To the north of Suttons Bay, near the casino along M-22, you’ll find an old wooden structure beside Belanger Creek. This historic mill was constructed in 1859 by Antoine Manseau. The creek was originally named Keywatosa Creek after a Native American Chief, Keywatosa. Manseau created a dam on the creek, built a 26-by-30-foot mill, and began grinding grain using a pair of millstones imported from France. It was likely the oldest grist mill in the Grand Traverse area, serving local farmers who brought their grain to be processed. At the time, it was quite advanced, featuring 56 belts that powered multiple rollers to turn grain into flour.
In 1906, the mill was purchased by Eugene Belanger and his sons—Ignatius, Alexis, Luke, and Edwin. It continued to operate until 1934, when it closed due to a partial collapse of the concrete wall and a decline in local grain farming. Today, the old mill stands by the roadside, overlooking Belanger Creek as cars rush by on their way to the nearby casino or the many wineries scattered throughout the Leelanau Peninsula.
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