city, seat (1879) of Crawford county, north-central Michigan, U.S. It is located on the Au Sable River, one of the most-celebrated trout streams in the Midwest, some 50 miles (80 km) east of Traverse City. Named for the once-plentiful grayling, the city was settled in 1874 and developed first as a mill town for the surrounding white pine forests; the city's fortunes declined after the end of the timber boom, but after World War II Grayling began to develop as a resort for summer and winter sports. Nearby are Hartwick Pines, North Higgins Lake, and South Higgins Lake state parks. Annual events are the Winter Festival (February) and the Au Sable River Festival and Canoe Marathon (July). The county-operated Grayling Fish Hatchery is also a popular attraction during the summer months. Camp Grayling, a large National Guard training facility, is southwest of the city. Inc. village, 1903; city, 1935. Pop. (2000) 1,952; (2005 est.) 1,943.