Lakes, trails and parks give Harrison an “Up North” feeling
With the motto “20 Lakes in 20 Minutes,” Harrison has no shortage of outdoor recreation. “It’s a small, friendly city surrounded by lakes, trails and parks that give it a true ‘Up North’ feel while still being easy to reach from larger towns,” says Justin Cavanaugh, city manager and clerk of Harrison. “It’s a tight-knit community where people wave to each other downtown, volunteer for local events and take pride in small-town values.” Cavanaugh notes that people are drawn to Harrison for its slower pace of life and more affordable housing compared to nearby areas. Homes vary greatly from smaller homes to larger waterfront properties.
Housing ranges from century-old homes to new builds
“You’ll find everything from century-old homes in the heart of town to newer construction on the outskirts and along Budd Lake,” Cavanaugh says. “Mature trees and open yards are an important part of the city’s character.” In the around $30,000 to $250,000 price range, houses tend to be smaller cottages, cabins and ranch-style homes. They average around 1,000 square feet and have a median lot size of under a quarter acre. Houses selling for about $260,000 to $550,000 are often larger, close to the water or have more acreage, which leads to increased prices.
Harrison schools offer dual enrollment and tech programs
Larson Elementary and Harrison Middle both earn a C-minus grade on Niche. Harrison High School has a C-plus rating. Juniors and seniors can take classes like automotive Technology and culinary arts through the Clare-Gladwin Regional Education Service District at their Magnus Campus. Mid Michigan Community College is a public two-year college with a C-plus rating where high schoolers can take dual enrollment classes. Harrison Community Schools participates in Michigan’s Schools of Choice program, which offers open enrollment and out-of-district transfers.
Budd Lake and Wilson State Park draw outdoor enthusiasts
Wilson State Park is one of Harrison’s most visited outdoor areas. At the north end of Budd Lake, it offers camping, fishing and swimming. The city has several green spaces to explore. “Saxton Park is well known for fishing and relaxing by the water, and the city’s off-road vehicle trail network attracts riders from across the state,” Cavanaugh says. Harrison City Park has a playground, baseball fields and sports courts. There are many trails, campsites and golf courses nearby, including Snow Snake Ski & Golf. Snowmobiling is another favorite winter activity.
Locally owned restaurants and shops serve everyday needs
“Residents often shop locally for everyday needs,” Cavanaugh says. “Harrison has several family-owned restaurants, cafes and shops downtown and around the city.” Jackpine Restaurant serves breakfast all day and offers dinner specials. Hometown Smokehouse BBQ has specialties like barbecue brisket frito pie. There are also a handful of fast-food chains. The city has Family Fare and Save A Lot supermarkets. There are more shopping and dining options available in nearby towns, like Clare , Houghton Lake or Mount Pleasant .
Rodeos, carnivals and fundraisers fill the local event calendar
In the summer, Harrison City Park hosts a concert series called Friday Night Delights. The annual Harrison Street Fair has a kids carnival, food vendors and live performances. The Clare County Fair runs for a few days in July or August. Some of its biggest events include a demolition derby, a beer tent and a rodeo. “Beyond the large events, there’s always something happening locally,” Cavanaugh says. “The Harrison Moose Lodge, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars regularly host community events, dinners and fundraisers.”
U.S. Highway 127 and M-61 connect Harrison to regional hubs
Harrison is a car-dependent city with quick access to U.S. Highway 127, running north to south, and M-61, running east to west. Clare County Transit Corporation provides an on-demand ride service. The City of Clare and MidMichigan Medical Center are around 15 miles south. MBS International Airport is around 60 miles away on US Route 10.
