Oscoda, Michigan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Oscoda, Michigan
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Looking north along U.S. Highway 23
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Location within Iosco County
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 Oscoda, Michigan
Location in Michigan
Oscoda, Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Michigan |
| County | Iosco |
| Townships | Au Sable and Oscoda |
| Settled | 1867 |
| Incorporated | 1885 |
| Disincorporated | 1919 |
| Area | |
| • Total | 0.95 sq mi (2.46 km2) |
| • Land | 0.87 sq mi (2.25 km2) |
| • Water | 0.08 sq mi (0.21 km2) |
| Elevation | 590 ft (180 m) |
| Population
(2020)
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| • Total | 916 |
| • Density | 1,052.87/sq mi (406.30/km2) |
| Time zone | UTC-5 (Eastern (EST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-4 (EDT) |
| ZIP code(s) |
48750
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| Area code(s) | 989 |
| FIPS code | 26-61320 |
| GNIS feature ID | 634132 |
Oscoda (/ɒˈskoʊdə/ ah-SKOH-də) is a small community in Iosco County, in the state of Michigan, USA. It is known as an unincorporated community and a census-designated place (CDP). In 2020, about 916 people lived there. Oscoda is located where the Au Sable River meets Lake Huron. It is part of both Au Sable Township and Oscoda Township.
Contents
History of Oscoda
People first settled in the Oscoda area around 1867. A company called Smith, Kelley, & Dwight bought land and planned the community. At first, the local post office was named Au Sable. But on July 1, 1875, the Oscoda post office was opened. The name Oscoda likely came from Henry Schoolcraft. He used a shorter version of words that mean "pebbly prairie."
Near Oscoda, you can find the Lumberman's Monument. This monument was built in 1932 to honor the early lumberjacks who worked in the area. Michigan has also named Oscoda the official home of the legendary giant, Paul Bunyan. This is because stories about him were first published in the Oscoda Press newspaper in 1906.
A place called Wurtsmith Air Force Base was started in Oscoda in 1923. During the Cold War, it was one of three important bases in Michigan. It housed large Boeing B-52 Stratofortress jets. The air base was closed in 1993. Today, parts of the old air base are used as the Oscoda–Wurtsmith Airport.
Geography and Nature
Oscoda is located on the north side of the Au Sable River. This river flows into Lake Huron. The community of Au Sable is on the south side of the river. The areas around Oscoda are part of the beautiful Huron National Forest. Students in Oscoda attend Oscoda Area Schools.
The Shore to Shore Riding & Hiking Trail starts in Oscoda. This trail is about 220 miles (354 km) long and is a network of paths for riding and hiking.
Climate in Oscoda
Oscoda has a climate with big changes in temperature throughout the year. Summers are warm to hot and can be humid. Winters are cold, and sometimes very cold. This type of weather is called a humid continental climate.
Getting Around Oscoda
Airport
- The Oscoda–Wurtsmith Airport is a public airport. It was created in 1993 from parts of the old Wurtsmith Air Force Base.
Bus Services
- Indian Trails has a bus stop in Oscoda. This bus route connects places like Owosso and St. Ignace. It follows U.S. Highway 23 through Oscoda.
Main Roads
US 23 runs north and south along the eastern edge of Oscoda, close to Lake Huron.
F-41 starts in Oscoda at US 23.
Population Changes
| Historical population | |||
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| Census | Pop. | %± | |
| 1890 | 3,593 | — | |
| 1900 | 1,109 | −69.1% | |
| 1910 | 864 | −22.1% | |
| 1990 | 1,061 | — | |
| 2000 | 992 | −6.5% | |
| 2010 | 903 | −9.0% | |
| 2020 | 916 | 1.4% | |
| U.S. Decennial Census | |||
In 2000, there were 992 people living in Oscoda. By 2020, the population was 916. The average age of people living in Oscoda in 2000 was 44 years old.
Local Media
Newspapers
- The Iosco County News-Herald is a newspaper for Iosco County. It has an office in Oscoda.
- The Oscoda Press is a weekly newspaper that covers news in the Oscoda area.
Radio Stations
- WCMB-FM 95.7 FM is a public radio station. It broadcasts programs from Central Michigan University's WCMU-FM in Oscoda.
- WWTH 100.7 FM plays classic rock music. It is also part of the Detroit Tigers Radio Network.
Famous People from Oscoda
- Charles Pierce Davey, a boxer and boxing commissioner
- Wally Gilbert, a professional athlete who played many sports
- Darryl Hall, a professional football player
- Charles McRae, a professional football player and businessman
- Travis Van Winkle, an actor
See also
In Spanish: Oscoda para niños
