Arenac County is a county located in the U.S. state of Michigan and is part of the Central Michigan region. The county seat is Standish, and the largest city is Au Gres. The county borders Bay, Iosco, Ogemaw, and Oscoda counties in Michigan and Alcona County in Michigan’s Lower Peninsula.

Arenac County covers an area of 572 square miles and has a population of 17,521 people according to the 2010 census. The terrain of Arenac County varies from flat lands to rolling hills with elevations ranging from 602 feet near Au Gres to 1,241 feet at Sugarloaf Mountain in Ogemaw County.

The county has three major rivers: the Rifle River, which flows south from Ogemaw County; the Au Gres River which flows east into Saginaw Bay; and the Maple River which flows north into Lake Huron. There are also several smaller streams including Camp Creek and Catfish Creek that flow through Arenac County as well as numerous inland lakes such as Big Lake, Little Lake, Long Lake, Mud Lake, Round Lake, Whitefish Lake and others that are popular for fishing.

Much of Arenac County is heavily forested with pine trees being the most common type of tree found here followed by maple trees with some areas having stands of oak trees as well. Hunting is popular in Arenac County with deer being one of the most hunted animals here followed by pheasants and small game such as rabbits or squirrels.

The climate in Arenac County is classified as humid continental with cold winters featuring heavy snowfall averaging around 70 inches per year while summers are warm to hot with temperatures averaging around 78 degrees Fahrenheit during July. Average annual precipitation ranges from 33 to 37 inches depending on location within the county while average annual snowfall ranges from 70 to 75 inches depending on location within the county as well.

Country seat and other main cities of Arenac County, Michigan

The county seat of Arenac County is Standish, a small city with a population of 1,822 people according to the 2010 census. The city was founded in 1872 and is located in the central part of the county near the Rifle River. Standish is known for its picturesque downtown area that features many historical buildings and sites as well as being home to many festivals throughout the year.

The largest city in Arenac County is Au Gres which has a population of 1,087 people according to the 2010 census. Located on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay, Au Gres is known for its fishing industry and access to boating activities such as kayaking, canoeing and power boating due to its lakefront location. The city also hosts numerous events throughout the year such as art shows, farmers markets and music festivals that bring visitors from all over Michigan.

According to COUNTRYAAH.COM, other cities in Arenac County include Twining with a population of 467 people; Omer with a population of 198 people; Whittemore with a population of 301 people; Sterling with a population of 431 people; and Turner with a population of 362 people according to the 2010 census.

Arenac County also includes several small unincorporated communities such as Alger, Hale, Long Rapids, National City, Pinconning and Standish Township just to name a few. Each community has something unique to offer visitors from scenic views along Lake Huron’s shoreline or inland lakes and streams perfect for fishing or camping trips as well as numerous historical sites that tell stories about the history of Arenac County.

History of Arenac County, Michigan

Arenac County, Michigan is located in the northeastern part of the Lower Peninsula and was organized in 1883 from a portion of Bay County. The county was named after the Arenac River which flows through it. Prior to becoming Arenac County, the area was inhabited by several Native American tribes including the Ojibwa and Potawatomi.

During the 19th century, Arenac County saw an influx of settlers who were drawn to the area for its abundant natural resources such as timber and fur. The lumber industry was especially important to the growth of Arenac County as many sawmills were established along rivers throughout the county.

In 1883, Arenac County officially became a county when it separated from Bay County. At this time, Standish became the county seat while Au Gres and Omer were also established during this period. The lumber industry continued to be important to Arenac County’s economy through much of the 20th century until it began to decline in importance due to environmental regulations and foreign competition.

The Great Depression also had a major impact on Arenac County as many businesses closed down due to lack of demand. Despite this setback, many residents continued farming and fishing in order to make ends meet during these difficult times. After World War II ended, there was an increase in tourism throughout Michigan which brought more visitors to Arenac County for its beauty and recreational opportunities such as hunting, fishing and boating on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay.

Today, Arenac County remains an important agricultural producer with numerous dairy farms located throughout its rural areas while also being home to several small towns such as Standish, Au Gres and Omer that offer visitors unique experiences such as historical sites or festivals throughout the year.

Economy of Arenac County, Michigan

The economy of Arenac County, Michigan is primarily based on agriculture and tourism. Agriculture has been a major part of the county’s economy since its founding in 1883 and continues to be an important source of income for many residents today. Dairy farming is the most common type of agricultural activity in Arenac County with numerous farms located throughout its rural areas. In addition to dairy farming, other agricultural activities such as corn, soybeans and wheat production are also found throughout the county.

Tourism is another key component to Arenac County’s economy as visitors come from all over to enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities. Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay is a popular destination for fishing, boating and other water activities while hunting, camping and hiking are also popular activities throughout the county’s rural areas.

In addition to these outdoor activities, Arenac County also offers visitors unique experiences such as historical sites or festivals throughout the year. Several small towns such as Standish, Au Gres and Omer have become popular tourist destinations due to their quaint charm and unique restaurants, shops and galleries.

The service industry has also become increasingly important to Arenac County’s economy in recent years with several businesses providing services such as healthcare, education and retail sales. Manufacturing also plays a role in the county’s economy with companies producing products ranging from furniture to automotive parts located here.

Overall, Arenac County has a diverse but stable economy that provides opportunities for both businesses and individuals alike while continuing to provide visitors with unique experiences that make it a great place to visit or live in Michigan.