Population41,761 (2020 Census)
River Paths, Local Stories and Small Town Finds
Gratiot County, MichiganGratiot County offers approachable ways to explore central Michigan, from a museum visit in Ithaca to a walk beside the Pine River in Alma. The Fred Meijer Heartland Trail connects local outings with a longer regional route, while town shops and restaurants give you reasons to pause along the way. This guide brings those ideas together with schools, libraries, county services and transportation contacts, helping residents and visitors plan both enjoyable days and practical errands.
Gratiot County at a Glance
Population41,761 (2020 Census)
County SeatIthaca
Largest MunicipalityAlma (9,488; 2020 population within county)
Established1831; organized in 1855
ZIP Codes22 ZIP codes wholly or partly within the county
Total Area571.6 square miles, including water (2020 Census geography)
Major RoutesUS-127, M-46 and M-57
Area Codes989
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
Discover Gratiot County
Gratiot County
Gratiot County was created in 1831 and organized in 1855. Its local stories are preserved at the county historical museum in Ithaca, where a historic house, barn and restored log cabin introduce visitors to everyday objects and earlier ways of life. Alma’s parks and the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail offer another perspective on the area, connecting towns and open landscapes. Today, civic institutions, schools, local businesses and community gathering places continue to give the county’s individual towns their own character.
Alma, Ithaca, St. Louis, Breckenridge, Ashley and surrounding townships have distinct schools, libraries and public services. Confirm enrollment, borrowing eligibility and utility responsibility using your street address. Alma Transit connects several participating communities, with coverage and booking arrangements to check before a trip. Local parks and trails make shorter outdoor breaks possible, while museum visits and small shops may require attention to seasonal hours or individual appointments. This guide provides direct contacts for those plans.
What Shapes Us
Local History
The county historical museum in Ithaca preserves domestic objects and buildings that tell everyday stories, with seasonal visiting hours and opportunities to arrange group visits.
Trails and Parks
The Fred Meijer Heartland Trail connects Alma with a longer regional route, while city and county parks offer shorter walks, play spaces and outdoor gathering places.
Town Shopping
Alma and Ithaca offer clothing, gifts and custom apparel, with local markets and restaurants providing useful stops between a museum visit, trail outing or everyday errand.
Take the trail and make time for a town.
Around Gratiot County
Around Gratiot County
Places, landscapes and community stories
St Louis MI
Remove Cemetery Decorations by October 14
Summer decorations and flowers must be removed from gravesites in Oak Grove Cemetery by October 14th, 2026. Cleanup…
Read the Story Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
Around Gratiot County
Stories from every corner of Gratiot County.
Remove Cemetery Decorations by October 14
Summer decorations and flowers must be removed from gravesites in Oak Grove Cemetery by October 14th, 2026. Cleanup…
Oct 7, 2026 • 2 min read
2026 St. Louis Zoning Possibilities Survey
If you are a resident of St. Louis, please take a few moments to take the 2026 St.…
Oct 2, 2026 • 2 min read
Crack Sealing on Michigan Avenue 9/29
DPW crews will be crack sealing today (Tuesday, September 29, 2026) on Michigan Avenue. Please use an alternate…
Sep 29, 2026 • 2 min read
Local Business & Organization Information
Calling all area businesses and organizations! We are seeking updated contact information from area businesses and organizations that…
Sep 28, 2026 • 2 min read
Pumpkin Painting Contest
We are hosting a Painted Pumpkin Contest for local children ages 12 and under. CONTEST DETAILS Have a…
Sep 22, 2026 • 2 min read
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
County Resources
Find the right local resource
Use these resources to connect with public offices, essential services and community organizations in Gratiot County. Visit the linked provider for current details before making a trip.
County Government
Board of Commissioners — Official county office information, contacts and services.
County Clerk — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Treasurer’s Office — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Register of Deeds — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Equalization — Official county office information, contacts and services.
Schools and Education
Confirm school assignment with the district serving your street address.
Gratiot-Isabella RESD — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Alma Public Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Ithaca Public Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
St. Louis Public Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Breckenridge Community Schools — District information, enrollment and family resources.
Hospitals and Regional Care
Call 911 for an emergency. Regional facilities are labeled separately.
MyMichigan Medical Center Alma — Local hospital on East Warwick Drive in Alma.
Public Safety
Gratiot County Sheriff — County law enforcement and public safety contacts.
Gratiot County Emergency Management — County emergency coordination and preparedness.
Michigan State Police — State law enforcement contacts and resources.
DNR Law Enforcement — Conservation enforcement and outdoor regulations.
Michigan local emergency management directory — Official county emergency management contacts.
Emergency Services
Call 911 for immediate police, fire or ambulance response.
Gratiot County Emergency Management — County emergency coordination and preparedness.
Mid-Michigan District Health Department — Local public health and environmental health resources.
Gratiot Integrated Health Network — Local behavioral health and crisis-service information.
National Weather Service Grand Rapids — Official forecasts, watches and warnings.
Michigan energy emergency preparedness — Official utility outage preparation and energy emergency resources.
State Parks and Recreation Areas
Sleepy Hollow State Park — Regional option in Clinton County, outside Gratiot County; check entry requirements and current notices.
Trails and Outdoor Recreation
Alma City Parks — Pine River Park and other city recreation spaces; consult the city map and facility rules.
Ithaca City Parks — Community parks and outdoor spaces in Ithaca; check individual facilities and reservation rules.
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail — Nonmotorized trail connecting Alma and Greenville; choose a local Gratiot County segment from the map.
Reed County Park — County recreation near North Star; check current entry and facility fees.
Paul Hubscher County Park — County park in Sumner Township; check current fees and access details.
Utilities
Providers and public water or sewer service vary by address; confirm your service territory.
Consumers Energy — Utility accounts and service information within its territory.
Ithaca Water Quality Information — Municipal drinking-water report and city contacts.
Mid-Michigan District Health Department — Local public health and environmental health resources.
MPSC electric service area map — Identify the electric utility serving an address.
Michigan energy emergency preparedness — Official utility outage preparation and energy emergency resources.
Libraries
Alma Public Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Thompson Home Public Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
T.A. Cutler Memorial Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Seville Township Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Howe Memorial Library — Collections, programs and borrowing information; confirm current hours and card eligibility.
Courts
29th Circuit Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
65th District Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Probate Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Juvenile Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Friend of the Court — Court information, procedures and office contacts.
Driver and Vehicle Services
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Secretary of State — license and ID renewal — Review renewal options and documents.
Michigan Secretary of State — vehicle tabs — Renew vehicle registration.
Michigan Secretary of State — titles and registration — Prepare for a vehicle transfer.
Michigan Secretary of State — address changes — Update your address with the department.
Michigan Secretary of State — disability parking — Find placard application and renewal information.
Michigan self-service stations — Find a nearby kiosk and check supported transactions.
Transportation
Alma Transit Center — Public transportation serving Alma and participating communities; confirm coverage and booking requirements.
Gratiot Community Airport — Local general aviation airport information; not a promise of scheduled airline service.
MDOT Mi Drive — Road conditions and construction information.
Michigan public transit providers — Official transit agency contacts across Michigan.
Michigan transportation guide — Airports, bus connections and other travel resources.
Postal Services
Official USPS tools for local mailing and delivery needs.
USPS Post Office locator — Search your town or ZIP for nearby offices and services.
USPS ZIP Code lookup — Confirm the mailing ZIP for a specific street address.
USPS Hold Mail — Arrange a temporary mail hold.
USPS Change of Address — Use the official postal address-change service.
USPS PO Boxes — Find and manage a post office box.
USPS package pickup — Check and schedule an eligible pickup.
Veterans Resources
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency — Connect with state benefits assistance and local support.
Michigan Veterans Trust Fund — Review emergency-assistance options and eligibility.
VA health care enrollment — Find enrollment guidance.
Veterans education benefits — Explore federal and state education programs.
Veteran Readiness and Employment — Learn about employment and rehabilitation support.
Veterans burial benefits — Find benefit and memorial planning resources.
Employment and Training
Official statewide services available to county residents.
Michigan Works! — Find the workforce agency serving your area.
Michigan Rehabilitation Services — Employment support for eligible people with disabilities.
Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency — Claims, account help and program information.
Michigan Reconnect — Check eligibility for community college tuition support.
Veterans Employment Services — Career assistance for eligible veterans.
Workforce education and training — Explore state training programs and pathways.
Make yourself at home
Practical answers for residents and visitors
County Questions
Know Before You Go
Find answers to common questions about exploring and living in Gratiot County.
Gratiot County Area Historical Museum has no admission fee and welcomes donations. Its opening schedule is seasonal, and group arrangements should be made directly.
Fred Meijer Heartland Trail connects Alma and Greenville across county boundaries. Use the trail map to choose a local section and review current conditions.
Alma City Parks lists Pine River Park and other city recreation spaces. Choose a park by its facilities and follow the posted rules.
Gratiot County Parks publishes current fees. Check those charges and reservation requirements before visiting Reed County Park or Paul Hubscher County Park.
AlleyT handles custom apparel and sells spirit wear and gifts in Ithaca. Contact the shop about design options, quantities and timing.
The Pink Pineapple Boutique offers downtown Alma shopping, while Lace and Grace Clothing Company is an Ithaca studio boutique. Confirm current hours and in-person arrangements.
Alma College Bookstore carries college apparel and gifts on West Superior Street. Store hours can change around holidays and campus events.
T.A. Cutler Memorial Library is on Michigan Avenue in St. Louis, Michigan. Check its current hours and borrowing eligibility.
Alma Transit Center explains services for Alma and participating communities. Confirm your origin, destination, booking notice and fare directly with the operator.
MyMichigan Medical Center Alma is on East Warwick Drive in Alma. Use the hospital’s current service contacts for routine inquiries; call 911 for an emergency.
Francesco’s Bistro is on West Monroe Road between the two communities. Check the restaurant’s current menu and opening schedule before visiting.
Shop - Dine - Discover
Meet Local Businesses
Support the businesses that help make our communities thrive. From family-owned shops and restaurants to trusted local services, discover businesses worth visiting throughout the county.
My Local Guide
Find Something Fun
Make a day of itExplore places to eat, shop and spend time together.
Kids’ Fun
- Gratiot County Area Historical Museum — Ithaca local history museum with seasonal visiting hours; admission is free and donations are welcome.
- Alma City Parks — Pine River Park and other city recreation spaces; consult the city map and facility rules.
- Ithaca City Parks — Community parks and outdoor spaces in Ithaca; check individual facilities and reservation rules.
Restaurants
- Alma Brewing Company — Food and beverages on East Superior Street in Alma; check current menus.
- Francesco’s Bistro — Italian-American dining on West Monroe Road between Alma and St. Louis.
- Helman’s Market — Alma market with prepared food and takeout choices; check the daily menu.
Shopping & Retail
- Helman’s Market — Alma market with prepared food and takeout choices; check the daily menu.
- AlleyT — Ithaca custom apparel, spirit wear and Michigan-themed gifts.
- Alma College Bookstore — College apparel, gifts and accessories on West Superior Street in Alma.
Clothing & Boutiques
- The Pink Pineapple Boutique — Clothing and accessories in downtown Alma.
- Lace and Grace Clothing Company — Ithaca studio boutique; contact the business to confirm in-person shopping arrangements.
- AlleyT — Ithaca custom apparel, spirit wear and Michigan-themed gifts.
Outdoor Fun
- Fred Meijer Heartland Trail — Nonmotorized trail connecting Alma and Greenville; choose a local Gratiot County segment from the map.
- Reed County Park — County recreation near North Star; check current entry and facility fees.
- Paul Hubscher County Park — County park in Sumner Township; check current fees and access details.
Free Things To Do
- Gratiot County Area Historical Museum — Free admission during seasonal opening hours; donations welcome.
- Alma City Parks — Take an ordinary public park walk; shelter rentals and special activities are separate.
- Alma Public Library — Browse the public library or check its calendar for free programs; borrowing and special events have separate rules.
Your next local discovery starts here.Explore the listings