Arenac County, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Arenac County
|
|
|---|---|
Michigan Central Railroad Standish Depot
|
|
Location within the U.S. state of Michigan
|
|
 Michigan's location within the U.S. |
|
| Country |  United States |
| State |  Michigan |
| Founded | April 21, 1883 |
| Seat | Standish |
| Largest city | Standish |
| Area | |
| • Total | 681 sq mi (1,760 km2) |
| • Land | 363 sq mi (940 km2) |
| • Water | 317 sq mi (820 km2) 47%% |
| Population
(2020)
|
|
| • Total | 15,002 |
| • Density | 44/sq mi (17/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC−5 (Eastern) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC−4 (EDT) |
| Congressional district | 1st |
| Website | https://www.arenaccountymi.gov/ |
Arenac County is a county located in the state of Michigan. As of the 2020 Census, about 15,002 people live there. The main town, or county seat, is Standish.
Contents
History of Arenac County
Arenac County was first created by the Michigan Territory on March 2, 1831. Later, it was joined with Saginaw County for its management.
How Arenac County Got Its Name
The county was re-created on April 21, 1883. Its name, Arenac, was made up by Henry Rowe Schoolcraft. He was an expert on Native American cultures. The name combines a Latin word, arena, and a Native American word, ac. Together, they mean "A sandy place for a good footing."
Native American Lands and a Casino
Arenac County includes special lands held by the government for the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Nation. This tribe is based in Isabella County. In 2007, plans were made to build a casino near Standish. The Saganing Eagles Landing Casino opened on January 24, 2008. It is owned and run by the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe.
Geography of Arenac County
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Arenac County covers a total area of 681 square miles. About 363 square miles of this is land. The other 317 square miles (47%) is water. It is the third-smallest county in Michigan by land area. Arenac County is often seen as part of either Northern Michigan or Central Michigan.
Important Water Features
- Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron
- Au Gres River
- Rifle River
- Pine River (Arenac County)
Main Roads in Arenac County
I-75
US 23
M-13
M-33
M-61
M-65
Neighboring Counties
These counties share a border with Arenac County by land:
- Iosco County (to the northeast)
- Bay County (to the south)
- Gladwin County (to the west)
- Ogemaw County (to the northwest)
These counties are close to Arenac County by water:
- Tuscola County (to the south)
- Huron County (to the southeast)
Protected Natural Areas
- Michigan Islands National Wildlife Refuge (part of it is in Arenac County)
People of Arenac County
In 2020, the population of Arenac County was 15,002 people. The county is home to a mix of different backgrounds. Most people living here are White. There are also people who identify as Black or African American, Native American, and Asian. Some people are of Hispanic or Latino background. Many residents have German, Polish, French, or Irish family roots. Most people in Arenac County speak English.
Communities in Arenac County
Cities in Arenac County
Villages in Arenac County
Townships in Arenac County
- Adams Township
- Arenac Township
- Au Gres Township
- Clayton Township
- Deep River Township
- Lincoln Township
- Mason Township
- Moffatt Township
- Sims Township
- Standish Township
- Turner Township
- Whitney Township
Other Small Communities
- Alger
- Delano
- Maple Ridge
- Melita
- Pine River
Native American Trust Land
Arenac County has small areas of trust land that belong to the Isabella Indian Reservation. These lands are located within Standish Township.
Fun Events in Arenac County
- Sunrise Side Heritage Bike Ride: This bike ride happens on the first weekend in September. Riders follow the Lake Huron shoreline along US 23. It's a long, organized ride that covers about 400 miles.
See also
In Spanish: Condado de Arenac para niños
