Clare is a lively small town known as the Crossroads of Michigan
Clare is a small town near the center of the Lower Peninsula, straddling the border of Clare and Isabella Counties. Founded during the lumber boom of the late 19th century, lumber still plays a part in the regional economy, but locals are more likely to work in healthcare — MyMichigan Medical Center Clare is a major employer — or government services. The town centers around the 4-block Clare Downtown Historic District, a quaint, walkable area known for its restaurants. Clare’s central location and proximity to the intersection of U.S. Routes 10 and 127 led to its self-designation as “The Crossroads of Michigan.”
Several home styles can be found around town
Central Clare has older single-family neighborhoods and denser blocks close to downtown, while outlying areas offer larger lots. Midcentury ranch-style homes and split-levels are common, as are older cottages and farmhouses. There are also a few modern homes scattered around town, particularly on the outskirts. Most homes sell for between $95,000 and $270,000, but larger, newer homes can go for as much as $600,000.
The historic downtown is known for its restaurants
Downtown Clare, located at the intersection of 5th Street and McEwan Street, serves as a regional hub for dining and entertainment. The 4-block area, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, is home to several highly rated eateries, including the semi-famous Cops & Donuts Headquarters bakery and The Whitehouse Restaurant, as well as a variety of local shops and the town's movie theater. Additional shopping can be found north along McEwan, including Witbeck’s Family Foods supermarket. Residents looking for additional retail options typically head south to Mt. Pleasant, a roughly 15-mile drive.
Public parks on the shores of Lake Shamrock
The town oversees a number of public parks, many of which sit along Lake Shamrock and the South Branch Tobacco River, which run through the north part of town. Brookwood Park, the largest local green space, features a playground and athletic courts, as well as Clare High School’s football stadium. The 28-mile Pere Marquette Rail Trail runs from downtown Clare to nearby Midland, and is popular with cyclists, joggers and horseback riders. Fishing and boating are popular local pastimes, either at Lake Shamrock or at Herrick Recreation Area, located just east of town.
Clare Public Schools
Public schools in the area are overseen by the Clare Public Schools district. Clare Primary School and Clare Middle School both have C-plus ratings on Niche, while Clare High School has a C-plus. The high school offers dual enrollment courses through a partnership with Mid Michigan College in nearby Mt. Pleasant.
It's also the City of Festivals, apparently
Clare is also nicknamed the “City of Festivals,” and for good reason. The town hosts several events throughout the year, many of which center around its downtown area. These include the March Irish Festival, Summerfest Celebration at Shamrock Lake and the October Clare Spook-tacular. Somewhat ironically, the Clare County Fair is held about 15 miles away in Harrison.
Located at the intersection of U.S. Routes 10 and 127
U.S. Routes 10 and 127 pass north and east of Clare, connecting the community to the rest of the central Michigan region. There’s no regular public transportation in the area, so locals generally rely on cars to get around. It’s roughly 15 miles from town to Mt. Pleasant and 85 miles to Lansing, which is home to the nearest major airport.
The Clare Water Supply Superfund Site
The Clare Water Supply Superfund Site covers most of downtown. The site was created to protect the water supply from chemicals leaked into the groundwater from a nearby industrial park. The EPA uses several methods to protect and purify the water supply, including soil vapor extraction and groundwater extraction and treatment, and monitors the water supply to ensure its safety.
