Lake Bluff Farms
In 1948, six sequoia trees, 8 inches high, were brought from California by Mr. & Mrs. Eddie Gray and were planted here at their Lake Bluff estate in Manistee Michigan. Three of these trees have survived and are thriving. The biggest, the Michigan Champion, is 116 feet tall. It is the largest Giant Sequoia east of the Rockies. This makes the Lake Bluff sequoia special. Foresters and arborists around the world are in awe of its great success in a place so far from its natural growing area. Lake Bluff farms is home to many exotic and native trees such as Gingko, Hemlocks, Sycamore, Maple, Horse Chestnut, Ohio Buckeye, and many others. All overlooking the shore of Lake Michigan.
Visiting Lake Bluff Farms in 2022, we fell in love with the unique trees and outstanding natural beauty of the farm. The hand drawn map used to highlight all of the magnificent trees however, needed some help. Location data was collected and pictures taken of the farm’s most prominent trees. An online map was created for visitors to use to navigate the property. The maps is updated yearly to include new trees and to expand the farm’s inventory for visitors. Lake Bluff Farms is also looking to provide narrative and history on the unique trees and buildings on the property.
