2014 Map of Custer

About this map

The village of Custer serves as the central hub of this Mason County landscape, situated where the Pere Marquette River begins its winding course through the northern reaches of the Manistee National Forest. The map documents a transition from the agricultural grid to the dense, wooded public lands of the forest, where the river meets the Big South Branch Pere Marquette River. Local genealogy and history are anchored by several community landmarks, including Riverside Cem near the riverbanks and Emmanuel Lutheran Cem further east. The terrain is characterized by numerous glacial kettle lakes and drainages, such as Whelan Lake, Saunders Lake, and the long Frog Paradise Drain. Aviation history is noted by the presence of Thorn Airport south of the main settlement, while the road network remains dominated by long, named rural routes like N Tuttle Rd and Wilson Rd.