Saint Helen is a popular vacation spot in Michigan
Saint Helen is known for its scenery and recreational lake. The community was home to one of Michigan's largest lumber mills in the 1880s. Today, its woodlands are reserved for recreation and relaxation. Hiking, fishing, boating and off-roading in an ORV are popular outdoor pastimes. In town, ice cream shops and the city park are community anchors. Many people move here after collecting memories vacationing in Saint Helen throughout their childhoods. "A lot of people up there have second homes, a place to get away, and enjoy the wilderness of Michigan," says Dawn Williams, a Realtor with Real Estate One Great Lakes Bay who specializes in waterfront properties. "There are a lot of areas that are wooded, and that's what people like."
Homes in the forest and by the lake
Cottages and ranch-style homes are tucked amid the dense hush of pine and birch in Saint Helen. The smell of smoke drifts from fire pits in the evenings when the sounds of cicadas, crickets and katydids create a chorus. Along the lake's edge, water laps against private docks, and boats bob beside them. Small residences a short walk from the lake or further inland range from $70,000 to $180,000. As homes get bigger and closer to the water, they head into the $200,000 to $375,000 range. The highest range, from $575,000 to over $1.4 million, is reserved for large, lakefront homes. Williams says right now, buyers have the upper hand. "You see a lot of things sitting right now. Not so long if it's priced right. But people are always looking." Saint Helen's seclusion adds to its CAP Index Crime Score of 2 out of 10, lower than the national average of 4.
Comprehensive education through Charlton Heston Academy
Charlton Heston Academy is Saint Helen's primary public school, rated C-plus on Niche. The school serves kindergarten through twelfth grade and is named after the iconic actor, a former resident of Saint Helen. In addition to a comprehensive public education, the academy offers specialized career and technical education in various fields, including computer programming and construction.
Gateways to the lake and forest, from boat ramps to trails
Recreation revolves around woodlands and the lake in Saint Helen, with boat ramps, campgrounds and trails drawing people to the area. "There are many people who live close by, Michiganders who'd just go up there to use the ORV trails. Cause right now it's just a big thing – four wheelers, side by sides," Williams says. The county has over 200 miles of trails traversing state forests, and Saint Helen has a designated motorsport area. Wintertime brings out the snowmobile community. Saint Helen Boat Access Site is on Iroquois Road, offering a ramp for large vessels, a kayak launch and a fishing pier. Saint Helen Cove Township Park, also called Cove Park or Township Park, is next door with a larger beach, a marina and a playground. At the community garden, locals swap tips and shop at the farmers' market on Fridays.
Places to get ice cream, pizza and catch live music in town
Ice cream shops and comfort-food spots welcome locals and summertime visitors. Some start the day at 222 Northern Brew with a donut and specialty latte, or grab brunch at Sam's Diner. The Angry Oven serves brick oven pizza and hosts live music on weekend evenings. Daily shopping needs are met at places like Dollar General, the hardware and powersports store, and Louie's Fresh Market, which sells gas and groceries. People visit West Branch, less than 15 miles away, for stores like Aldi, Meijer and Walmart Supercenter. Houghton Lake and Higgins Lake also bring more options within 25 miles.
The community events and traditions that bring people together
Township Park is a hub for community events. The Summer Kick Off, organized by the chamber of commerce in May, draws local food lovers for a rib cook-off, along with a hot-dog eating contest and games for children. St. Helen Bluegill Festival, a longstanding tradition, kicks off each June with a kids' parade, ushering in a weekend of family fun.
Public transit and a major highway support commuters
Interstate 75 is around 5 miles south. The larger cities of Grayling and Gladwin are within 30 miles. Lansing, Flint, and Detroit are all accessible within a three-hour drive, with Flint being the nearest, less than two hours away. The Roscommon County Transportation Authority provides regional transit from Monday through Saturday, linking the community to destinations throughout the county and neighboring areas. The service also provides connections to Indian Trails, an intercity bus operator. McLaren Primary Care is in Saint Helen; hospitals are located in nearby cities, such as Grayling Hospital, 30 miles away.
Written By
Kathryn Ashworth
