Idlewild is an unincorporated community in Yates Township, located just east of Baldwin in southeast Lake County, a rural part of northwestern lower Michigan.

Founded in 1912 by white land developers who marketed Idlewild as a resort community for blacks during the Jim Crow segregation era, Idlewild, Michigan, was known as “The Black Eden”.

is a tourism campaign and an on-line ambassador for the Idlewild, MI community. We work collaboratively with local community members, officials and businesses to support, build and grow …

Discover Idlewild's rich history and scenic beauty in Michigan. Plan your escape to a charming retreat surrounded by nature and culture.

Idlewild, Michigan, is a destination that beautifully blends nature and culture. From outdoor activities like fishing and kayaking to the rich history found in its museums and historic sites, there’s something for …

Idlewild is listed in the National Register of Historic Places as a nationally significant historic site. It remains a retreat for year-round vacationers. The area’s three pristine lakes and public beach access …

For four decades after its establishment in 1912, Idlewild was a rural retreat for African Americans seeking a bit of rest and relaxation outside the confines of their segregated communities.

Located 37 miles east of Lake Michigan and south of Route 10 within Huron-Manistee National Forest, the district comprises four square miles of gently rolling, forested terrain punctuated by four lakes.

Feb 1, 2025 · And then there are some who do both. Here is the story of Idlewild, Michigan — its past, its present, and how the residents are working toward bringing its past glory to the future.

In Lake County, Michigan, there is a small town with a most unusual history. Idlewild enjoyed explosive growth and popularity, nearly became a ghost town, and is on the rise again.