Royalton Township is home to vineyards, farms and highly rated schools
Royalton Township has cultivated a reputation as a prime grape-growing region thanks to its favorable location between Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. Vineyards are clustered throughout the Michigan township, which is roughly 100 miles east of Chicago. “Our area is half residential and half agricultural,” says Tony Riegel, zoning administrator for Royalton Township. “A lot of farmland, a lot of grapes, a lot of apples. So it’s pretty laid-back and quiet out here.” Agriculture isn’t the township’s only bumper crop: Residents have access to some of the best school districts in the state.
Many homes in Royalton Township are spread out and separated by farmland.
Royalton Township is minutes from downtown St. Joseph and Lake Michigan.
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Niche grade of A-plus for St. Joseph Public Schools District
Most students attend schools in the St. Joseph Public Schools district, which receives an A-plus from Niche. Science enthusiasts can join the STEM-focused St. Joe Robotics program as early as kindergarten and continue through grade 12. Depending on their address, some students might head to the A-rated Lakeshore School District in nearby Stevensville. The township is also home to Michigan Lutheran High School, a private Christian boarding school that receives a B-plus from Niche.
E. P. Clarke Elementary School has an overall B+ rating on Niche.com.
Upton Middle School has an overall A rating on Niche.com.
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Homes bordered by vineyards, forests and farmland
As Riegel points out, farms and vineyards occupy much of the landscape. Homes are spaced widely apart on generous land parcels and bordered by farmland, fields or forests. Properties in the more densely populated areas near Michigan Highway 139 might measure a third of an acre, while those in remote areas can include several acres. Buyers can expect to spend about $200,000 to $500,000 for a ranch-style or modern traditional home and $500,000 to $750,000 for a custom-built bungalow or renovated farmhouse. Luxury homes with amenities like river frontage or in-ground pools might command prices from $800,000 to over $1 million. Some properties near the river could be prone to flooding during periods of heavy rain or snowmelt.
Royalton Township is a mix of newer subdivisions separated by farmland.
Modern traditional homes are among the most common found in Royalton Township.
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Hiking trails winding along the St. Joseph River
The Royalton Township Nature Trail meanders through woods, wetlands and wildflowers on the bank of the St. Joseph River, known to locals as “the St. Joe.” Parking for the trail is available alongside Bacon School Road, but the lot is only large enough to hold a few cars. Farther north, Riverview Park’s nature trails offer more hiking and picnicking opportunities; visitors are advised to pack bug repellent. Jasper Dairy Road Park features a boat launch, and the playground and multiuse trail at Royalton Township Bicentennial Park are tucked into a centrally located field off Scottdale Road. Sharpshooters can head to the rifle range and pistol bay at the Berrien County Sportsman’s Club, which offers trout and salmon fishing on the St. Joe.
Royalton Township Nature Trail is a short stretch of wooded walking paths in Royalton Township.
The St. Joseph River is enjoyed by all the residents of Royalton Township.
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Michigan Highway 139 connects with Interstate 94
Highway 139 is the township’s main thoroughfare, cutting a path through its center and connecting to Interstate 94 on the northwestern border. The interstate leads 95 miles west to Chicago, where travelers can access major airports like O’Hare and Midway. Corewell Health operates several medical facilities in the township, including centers for rehab and hospice care. St. Joseph’s Hospital, another medical care center in the Corewell network, is about 4 miles away.
Royalton Township restaurants are located off Highway 139
Most of the township’s restaurants are centrally located near Highway 139. Mornings start at Joe’s Cafe Breakfast House, a local favorite known for its biscuits and sausage gravy. Mark III Grille & Bar is right around the corner and has been slinging flatbreads, sandwiches and other pub-grub favorites since 1972. Take-out lunch boxes are available at KT’s Rasoi Indian restaurant, where savory dinner offerings vary based on the day of the week. Next door, Roger’s Foodland gives shoppers a close-to-home alternative to the supermarkets in Stevensville and Benton. “Roger’s is a staple here,” Riegel says. “It’s good for anyone who doesn’t feel like making the trip up to Benton.” The restaurant and retail options in Benton Township are about 5 miles away and include chains like Walmart Supercenter, Lowe’s, Aldi and Applebee’s.
The Mark III Grill is one of the only restaurants in Royalton Township.
Roger's Foodland is the closest grocery store for Royalton Township locals.
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Theatrical productions at Twin City Players
Twin City Players spotlights the township’s performing arts scene with regular performances throughout the year. Productions typically run for two to three weeks, and theater fans can buy annual passes through the venue’s website. The grand renovated barn at Etre Farms is a popular venue that draws celebrants from miles around for destination weddings and other events.
Written By
Adrienne Ryan
Photography Contributed By
Tyler Bolduc
Video By
Timothy Cerva
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GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
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Welcome to the Ridge Estates subdivision located off Bacon School Road in scenic Royalton Township. Enjoy the views of country living while being close to schools, shopping, YMCA and Hollywood medical complex. Fox Ridge features upscale homes starting in the $500's to over a million with all lots over half an acre. This family friendly community offers a playground for the kids to enjoy. (Lot #37)
Don't miss one of the last available lots in Concord Ridge neighborhood offering the relaxed feeling of living in the country but still close to shopping, schools & beaches. Located in desirable St. Joseph Schools and an easy commute to South Bend. This may be the perfect lot for you to build your dream home. Call today for details.
SPECTACULAR 72 ACRE PROPERTY WITH OVER 2,400 FEET OF GORGEOUS ST. JOE RIVER FRONTAGE PLUS ADDITIONAL FRONTAGE ON PIPESTONE CREEK WITH LAKE MICHIGAN ACCESS ONLY A 10 MIN BOAT RIDE AWAY. The property has over 2,800FT of road frontage and is comprised of approximately 30 acres tillable, rented out on a year to year basis. The 42 acres of woods features trails throughout and plenty of wildlife,
Welcome to the Ridge Estates subdivision located off Bacon School Road in scenic Royalton Township. Enjoy the views of country living while being close to schools, shopping, YMCA and Hollywood medical complex. Fox Ridge features upscale homes starting in the $500's to over a million with all lots over half an acre. This family friendly community offers a playground for the kids to enjoy. (Lot #37)
Don't miss one of the last available lots in Concord Ridge neighborhood offering the relaxed feeling of living in the country but still close to shopping, schools & beaches. Located in desirable St. Joseph Schools and an easy commute to South Bend. This may be the perfect lot for you to build your dream home. Call today for details.
SPECTACULAR 72 ACRE PROPERTY WITH OVER 2,400 FEET OF GORGEOUS ST. JOE RIVER FRONTAGE PLUS ADDITIONAL FRONTAGE ON PIPESTONE CREEK WITH LAKE MICHIGAN ACCESS ONLY A 10 MIN BOAT RIDE AWAY. The property has over 2,800FT of road frontage and is comprised of approximately 30 acres tillable, rented out on a year to year basis. The 42 acres of woods features trails throughout and plenty of wildlife,
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