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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no preview of WEIDMAN MILL POND PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING POWER POINTS
WEIDMAN MILL POND PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING POWER POINTS
January 27th, 2026
02. Public Informational Meeting PPT (Weidman Mill Pond) Read More ›
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no preview of STEVENSON LAKE PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING POWER POINTS
STEVENSON LAKE PUBLIC INFORMATIONAL MEETING POWER POINTS
January 27th, 2026
02. Public Informational Meeting PPT (Stevenson Lake Update) (1) Read More ›
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no preview of WEIDMAN MILL POND PUBLIC HEARING AND INFORMATIONAL MEETING
WEIDMAN MILL POND PUBLIC HEARING AND INFORMATIONAL MEETING
January 20th, 2026
WEIDMAN MILLPOND LAKE LEVEL (003) Read More ›
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no preview of STEVENSON LAKE PUBLIC HEARING AND INFORMATIONAL MEETING
STEVENSON LAKE PUBLIC HEARING AND INFORMATIONAL MEETING
January 20th, 2026
STEVENSON LAKE LEVEL (003) Read More ›
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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 ›
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2025 LEPC Meeting Schedule
March 5th, 2025
Here is the 2025 Meeting Schedule for the LEPC: Read More ›
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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 ›
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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 ›
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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 ›
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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 ›

Upcoming Events & Meetings

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no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
02/17/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
02/17/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Basic Line Dancing Instruction
Basic Line Dancing Instruction
02/17/2026 - 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
02/17/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
Line Dancing
02/17/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
02/17/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/17/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
caregiver taking care of woman
Caregiver Support Group
02/17/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
LocationCommission On Aging
Cards
02/17/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Computer/Tech Class
Computer/Tech Class
02/17/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
group class yoga
Yoga Class
02/17/2026 - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
02/17/2026 - 5:00 pm
LocationIsabella County Commission on Aging, Conference Room A
Tai Chi
Simple Tai Chi for Health
02/18/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
02/18/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
02/18/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
Chess Club
02/18/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Line Dancing
02/18/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/18/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Rootbeer Floats
02/18/2026 - 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
02/18/2026 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location
Cards
02/18/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Second Hand Book Club
02/18/2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
no preview of CMU DPT MOVE! for Health Exercise Class
CMU DPT MOVE! for Health Exercise Class
02/18/2026 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
02/19/2026 - 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Location
no preview of ICMRF Advisory Board Meeting
ICMRF Advisory Board Meeting
02/19/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
LocationCharter Union Twp
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
02/19/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
02/19/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
02/19/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
02/19/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/19/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Cards
02/19/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Hula Class
Hula Class
02/19/2026 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
02/19/2026 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
no preview of Heartland MMPC Meeting Calendar
Heartland MMPC Meeting Calendar
02/20/2026 - 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
LocationGladwin County
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
02/20/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
02/20/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Jam Session
Jam Session
02/20/2026 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
02/20/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
02/20/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/20/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Bingo
Bingo
02/20/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
Location
no preview of Ukulele Group
Ukulele Group
02/20/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
LocationCommission On Aging
Cards
02/20/2026 - 2:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
02/23/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
02/23/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
02/23/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
02/23/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/23/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Mahjongg
Mahjongg
02/23/2026 - 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm
Location
Cards
02/23/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
02/24/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
02/24/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Basic Line Dancing Instruction
Basic Line Dancing Instruction
02/24/2026 - 9:30 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Finance Committee/Committee of the Whole
Finance Committee/Committee of the Whole
02/24/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
LocationCommission on Aging, Room A
Line Dancing
02/24/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
02/24/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
02/24/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/24/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Cards
02/24/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
Connecting with Cards
02/24/2026 - 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
group class yoga
Yoga Class
02/24/2026 - 3:30 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
02/25/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
02/25/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
Chess Club
02/25/2026 - 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
Line Dancing
02/25/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
02/25/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/25/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
02/25/2026 - 12:30 pm - 1:30 pm
Location
Cards
02/25/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Simple Tai Chi for Health
Simple Tai Chi for Health
02/25/2026 - 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Location
no preview of CMU DPT MOVE! for Health Exercise Class
CMU DPT MOVE! for Health Exercise Class
02/25/2026 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
no preview of Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
Otaga Exercise Class with CMU
02/26/2026 - 8:30 am - 9:30 am
Location
no preview of Water Aerobics
Water Aerobics
02/26/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
02/26/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
Beginner Tai Chi Exercise
02/26/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/26/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Next-Level Tai Chi
Next-Level Tai Chi
02/26/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
February Birthday Celebration
02/26/2026 - 12:15 pm - 12:45 pm
Location
Cards
02/26/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Location
no preview of Hula Class
Hula Class
02/26/2026 - 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
LocationCOA - Fitness Room
no preview of Virtual Zumba Gold
Virtual Zumba Gold
02/26/2026 - 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Location
no preview of Video Exercise Group
Video Exercise Group
02/27/2026 - 9:00 am - 10:00 am
Location
no preview of Aqua Zumba
Aqua Zumba
02/27/2026 - 9:05 am - 10:05 am
LocationCMU SAC Pool
no preview of Jam Session
Jam Session
02/27/2026 - 9:30 am - 11:30 am
LocationCommission On Aging - Craft Room
no preview of Coffee and Conversation
Coffee and Conversation
02/27/2026 - 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location
no preview of Gentle Exercise
Gentle Exercise
02/27/2026 - 10:45 am - 11:30 am
Location
Music with Barb and Greg
02/27/2026 - 11:00 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Word Search/Trivia
Word Search/Trivia
02/27/2026 - 11:30 am - 12:00 pm
Location
no preview of Ukulele Group
Ukulele Group
02/27/2026 - 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
LocationCommission On Aging
Movie and Popcorn: “Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning”
02/27/2026 - 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location
no preview of Human Rights Committee Meeting
Human Rights Committee Meeting
03/02/2026 - 5:15 pm - 6:15 pm
LocationIsabella County Commission on Aging
no preview of Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
Board of Commissioners Regular Meeting
03/03/2026 - 5:00 pm
LocationIsabella County Commission on Aging, Conference Room A
no preview of Isabella County Commission on Aging Advisory Board Meeting
Isabella County Commission on Aging Advisory Board Meeting
03/04/2026 - 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
03/04/2026 - 6:00 pm
LocationIsabella County Road Commission Building
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