On April 8, 1871, Grand Ledge incorporated and immediately created a plan to make itself a resort destination. The resort business began after John Burtch launched a steamer in the Grand River for the purpose of taking passengers to the city’s Grand Island. In 1886, J. Scott Mudge bought the Grand Ledge resort and built a roller coaster, which is believed to be the first roller coaster in Michigan. By the time Mudge was finished, Grand Ledge was the second most popular resort town in Michigan, behind Petoskey.
Source: Michigan Every Day
Seven Islands Resort entry courtesy of the Grand Ledge Historical Society.