Lapeer is a regional center powered by solar energy
Home to a historic downtown with shopping, dining, and annual events, the city of Lapeer, Michigan, fosters community for its 9,000 residents and provides commerce and entertainment to surrounding townships. While the city embraces its history, which dates back to 1833, through preserved buildings, a 120-year-old festival, and performances at the PIX Theater, new projects are bringing innovation and improved amenities. In 2016, the city installed two large solar panel projects on Lapeer’s southeast side to power homes with solar energy and has since added more solar projects. Downtown, two parks have opened since 2018, and developers are working to add new mixed-use buildings.
Local restaurants near Historic Lapeer County Courthouse and performances at The Pix Theater
The Historic Lapeer County Courthouse anchors downtown with businesses, shops, and dining along nearby Nepessing Street and surrounding areas. The PIX Theater, recognizable by its Art Deco façade and marquee, originally opened in 1914 and hosts live performances and art exhibits. Next door, Gallery 194 celebrates the arts with classes, exhibits and other programming.
On the southern side of the city, more commercial stops, including supermarkets like Aldi and Meijer, are along Main Street.
Historic Nationals to New Traditionals in Lapeer
Lapeer’s median housing price is about $275,000, lower than the national median. Historic homes like Nationals built between the 1850s and 1930s sit closer to the city's center. Fanning out around Lapeer, New Traditional and ranch-style homes are common, as well as condos in communities like Woodbridge Park and Fairways of Lapeer.
Over the past 10 years, Lapeer’s property crime rates have decreased. While violent crime rates follow a similar pattern, there has been a slight incline since 2021.
The Chatfield School is a popular charter school with STEM programs
Lapeer Community Schools earns a B-minus from Niche. The district does not have a dedicated middle school. Instead, students attend Rolland-Warner 6-7 Campus and continue to Zemmer 8-9 Campus. Realtor Doug Ferrell with Lapeer Realty says The Chatfield School, an A-rated school serving kindergarten through Grade 8 with a lottery system, is a draw for some homebuyers. “There’s a long list of people trying to get in. It’s small and hands-on with a naturalist curriculum style.” Its Willows Ecology Education Center incorporates hands-on STEM and ecology instruction, like kayaking.
Views of the foliage at Rowden Park and pups can play at Lapeer Dog Park
Spanning 65 acres, Rowden Park is Lapeer’s largest park. Boardwalks cross the wetlands, and two pedestrian bridges over the lake offer views of the vibrant fall foliage. The park also has a playground and tennis courts. Due to its location amidst the wetlands, it tends to flood during rainy periods. Oakdale Trails’ 9.5 miles of pathways are open to hiking and biking year-round, as well as snowshoeing and skiing in the winter when the snow piles up. Located in Elba Township , Nepessing Lake provides fishing and boating opportunities. Founded in 1927, Lapeer Country Club has 150 acres overlooking a lake and is open to the public. More recently, smaller parks have opened downtown. Ed LaClair Lapeer Rotary Pocket Park, which blends metal sculpture into the downtown aesthetic, was dedicated in 2019, and Lapeer Dog Park came two years later.
120 years of tradition with the Lapeer Days Festival
For over 120 years, the Lapeer Days Festival has occurred in downtown Lapeer in mid-August. The festival is the largest in Michigan and includes carnival rides and games, a classic car show, a parade and live music. On Wednesday and Saturday mornings from May to October, the Historic Farmers Market features local produce and crafted goods. Just north of Lapeer in Mayfield Township , Lapeer International Dragway has races on the weekends from April to November.
Interstate 69 and Amtrak go from Lapeer to Flint
Genessee and Main streets cut through the city center, helping residents get around Lapeer and access the surrounding townships. Interstate 69 runs along the city’s southern side, linking it with bigger cities, like Flint and its international airport, about 25 miles west. The Amtrak station is on the Blue Water line and runs daily between Chicago and Port Huron, stopping at Flint in the middle.
Written By
Caroline Ernst
Photography Contributed By
Scottie Davison
