Situated mostly in southeast Meridian Charter Township, with a portion extending south into Alaiedon Township and east into Williamston Township, Okemos, Michigan is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in north Ingham County.
I-96 serves as the southern boundary of the CDP, while South Hagadorn Road, the Michigan State University campus, and the city of East Lansing forms its western boundary. Other routes through the CDP include I-43 (Grand River Avenue).
Besides East Lansing, which abuts the CDP, other cities and villages within twenty miles of Okemos include Williamston, Lansing, Mason, Webberville, Laingsburg, DeWitt, Dansville, Dimondale, Perry, Morrice, and Fowlerville. Haslett, a census-designated place, abuts Okemos to the north.
Although unincorporated, Okemos has its own post offices, within the 48805 and 48864 zip codes, as well as its own school district, Okemos Public Schools, which serves about two-thirds of Meridian Township and parts of Alaiedon and Williamston townships.
Originally an agricultural community, today the Lansing suburb is home to employees of Michigan State University.
Flowing largely northwest, the Red Cedar River bisects the CDP diagonally. A tributary of the Grand River, the Red Cedar River is just over fifty miles long, and named for the juniper trees that grew along its banks, which are commonly known as red cedar. Until 1962, the river was named Cedar River on federal maps, although it was known as Red Cedar River locally. Beginning at Cedar Lake, in southern Livingston County, the Red Cedar River flows through the MSU campus before reaching the Grand River in Lansing.
The first recorded European-American settler in the area that was to become Okemos was Sanford Marsh, who came in 1839. On April 8 of the following year, a post office was established in the growing community, and named Sanford, with Joseph K. Kilborn as postmaster.
A townsite was platted by Freeman Bray in 1840 and 1841, and named Hamilton, for Alexander Hamilton. Until 1862, the town was known as Hamilton, while its post office was Sanford.
Meanwhile, residents began referring to the town as Okemos, for John Okemos, an Ojibwa chief who was a signatory of the Treaty of Saginaw, and was the leader of the multiple Ojibwa bands who lived south of the Red Cedar River. On May 26, 1862, both the town and post office were renamed Okemos.
The focal point of this portion of our guide is on the community and census-designated place known as Okemos, Michigan. Online resources for local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, events, and recreational opportunities are appropriate for this category.
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Recommended Resources
Capital Area District Library: Okemos
The Okemos, Michigan brand of CADL posts the location, hours of operation, and contacts for the branch, along with policy information, telephone number, and notices of upcoming programs and events. Other resources include a 360-degree virtual tour of the facilities, and an overview of its rooms, resources, and special features, as well as its policies for use. Other branch locations are listed, and CADL members may access various online resources, including streaming video.
https://www.cadl.org/about/our-locations/okemos
Comfort Inn Okemos-East Lansing
Situated just off I-96 in Okemos, Michigan, the hotel offers easy access to Michigan State University and Spartan Stadium, and is only a short drive from Lansing Center and the Michigan State Capital. Affiliated with the Choice Hotel Group, eligible stays may qualify for discounts and points for Choice Privileges Rewards members. Photos of the grounds, common areas, and representative accommodations are provided, and reservations may be made by phone, online, or mobile app.
https://www.choicehotels.com/michigan/okemos/comfort-inn-hotels/mi306
Opened by Clarence "Dusty" Rhodes in 1981, the business is currently owned by his son, Matt Rhodes. Its food, pastry, catering, wine bar, and tap room menus are published on the site, and an introduction and online purchase of its wine club program are available, along with a calendar of events, an online store offering gift baskets, custom wine labels, and gift cards. Its catering and private dining services are promoted, several photographs are included, and contacts are provided.
https://www.dustyscellar.com/
Meridian Area Business Association
Founded in 1997, MABA allows local business leaders to interact on a monthly basis through monthly member meetings, as well as sponsoring various events, such as the annual MABA Golf Outing and other fundraisers and networking events. Meeting notices and a calendar of events are noted. Here, along with a member directory, membership policies and the ability to join online, and an overview of its grant and scholarship programs. The history of the organization is provided here.
https://maba29.wildapricot.org/
Featuring more than a hundred stores and restaurants, from well-known department stores and restaurant chains to unique specialty outlets and eateries, the shopping center is located on West Grand River Avenue in Okemos, Michigan. A directory of businesses within the mall is provided, along with mall contacts, hours of operation, business opportunities, job openings, and store highlights. Shoppers may subscribe to its e-club for special notices and exclusive offers.
https://www.meridianmall.com/
Meridian is a charter township in northern Ingham County, Michigan. Bordering East Lansing to the west, it includes the unincorporated communities of Haslett and Okemos. The official township website provides a township calendar of events, official notices, announcements, online tax and bill payments, and downloading of various forms and permits. Featured are the township master plan, information about development resources and projects, and agendas, packets, and minutes.
https://www.meridian.mi.us/
In business since 1982, the independent bookstore has locations in Grand Rapids and Okemos, Michigan. Its locations, hours of operation, job opportunities, cafe, and a calendar of special events are provided. A partial inventory of its books is provided, and purchases may be made online. The store includes an Espresso Book Machine, which allows for the printing, binding, and trimming of paperback books, including a full-color cover, allowing for on-demand publishing.
https://www.schulerbooks.com/
