St. Clair County, Michigan

Cities: Algonac || Clay twp || Fair Haven || Marine City || Marysville || Port Huron || St. Clair

Neighbor Counties: Macomb || Oakland

The St. Clair River is one of the heaviest traveled rivers in the world. It is part of the world's longest shipping canal, the 2,347 mile St. Lawrence Seaway. Watching the freighters passing up and down the river is a wonderful peaceful pastime. Another interesting attraction is the Second Blue Water Bridge which was opened in 1997. This international border crossing is a major trade and transportation link between the United States and Canada. St. Clair County also boasts the Fort Gratiot Lighthouse. The oldest in Michigan, the lighthouse was built in 1829 by Lucius Lyon who became one of Michigan's first two U.S. Senators. Today, the Coast Guard occupies the two-story brick lightkeeper's house.

Algonac || Map || St. Clair County

The city of Algonac, with its web of waterways was known as the "Venice of Michigan" around the turn of the century. The 1.5 square mile city has a population of about 4,600. Algonac is also known as the water speed capital of the world, a tribute to the days of Chris Smith and Gar Wood, who made speed boat history here. There is ferry service from downtown Algonac to Walpole and Russell islands in the St. Clair River. Algonac has two major grocery stores and assorted other shops. Watch for the Pickerel Tournament, concerts, and the Algonac Art Show.

Clay Township || Map || St. Clair County

Fair Haven || Map || St. Clair County

Marine City || Map || St. Clair County

The Marine City area encompasses the 26 Mile Corridor extending east from Palms Road to the Saint Clair River. It includes the townships of China, East China, and Cottrellville plus Marine City proper. Location, rural charm, and history lends to the desirability of this unique area. Where else in this United States can you go out your front door and be in another country in less than a half hour (only this long because of a possible ferry wait or the drive to Port Huron to take the Blue Water Bridge). This quiet little town opens its arms to people of all walks of life. Many residents drive an hour or more one way to work so they can come back to peace and serenity of the area.  Marine city offers a diversity of choice for the new resident. There are classic Victorian homes and many other styles of older homes--all having their own personal charm and character. There are classic ranches and two story homes, as well as modern, newer homes to choose from. Marine City has three condominium developments that were started this year. East China and Cottrellville Townships offer residential used and new construction beginning around $65,0000 for used and $80,000 for new. There is also acreage available offering the ability to have your own home built. . Three shopping areas are available with a wide variety of retail outlets including two major grocery stores. Landmarks include the King Road Park, Peche Island Lighthouse, DNR Boat Launch, "Nautical Mile", Marine City Beach. Maritime days, "Marine City Remembers When", and Victorian Christmas Weekend Festivities are highlights.

Marysville || Map || St. Clair County

Extending four miles along the beautiful St. Clair River south of Port Huron, the once small sawmill town of Marysville has grown into a thriving community with a population of over 10,000. Readily accessible to Interstates 94 and 69, rapidly expanding Port Huron and surrounding townships, the town nevertheless retains a close-knit, one high school feeling. A major Gratiot Road reconstruction will lead to a new four-lane highway through town. City Hall: 1111 Delaware, north end of Stadium Drive. 810-364-6613. Businesses: The city has a thriving industrial and business base. Industrial parks east and west of Busha Highway and on Range Road offer room to grow and further land is rapidly becoming available as the city expands development to this industrial property. Shopping: Several shopping malls along Gratiot Boulevard, Michigan and Huron offer a variety of retail outlets, from Marysville IGA in a southend mall to the expanding Gratiot Pointe Plaza at the north.  Library: Conveniently located near city hall and secondary schools, Marysville Public library has barrier free entrances, large print books, computers, audio cassettes and family video favorites. Parks: 58-acre city park on St. Clair River, Morton Park, and Mermaid Park. Big Events: concerts in the park series in the bandshell in Marysville Park, July and August. Annual River Run sponsored by the Marysville Fire Department; Sports Boosters Family Fun Festival at the Junior High Field. Look for Art in the park at the Marysville Park, the  annual classic car show, a fall craft show, and Santa Winter Wonderland.

Port Huron || Map || St. Clair County

Port Huron is one of the oldest communities in Michigan. The French built Fort St. Joseph in 1687 to guard against possible British incursions into their fur trade. Port Huron has a historic central business district, the more modern Birchwood Mall, and many major retail stores and restaurant chains. Port Huron provides 550 boat slips for transient boaters, making it the largest city marina facility in Michigan. The now two-span Blue Water Bridge links Port Huron with Sarnia, Ontario at the point where Lake Huron empties into the St. Clair River. Thomas Edison spent his youth in Port Huron. Later, in 1891, it was home to the first electrified underwater railway tunnel. The annual Blue Water Festival takes place in mid-July, culminated by the Port Huron-Mackinac Yacht Race.

St. Clair || Map || St. Clair County

This riverfront community, with a growing population of more than 5,100, is spreading into nearby rural townships while retaining it's small home town feeling. St. Clair offers residents and visitors the longest fresh water boardwalk in the world - over 1,900 feet to stroll or bike along the scenic downtown riverfronts. City Hall: 411 Trumbull - 810-329-7121, Businesses: Carghill (formerly Akzo Salt) and several plastic injection   companies are among industries. Library: 310 S. Second Street. Parks: Palmer Park, Klecha Little League Park, Patrick Sinclair Park, Diamond Point, Greig Park. Big Events: St. Clair Art Association Art Fair, Music at the Gazebo, Fireworks display, Yule Time on the River.