Interlochen Center for the Arts

Interlochen Center for the Arts ( ; also known as I.C.A. or Inty) is a non-profit corporation which operates arts education institutions and performance venues. Established in 1928 by Joseph E. Maddy, Interlochen Center for the Arts is located on a campus in Green Lake Township, Grand Traverse County, Michigan, near the eponymous community of Interlochen. History Early settlement Beginning in the late 19th century, European settlers began logging and fishing industries in the area, and founded the small village of Wylie, one mile south of the present-day community of Interlochen. Due to the prospering logging industry in the area, the Manistee and North-Eastern Railroad (owned by the Buckley and Douglas Lumber Company of Manistee) extended its line northeast from Nessen City and arrived between the lakes in the fall of 1889. Similarly, the Chicago and West Michigan Railway extended its line north from Baldwin on its way to Traverse City in 1890. The two lines crossed in current-day downtown Interlochen where a depot and interlocking tower were located. Interlochen State Park, immediately adjacent to campus, is the first state park organized by the state of Michigan, established in 1917 and opening in 1919 (Mackinac Island was originally a national park before becoming Michigan's first state park in 1895).