About Isabella County

Isabella County

Located in the heart of Central Lower Michigan, Isabella County was once one of the most magnificent pine and hardwood areas in all of the Great Lakes region. It was part of the Chippewa Indian’s winter hunting grounds and was called “Ojibiway Besse” (the place of the Chippewa). The Chippewa may have traveled in and around the area for as long as 10,000 years. In 1675, Father Henry Nouvel, successor to Father Marquette, spent the winter here with the Beaver Clan of the Chippewa Indians, becoming one of the first Europeans on record to visit the area. It would be nearly 200 more years before Europeans returned to what would become Isabella County. Isabella County was first established as a separate county in 1831, and officially organized in 1859 under Act No. 118 of the Michigan Legislature.

Today, Isabella County is proud to be home to Central Michigan University, the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe, the City of Mount Pleasant, and many more beautiful and welcoming communities. Isabella County is known for academics and athletics as well as its exceptional outdoor beauty. Visitors from across the state and the nation come to enjoy the many beautiful parks, lakes, campgrounds, and extensive trails. From canoeing to hiking, camping to picnicking, cheering on the Central Michigan Chippewas or trying your luck at the Soaring Eagle Casino and Resort, there’s so much to see and enjoy in Isabella County.

Recent County News

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Isabella County Parks Receives $12,000 Grant from Mt. Pleasant Area Community Foundation for Deerfield Nature Park Fishing Platform Renovation Project
July 15th, 2025
The Petracci Point Fishing Platform, located in the northwest portion of Isabella County Parks’ Deerfield Nature Park on the Chippewa River in Deerfi... Read More ›
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Isabella County Parks Completes Second Phase of Pere Marquette Rail Trail Beautification Project
July 10th, 2025
Isabella County Parks has completed the second phase of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail Beautification Project. Aging trail bollards have been replaced with ... Read More ›
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Coldwater Lake Family Park Cabin Updates
April 1st, 2025
The rustic cabins near the lakeshore at Coldwater Lake Family Park have undergone renovations over the winter and are ready to welcome guests! Regular visi... Read More ›
Read More ›
2025 LEPC Meeting Schedule
March 5th, 2025
Here is the 2025 Meeting Schedule for the LEPC: Read More ›
Read More ›
no preview of 2025 Park Fees and Charges
2025 Park Fees and Charges
January 15th, 2025
At the Tuesday, October 15, 2024 and the Tuesday, December 17, 2024 Board of County Commissioners meetings, Isabella County Parks fees and charges adjustme... Read More ›
Read More ›
Budget Reports
2025 Planning Commission and Zoning board of Appeals Meeting Schedules
January 13th, 2025
At their organizational meetings in January 2025, the Isabella County Planning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals have scheduled their meetings for... Read More ›
Read More ›
2025 Annual Vehicle Permits Now Available
January 1st, 2025
2025 Annual Vehicle Permits are now available for purchase at Deerfield Nature Park when the gatehouse is staffed! Deerfield Gatehouse winter hours are Fri... Read More ›
Read More ›
Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Awards Isabella County Parks $26,500 to Update Fire Pit Rings at Herrick and Deerfield Parks
November 22nd, 2024
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan awarded Isabella County Parks $26,500 during their Fall 2024 2 percent distribution ceremony on Friday, Novem... Read More ›
Read More ›
no preview of Road Patrol Proposal Press Release
Road Patrol Proposal Press Release
November 7th, 2024
PRESS RELEASE For Immediate Release November 6, 2024 Dear Voters of Isabella County, I am writing to you following the results of the election held on Nove... Read More ›
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Isabella County Parks Important Dates for the 2025 Camping Season
November 1st, 2024
Important Dates 30/60/90 Day and Full Season for 2025 Season Friday, November 1 – Returning 30/60/90 day and seasonal reservations can be made. Monday, D... Read More ›
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Isabella County Parks Awarded Two Grants to Fund Specialized Gates for Pere Marquette Rail Trail
October 29th, 2024
Isabella County Parks received two grants to replace outdated bollards with new gates on the Pere Marquette Rail Trail (PMRT). The Mt. Pleasant Area Commun... Read More ›
Read More ›
Isabella County Parks Receives Grant from Michigan Arts and Culture Council for 2025 Art From Our Park Event
September 25th, 2024
The 18th Annual Art From Our Park event will take place Saturday, September 20, 2025 at Deerfield Nature Park from 12-4 pm. Isabella County Parks has b... Read More ›
Read More ›

Upcoming Events & Meetings

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no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/09/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Dulcimer Practice
Dulcimer Practice
03/09/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/09/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/09/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/09/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Mahjongg
Mahjongg
03/09/2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
Cards
03/09/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
03/10/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Finance Committee/Committee of the Whole
Finance Committee/Committee of the Whole
03/10/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LocationCommission on Aging, Room A
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
03/10/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
Line Dancing
03/10/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
Needlecraft Meeting
03/10/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/10/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
03/10/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
Cards
03/10/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Yoga Class
Yoga Class
03/10/2026 - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/11/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Chess Club
Chess Club
03/11/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/11/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/11/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
03/11/2026 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location
Cards
03/11/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
woman holding book
Between the Covers Book Club
03/11/2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
LocationCommission On Aging
no preview of Simple Tai Chi for Health
Simple Tai Chi for Health
03/11/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
03/12/2026 - 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Location
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
03/12/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
03/12/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/12/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Cards
03/12/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Hula Class
Hula Class
03/12/2026 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
03/12/2026 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/13/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Jam Session
Jam Session
03/13/2026 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/13/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/13/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/13/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/13/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Ukulele Group
Ukulele Group
03/13/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
LocationCommission On Aging
Cards
03/13/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/16/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
03/16/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Dulcimer Practice
Dulcimer Practice
03/16/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/16/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/16/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/16/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Mahjongg
Mahjongg
03/16/2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
caregiver taking care of woman
Caregiver Support Group
03/16/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
LocationCommission On Aging
Cards
03/16/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration
03/17/2026 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
03/17/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
03/17/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
03/17/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
Line Dancing
03/17/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/17/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
03/17/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
Cards
03/17/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Computer/Tech Class
Computer/Tech Class
03/17/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
no preview of Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
03/17/2026 - 5:00 pm
LocationIsabella County Commission on Aging, Conference Room A
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/18/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
03/18/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Chess Club
Chess Club
03/18/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/18/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/18/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Ice Cream Sundaes
03/18/2026 - 12:30 pm - 1:00 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
03/18/2026 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location
Cards
03/18/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Second Hand Book Club
03/18/2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
no preview of Simple Tai Chi for Health
Simple Tai Chi for Health
03/18/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
no preview of CMU DPT MOVE! for Health Exercise Class
CMU DPT MOVE! for Health Exercise Class
03/18/2026 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
Parkinson’s Support Group
03/18/2026 - 5:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Location
no preview of ICMRF ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
ICMRF ADVISORY BOARD MEETING
03/19/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
LocationCharter Union Twp
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
03/19/2026 - 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
03/19/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/19/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
03/19/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
03/19/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/19/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Cards
03/19/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Hula Class
Hula Class
03/19/2026 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Heartland MMPC Meeting
Heartland MMPC Meeting
03/20/2026 - 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
LocationGratiot County
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/20/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
03/20/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Jam Session
Jam Session
03/20/2026 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/20/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/20/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/20/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Bingo
Bingo
03/20/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location
no preview of Ukulele Group
Ukulele Group
03/20/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
LocationCommission On Aging
Cards
03/20/2026 - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/23/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
03/23/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Dulcimer Practice
Dulcimer Practice
03/23/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/23/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/23/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/23/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/23/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Mahjongg
Mahjongg
03/23/2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
Cards
03/23/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
03/24/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
03/24/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
03/24/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Line Dancing
Line Dancing
03/24/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
03/24/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
Cards
03/24/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Yoga Class
Yoga Class
03/24/2026 - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/25/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
03/25/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Chess Club
Chess Club
03/25/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Coffee Hour with an Attorney
03/25/2026 - 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/25/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/25/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
03/25/2026 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location
Cards
03/25/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Simple Tai Chi for Health
Simple Tai Chi for Health
03/25/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
no preview of CMU DPT MOVE! for Health Exercise Class
CMU DPT MOVE! for Health Exercise Class
03/25/2026 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
03/26/2026 - 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
03/26/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/26/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
03/26/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
03/26/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/26/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
March Birthday Celebration
03/26/2026 - 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm
Location
Cards
03/26/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Hula Class
Hula Class
03/26/2026 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
03/26/2026 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/27/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
03/27/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Jam Session
Jam Session
03/27/2026 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/27/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/27/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
Music with Barb and Greg
03/27/2026 - 10:30 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/27/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Ukulele Group
Ukulele Group
03/27/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
LocationCommission On Aging
Movie and Popcorn: “Eleanor the Great”
03/27/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
03/30/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
03/30/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Dulcimer Practice
Dulcimer Practice
03/30/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
03/30/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
03/30/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/30/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Mahjongg
Mahjongg
03/30/2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
Cards
03/30/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Free footcare clinic with Dr. Garada
Free footcare clinic with Dr. Garada
03/31/2026 - 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
Location
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
03/31/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
03/31/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Finance Committee/Committee of the Whole
Finance Committee/Committee of the Whole
03/31/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LocationCommission on Aging, Room A
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
03/31/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Line Dancing
Line Dancing
03/31/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
03/31/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
03/31/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Cards
03/31/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Connecting with Cards
03/31/2026 - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
no preview of Yoga Class
Yoga Class
03/31/2026 - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Isabella County Commission on Aging Advisory Board Meeting
Isabella County Commission on Aging Advisory Board Meeting
04/01/2026 - 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
LocationIsabella County Commission on Aging
no preview of Isabella County Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
Isabella County Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
04/01/2026 - 6:00 pm
LocationIsabella County Road Commission Building
no preview of Human Rights Committee Meeting
Human Rights Committee Meeting
04/06/2026 - 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
LocationIsabella County Commission on Aging