The City of Clare, Michigan is in Clare County, although a portion of the city extends south into Isabella County. Vernon City, a mostly historical neighborhood, bounds the city in the southwest.
US-127 forms a large portion of the city's eastern border, joining US-10 in the eastern portion of the city, while Business US-10 and Business US-127 intersect in downtown Clare. As it enters the city in the west, M-115 is joined with Business US-10, and its southern terminus is in downtown Clare. Lesser routes to or through the city include Clarabella Road, Colonville Road, Isabella Road, Maple Road, Mission Road, Pere Marquette Road, and Washington Road.
Farwell is 5.2 miles west of Clare, while Rosebush is 9.1 miles south, Coleman is 11.1 miles southeast, Harrison is 15.1 miles north, Beaverton is 18.2 miles east, and Lake Isabella is 23.3 miles to the southwest.
Like many of Michigan's communities, the history of Clare is one of the lumber industry. In 1864, William McEwan, a lumberman from Bay City, acquired land around what is now downtown Clare. In 1868, he established a lumber camp just south of the current location of the city and began clearing lumber. When the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad extended its tracks through the area in 1870, crossing what was then the Isabella-Tobacco River State Road, near his lumber camp, McEwan began platting a village near the crossing. By the end of 1870, the village included a store, some boarding houses, and a few homes.
With the advantage of the railroad, the town grew quickly in the 1870s. The community's population was seven hundred by 1878, and there were more than thirty retail businesses, some industries, and two churches. In 1879, Clare was incorporated as a village.
An opera house opened in 1881, and the first brick building in the village was constructed in 1885. By 1891, when Clare was incorporated as a city, its population had risen to about 1,200. During the 1890s, electrical services were brought to Clare, and several commercial brick buildings were constructed downtown.
Several of the city's downtown buildings were destroyed by fires in 1904 and 1907 and were replaced by brick buildings. Clare's commercial district did well until the city was bypassed by the freeway in the 1960s, an event that slowed population growth, although there were no population declines until 1990
The 62-acre Shamrock Lake is in the northern segment of the city, just west of Clare Municipal Airport. The South Branch of the Tobacco River flows through the lake, which also includes a small island and a boat launch. It is the setting for Shamrock Park. The lake is home to bluegill, smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, and northern pike. Other parks in the city include Pettit Park, along the Tobacco River, just west of Shamrock Park.
The focus of this guide is on the City of Clare, Michigan. Appropriate resources include websites representing the city or any individuals, businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, and events within the city.
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Recommended Resources
Clare Area Chamber of Commerce
The CACC is a non-profit membership organization created in 1936 to monitor business and community development affecting its business membership, keeping members abreast of changes, and promoting the advantages of living and doing business in the Clare, Michigan community. Its membership levels and policies are put forth, along with a calendar of activities and events, a member directory, and an overview of Chamber projects and programs.
https://www.claremichigan.com/
The public school district in Clare, Michigan offers a PK-12-grade curriculum through Clare Primary School, Clare Middle School, Clare High School, and Clare Pioneer High School & Adult Education, an alternative education program available for students between fifteen and nineteen. Core curriculum, student handbooks, schedules, and a district directory are presented, along with various community and staff resources, and job postings.
https://www.clare.k12.mi.us/
The official municipal website presents several reports, forms, and documents in Adobe PDF format, including the city’s master plan, city commission meeting agenda packets, and meeting minutes. Other resources include a city calendar, newsletter, public notices, and information about city utilities and services. A guide to municipal departments, elected officials, boards, commissions, and staff is featured, and volunteer opportunities are published to the site.
http://www.cityofclare.org/
The doughnut shop and bakery in Clare, Michigan has been in operation since 1896 and was within weeks of closing when members of the Clare Police Department came to the rescue to save the historic business, which produces handmade confections of all types, and now has locations in Mount Pleasant, Gaylord, and Bay City, as well as Clare. Its locations are shown on a map, its hours of operation are posted, and its owners are available for speaking engagements.
https://copsdoughnuts.com/
Built by the late Senator Alfred Doherty, the hotel is situated at the crossroads of US-10 and US-127. The history of the hotel is told, and hotel details, photographs, daily room rates, reservation policies, and a list of amenities are put forth, and its in-house dining room is highlighted, including a wine list, nightly specials, and take-out menus. Photos and highlights of the Leprechaun Lounge are included, and its meeting and banquet spaces are outlined.
https://www.dohertyhotel.net/
Featuring seventeen units, including king and queen beds, singles or doubles, all non-smoking rooms, with a microwave, refrigerator, and cable television, the Clare, Michigan hotel is featured. Its address, telephone and fax numbers, toll-free number, a contact form, and payment options are presented, with a gallery of photographs depicting exterior and interior scenes, a description of the guest lodging facilities, and a list of amenities and services.
http://www.lonepinemotel.com/
Serving those who are looking for a weekend away from home or a mid-week holiday, the B&B facility is on Loomis Road near its intersection with East Herrick Road, in Clare, Michigan. A map shows the location of the guest lodging facility, and telephone and cell numbers, and an email address are posted, along with a contact form. Its eight rooms are highlighted, with photographs, a brief description, and online booking possibilities. Special event spaces are noted.
https://www.loomisbandb.com/
Located on North McEwan Street, the Clare, Michigan flower shop has been in operation downtown since 1946. Its address is posted, and a map shows its location. The hours of operation, telephone number, and a newsletter are available, along with a contact form and a gallery of photographs. Its flowers, plants, eatable treats, health and beauty items, home decor, Michigan-themed items, and other products are featured and are available for purchase online.
https://maxwellsofclare.com/
Situated on SE 4th Street in Clare, Michigan, MediLodge is a provider of long-term skilled nursing care and short-term rehabilitation, offering a full continuum of services and care focuses around each individual, including private room accommodations, transportation services, individualized dining services, and several other features and amenities which are highlighted here, along with a gallery of photographs, a list of services, office hours, and contacts.
https://medilodgeofclare.com/
Bordering the Tobacco River in Clare, Michigan, Tobacco Ranch is situated on eighty acres that features interesting scenery and historical background, as much of the ranch was built more than a hundred years ago. Offering wedding and corporate packages, the property includes two renovated lofted barns, a bridal suite, a covered dance patio connecting the two barns, whiskey barrels, wireless Internet access, a golf cart shuttle, and on-site staff and security.
https://www.tobaccoranch.com/
