“Middle of the Mitten” history meets Pine River living
The community of Saint Louis sits on the Pine River in a part of Michigan known affectionately as “Middle of the Mitten.” This area was once known for its collection of mineral spring resorts, but that changed after the former Velsicol plant polluted the water; a multimillion-dollar cleanup of the Pine River is still underway. “We’re tiny and quiet – low crime, good schools and U.S. 127 at the edge of town – plus you’re only about 20 minutes from Mount Pleasant and under an hour from Lansing,” says Sue Welling, a local broker with Coldwell Banker.
Historic Victorian homes and midcentury ranch-style homes
Downtown still has 19th-century Victorian houses and other two-story originals. Most listings are 1950s and ’70s ranch-style homes on quiet, tree-shaded lots, and the median sale price is about $305,000. Newer houses near the U.S. 127 interchange list a little above $250,000. Restored Victorians with wraparound porches cost more when they hit the market, and it is not unusual to see deer grazing in backyards.
Future Farmers at St. Louis High
Local kids can start out at Nikkari Elementary, which earns a C-plus, then continue to the C-rated Nurnberger Middle School. The B-minus rated St. Louis High offers the Future Farmers of America programs.
Pine River launches and a 7-mile greenway
Leppien Park has boat ramps, a fishing dock and picnic pavilions. The city’s park system has a nearly 4-mile riverwalk than runs past Clapp Memorial and Lions parks, then links north to Barnum Park’s fishing platform. Residents skate the winter ice at the municipal rink and pedal county snowmobile paths come thaw.
Fresh pasta and blue shamrock burgers
Mill Street’s compact core handles daily errands. Francesco’s Italian American Restaurant draws regional crowds for house-made pasta and wood-fired pizza. The Blue Shamrock Pub flips half-pound burgers alongside Michigan craft taps, while Main Street Pizza & Subs sells quick slices. A Saturday farmers market pops up beside City Hall each summer. For groceries, folks can stock up at Meijer.
Old-27 car cruise and summertime music on mill
Classic cars rumble into town each August for the Old-27 Motor Tour, a multi-city cruise that shuts down Mill Street for live music and food trucks. June brings “Music on Mill,” a Friday-night series that fills the downtown gazebo lawn with lawn chairs and local bands.
US-127 spine, Alma hospital, MBS flights
Business US-127 runs through town, with freeway access leading drivers to Mount Pleasant and Lansing. Indian Trails coaches stop daily on M-46 for trips to Saginaw and Grand Rapids. MyMichigan Medical Center Alma offers full hospital care, while MBS International Airport near Freeland offers commercial flights to Chicago and Detroit.
Pine-river cleanup after Velsicol era
Saint Louis is still cleaning up after the old Velsicol Chemical plant left DDT, PBBs and other toxins in the Pine River’s soil and water. A federal Superfund effort has hauled away roughly 450,000 cubic yards of tainted dirt, added groundwater pumps and sealed the plant site, yet parts of the river remain under advisories, and dredging work can briefly close sections or stir up odors. Tests show steady improvement, and officials aim to wrap up the $200 million project and lift the warnings within the next decade.
