June 14, 2026

Hodenpyl Dam, Mesick Michigan.

Black-And-White Photo Of The Entrance And Roadway Across Hodenpyl Dam With Stone Pillars, Chain-Link Fence, And Water Behind The Dam.

This black-and-white photo shows the entrance and roadway across Hodenpyl Dam near Mesick, with stone gate pillars, fencing and the Manistee River backed up behind the dam.

Hodenpyl was completed in 1925 by Consumers Power (today’s Consumers Energy) and can generate up to 17,000 kilowatts of hydroelectric power. It was named for Anton G. Hodenpyl, an early leader in the company.

The pond created by the dam became a well-known stretch of water for fishing and paddling in Northern Michigan — and the dam is also part of a 13-dam system Consumers Energy has moved to sell.

What do you remember about stopping here — or the first time you saw the pond?

#Mesick #ManisteeRiver #NorthernMichigan #MichiganHistory #Hydropower

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Michaela Nolte

Michaela is a history buff and loves to export historical markers and old buildings and seeks stories about Michigan and Great Lakes history. When she is not writing, you can find her with a good book sipping wine on the beach.

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