Things to Do
It doesn't get any better in the "middle of the mitten" than this. Mt. Pleasant/Isabella County offers an abundance of recreational and cultural opportunities.
Michigan's great outdoors
The beautiful four season climate of Michigan combined with the abundance of lakes, the Chippewa River, and many streams makes Mt. Pleasant a perfect destination for many outdoor activities. Beyond our "wilds," the Mt. Pleasant area also has 13 golf courses within 30 minutes from town. Ample farmlands and state lands support an abundance of wildlife including whitetail deer, wild turkey and any number of bird species. Visit the Mount Pleasant Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for exciting events and activities in and around Mt. Pleasant.
What family recreation is available?
With a robust Parks and Recreation department, the City focuses on providing safe outdoor spaces and well-organized activities for all residents of every age and ability.
The City provides a wide range of recreational programs, including youth (soccer, golf, tee-ball, tennis, and more) and adult (basketball, volleyball, softball, tennis) programming and many special events. Community organizations also sponsor hockey, baseball, youth softball, football and skating programs. In addition, the Parks Department operates and maintains over 300 acres at 11 parks highlighting the Chippewa River. Our parks allow residents and visitors ample amenities to picnic, swim, fish, canoe, hike, or bird watch. The Isabella County Parks system adds another 900 beautiful acres, with opportunities for similar outdoor activity, as well as camping and cross-country skiing.
Central Michigan University brings NCAA Division 1A men's and women's athletics home to Mt. Pleasant's residents and visitors. The University also hosts several arts, music, and cultural events each year.
Integral to the community's history is the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. The Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture and Lifeways is a distinctive treasure created to provide visitors with an enriching educational experience. The Tribe also offers cultural programs throughout the year allowing participants to learn more about the rich Native American heritage. The Soaring Eagle Hotel and Casino complex has gained national recognition and brings top-notch comedians, musicians, and artists to its stage.
The Isabella County Events Arena (ICE) on the City’s eastern edge provides a safe and pleasant facility for ice activities built and managed by a non-profit corporation. Right next door, Morey Courts Recreation Center aims to "create enjoyment through recreation" through another community-based partnership. With eight indoor basketball courts, three racquetball courts, two tennis courts and state of the art fitness center, the Courts play host to teams and individuals alike in Michigan’s newest and premier recreation facility.
Great schools build a strong community
Mt. Pleasant is a community of learners.
In 1892, a group of determined citizens, who were not satisfied with the caliber of teachers available for their children, financed and established Central Michigan Business School. Since that day Mt. Pleasant has been the home of Central Michigan University. Now a doctoral-intensive university CMU serves more than 22,000 students on its home campus. The presence of a major public university brings Mt. Pleasant a multitude of opportunities for residents and creates thousands of jobs in the area. CMU and the City develop innovative partnerships in education, public safety, and entrepreneurial resources. These assets are invaluable to us. While school is in session, the City's population increases two-fold
Mid-Michigan Community College, whose main campus is in Harrison, has found a home here as well. MMCC, with one of the most respected nursing schools in the state, offers programs for those who wish to transfer to a university later or prepare today for a career in health, business, or industrial technologies. Five other private and public colleges and/or universities are within 45 miles of Mt. Pleasant.
Beyond a strong university presence, Mt. Pleasant's public and private schools offer families great Kindergarten through grade 12 educational opportunities.Beyond a strong university presence, Mt. Pleasant's public and private schools offer families great Kindergarten through grade 12 educational opportunities.
Local schools include: