye when traveling across the U.P., since waterwheels just aren't a common sight anymore. Trouble is, you pass by the spot so quickly, that a mile or two down the road it slips from your mind until the next time you drive by. So, when I spotted this photo from Anne Sorenson, I let my keyboard do the searching and found some interesting info about the picturesque spot near AuTrain. It was actually a dream of the grandfather of the present owner, which he fulfilled by building a number of summer cottages at the mouth of Rock River and living there himself. The waterwheel and building housing it, generated electricity for a number of years, supplying the surrounding cottages with power. Through the years it's been kept up and cared for, remaining an inviting place to "get away from it all" 8^)

Who knew? You're right, Toivo. I too have
always been intrigued by this place but had
never realized the story behind it. Thank you
for being our sleuth.

Toivo, What a great story! I don't travel near AuTrain, but when I do I'll be sure to stop and take a picture. That was very interesting.

Thanks for the memories.... My friends grandparents owned a place a few camps east of here and we spent some great times there. This will be my desktop for awhile.

I remember seeing this place once or twice as a child but had completely forgotten about it until now.
Thanks Toivo for reminding me of such a wonderful place.

And just behind across M-28 good old Rock River Rd
Great cut across to Chatham by bicycle.

This is a great picture....and there is beautiful scenery in Au Train. I love the area on the beach where the river joins Lake Superior. You can enjoy warmer water for swimming and still be on a beautiful Lake Superior beach!

This would make a great picture for the 2007 Pasty Calendar next year! It's got my vote. I have gone past this place zillions of times during my travels across the U.P.....the greatest place on earth to live. "GOD'S COUNTRY"

To the Boatnerd fans on this site...Reverend Ingalls of the Mariners Church in Detroit passed away this past Monday at the age of 79. Besides being involved in the parish and community he was the inspiration for the memorial services and song for the EDMUND FITZGERALD.
www.freep.com

Love the picture.

Ditto to "Glad to be in the U.P." Great shot for the calendar.

To all:

Since the spot does come and go by real fast at 60mph, the exact location is on the North side of M-28, right at the Rock River bridge, and just west of the intersection of Alger County Road H-01.

The property is private and posted. In over 20 years I've never seen the property owners shoo anyone away who were just taking pictures.

However, climbing kids are another matter in that the water wheel has a significant draw and will not stop for 40-70 pounds of live flesh. Keep in mind that Marquette General Hospital is an hour away.

JT