History

For decades, the forest and shoreline now known as Enji-minozhiiyaamigak remained one of the last undeveloped stretches of Little Traverse Bay, and beyond — from Charlevoix to the Mackinac Bridge. Protected by long-time landowners who resisted development pressure, the property held onto its quiet character even as the corridor around it grew busier. Neighbors created walking paths, wandering down to the stony beach to watch changing winds, migrating birds, and the brilliant sweep of the Bay.

When Little Traverse Conservancy acquired the land in 2023, the project quickly grew beyond simply protecting shoreline. Community members, donors, and regional partners emphasized the importance of honoring the land’s deep history of the Bay Shore Band and creating an experience that would be welcoming to all.

The name Enji-minozhiiyaamigak, an Anishinaabemowin phrase meaning “The Place of Peacefulness,” reflects that shared vision. It acknowledges the longstanding presence of the Odawa along this shoreline and expresses a broader respect for the living community of the place—plants, animals, winds, waters, and the people who move through it.

The preserve’s design emerged from these values. A universally accessible half-mile trail now follows the natural rise and fall of the terrain, offering visitors a quiet woodland approach before opening to Lake Michigan’s horizon. Interpretive elements—including signage in Anishinaabemowin—highlight cultural connections and invite visitors to see the land not only as a destination, but as a story still unfolding.

Today, Enji-minozhiiyaamigak stands as a rare gift: a welcoming, peaceful shoreline that remains rooted in its history, open to the public, and cared for with intention for the generations ahead.