Central Michigan: Live in the ‘Middle of the Mitten’
The Great Lakes Bay and Central Michigan region comprises eight counties, each with its own unique qualities and offerings. Discover what makes them special with this county overview:
In This Article
Arenac County
Population: 15,054
Opportunities for recreation abound in Arenac County, especially in the great outdoors. Whether that’s kayaking or canoeing on the Arenac Blue Water Trail, camping alongside Oasis Lake or boating on Lake Huron using the Au Gres Boat Launch, there are endless things to do. Or, if you’re more athletically inclined, enjoy a round of disc golf at the Old Airport Disc Golf Course, or play some traditional golf at one of the four scenic golf courses in the county, like Huron Breeze or Pine River Golf Club. And if indoor fun is more your speed, treat yourself to a night out at Saganing Eagles Landing Casino.
Bay County
Population: 102,500
Bay County is a great place to stay active. Whether you’re ice skating at the Bay County Civic Arena, hiking Tobico Marsh’s 5 miles of trails or biking at Nayanquing Point, you’re sure to have a good time. Car enthusiasts will get a kick out of the Tri City Motor Speedway, which hosts stock car races regularly throughout the year, while young folks take advantage of the skateboarding and rollerblading ramps at Bay City Infinity Skate Park.
Clare County
Population: 31,109
This county is overflowing with natural beauty – and it has the stats to back it up. With 56,000 acres of state forests, more than 81 lakes and 300 miles of rivers, it’s no wonder so many residents take up boating, fishing, hiking and other recreational activities. It’s particularly fun to be here during the winter, thanks to places like Snow Snake Ski and Golf, the go-to place for snowboarding, skiing and tubing.
Gladwin County
Population: 25,543
There are plenty of events throughout the year that make Gladwin County a particularly enjoyable place for families. Thunder on the Strip, a drag race event held on the taxiway of the Gladwin Zettel Memorial Airport, is a local favorite, as are the annual Festival of Christmas Lights parade and Beaverton’s annual Holiday Hunt. Also worth adding to the calendar are the Gladwin County Fair, the annual ORV Fun Fest and the Gladwin County Easter Egg Hunt.
Gratiot County
Population: 41,478
This area is a haven for people who are drawn to the water. Whether it’s swimming, fishing or kayaking/ canoeing that calls to you, you’ll find options aplenty to fit the bill. Both Reed County Park and Paul Hubscher County Park have beautiful lakes. The Pine River Canoe Trail is particularly serene, and the Breckenridge Splash Park and W.T. Morris Memorial Pool are perfect for cooling off in the summer.
Isabella County
Population: 64,475
Like other counties in the region, Isabella has natural beauty and community recreation opportunities galore – we’re looking at you, Isabella Community Sportsplex. But it’s also a great place to get an education, from K-12 to college. The county has 23 public schools and eight private schools, plus a Mid Michigan College campus in Mt. Pleasant. Also located in Mt. Pleasant is Central Michigan University (CMU), offering a robust selection of educational paths.
Midland County
Population: 84,039
Sports are a big deal in Midland County, and for good reason. The Midland Soccer Club caters to both youth and adults with its 30 fields and numerous programs. Golfers can enjoy three traditional courses alongside a dedicated disc golf course, while tennis enthusiasts have access to the Greater Midland Tennis Center, ranked among the top 25 facilities in the nation. As far as professional sports go, there are the Great Lakes Loons, the region’s only minor league baseball team.
Saginaw County
Population: 187,782
You can’t beat the entertainment scene in Saginaw County. Here, you’ll find everything from sports to arts and water parks to music and so much more. Cheer on the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League or the Saginaw Valley State University Cardinals, attend a show at the Dow Event Center or the historic Temple Theatre, or check out the exhibits at the Saginaw Art Museum or the Castle Museum – and that’s just the tip of the iceberg!
Get to Know Great Lakes Bay and Central Michigan
Want to learn more about living and working in Saginaw, MI, and the surrounding communities? Check out the latest edition of Livability Great Lakes Bay – Central Michigan Region.