Barryton (bair-ih-ten’) is a village in Fork Township, Mecosta County. The village is located on M 66 between M 20 and US 10. It was established in 1894 by Frank Berry, a dealer in groceries, real estate and some drugs (hence the nickname Doc was given to him). The town was given it’s first post office on Oct. 19, 1894 and Edw. R. Sage was the villages first post master. The village was incorporated in 1904 and eventually became a railway stop on the Detroit, Grand Rapids and Western Railroad.

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In 1894 Frank and Marion Barry registered the plat for a new village named Barryton with the state of Michigan. The twelve-block area consisted of Northern, Marion, and Angell Avenues, and Stearns, Renwick, Darrah, and Hudnutt Streets. A post office opened the same year. By 1896 Barryton had a sawmill, a planing mill, a livery, two general stores, two hotels, two restaurants, a pharmacy, and a hardware store. Within five years a daily stage and the Pere Marquette Railroad served the town’s five hundred citizens. Barryton was incorporated as a village in 1908.

Frank Barry (1853 ~ 1902) settled in Mecosta County around 1884. A druggist who lacked formal medical training, Barry became known as “Doc” because he treated patients at Rodney, located approximately seven miles southwest of here. He was also involved in lumbering at Round Lake. In 1894 he established the village of Barryton on farmland in Fork Township, at the fork of the two branches of the Chippewa River. Barry sold groceries, drugs, and real estate, residing with his family in the town that bears his name until his death at age forty-nine. See less

If you want a fish tale to tell along with fresh air and wilderness, head to Barryton. The small town with big fishing, Barryton offers an optimal fishing experience in an area largely left untouched by development. The tiny town is tucked in the northeastern corner of the county, right where the north and south branches of the Chippewa River come together.

Known as “Michigan’s laziest river” the Chippewa River is perfect for a leisurely trip downstream with friends and family. Float, paddle, or walk; whichever you prefer, it’s up to you! Not only will you experience the tranquility of nature, but you may even spot a bald eagle and other wildlife around the bend. A trip down “Michigan’s laziest river” tops the bucket lists of visitors and community members alike. ( Meet Michigan’s laziest river: The Chipp’ | Mt. Pleasant Area Convention & Visitors Bureau (meetmtp.com)

Most people know about the main branch of the Chippewa River as well as the North Branch which joins it at Meridian Park in Isabella County. However, few people know about the more remote West Branch. Beginning at the Winchester Dam where it drains out of the Martiny Lakes Flooding, the West Branch of the Chippewa River ends in Barryton, Michigan where it meets the other westernmost North Branch to form the main stream of the Chippewa River below the Barryton Dam.

The West Branch offers a wild paddling experience. Many segments of the stream are only 12-14 feet wide. There are several portages required around active beaver dams. The riparian corridor teems with wildlife such as white-tailed deer, bald eagles, osprey, mink and other species. There were few down trees on this section of river, but lots of young trees growing over the river. Rainbow and brown trout were visible in the stream throughout the paddle. Please note, this section of river can be very shallow from June-September. This trip is recommended for experienced paddlers. A Michigan DNR Recreation Passport is required for parking at Winchester Dam Boat Access Site. Watershed Wanderings: The West Branch – Chippewa Watershed Conservancy

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