Idlewild The “Black Eden” of Michigan Is Now A Ghost Town

Idlewild, Michigan, has often been referred to as the "Black Eden" of Michigan.

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Founded in 1912 by the Idlewild Resort Company, a group of four white couples, Idlewild was a resort town where Black people could legally buy property and enjoy leisure activities without the fear of racial discrimination.

This was a time when most vacation spots and establishments accepted only white guests.

Who Vacationed At Idlewild?

Idlewild quickly became a safe haven for Black families and a hub for Black intellectuals, entrepreneurs, and entertainers.

It was a place where the Black middle class could escape racism and enjoy the same leisure activities as their white counterparts.

By the 1920s, Idlewild was recognized as one of the premier summer vacation spots for prominent Black families. The town was known for its vibrant nightlife, with clubs and entertainment venues featuring top African American performers.

The Decline of Idlewild

However, the town's prosperity began to decline in the 1960s with the advent of desegregation. As Black people gained access to previously restricted places, investment in Idlewild dwindled, and the town was largely abandoned.

Despite this, Idlewild remained home to a small number of year-round residents and retained fond memories for many who had spent their summers there.

Idlewild Historic and Cultural Center Keeps Memory Alive

In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in Idlewild.

Efforts to revitalize the town have been gaining momentum, with initiatives at the state and local levels seeking to preserve its history and restore its former glory.

The Idlewild Historic and Cultural Center, opened in 2003, serves as a destination for visitors to learn about the community's history.

Let's take a look behind at the abandoned town of Idlewood, Michigan.