A Gem in Michigan’s Wilderness

Rifle River Recreation Area - View from the Tower

Rifle River Recreation Area – View from the Tower

Rifle River State Recreation Area, located in Ogemaw County, Michigan, is a paradise for nature lovers. Nestled in the Au Sable State Forest, the park covers 4,449 acres of stunning wilderness, with endless opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you’re into hiking, paddling, fishing, swimming, or biking, this park has it all.

The area boasts 10 no-wake lakes and ponds, including scenic Grousehaven and Devoe Lakes, plus the picturesque Rifle River. If you want a spectacular view of the park, head to the observation tower along Ridge Road. You’ll also find a cool swinging bridge that crosses the Rifle River, adding a little adventure to your visit.

But Rifle River Recreation Area isn’t just about outdoor activities. It has a fascinating history that dates back to the 1920s. Harry Mulford Jewett, a successful businessman, purchased the land for a private hunting and fishing retreat. Jewett was known for managing the property to restore fish and game populations. He even imported and raised various species of game birds here. One of the park’s lakes, now called Jewett Lake, was originally named Dollar Lake in his honor.

After Jewett’s death, the Michigan Department of Conservation acquired the land from his wife in 1945. It was renamed it the Rifle River Area. It was initially used as a research lab for fish and game management. By 1963, the Parks Division took over, and it’s now the beloved Rifle River State Recreation Area we know today.

Harry M. Jewett, track athlete for the Detroit Athletic Club. Between 1886 and 1890, he won a letter in every sport at Notre Dame. Notre Dame-Michigan track meet in 1890, he won the 100-yd dash, broad jump, high jump, and the hop, step, and jump.

Harry Jewett Track Athlete

Who Was Harry Mulford Jewett?

Harry Mulford Jewett was a man of many talents, from athletics to business. In addition, he left a significant mark on both the automobile industry and the natural world. Born in Elmira, New York, on August 14, 1870, Jewett’s early years were marked by academic and athletic excellence. He attended the University of Notre Dame, where he was a standout athlete, excelling in baseball and track. Most notably, Jewett played halfback on Notre Dame’s first varsity football team. He became the first player to score a touchdown against their historic rival, the University of Michigan. In 1890, he graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering, setting the stage for a life of accomplishment.

After his university days, Jewett ventured into the world of business, starting with mining operations that brought him early success and financial stability. By the turn of the century, his entrepreneurial spirit led him to the emerging automobile industry, a field that was still in its infancy. In 1909, he acquired the Paige-Detroit Motor Car Company, a firm that had initially struggled with low-quality vehicles. Jewett quickly took over as president and restructured the company, placing a strong focus on improving the mechanical aspects of the cars. His commitment to quality paid off, and under his leadership, Paige cars gained a reputation for performance and stylish design. The company’s introduction of its first six-cylinder car in 1915 was a game-changer. It propelled Paige into the spotlight as a producer of upper-class automobiles.

The Jewett

1922 Jewett

1922 Jewett

Jewett didn’t stop there. In 1922, he introduced a companion car to the Paige, named the Jewett, a smaller, six-cylinder vehicle that was marketed as an affordable, high-quality option. Although initially successful, the rise of other competitors led to a decline in sales. After experiencing significant financial losses, Jewett made the decision to exit the automobile industry in 1927. He sold his company to the Graham brothers, who continued producing the cars under the Paige name.

Jewett’s passion extended beyond the boardroom. In 1907, he purchased a large estate in Grosse Pointe Shores, Michigan, where he built an elegant Colonial Revival summer home along the shores of Lake St. Clair. This residence was located in an area often referred to as “Gasoline Alley” due to the concentration of automobile moguls who made their homes there. Jewett enjoyed a life of luxury, but he was equally committed to conservation and the outdoors.

Grousehaven

Jewetts Lodge once sat where the Observation Tower now sits.

Jewett’s Lodge once sat where the Observation now sits.

In the 1920s, Jewett purchased over 7,000 acres of land in Michigan’s Ogemaw County to create a private hunting and fishing retreat, which he called Grousehaven. He actively managed the land, promoting the restoration of fish and game populations. Jewett was particularly known for importing game birds, such as pheasants, which he raised and released on the property. His love for nature and wildlife management became an integral part of the area’s history.

Even after his passing in 1933 at the age of 62, Jewett’s conservation efforts lived on. His wife sold the land to the Michigan Department of Conservation in 1945, and it was eventually transformed into the Rifle River State Recreation Area. The park, with its many lakes, rivers, and forests, still reflects the natural beauty and commitment to wildlife management that Jewett championed during his lifetime.

Jewett’s legacy remains deeply connected to both the industrial progress of early 20th-century America and the preservation of Michigan’s natural landscape. Whether it’s a hike along the scenic trails of Rifle River or a paddle through one of its serene lakes, visitors today enjoy the fruits of his passion for the outdoors.

Learn more about the rich history of the Northeast Lower Peninsula.