GRAYLING

city, seat (1879) of Crawford county, north-central Michigan, U.S., on the Middle Branch of the Au Sable River, one of the most celebrated trout streams in the Midwest, 52 miles (84 km) east of Traverse City. Named for the once plentiful grayling, the city developed as a resort for summer and winter sports. Nearby are the Hartwick Pines, North Higgins Lake, and South Higgins Lake state parks and the headquarters for the Michigan National Guard. Annual events are the Winter Sports Festival (February), the World's Championship Au Sable River Canoe Marathon (July), and the Au Sable River Longboat Regatta (August). Inc. village, 1903; city, 1935. Pop. (1990) 1,944.