About Belle Ridge
Belle Ridge HOA
The Belle Ridge Homeowners Association is situated in the Village of Dryden, Michigan. Phase I construction commenced in 1997, and presently comprises 30 detached homes and 6 attached condos.
Village of Dryden
Nestled among the rolling hills of the southeast region of Lapeer County, Dryden offers a charming rural community.
Its origins trace back to 1840 when Jonathon Sweet established a store, later sold to John M. Lamb, leading to the area being known as Lamb's Corners. Subsequently, Sanford Kendrick advocated for renaming the township from Lomond to Dryden, in honor of the English poet John Dryden, which eventually extended to the town's name.
Within Dryden, three Michigan Historical Sites hold significance: the Dryden Depot and Ladies Library Hall, both situated downtown in the Village, and General Squier Park, located half a mile south of the Village on Mill and Casey Roads. The Dryden Depot commenced operations on October 3, 1883, while the Ladies Library Hall Association, established in 1871, transformed into a public library providing reading materials to the community at a nominal cost. General Squier Memorial Park, listed on the national register, stands as the third historical site in the area.
Dryden Village lies within Dryden Township, situated in Lapeer County, Michigan, within the United States. As per the 2000 United States Census Bureau, the village encompasses a total land area of 1.1 square miles.
Local Places to Visit
About the Polly Ann Trail
Polly Ann Trail
The Polly Ann Trail in Lapeer County is a 20-mile former rail corridor from Bordman Road to Kings Mill, passing through Dryden, Imlay City, and Lum.
This trail connects to the Polly Ann Trail in Oakland County (14 miles), which will eventually connect to the Paint Creek, Clinton River, and Macomb-Orchard Trails.
The corridor was purchased by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources in 1999 for $449,000. MDNR acquired the corridor for conversion to a trail for non-motorized recreation.
As state-owned land, it is open for public use year round during daylight hours and is restricted to non-motorized uses. Walking, hiking, jogging, cycling, horseback riding, and cross country skiing in winter are just some of the activities enjoyed by users of all ages.
Two great hiking or biking trips begin in the village. Park your car at the post office or village hall, or even on the trail itself on the grass just below the DPW building. The trail in Dryden is rough but usable, the surface is like a dirt road. There are no bathroom facilities along the trail in Dryden.
* Trail is open from dawn to dusk year round.
* Motorized vehicles are prohibited.
* Dogs should be leashed and under control.
* Please be courteous to your fellow users and adjacent property owners.
* Leave no trace - please do not litter or disturb vegetation or wildlife!
* Hunting is not allowed.
* Stay safe:: All users yield to horses; Cyclists yield to all other users.
* Helmets for riders are not required, but are recommended.
Website: http://pollyanntrailway.org/
Download(s): Map1 / Map2
About Dryden Depot
Dryden Depot
Michigan Railroads - Dryden
This area now known as Dryden was settled in 1834. By 1880 it was a hamlet of about 300 people. A marketing center surrounded by rich farm land, it turned to the railroad to increase its prosperity. Its citizens, spurred by the Local Ladies Library Association, contributed $11,000 to help defer construction costs in order to bring the railroad to Dryden. On October 3, 1883, the Pontiac, Oxford, and Port Austin Railroad passenger train rolled into town. Over 500 spectators, the Thornville cornet band and a cannon were on hand to salute the train.
This modest board-and-batten structure was erected in 1883 as a depot on the Pontiac, Oxford and Port Austin Railroad (known as the Pollyann and later named Pontiac Oxford and Northern). As with most small-town depots, it soon became the center of community activity. In 1884 it was the setting of a gala "leap year" party. Purchased by the Grand Trunk in 1909, the station continued to be used for passenger service in 1955 and as a freight agency until October 9, 1973. It was moved here in 1979 and opened as a museum in 1981.
Dryden Historical Society - Dryden Depot
Dryden Historical Society
Dryden Historical Society - Facebook
Hours: ?
Address: 5468-5498 E Main St, Dryden, MI 48428
Directions: Main Street at Railroad Street
Distance from Belle Ridge: .3 Miles
Estimated Drive Time: 3 minutes
About Ladies Library Hall
Ladies Library Hall
The Ladies Library Association was established in 1871 to provide reading material at a small cost to the community. In the beginning the association only allowed married women to be members and charged an annual fee of one dollar.
The women of the association were also involved in charitable works, such as giving aid to Northern Michigan victims of fire in 1881. The association built this Italianate structure in 1885 for $1,500. The first floor contained the library, dining room and kitchen. The second floor hall, which includes a stage, continues to be used for plays and community meetings.
Dryden Township accepted the building in 1974 and made it the public library.
Phone: (810) 796-3586
Website: www.drydentownshiplibrary.org
Directions: 5480 Main Street
Distance from Belle Ridge: .3 Miles
Estimated Drive Time: 2 minutes
Established in 1967, Seven Ponds is a private, 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Our aim is to connect people with nature through environmental education, outreach, and experience. Our interpretive building sits on nearly 350 acres of woodland, wetland, ponds, and prairie. Adding our Jonathan Woods and Richie Pond Preserve properties brings our total acreage close to 500, allowing plenty of space for you to find a peaceful retreat.
Facilities and Opportunities
- Restrooms – Located in the interpretive building.
- Trails – Over five miles of easy to moderate walking trails.
- Cross-country Skiing – Trails are open to easy to moderate cross-country skiing.
- Picnic – A picnic area is located adjacent to the parking area. Advance reservations are not possible. There are no playgrounds.
- Visitor Center – The visitor center, or interpretive building, is open Tuesday through Sunday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Closed Mondays.
- Admission Admission for members and children 12 and under is free. Admission for non-members is $3. Consider supporting the nature center by becoming a member.
Open Tuesday through Sunday 9am-5pm; closed major holidays.
Telephone: (810) 796-3200
Address: 3854 Crawford Road ● Dryden, Michigan 48428
Website: https://sevenponds.org/
Trails Map: Link
About General Squier Park - Mill Race Water park
General Squier Park
Major General George Owen Squier (1865-1934) was a noted soldier and scientist. Graduating from West Point in 1887, he subsequently led the United States Signal Corps. He was also Chief of the Army Air Service during World War I and military attach? in London during the postwar period. Working in the capacity of science, he discovered the multiplex telegraph system, which made him world renowned. The general held membership in the National Academy of Sciences, London Physical Society and the Royal Institute of Great Britain. Although he was denied royalties because of his army affiliations, Squier continued to contribute to the world of invention and discovery. He perfected much of his work at his country estate, which he opened as this free public park for the people of the community.
General Squier held a great love for his community and showed this by establishing a country club in 1918 for the people of the entire area. The club was originally known as the "Golden Rule Club" for the general's only rule was that visitors should leave the grounds and equipment as they found them. In 1918, Squier purchased the old mill, built in 1871, and converted it into a cottage. In 1919 a building known as Forest Hall was constructed and served as the main meeting, dance and banquet area of the park. Other structures include a variety of rustic shelters, teahouses and a look-out tower. The general spent many hours of creative work in the tower as well as offering its use to the public. Lapeer County Parks, Recreation and Conservation Commission now administers this quaint little country club.
Park Amenities
- Forest Hall - a historic hall that seats 125. For more information visit our Reservations section.
- Covered pavilions and picnic areas. For more information visit our Reservations section.
- Lighted sledding hill with group fire ring and wood
- Lighted Ice Skating Rink
- Nature Trails through a beautiful 60 acre woodlot.
- Childen's play equipment
- Horseshoes and sand volleyball
- The Mill Race water park (see below)
Mill Race Water park
Water Park Amenities
- Two fast water slides (46" height requirement)
- A family water play area with frog slide, lily pad, floating log, mushroom fountain, and water cannons
- A concession stand located inside the Old Mill that serves soft drinks, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, and other snacks
- Changing rooms, restrooms, and lockers are all nearby
- View the amenities available out side the water park but still in the County Park
Hours: (see website)
Location: 4725 South Mill Road
Telephone: (810) 245-4794
Directions: Map
Distance from Belle Ridge: 2.3 Miles
Estimated Travel Time: 6 minutes
