Life and history along the Belle River
The agricultural community of Columbus Township tends to attract residents who either like farming or desire a rural homebase from which to commute to cities like Richmond and Port Huron.
This area, founded in 1837, encompasses the communities of Belle River, Columbus, Snyderville, Danaher, Laketon and McMillan. While Thomas Edison once worked here as a newsboy, linking the community to Michigan’s early days of industry, this area is best known for its peaceful vibe, and its connection to the Belle River and Lake Superior State Forest.
“It’s not unusual to see families here who have worked the same land for generations," says local agent Garry Chaney with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Kee Realty. "People move here for the space, the quiet, and the sense of community. It’s a slower pace of life, and that’s exactly what draws people in.”
Acreage and classic homes define rural living
Classic brick Tudor homes and traditional farmhouses are set on expansive, partially wooded lots, the average size of which is 10 to 20 acres. “Money goes farther out here. It’s reasonably priced compared to west of Detroit where properties that are the same size can go for double,” Chaney says.
As of spring 2025, the median home sold price here is about $375,000, and listings can be found from around $240,000 for modest two-bedroom homes up to $575,000 for larger, updated properties with four bedrooms and more acreage. Vacant land is also widely available, with parcels from 2 to 20 acres typically priced between $40,000 and $300,000, depending on size, location and features such as woods or road frontage. For those seeking even larger lots, properties exceeding 100 acres occasionally come to market, sometimes topping $900,000.
Richmond and Marysville schools offer strong academics and career programs
Families here have access to four public school districts: Richmond Community Schools, Marysville Public Schools, Memphis Community Schools and East China School District. Of these, Richmond and Marysville stand out as the highest rated; Richmond earns a B from Niche and Marysville earns a B-plus.
Richmond provides hands-on learning through career and technical education programs, a variety of student clubs – including robotics, speech and debate and arts & crafts – and an athletics program with summer sports camps for all ages.
Marysville Public Schools is recognized for its welcoming atmosphere and personalized approach to learning. Marysville High School offers a wide selection of AP courses, dual enrollment opportunities, and electives in STEM, visual and performing arts and world languages.
Columbus County Park and Goodells Historical Village offer outdoor adventure and local history
The 411-acre Columbus County Park is a highlight, with miles of forested trails winding through rolling hills, wetlands and prairie meadows. The park features horse trails, picnic pavilions, a modern lodge, and a playground. Deer are a common sight roaming the grounds, and the Belle River provides opportunities for fishing and paddling. The Historical Village at Goodells County Park showcases the area’s past with a collection of 1800s-era buildings, including the Columbus Bible Church, Murphy Ryan Farmhouse, and the C.C. Peck Bank, all relocated and restored to reflect rural life in St. Clair County.
Main Street Richmond and Belle River Winery highlight local flavor
While Columbus Township itself is rural, residents don’t have to go far for shopping and dining. Richmond’s Main Street is lined with locally owned shops and restaurants like Ken's Country Kitchen and Main St. Mercantile. Belle River Winery offers handcrafted wines, meads, and spirits, plus wood-fired pizzas and charcuterie boards. For more variety, Port Huron offers everything from charming boutiques to popular restaurants like Vintage Tavern, known for its rooftop views and creative menu.
Michigan Highway 53 and proximity to Detroit and Port Huron support rural connectivity
Michigan Highway 53 connects residents to Detroit, about 50 miles south. Port Huron is roughly 17 miles northeast via Interstate 94. Local roads such as Division Road, Meisner Road and Marine City Highway provide east-west routes through the township and to neighboring towns like Richmond and St. Clair.
The township is rural, with limited walkability and bike access, so most residents rely on personal vehicles. There is no public transportation in Columbus Township, though Blue Water Area Transit operates in Port Huron.
Health care is available locally at Henry Ford Medical Center – Columbus, while the nearest full-service hospitals are McLaren Port Huron and Ascension River District Hospital, both about 17 miles away. The closest major airport is Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, about 60 miles south, with St. Clair County International Airport in Port Huron serving regional flights.
