Welcome back to our Hometown Hotspots series! If you’re not familiar with these posts, our team has taken their town or city, and showcased it to our readers! It’s a great way to learn about all of the wonderful areas in + around Mid-Michigan! Today, we feature Chesaning, Michigan.
Chesaning is a wonderful gem of a town nestled in the very heart of Michigan along the Shiawassee river. It was named after a Chippewa word meaning, “big rock place” and is often called “Showboat city” because of the large music festival that used to be held here. I have lived in Chesaning for five years. Even though I grew up a city girl, I quickly fell in love with this small town. It is a great place to raise kids, and I adore that the librarians and grocery clerks know me by name!
Parks and Outdoor Activities
Showboat Park, Mason Street
Showboat is HUGE – nearly 70 acres of fun! There is a 6,360 seat outdoor ampitheater, home of the late Chesaning Showboat music festival. Back in the day, big names like Willie Nelson would perform here! Now, the park is home to various festivals throughout the year, and also houses a 70-lot campground, 18-hole disc golf course, 5 ball diamonds, a boat launch, fishing dock, and sled hill.
Cole Park , N Canal Street
Located right behind River Rapids District Library, Cole Park is a visual stunner. It was built in 2000 and the large wooden structure resembles a Showboat, a nod to Chesaning’s infamous river boat and Showboat festival. Though the spring flooding of 2018 took a toll on some of the landscaping, repairs were made over the summer and the park is better than ever! Swings, slides, two playscapes, big sandbox, a pavilion and a pedestrian bridge make this our favorite park in town.
River Rapids District Library, 227 East Broad Street
This library is awesome, mostly because the librarians are the nicest! We enjoy their story time, held every Tuesday from 10:30-11:30am. They have a beautiful children’s section with a play loft, many events open to the community, and is so well decorated and cozy throughout that it just begs you to cuddle up with a good book.
Chesaning Book Bus
In the summer, a revamped school bus stops at several locations throughout Chesaning and hands out free books and lunch to anyone under 18.
Shopping
Ed Rehmann & Sons, 151 West Broad Street
Rehmann’s has the distinct honor of being in business in Chesaning since 1919 – 99 years! People are very loyal to this clothing store, that also provides services such as dry cleaning and tux rentals.
Chesaning Farmer’s Market, South Chapman street and Broad street
Quaint farmer’s market with vegetables and local treats. Runs every Saturday, from 9am-1pm, July-October!
Restaurants and Ice Cream
Showboat Restaurant, 242 West Broad Street
Family dining in the heart of Chesaning! We love occasionally getting brunch there after church on Sunday mornings.
Malt Shoppe, 228 West Broad Street
Traditional American burgers and fried chicken in the cutest diner. We frequent their walk-up ice cream counter in the summer!
Indian’s Cafe, 120 West Broad Street
This diner, which opened in 2016, is wonderful! Very kid-friendly, fast service, and great food – try the french toast!
Frosty’s, 1190 West Broad Street
Great ice cream stand that gives generous helpings!
Riverfront Grille, 128 North Front Street
Located right along the Shiawassee river, it’s pub fare with a twist! Riverfront recently expanded their patio seating overlooking the river rapids and it looks beautiful.
Pintown Pizza & Lanes, 142 North Saginaw Street
Just off of the main drag, Pintown is the best pizza in town! It is a brand-new facility and their bowling alley is great.
Education in Chesaning
Zion Lutheran School, 796 Hampton Street
Zion Lutheran School offers Bible-based, Christian education for students in preschool-8th grade. The multi-age classrooms and small class sizes allow your child to get an education completely tailored to their individual needs. They also offer a Mornings with Mommy group twice a month for children 0-4 to attend with their caregivers (which I have the pleasure of running!). This educational play date includes books, songs, activities, and a snack all centered around a theme. Mornings with Mommy is free and open to the public, but you must register in advance. Come play and learn and have a cup of coffee at the next session!
Chesaning Union Schools
Three schools make up the Chesaning Union School district – Big Rock Elementary, Chesaning Middle School, and Chesaning High School. There is a pool at the Middle School that offers swim lessons to the community. More information can be found here.
Seasonal Events
Check out all of the events in Chesaning here!
Movies on Broad, 201 West Broad Street
Free family movie nights in summer, held in the parking lot of Ace Hardware.
Saginaw County Fair, 11350 Peet Road
Chesaning hosts the Saginaw County Fair the first week of August. They have rides for all ages, animals, exhibition halls, and plenty of food!
Christmas Candlewalk
Last, but certainly not least is Chesaning’s Christmas Candlewalk, which will be held on November 23 & 24 this year. They are celebrating their 35th anniversary of hosting this festival! Chesaning shuts down its main street and the downtown becomes a Christmas wonderland, complete with horse-drawn carriages, tree lighting and village-wide sing-along, visits with Santa, bell-ringers, a craft show, and real reindeer. All of downtown is lit up with Christmas lights and the street is lined with candles. It is definitely gets you in the Christmas mood! (They are always looking for volunteers, if you are interested in getting involved!)
Next time you are driving along M-57, stop in and visit Chesaning – you’ll be glad you did!
