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Fountain Point
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View of the fountain from the porch of Fountain Point Resort
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| Location: | 990 South Lake Leelanau Drive, Suttons Bay Township, Michigan |
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| Built: | 1889 |
| Architectural style: | Late Victorian, Bungalow/craftsman |
| Governing body: | Private |
| NRHP Reference#: | 03000623 [1] |
| Added to NRHP: | July 10, 2003 |
Fountain Point is an historic landmark located in Suttons Bay Township, Michigan, which is part of Leelanau County and the Leelanau Peninsula. Its name is derived from a fountain of sparkling artesian spring water,[2] situated on a large point on Lake Leelanau,[3] which has been continuously gushing since 1867.
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Circa 1860, a French fur trader, Andre de Beloit, was plying his trade near the narrows of Carp Lake -- also called Lake "Leelanau," said to mean "delight of life" in the language spoken by local Native Americans[4] -- and became convinced of the beauty and bounty of the area and purchased a parcel of land.[5]
He attempted drilling for oil, and after a long struggle in 1867 he struck a gusher of sparkling water at a depth of 900 feet.[6] Following de Beloit’s disappointment over his failure to strike oil, the land changed hands several times until 1887, when it was purchased by Mrs. Lydia Morrison of Cincinnati, Ohio. In June 1889, she established "The Fountain Point House," a Victorian-style mansion, and guests began arriving for the summer by steamboat and buggy. The main three-story building was the center of activity, and it included a large dining room, kitchen and lounge.
By 1903, the Traverse City, Leelanau, and Manistique Railroad began operating between Traverse City and Northport, stopping at Fountain Point, improving transportation of people and products.[7]
Over the years, several cottages were built, and Fountain Point has become a popular destination featuring rich history and simple family pleasures.
Fountain Point includes smaller private residences and a large resort called Fountain Point Resort. The resort, one of the oldest recreational hotel complexes of its type in the state,[8] encompasses 54 acres (220,000 m2) of land, including a half-mile of lakefront and the fountain,[9] and is presently owned by Ms. Susan Jay Nichols; the property has been in her family for three generations.[10] Located near the quiet community of Lake Leelanau, it is open to the public, reservations only, Memorial Day through Labor Day, and features swimming, boating, tennis and numerous other indoor and outdoor activities.[11]
In 1975, Fountain Point Resort was listed on the State of Michigan historic registry,[12] and in 2003 it was placed on the National Register of Historic Places.[1]