Bad Axe is an appealing rural community in the Upper Thumb
Bad Axe is a quaint Michigan destination nestled amid the farmland in Michigan’s Upper Thumb region. This small city of about 3,000 is home to the headquarters of Gemini Group, Inc., a plastics manufacturer, and McLaren Thumb Region hospital. The community also features an above-average school district. “Like a lot of rural towns, the biggest employers are the hospital system and education,” says Jana Riutta of Century 21 Signature Realty. She has sold several homes in Bad Axe, which offers the benefits of a traditional rural setting. “People feel safe; they know their neighbors. It’s a great, family-oriented town,” Riutta says. “People who live here, stay here. Or they leave and come back to raise their families, because they love what it is about.” Residents also enjoy modern conveniences, such as easy access to shopping, dining and recreation.
The Bad Axe name dates to the community's early days
The community’s unique name dates to its earliest days. As the story goes, military surveyor Capt. Rudolph Papst named a campsite at the intersection of two major trails “Bad Axe Camp,” after an old ax found there. The community was “Bad Axe Corners” for a short time before the village of Bad Axe was incorporated in 1885. Subsequent attempts to change the named failed, with Capt. Papst personally advocating twice for its preservation. “You definitely still feel the history here,” Riutta says.
Homes feature several historic architectural styles
An attractive collection of homes in a variety of sizes and styles can be found along quiet streets with mature trees. Several streets have sidewalks that add appealing walkability. Cape Cods and larger Colonial-styles stand out among the community’s historic architecture, which includes bungalows and Tudors. Ranch-style homes are prominent on spacious lots farther from the center of the community. Prices range from around $100,000 to about $250,000. Residents can expect a climate affected by the surrounding waterways. The lake effect can contribute to cooler temperatures in the summer and heavier snowfall in the winter.
Residents come from outlying areas to shop, dine in Bad Axe
Local boutique shops, dining destinations and gathering places are concentrated downtown. An array of retail stores is located away from the center of town. Walmart and Meijer are convenient options along the Van Dyke Road commercial corridor. Other popular destinations include local businesses specializing in farm, home and nursery supplies. Dizzy Daisy Winery & Vineyard is a regional attraction. “Because it’s the county seat, people from outlying areas come to Bad Axe,” Riutta says. “I don’t live there, but I drive in to do all my shopping, etc.”
Well-attended events illustrate community pride
The Bad Axe Area District Library recently underwent a $400,000 renovation. Nearby Bad Axe City Park features playscapes and athletic amenities, and it is among several sites that host the community’s many events. “They are all well-attended,” Riutta says. “There is a lot of pride.” Signature events include an annual Christmas parade and the Huron Community Fair, held at the local fairgrounds. The community recently celebrated the fair’s 157th installment. Wilcox Park is home to a community center. Outdoors enthusiasts enjoy proximity to the shores of Saginaw Bay and Lake Huron. Both are roughly 20 miles away. Port Crescent State Park is a popular lakefront destination.
A trio of above-average schools
Students can attend a trio of above-average community schools under the direction of Bad Axe Public Schools, rated B-minus by Niche. Bad Axe Elementary and Bad Axe Middle schools are B-rated, while Bad Axe High School is rated B-minus. All three are conveniently located near one another on the west side of town. Students’ extracurricular options range from band to robotics. Michigan allows students to apply for transfers to schools outside of their districts.
Saginaw is the closest metropolitan area
Michigan 53, which runs through the car-dependent community, provides travel to regional destinations north and south, but Bad Axe is relatively secluded. The closest interstate is I-69, which is about 60 miles south via M-53. Saginaw is the closest big city, and Saginaw County’s MBS International Airport is about 70 miles east. The Huron County Memorial Airport is nearby, but it does not offer commercial service.
Written By
Matt Pallister
