Alanson offers access to The Crooked River and a close-knit feel
There are many draws to Alanson, a tiny village of about 780 residents in southeast Emmet County. “It’s quaint. It’s more affordable than a lot of nearby areas. It’s really safe and a great place to raise a family,” says Doug Nowels, a Realtor with Real Estate One who sells throughout the area. But the main thing that draws people to Alanson, whether it’s seasonally or full-time, is the Crooked River, which flows through the community. The river connects to the Inland Waterway, a historic 40-mile-long route that leads boaters to many of Northern Michigan’s lakes, state parks, campgrounds and nature preserves.
Manufactured and ranch-style homes on tree-filled lawns
Most of Alanson’s residential streets are near U.S. Route 31, the community’s main roadway. They feature a mix of manufactured, bungalow and ranch-style homes on lawns landscaped with grass and many mature trees. Prices range from $200,000 to about $350,000. El Rancho Alanson RV Resort is a small neighborhood on Alanson’s east side that offers manufactured homes on petite lawns with grass and trees. Prices here range from about $125,000 to about $150,000. Acre and acre-plus lots are available outside of town, ranging from $20,000 to about $40,000.
Free preschool and breakfast offered at Alanson Public School
Kids may attend Alanson Public School, which serves prekindergarten through 12th grade and has a C-plus rating on Niche. The prekindergarten is part of Michigan’s Great Start Readiness Program, a free preschool for eligible 4-year-olds. The school has about 230 students, with a student-to-teacher ratio of 10-to-1. It also offers free breakfast.
Swimming and boating in the summer, snowmobiling in the winter
Alanson Village Park features a playground, a basketball court and a tennis court. Marooners' Rock Marina provides boat docking and access to the Crooked River. From the Crooked River, boaters can access Crooked Lake, which also offers fishing, swimming and kayaking. The Lossing-Harrington Nature Preserve, Inland Waterway Nature Preserve and Kreag Nature Preserve are on the community’s south side and offer additional access to the Crooked River and a few hiking trails. Many more recreational options are available throughout Emmet County, especially in the colder months. “There are some incredible opportunities,” Nowels says. “Northern Michigan in the winter is usually kind of quiet, but because of all the ski resorts nearby, we have a lot going on. Skiing, snowmobiling, things like that.”
Residents shop and dine locally or head to Petoskey for more
Alanson’s small downtown district has a mix of shops, businesses and restaurants. The Dutch Oven Bakery is a favorite for pastries and sandwiches. Bob’s Diner is another community staple, serving classic American dishes and cold beer. Residents pick up essentials at Dollar General. For all other shopping and dining, plus the closest hospital, McLaren Northern Michigan, residents head to Petoskey, about 12 miles away.
Community events include movies in the park and library programs
There are community events throughout the year, like family-friendly movie screenings at Alanson Village Park during the summer. The Alanson Public Library hosts book clubs, discussions with authors, and activities for kids.
U.S. Route 31 and Highway 68 connect Alanson to the region
There is a Trailways bus stop at Alanson EZ Mart, but otherwise, public transportation is limited, and residents largely get around by car. U.S. Route 31 runs through the community and connects to Petoskey. Residents can also pick up Michigan Highway 68 and take it to Interstate 75, about 10 miles away. The closest airport with commercial flights is Pellston Regional, which offers direct access to Detroit.
