Cities and Towns in Chippewa County, Michigan

Founded in 1827, Chippewa County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Chippewa County was formed from part of Mackinac County. The city of Sault Ste. Marie is the county seat. With FIPS code of 33, Chippewa County has a population of 36,816 and area of 2,698 square miles (6,988 km²).

List of all cities in Chippewa County, MI alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Barbeau, MI	49710	906
Brimley, MI	49715	906
Chippewa Reg Correction Fac, MI	49784	906
Chippewa Temp Correction Fac, MI	49785	906
Dafter, MI	49724	906
De Tour Village, MI	49725	906
Drummond Island, MI	49726	906
Eckerman, MI	49728	906
	49790	906
Fibre, MI	49780	906
Goetzville, MI	49736	906
Hiawatha Temp Correction Fac, MI	49786	906
Hulbert, MI	49748	906
Kincheloe, MI	49784	906
	49785	906
	49786	906
	49788	906
Kinross, MI	49752	906
Paradise, MI	49768	906
Pickford, MI	49774	906
Raco, MI	49715	906
Rudyard, MI	49780	906
Sault Sainte Marie, MI	49783	906
	49784	906
	49785	906
	49786	906
	49788	906
Stalwart, MI	49736	906
Strongs, MI	49790	906
Trout Lake, MI	49793	906

Major Cities and Towns in Chippewa County, Michigan

1. Sault Ste. Marie

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 20.16 square miles
• Population: Approximately 13,337 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 49783
• Latitude: 46.4953° N
• Longitude: 84.3453° W

Location and History

Sault Ste. Marie, the county seat of Chippewa County, is the oldest city in Michigan, founded in 1668 by French missionaries. Located on the St. Marys River, which connects Lake Superior and Lake Huron, the city has a rich history in fur trading, shipping, and as a critical military outpost. The construction of the Soo Locks in the mid-19th century transformed the city into a major transportation hub, allowing ships to bypass the rapids between Lake Superior and the lower Great Lakes. The Soo Locks remain vital to the shipping industry and are a key feature of the city’s identity today. Sault Ste. Marie’s proximity to the Canadian border also adds to its strategic importance.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Sault Ste. Marie is served by Sault Ste. Marie Area Public Schools, with Sault Area High School being the main high school. Major landmarks include the Soo Locks, a significant engineering marvel where visitors can watch massive freighters traverse the waterway. Lake Superior State University is a key educational institution and cultural center in the city. Rotary Island Park and Aune Osborn Park provide outdoor recreation opportunities along the river. The Tower of History offers panoramic views of the city and St. Marys River, while The Museum Ship Valley Camp gives visitors a glimpse into the maritime history of the Great Lakes.

2. Kinross

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 120.61 square miles
• Population: Approximately 7,563 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 49752
• Latitude: 46.2690° N
• Longitude: 84.4725° W

Location and History

Kinross, located southwest of Sault Ste. Marie, began as a small rural community in the early 20th century. The village was heavily influenced by the establishment of the Kincheloe Air Force Base in the 1940s, which led to significant population growth and economic development. After the base’s closure in 1977, the area transitioned into a residential and industrial hub, with a focus on corrections facilities, business parks, and recreational tourism. Today, Kinross is known for its quiet, rural charm while also being home to the Chippewa County International Airport, which serves the Upper Peninsula.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Kinross is part of the Rudyard Area Schools district, with students attending Rudyard High School. Key landmarks include The Kinross Recreation Area, which offers a golf course, swimming, and camping. Chippewa County International Airport, located nearby, provides commercial flights and is a vital transportation link for the region. The Kincheloe Memorial Golf Course offers scenic views and a challenging course. The Kinross Speedpark is a local favorite for stock car racing, and the nearby Rudyard Depot and Historical Museum preserves the history of the region’s railroad and military heritage.

3. De Tour Village

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.36 square miles
• Population: Approximately 325 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 49725
• Latitude: 45.9944° N
• Longitude: 83.8975° W

Location and History

De Tour Village is located at the eastern tip of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where the St. Marys River meets Lake Huron. The village was founded in the mid-19th century as a stopover for fur traders, and it later developed as a fishing and lumbering community. Its strategic location made it an important point for shipping traffic navigating the Straits of Mackinac. The town’s name comes from the French word “détour,” meaning “turn,” referring to the sharp turn vessels must take to navigate from Lake Huron to the St. Marys River. Today, De Tour Village is a quiet, scenic town known for its proximity to Drummond Island and its strong maritime connections.

Major Schools and Landmarks

De Tour Village is served by the De Tour Area Schools, with De Tour High School as the main school. Major landmarks include the De Tour Passage, which is a busy shipping lane for freighters traveling between Lake Huron and Lake Superior. The De Tour Reef Light, a lighthouse located off the coast, is a significant maritime landmark. The De Tour Village Marina is a popular spot for boating and fishing. The Drummond Island Ferry operates nearby, offering access to one of Michigan’s largest islands. The De Tour Village Historical Museum offers insights into the town’s rich nautical history and early settlement days.

4. Rudyard

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 95.3 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,370 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 49780
• Latitude: 46.2369° N
• Longitude: 84.5914° W

Location and History

Rudyard is a small, unincorporated community located along I-75, halfway between Sault Ste. Marie and St. Ignace. It was founded in the late 1800s by European settlers, many of whom were farmers drawn to the fertile land of the Upper Peninsula. Named after British author Rudyard Kipling, the village originally developed as an agricultural and lumbering community. The arrival of the railroad further boosted its growth, making Rudyard a key point for transportation of goods. Today, Rudyard remains a rural community known for its agricultural traditions, with a focus on dairy farming and forestry.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rudyard is part of the Rudyard Area Schools, with Rudyard High School being the main educational institution. Landmarks in the area include Rudyard Depot, which serves as a reminder of the village’s railroad history, and Rudyard Historical Society, which preserves local artifacts and history. The Hiawatha National Forest, located nearby, offers opportunities for hiking, hunting, and outdoor recreation. Kinross Recreation Area, just a short drive away, provides camping, swimming, and fishing. The Rudyard Annual Labor Day Parade and Fair celebrates the community’s agricultural roots with a parade, fair, and other festivities.

5. Pickford

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 3.14 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,595 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 49774
• Latitude: 46.1617° N
• Longitude: 84.3594° W

Location and History

Pickford is located in the southeastern part of Chippewa County, a rural community founded in the late 19th century. The town was named after William Pickford, an early settler. Pickford grew as a farming community, with agriculture and dairy farming playing important roles in its economy. The village is characterized by its small-town charm, expansive farmlands, and close-knit community. While it remains largely rural, Pickford’s proximity to Sault Ste. Marie and the St. Marys River allows residents to enjoy both the quiet countryside and access to larger nearby cities.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Pickford is served by Pickford Public Schools, with Pickford High School being the central institution. Major landmarks include Munuscong Lake, located nearby, which is popular for fishing and boating. The Pickford Museum offers a look into the community’s agricultural history and early settlement. The Hessel Ridge Golf Course is a popular local destination for golfers, and the nearby Cedarville State Forest provides hiking, hunting, and camping opportunities. The annual Pickford Hay Days Festival celebrates the town’s farming heritage with a parade, live music, and community events.