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Boyne Falls derived its name from the Boyne River with the
"falls" or "rapids" at its beautiful location.
The name was given by "Uncle" John Miller, the first
settler near the mouth of the stream that empties into the head
of Pine Lake. The town of Boyne Valley was organized in 1873,
and in the spring of 1874, the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad
began operation. Boyne Falls was incorporated as a village in
1893.
With the coming of the railroad the village began to grow
which marked the beginning of the logging era. Other related
industries sprouted, while the town boasted three hotels and
at least five saloons. Over the next one hundred years, the Village
of Boyne Falls and Boyne Valley Township grew to its present
population of 1,102.
The residents of Boyne Falls seem to agree that it's a great
little town. A small village where everyone knows everyone else.
During the season, the school is filled with people rooting for
the Boyne Falls Loggers at the Friday night basketball game.
The Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts are important in the community
and the good interaction with Boyne Mountain (opened in 1946)
has led to three restaurants and seven motels right in "downtown"
Boyne Falls.
Perhaps the biggest event the town is famous for is being
the Home of the Annual Boyne Falls Polish Festival, held the
first weekend of every August. What began as an idea to celebrate
the Polish heritage of the Boyne Falls area has become a major
Michigan Festival that attracts thousands of people annually.
Each year, family, friends and visitors gather in the village
of Boyne Falls at the foot of Boyne Mountain. The smell of Polish
food, the sound of lively Polka music and the sight of smiling
faces brings joy to all who attend.
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