Named for 1865 founder, John Parish, this settlement had changed its name from “Parish” to “Paris” following a devastating fire fourteen years later. Join us in Paris, Michigan as we learn about the century-old fish hatchery, the efforts to save the ponds and how this Eiffel Tower came to be.
This newly paved trek had once been the Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad line.
Fish Hatchery Memories
The Paris Fish Hatchery has provided core memories my whole life. As a youngster, our family stopped here to feed the fish every time we journeyed north. The Meade kids always made sure we had coins in our pockets before climbing into the wood-paneled Vista Cruiser station wagon. We needed quarters so we could buy fish food at the “gumball-type” dispensers.
Decades later, Chuck and I brought our kids to the ponds where we could throw food pellets into the mass of scrambling, splashing creatures. Yes, Noah was wearing moose slippers. It was his thing 20 years ago. Oh, and he has a french fry tucked behind his ear. Memories!
Fish Hatchery History
Since 1881 this hatchery has provided trout and salmon fingerlings for Michigan’s lakes and rivers. Sitting in the center of lower Michigan, with the Grand Rapids and Indiana railroad running right alongside the hatchery, the town of Paris had been an ideal location for fish ponds. This had been the second fish hatchery opened our the state.
The Wolverine train would pick up red milk jugs filled with fingerlings. These were easily distributed throughout our state.
As automobiles and trucks became more reliable, they took over the transportation needs.
Photo Credit: The Paris Fish Hatchery Museum
Works Progress Administration Camp
In the mid 1930’s a Works Progress Administration camp had been built on-site. Men slept on metal bunkbeds in small cottages at the “Hatchery Service Station.” These men expanded the hatchery and were paid by their local and state governments.
These W.P.A. camps had been a government plan to put people to work during the Great Depression. The hatchery had been one of many W.P.A. work camps around the nation.
Fingerlings and Field Trips
For the next several decades fingerlings were produced and sent by truck all over the state. Students came to the hatchery on field trips. Chuck’s Mom, Ruth, had come by train from Sand Lake with her school. It had been a bustling industry.
Closing and Re-Opening
Due to the disrepair of the ponds and structures, the Department of Natural Resources closed the hatchery in 1964.
A family-owned campground, next door to the hatchery, had opened in 1970. This brought interest in revitalizing the ponds. The Mecosta County Park Commission acquired the 80 acre property in 1973. By July 1976 the hatchery’s ponds and races reopened to the public.
Currently, two of the five ponds hold water and have trout. A quarter will secure the purchase of some fish food pellets from a gumball dispenser. The trout really put on a show when you toss some of their favorite snacks into the water.
Photo Credit: Chuck Hayden
The Eiffel Tower – A Michigan Curiosity
It had been 1980 when a group of students found the forgotten W.P.A. metal bed frames stored on the property. With a bundle of free metal, instructor Jim Huffman from Chippewa Hills High School, had recognized this as a learning opportunity. Now, what could they build with it?
Well, a 1/50th replica of the Alexandre-Gustave’s Eiffel Tower, of course. The team of young welding students planned and created this impressive sculpture: Ken Golden, Chuck Letson, Jim Potter, Burdette Reed, Ken Reed, Scott Reed and Ron Reed. The 1,000 foot monument was dedicated on May 31, 1980. Many of these sculptors are no longer with us, but they have left a legacy.
Photo Credit: Chuck Hayden
On March 14, 2024 this mini Eiffel Tower was relocated from the back of the park and place along the White Pine Trail.
A life-long resident, Sharon Parker, told us that they light up the Eiffel Tower at Christmas time. “It’s just beautiful!”
Sharon and Allan Parker
Sharon and Allan’s cheerfulness brought smiles to our faces as they relayed stories of caring for the fish, loading ice from the nearby icehouse and mowing the extensive lawn.
Save Our Ponds
The refurbishing completed fifty years ago is in need of updating once again. Without tax revenue the people of Mecosta County have joined the county park commission and organized, “Save The Ponds.”
This diligent group has been working hard and have already raised $104,560.00 as of March 14, 2025. This is an impressive amount of money, but they have a goal of raising $250,000 for their three phase project.
Volunteer, Lorrie Gabert said, “The ponds are meant to bring in families. Children need to see the natural wildlife.”
Chuck and I chipped in $1,000.00 from our YouTube revenue. I encourage you to leave a legacy for our future generations. Every dollar will be noticed and appreciated. Please mention “Restless Viking” when you donate. The link and mailing address are below.
Related Links:
Save The Ponds donation link! Their mailing address is 22203 Northland Dr, Paris, MI, United States, 49338
Join us on our YouTube adventure along the White Pine Trail where we feature Paris, Michigan.
Resources:
Pure Michigan website
Art Inventories Catalog Smithsonian Magazine reference
Michigan Enjoyer blog post by Mark Naida
Historical Marker Database Paris Hatchery site
Paris Ponds Press website
Lost In Michigan Paris Park post
Big Rapids Life: Paris Fish Ponds video
