ST. CLAIR COUNTY
County Administration
201 N Riverside Ave
St. Clair 810-985-2200
https://www.stclaircounty.org/
Chamber of Commerce
201 North Riverside Ave
St Clair 810-329-2962
https://www.stclairchambermi.com/
Sixty miles north of Detroit, the City of Port Huron serves as the seat of St. Clair County and the hub of the panoramic region known as the “Blue Water Area.” St. Clair County carries this water-oriented moniker because its eastern and southern boundaries are formed by the waters of Lake St. Clair, Lake Huron, and the St. Clair River. The river forms the natural boundary between the United States and Canada, flowing along the southern part of the city until it reaches the twin Blue Water Bridges and the mouth of Lake Huron.
These twin bridges link Port Huron to Sarnia, Ontario, adding to the natural beauty and distinctive personality of Port Huron and St. Clair County communities. These magnificent side-by-side spans offer unlimited opportunities of international friendship, trade and recreation. Massive freighters from around the globe combine with personal watercraft, traversing the river and passing under the bridges. The result is a constantly changing panorama of fascinating waterfront images enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Services
Residents of St. Clair County enjoy an exceptional quality of life that encompasses quality schools, institutions of higher education, and state-of-the-art hospitals. St. Clair County Community College provides a wealth of programs from college-track to vocational and technical training, home to a University Center that offers credit courses for an array of four-year institutions. Other choices close to home include Baker College and the nearby campus for the University of Michigan in Flint.
Port Huron Hospital, Mercy Hospital, and St. John River District Hospital anchor a complement of healthcare services, including skilled nursing, home care, rehabilitation, and community wellness programs. Transportation facilities are first-rate, from interstate freeways and federal and state highways to international trade. The St. Clair River is one of the world’s most heavily traveled, an integral part of the “shipping canal” known as the St. Lawrence Seaway. Spectacular bridges traverse an international border to create a major trade and transportation link between the United States and Canada.
Lifestyle
St. Clair County offers friendly communities of close-knit neighborhoods and a rich history of community involvement. The area’s cultural, civic and charitable organizations thrive through the dedication of a residents and civic leaders who are dedicated to protecting a high quality of life. Exceptional services combine with historical treasures and charming downtown districts as well as modern shopping centers. Throughout the Blue Water Area, unique and historic communities offer a small-town lifestyle. Convenient to the metropolitan areas of Detroit and Flint, St. Clair County is home to riverfront communities like Port Huron, St. Clair, Marysville, Marine City, and Algonac. Within the county’s rural interior, beautiful new suburban development dots the countryside.
Steeped in historic significance, Port Huron was the childhood home of Thomas A. Edison and one of Michigan’s first settlements. Throughout the county, dozens of museums display the history of local communities; and Port Huron boasts the state’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse. The Blue Water Area is home to the only symphony orchestra in North America shared by cities in two countries: Port Huron and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada. The famous Stratford Festival in Ontario is just a 90-minute drive from home. St. Clair County hosts spectacular annual events like the IceFest and the Mackinac Race, while local cultural organizations present everything from drama to musical concerts.
Superb recreational amenities are available throughout St. Clair County, a paradise for boaters and anglers. Lush green parks and forests, sandy beaches, tranquil lakes, rolling rivers, and championship golf courses are just a few of the outdoor attractions. Four-season outdoor adventure encompasses sailing, cruising, swimming, camping, hiking, biking, and cross-country skiing. From picturesque port cities to charming rural villages, St. Clair County has just the right address to call home.
Algonac City, Clay Township
Algonac City Hall
810-794-9361
https://www.cityofalgonac.org/
Clay Township Hall
810-794-9303
www.claytownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
810-794-4448
http://www.algonacharbourclub.com/ahc1/
The area encompassed by the small community of Algonac City and the surrounding township includes a number of delightful communities like Fair Haven as well as several villages on Harsens Island. This “Venice of Michigan” is also known as the Pickerel Capital of the World. Across the St. Clair River is Walpole Island, a Canadian Indian Reservation accessible by ferry from downtown Algonac. Harsens and Walpole are just two of several islands suspended between Lakes St. Clair and Huron. Some of Michigan’s most panoramic lakeshore creates a breathtaking backdrop of scenery for the area’s wide selection of homes and manors. Anchor Bay and the 3,000-acre St. John’s Marsh preserve pristine wetlands under the Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources Wildlife Refuge.
Berlin Township, Riley Township, Wales Township
Berlin Twp Hall
586-784-9969
https://berlintwpstclair.org/
Riley Twp Hall
810-392-2326
https://rileytownship.com/
Wales Twp Hall
810-325-1517
http://www.walestownship.org/
Chamber of Commerce
734-384-3366
https://www.monroecountychamber.com/
The sparsely populated townships of Berlin, Riley, and Wales are part of St. Clair County’s agricultural interior. Each township has developed small communities and scattered retail shops and services that add daily conveniences. Berlin is home to Allenton and Berville, while Goodells and the town of Wales are located in Wales Township. Riley Center, Doyle, and the small one-square-mile Memphis City are located in Riley Township, with the latter extending into Richmond Township in neighboring Macomb County. Home choices throughout this area range from quaint farms to beautiful new construction. Colonials, split-levels, Cape Cods, and ranch-style homes are all available — many of them set on acres of property.
Casco Township, Columbus Township
Casco Twp Hall
586-727-7524
https://www.cascostclair.com/
Columbus Twp Hall
586-727-2055
https://www.columbustwp.org/
Chamber of Commerce
585-727-3266
https://www.richmondcoc.org/
Located near the southwest corner of the county, Columbus and Casco Townships are situated in the area known as the “panhandle.” This hilly, rural area blends deep forests, the patchwork fields of small farms, and sprawling residential subdivisions. Ample land for development and attractive pricing is a magnet for newcomers. The area is bisected diagonally by US 25, which makes both townships ideal for commuters. The geographical highlight is the scenic Belle River, meandering through the region. Small communities like Snyderville, Adair, the towns of Casco and Columbus, and Belle River are among the population centers.
China Township, East China Township
China Twp Hall
810-765-1145
http://chinatwp.net
East China Twp Hall
810-765-8879
www.eastchinatownship.org
Chamber of Commerce
810-329-2962
https://www.stclairchambermi.com/
The neighboring communities of China and East China Townships share an advantageous location in the extreme eastern portion of St. Clair County. The water-oriented East China Township is significantly smaller in size and claims three rivers: St. Clair, Belle, and Pine. With St. Clair River’s position as a major commercial shipping channel, the township enjoys access to all of the ports along the Great Lakes. Transportation leads the list of economic activities, although water sports and water-oriented recreation are a strong attraction for newcomers. China Township is characterized as a residential and agricultural community offering the charm of a rural lifestyle. Quiet country lanes and wooded areas dot the township, and families enjoy a township park for relaxation and socialization. Modern construction combines with older homes in both townships, from waterfront properties to rural manors in every architectural style and price range.
Clyde Township, Kenockee Township
Clyde Twp Hall
810-985-7258
http://www.clydetownshipscc.org/
Kenockee Twp Hall
810-324-6126
Chamber of Commerce
810-329-2962
https://www.stclairchambermi.com/
Adjacent to the more highly developed Fort Gratiot Township, Clyde Township also neighbors Kenockee Township. In fact, the community of Abbottsford sprawls from Clyde into Kenockee. Other small towns in Clyde Township include Atkins, North Street, and Ruby. Avoca is one of the leading small communities in Kenockee Township. Largely rural and agricultural, these interior townships offer single-family homes in a wide variety of architectural styles, price ranges, and sizes. Single and two-story models include colonials, ranches, and Cape Cods. Homes set on multi-acre properties are common in this land-rich area, attracting newcomers who enjoy the freedom and privacy of vast open space.
Emmett Township, Mussey Township, Capac Village
Emmett Twp Hall
810-384-8070
http://emmetttownship-stclair.org
Mussey Twp Hall
810-395-4915
https://www.musseytownship.org/
Capac Village Hall
810-395-4355
https://www.villageofcapac.com/
Chamber of Commerce
810-329-2962
https://www.stclairchambermi.com/
The rural townships of Emmett and Mussey are experiencing an increase in suburban development and welcoming new residents, particularly in the small villages of Capac and Emmett. Named for an emperor of Peru, Capac is being transformed by its close proximity to Interstate 69. The area’s fertile farmland is beginning to yield a new crop of residential development. Hundreds of new homes are ready for occupancy or in various stages of completion. Emmett Township and Emmett Village lack an urban center to draw in the commuters who pass through this “Little Ireland” along State Route 19, the two-lane thoroughfare into “Michigan’s Thumb.” At the same time, a growing number of suburban newcomers are discovering this quiet, rural community as an ideal place to call home. The village is just north of Interstate 69 and 20 miles west of Port Huron.
Fort Gratiot Township, Burtchville Township
Fort Gratiot Twp Hall
810-385-4489
https://fortgratiot.us/
Burtchville Twp Hall
810-385-5577
https://burtchville.org/wp/
Chamber of Commerce
810-329-2962
https://www.stclairchambermi.com/
Rapidly becoming the retail heart of the Blue Water Area, Fort Gratiot Township launched its image as a shopping destination with the 1991 opening of Birchwood Mall. Since that time, the mall and other shops, services, and retail centers clustered along the M-25 corridor have increased the regional traffic into this bedroom community. Fort Gratiot has developed very little substantial industry in addition to its commercial centers, yet it has grown into one of the county’s largest population centers. Small communities dot Fort Gratiot and neighboring Burtchville Townships, including Gardenville, North Lakeport, and Lakeport. The home selection is attractive and varied, with many nestled in quiet neighborhoods or on rural acreage in the pristine countryside.
Ira Township
Ira Twp Hall
586-725-0263
https://www.iratownship.org/
Chamber of Commerce
586-725-5148
https://anchorbaychamber.com/
Bordering Chesterfield Township in Macomb County, Ira Township is expanding and growing with suburban sprawl from the Greater Detroit region. Among the small communities in Ira Township are Anchorville and Fair Haven, the latter extending into Cottrellville Township. The picturesque waterfront town of New Baltimore just across the Macomb County border offers a public beach and park. New Baltimore also provides shopping opportunities in its downtown district. Interstate 94 provides a convenient link between the Anchor Bay area communities and Detroit’s world-class cultural and entertainment attractions. Lakeside recreation and water sports are popular pastimes throughout this scenic area.
Kimball Township
Township Hall
810-987-9797
https://www.kimballtownship.info/
Chamber of Commerce
810-329-2962
https://www.stclairchambermi.com/
A number of small towns and villages have grown up in rural Kimball Township, including Smiths Creek, Sunnyside Station, Thornton, Wadhams, and West Tappan. The growing area of Kimball Township enjoys a centralized location at the center of five communities: the townships of Clyde, St. Clair, Port Huron and Wales; and the City of Marysville. The township is home to St. Clair County Airport, which is also the location of an industrial park. Horizon Shopping Mall offers major-brand outlets, although a number of stores are scattered throughout the township. Kimball Township Park provides recreational facilities for all ages and interests, from sports fields and games areas to a floating dock and swimming area.
Marine City, Cottrellville Township
Marine City Hall
810-765-8846
https://www.cityofmarinecity.org/
Cottrellville Twp Hall
810-765-4730
www.cott-township.org
Chamber of Commerce
810-765-4501
https://www.visitmarinecity.com/
The small community of Marine City actually anchors an area that encompasses a 26-mile corridor extending from Palms Road to the St. Clair River, taking in the townships of China and East China as well as Cottrellville — the township that surrounds the city. An ideal location, rural charm, and a strong sense of history combine to create the appeal of this unique area. Serving as the hub of the area, Marine City is characterized as a quiet bedroom town where commuters can retreat into picturesque tranquility. Minutes from their front door, residents can be in Canada via ferry or the Blue Water Bridge. Home choices vary from elegant Victorians to classic ranches or new construction in a variety of architectural styles. Cottrellville Township offers housing both old and new, along with prime acreage for custom builds.
Marysville City
City Hall
810-364-6613
www.cityofmarysvillemi.com
Chamber of Commerce
810-985-7101
https://www.bluewaterchamber.com/
The close-knit water community of Marysville nestles between St. Clair and Port Huron Townships, taking pride in its image as the “city of contentment.” Emerging commercial and industrial centers provide conveniences for suburban commuters, and the local school district is well known for its academic and athletic achievements. Accessible to Interstates 94 and 69, Marysville has transformed from its heritage as a sleepy sawmill village into a thriving city with an expanding economic base. Families are drawn to the comfortable atmosphere of lush city parks, festivals and celebrations, and small-town spirit. Each summer, residents gather around the band shell in Marysville Park for the concert series.
Port Huron City, Port Huron Township
Port Huron City Hall
810-984-9725
https://www.porthuron.org/
Port Huron Twp Hall
810-987-6600
http://porthurontownship.org/
Chamber of Commerce
810-329-2962
https://www.stclairchambermi.com/
One of Michigan’s oldest settlements, the City of Port Huron boasts a restored historic central business district, wonderful museums, and the state’s oldest continuously operating lighthouse. From its roots as a trade center, the Port Huron area emerged as a progressive transportation hub. The twin spans of the Blue Water Bridges form one of the busiest international border crossings in North America, accommodating more than five million vehicles annually. Port Huron is home to a large population of pleasure boaters and the largest marina facility in the state, providing hundreds of boat slips for transient boaters. The area is well known for hosting the spectacular Blue Water Festival culminating with the International Port Huron-To-Mackinac Sailboat Race.
St. Clair City, St. Clair Township
St. Clair City Hall
810-329-7121
http://www.cityofstclair.com/
St. Clair Twp Hall
810-329-9042
http://www.stclairtwp.org/
Chamber of Commerce
810-329-2962
https://www.stclairchambermi.com/
Small in size but offering an upscale, resort-style atmosphere, the City of St. Clair boasts the world’s longest freshwater boardwalk. The city thrives during the summer months by attracting pleasure-boat traffic to its picturesque marina and tourists to the renowned St. Clair Inn. This well-kept community claims one prominent business, a riverfront salt plant. The city and township are exploring partnership options for expanding the area’s industrial base and stimulating diverse economic growth. Newcomers are drawn to the small-town atmosphere of the city, which is rapidly sprawling into nearby rural townships. Lovely parks, beautiful homes, good schools, seasonal festivities, and scenic riverfront pathways add to the attraction of St. Clair.
Yale City, Brockway Township, Grant Township, Greenwood Township, Lynn Township
Yale City Hall
810-387-3311
Brockway Twp Hall
810-387-3375
http://www.stclaircounty.org/townships/brockway/
Grant Twp Hall
810-327-6775
http://granttownship.com/
Greenwood Twp Hall
810-387-4044
https://www.greenwoodtownship.org/
Lynn Twp Hall
810-724-8507
https://www.lynntownshipmi.org/
Chamber of Commerce
810-387-YALE
https://www.yalechamber.com/
A number of small country villages are scattered throughout the growing rural townships of Brockway, Grant, Greenwood, and Lynn. New housing development is on the rise in this northern quadrant of St. Clair County, where available land encourages construction of lovely homes on spacious lots. Yale City is located in Brockway Township, a community most famous for its bologna. In fact, Yale’s annual Bologna Festival in July draws thousands of visitors to the area for three extravagant days of great food and family fun. During the first half of the 20th century, Yale’s woolen mill was the prime non-agricultural employer in the entire county. Newcomers will find lovely homes in a variety of price ranges and styles throughout these townships, from new construction on heavily wooded and secluded lots or open-space acreage to cozy older homes in long-established village neighborhoods.
