Rustic scenery gave Forest Township its name
Forest Township earned its name in the 1800s because pine trees, more than people, populated its landscape. Much of the timber was later cut down, and rows of crops now grow where rows of trees once stood. “People started buying the tracts, pulling out the stumps and turning them into farms," says Daryl Banyas, chairman of the Otisville Area Historical Association. Miles of farms, rural homes and remaining forests surround Otisville, a tiny village dotted with lakes and family-owned businesses. Banyas lives in Forest Township on 5 wooded acres, surrounded by wildlife and farms, a setup that's not uncommon in the community. Many Forest Township residents used to work in the automotive industry in nearby Flint, but dwindling job opportunities over the last 40 years caused the township's population to shrink, Banyas says. Still, the area remains attractive for those who want to live in a peaceful farming community. "All the houses are full," Banyas says. "There might be one or two for sale, but they go fast."
Small homes in Otisville, with larger properties in the rest of the to
Nearly half the homes come with at least 3 acres of land, and homebuyers are most likely to find acreage in the rural areas outside of Otisville. Cabins overlook small lakes, and trees surround split-level houses. In Otisville, Colonial Revivals and ranch-style homes are lined up on small lots. Most recent home sale prices have ranged from $135,000 to $290,000. Large homes on 5-plus acres have sold from $310,000 to $685,000.
Maple syrup making is an annual tradition at LakeVille Middle
Children in kindergarten through fourth grade can attend Columbiaville Elementary, which is graded a C by Niche. C-minus-rated LakeVille Middle teaches fifth through eighth grades, while older students may go to LakeVille Memorial High, which gets a C-plus. It’s an annual tradition for middle schoolers to venture into Sugarbush Forest, which grows on the campus, and learn to tap trees, collect sap and make maple syrup.
Lakefront recreation at Griswold Park, Buttercup Beach
Several small lakes are clustered in Otisville. Banyas says the lakes are popular for fishing, even when the surface freezes in the winter. Banyas adds that anglers often need permission from private landowners. Public fishing access is limited to Griswold Park, which borders the shore of Dock Lake. There's a launch at Otter Lake, where boats and Jet Skis are allowed. South of Forest Township, Buttercup Beach provides access to Holloway Reservoir, where people swim, fish and hike around the shoreline. Locals who hunt on private property or journey to public hunting land in Millington and Watertown township can take game to Smith Meats for processing. Forest Township Library hosts activities such as book clubs and cooking presentations. One event that filled the library with spectators was a show from Bubble Man, a performer who does tricks, including creating miniature volcanoes and tornadoes, with bubbles.
Lve music, ice cream and tacos in Otisville
Most of the community’s businesses are in Otisville, where 19th-century Italianate buildings are clustered around M-15. Live music, wine tastings and cold drinks draw patrons to The Otisville Hotel, a family-run bar. On the next block, Arlene’s Diner serves breakfast and lunch. Down the street, Otisville Dairy Delight & Taco Hut stays open for dinner and dessert. Denny’s Supermarket is in Otisville, and there’s a Walmart in Vienna Township.
Christmas tree decorating and judging in Otisville
As Christmas approaches, the Forest Township Fire Department ties trees to lamp posts in Otisville. Churches and other local groups will claim a tree and decorate it, Banyas says. "Two or three hundred people in town come to vote [on the best one], and there are tents with hot chocolate and church choirs singing carols." The Otisville Area Historical Association puts on fundraising events, such as tea parties and community yard sales. The association also sells books, handmade toys and other novelties from its museum on East Main Street.
M-57 connects the township to Clio and I-75
Most people get around by car, using highways such as M-15 or M-57. The latter connects to the city of Clio, 8 miles away. Just west of Clio is an on-ramp to Interstate 75, which leads 80 miles south to Detroit and more than 250 miles north to the Canadian border. It’s about 15 miles to Flint. There, people can get medical care at McLaren Flint or fly nonstop to more than a dozen cities from Bishop International Airport.
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Written By
Alex Soderstrom
