Trails and forests draw nature lovers to Reed City
One of the things Reed City is known for is being an important crossroads for nature lovers. The small Osceola County community of about 2,500 sits in the center of the White Pine Trail and Pere Marquette Trail, two premiere state hiking and biking trails. “And it’s a crossroads for outdoor activities in general—running, biking, it’s close to state forests and parks,” says Karen VanderGoot, a real estate agent with Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty who sells throughout west and central Michigan. “People that like the outdoors, they’re drawn to Reed City.” The other thing the community is known for is being the home of Yoplait yogurt, which is produced in a large manufacturing facility near downtown. This facility is the major employer in town and another draw to the area.
Residents stay active with hiking, sports and disc golf
Along with hiking, biking and snowmobiling along the 92-mile-long White Pine Trail, residents head to local parks to stay active. Westerburg Park spans 46 acres of both natural areas and sports facilities. Residents fish and hike the trails along the Hersey River, which runs through the park and play tennis and shuffleboard on dedicated courts. The park also has ball fields and a playground. Rambadt Park is another popular outdoor destination for its playground, disc golf course and campgrounds.
A mix of architectural styles with prices under $350,000
Homes in Reed City are an eclectic mix of styles, including Victorian, Farmhouse, Stick, Craftsman-style bungalows, ranch-style and split-level. Some were built in the last 1800s and early 1900s. They sit on lawns landscaped with grass, mature trees and shrubs. Most residential streets are lined with sidewalks and dotted with additional tall trees. Prices range from around $128,000 to $335,000.
Small-town shopping with nearby big-box stores
Reed City’s downtown shopping and dining area is along Upton Avenue and North Chestnut Street. Local boutiques and services sit with restaurants and breweries. Reed City Brewing Company serves craft beer, salads and sandwiches. Pompeii’s Pizza is another local favorite. Ebels General Store is a local market that sells groceries and essentials. VanderGoot says there is more shopping nearby. “Big Rapids has a Meijers and big box stores like Walmart. Cadillac has some shopping, too,” she says. Cornwell Health Reed City Hospital is the city’s medical center and is on the west side.
Public schools rated C or C-plus with School of Choice options
Reed City Area Public Schools serves the community and rates a C on Niche. Kids attend C-plus-rated G.T. Norman Elementary, C-plus-rated Reed City Middle, and C-rated Reed City High. The school district participates in School of Choice, which allows students to attend any school within the larger Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District, which also includes Big Rapids Public Schools, Evart Public Schools, Chippewa Hills School District and Morley Stanwood Community Schools.
Annual festivals and a weekly market bring residents together
The local Chamber of Commerce hosts an annual trick-or-treating event and the new weekly farmers market. The Crossroads Festival is another popular annual event that includes softball tournaments, a car show, vendors and a carnival.
Highway 131 connects residents to nearby communities
The Indian Trails bus line has one stop just outside of the city and travels to nearby cities. However, there isn’t a route that runs through the community, so residents get around by car. State Highway 131 runs on the west side of the city and connects to Big Rapids and Cadillac. Gerald R. Ford is the closest international airport, located in Grand Rapids about 80 miles away.
Environmental and industry considerations
Summer temperatures are usually in the 70s and 80s, and winter temperatures are typically in the 30s. Flooding is possible close to the Hersey River. The greater West Michigan area can experience tornadoes, especially in the spring and summer. Reed City experienced significant damage from a tornado in September 2021.
The Yoplait manufacturing facility recently changed hands from General Mills to Lactalis USA. As of July 2025, sentiment among Lactalis USA’s CEO is that employment numbers at the facility will stay the same or possibly grow.
