Town Name: Merritt
Population: 150.
Reason for becoming a ghost town: Isolation from neighboring communities and the closure of its railroad led to its decline
Town History: Founded by Charles Merritt when he moved up here with his family in 1908, Merritt was a latecomer during the lumber boom era of Northern Michigan. That still didn't stop it from growing and becoming a railroad stop and possessing a nice-sized hotel in 1917. A sawmill, church, blacksmith shop, and general store operated during its glory days.
Eventually, the railroad made way for state highway 55, which goes by (but not through) the town between Lake City and Houghton Lake. Businesses eventually closed, but the post office, a couple churches, and the well-known Merritt Speedway out of town are still around. Merritt survives in a little corner of rural Missaukee County.
Note of Interest: Burt Reynolds spent part of his childhood here and went to the local school.
Cache Description: Cache is a clear pill bottle container. This can be a high traffic area at times and eyes can be on the cache at anytime. Please use caution while attempting this hide!
This cache is part of the Michigan's Lost Towns cache series. Visit
this link to see the complete list and to submit your own!!