Drawn by Water

Beautiful lakes and rolling fertile land attracted people to the area across many eras. Native Americans first lived in the woodlands among the waterways and trails. By 1820, settlers built roads and opened the land to farming, mostly growing apples and raising sheep. Increased rail access later brought visitors seeking relief from city stresses. As farmland gave way to housing subdivisions, permanent residents also enjoyed swimming, boating, and fishing, and the lakes remained a treasured resource. From 1850 to 1880, there were more sheep than people in Greater West Bloomfield.

Orchard Lake Village, Michigan · United States