GERMFASK, MICHIGAN
by Mike Miller, August 14, 2026
WHERE IS GERMFASK, MICHIGAN?
Germfask is a tiny unincorporated community in Schoolcraft County in Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula.
It sits along M-77 where the highway crosses the Manistique River, near the eastern edge of the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. M-77 connects Germfask with Seney and M-28 about seven miles to the north and with US-2 near Blaney Park about 12 miles to the south.
Germfask on M-77Because Germfask is unincorporated, population figures are generally reported for Germfask Township rather than the village itself. The 2020 U.S. Census counted 469 residents in the township. A Census-based estimate placed the 2024 population at about 476.
GERMFASK, MICHIGAN HISTORY
Long before European-American settlement, the forests, rivers, and wetlands of the eastern Upper Peninsula were part of the homeland of Anishinaabe peoples, particularly the Ojibwe (Chippewa).
Native people had lived in what is now Michigan for thousands of years before French explorers and fur traders entered the Great Lakes region during the 1600s.
Germfask In The Early DaysPermanent settlement at Germfask came much later. Eight pioneers are associated with the community's beginnings in 1881: John Grant, Matthew Edge, William Robinson, Thaddeus Mead, Dr. W. W. French, Ezekiel Ackley, O. D. Sheppard, and Hezekiah Knaggs.
They also gave Germfask one of the most unusual town names in Michigan.
The name was created by combining the first letters of their surnames: G-E-R-M-F-A-S-K. The community received a post office in 1890 and later became a station on the Manistique Railway.
Logging was central to early Germfask. Timber cut from surrounding forests was brought to the Manistique River and floated downstream toward mills.
The settlement was reportedly once nicknamed “The Dump” because logs were dumped into the river there. During the Depression era, Civilian Conservation Corps workers were also stationed in the area.
GERMFASK, MICHIGAN TODAY
Germfask today remains a quiet rural community surrounded by forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes.
Its greatest attraction is nearby Seney National Wildlife Refuge, a vast wetland and wildlife area known for loons, trumpeter swans, bald eagles, deer, bear, and other wildlife.
More than 200 species of birds have been recorded there.
A popular local attraction is Benny the Beard Fisher Troll sitting on the bank of the Manistique River.
Benny is about 30 feet long and 14 feet tall and was created by artist Thomas Dambo who was commissioned by Northland Outfitters in Germfask - a campground and canoe/kayak business.
The community has a handful of locally oriented businesses. Jolly Inn is a small-town restaurant and tavern, while JP Memorial Golf Course and pizza combines a public golf course with casual food.
Travelers can also find everyday supplies at Kersh's Market and Liquor Store.
Germfask is not a major shopping destination with blocks of boutiques and galleries. However, antique hunters may enjoy stopping at Sherwood Forest ANTIQUES along M-77.
The appeal of Germfask is less about shopping and more about small-town Upper Peninsula life, outdoor recreation, wildlife, fishing, and the quiet beauty of the Manistique River country.
GERMFASK, MICHIGAN THINGS TO DO,
PLACES TO STAY, AND PLACES TO EAT
TRIPADVISOR ALL ABOUT GERMFASK MICHIGAN
GERMFASK, MICHIGAN INTERACTIVE MAP
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By Mike Miller, Copyright 2020-2026 YooperSecrets.com
