With a population of just over three hundred, Gaastra is the third-smallest incorporated city in Michigan.
Gaastra is adjacent to the city of Caspian to the northwest, in southeastern Stambaugh Township, in the southern part of Iron County, not far from the Wisconsin border. The chief route through the city is County Road 424, which becomes Main Street. Other routes include the Bates-Gaastra Road, Caspian Road, and Nowicki Road. Besides Caspian, the nearest cities or villages include Iron River and Alpha, in Michigan, as well as Tipler, Wisconsin, and Crystal Falls, Michigan.
Land that would become Gaastra was first acquired by Alfred Kidder, a speculator from Marquette, in 1879. He sold it to Andrew Young in 1884, and Edwin H. Piper bought it in 1902, but there is no record of either of these men settling the land.
In October of 1908, Douwe Gaastra, a real-estate speculator, and building contractor, bought the land and platted the village, which he named for himself. On September 26, 1914, a post office was established in a store operated by Olaf A. Olson, who became the postmaster, a job that he kept until his retirement in 1953. Gaastra was incorporated as a village in 1887 and became a city in 1949.
The peak population of Gaastra was 911 in 1920. Its population at the time of the 2010 census was 347, although it is estimated to decline slightly in 2020.
The focus of this guide is on the City of Gaastra, Michigan. Appropriate topics will include online resources representing the municipal government or any businesses, industries, schools, churches, organizations, attractions, events, or recreational or sports programs or facilities within the city.
 
 
Recommended Resources
Caspian Gaastra Fire Department
Serving the adjoining cities of Caspian and Gaastra, Michigan, the CGFD is a volunteer department offering fire suppression and rescue services to an area of about 25-square-miles. Its members are introduced, deceased members are honored, and photo galleries depict the department's apparatus, fire scenes, and events throughout the years, and its current apparatus is highlighted. Functions sponsored by the department are shown, and contacts are posted.
http://www.caspiangaastrafiredepartment.com/
Founded by Orv and Colleen Sieger in 2001 when they moved their family from Wisconsin to the Iron River, Michigan area, the Gaastra construction company is licensed by the state, fully insured, and offering custom home building or remodeling of existing homes or cabins in the Iron County region. Its services are listed, and a brochure may be downloaded from the site. A gallery of photographs and floor plans depicts past projects. Client testimonials are included.
http://www.chicaugonlakebuilders.com/
Situated east of Gaastra, Michigan, along County Road 424, the year-round guest accommodations are across the street from Lake Chicaugon, just off one of the main snowmobile trails, and a mile from Young's FireBrick Bar & Grill. Its location is shown on a map, with directions, and a list of amenities is published to the site, with its check-in and check-out policies, payment options, and a gallery of photographs. Special offers are featured, and gift cards may be purchased from the site.
https://chicaugonlakeinn.com/
Located in Gaastra, Michigan, MBTC was formed to witness unto Jesus Christ in the world, with an emphasis on ministering to young people. Operating as a non-profit religious organization, MBTC is affiliated with centers throughout the country, the majority of them in the South. Its purpose is stated, a directory of its other centers is posted, and a gallery of photographs shows the grounds and some of the activities of the Center. Contacts and a calendar of events are included.
https://www.missionbibletrainingcenter.com/