A Timeline of Michigan Tourism Alyssa Peterson and Dr. Sarah Nicholls Department of Community, Agriculture, Recreation & Resource Studies Michigan State University March 2012 *** This timeline is a work in progress. Please send suggested edits or additions to Sarah Nicholls at
[email protected]. *** 1815 Detroit incorporated as a city th 1837 Michigan became the 26 state of the United States The beginning of smooth transportation between Lakes Superior and Huron 1855 is marked by a steam engine boat crossing through the Sault Ste. Marie Locks 1887 The Grand Hotel opened on Mackinac Island 1895 Michigan’s first state park, Detroit CVB opened as the Mackinac Island State Park, opened first CVB in the U.S. 1896 First gas-powered automobile in Golf courses began being Michigan tested designed in Michigan 1898 Wawashkamo Golf Course founded on Mackinac Island 1901 The world’s first concrete road built in Detroit OrganiZed skiing in the U.S. began in Ishpeming, MI, MI Hotel, Motel and Resort 1905 where the National Skiing Association was founded Association (MHMRA) formed 1909 Huron and Hiawatha National Forests established 1915 First stop sign invented and installed in Detroit 1917 Michigan Tourism and Resort Association (MTRA) formed (later renamed West Michigan Tourism Association) First commercial flight (from Michigan’s state park system 1919 Paris to London) established 1928 Tunnel and bridge access to Canada commences with the opening of Interlochen Center for the the Detroit-Windsor Tunnel and the Ambassador Bridge Arts founded Hugh Gray of MTRA led the movement to secure the first state appropriations for tourist advertising after showing the state legislature the value in the tourism industry, gaining $100,000/year for 2 years 1929 Black Tuesday, October 29, Dr.