Cities and Towns in Isabella County, Michigan

Founded in 1831, Isabella County is one of 83 counties in the state of Michigan. Historically, Isabella County was formed from part of Mackinac County and unorganized territory. The city of Mt. Pleasant is the county seat. With FIPS code of 73, Isabella County has a population of 64,813 and area of 578 square miles (1,497 km²).

List of all cities in Isabella County, MI alphabetically

City/Town	Postal Code	Area Code
Blanchard, MI	49310	989
Central Michigan University, MI	48859	989
Lake Isabella, MI	48893	989
Millbrook, MI	49310	989
Mount Pleasant, MI	48804	989
	48858	989
	48859	989
Rosebush, MI	48878	989
Shepherd, MI	48883	989
Weidman, MI	48893	989
Winn, MI	48896	989

Major Cities and Towns in Isabella County, Michigan

1. Mount Pleasant

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 7.83 square miles
• Population: Approximately 21,688 (2020 Census)
• Zip Codes: 48858, 48859
• Latitude: 43.6066° N
• Longitude: 84.7675° W

Location and History

Mount Pleasant, the county seat and largest city in Isabella County, is located in central Michigan. The city was founded in 1854 and developed as an agricultural center, but its growth skyrocketed after the discovery of oil in the 1920s, making it a key player in Michigan’s oil industry. Mount Pleasant is also known as the home of Central Michigan University (CMU), which was founded in 1892 and has become a significant influence on the city’s economy and culture. With its blend of educational, cultural, and natural attractions, Mount Pleasant serves as the heart of Isabella County’s economy and a hub for commerce and education.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Mount Pleasant is served by Mount Pleasant Public Schools, with Mount Pleasant High School being the main secondary school. Central Michigan University is the most prominent landmark, with its Charles V. Park Library and Kelly/Shorts Stadium being central to campus life. The Ziibiwing Center of Anishinabe Culture & Lifeways celebrates the history and culture of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Island Park, located along the Chippewa River, is a popular spot for recreation, offering playgrounds, trails, and sports fields. Mount Pleasant is also home to the Soaring Eagle Casino & Resort, a major entertainment venue. The Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival held nearby attracts thousands each spring.

2. Shepherd

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 1.17 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,515 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48883
• Latitude: 43.5244° N
• Longitude: 84.6886° W

Location and History

Shepherd is a small village located south of Mount Pleasant, known for its agricultural heritage and close-knit community. The town was established in 1857 and became a key location for farming in central Michigan, particularly for growing sugar beets and grain crops. Over the years, Shepherd has retained its rural character while developing as a quiet residential community. Its annual Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival is a celebrated local event that brings visitors from across the state to experience the town’s famous maple syrup and other attractions.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Shepherd is served by Shepherd Public Schools, with Shepherd High School being the primary institution for local students. Key landmarks include the Shepherd Historical Society Museum, which showcases artifacts and exhibits about the town’s agricultural history. Salt River Park is a popular local destination, offering walking trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds. The Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival, held every April, celebrates the town’s maple syrup production with a parade, crafts, and family-friendly activities. Downtown Shepherd features quaint shops and cafes, adding to the town’s small-town charm. The village is also known for its picturesque farmland and rural landscapes.

3. Rosebush

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 0.73 square miles
• Population: Approximately 368 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48878
• Latitude: 43.6897° N
• Longitude: 84.7678° W

Location and History

Rosebush is a small village located just north of Mount Pleasant. It was established in the late 19th century as a stop along the Pere Marquette Railway and was named after the wild roses that grew abundantly in the area. Over time, Rosebush developed as a rural community with strong ties to farming and the railroad industry. The village remains a quiet residential community today, with its history and rural charm still visible in the landscape.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Rosebush is part of the Mount Pleasant Public Schools district, with students attending schools in nearby Mount Pleasant. Rosebush Park serves as a local gathering spot, offering playgrounds, a pavilion, and sports fields for community events and family outings. The Rosebush Historical Marker commemorates the village’s railroad history. The village hosts an annual Rosebush Festival, which brings residents and visitors together for a celebration of local history and culture with parades, games, and food vendors. Rosebush is also known for its proximity to the Pere Marquette Rail-Trail, a scenic trail that passes through the region, offering opportunities for biking, hiking, and snowmobiling.

4. Beal City

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 0.95 square miles
• Population: Approximately 345 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48858 (Mount Pleasant)
• Latitude: 43.6783° N
• Longitude: 84.8878° W

Location and History

Beal City, a small unincorporated community in Nottawa Township, is located west of Mount Pleasant. It was established in the 1880s by settlers of predominantly German and Irish descent and has maintained a strong agricultural tradition. Beal City is known for its close-knit rural community and the surrounding farmland, which plays a central role in its economy. Despite its small size, Beal City has a rich cultural heritage, particularly tied to the Catholic faith, with St. Joseph the Worker Parish serving as a religious and social hub for the community.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Beal City is served by the Beal City Public Schools district, with Beal City High School offering education from elementary through high school. Landmarks in Beal City include St. Joseph the Worker Parish, a historic Catholic church that has been a cornerstone of the community since the town’s founding. Beal City Sports Complex is home to local school sports and community events. The town’s annual Beal City Fall Festival brings together residents for a weekend of fun, food, and family-friendly activities. Beal City’s rural charm is also reflected in its surrounding farmland, where agriculture remains a way of life for many families.

5. Lake Isabella

Area, Population, and Zip Codes

• Area: 4.02 square miles
• Population: Approximately 1,681 (2020 Census)
• Zip Code: 48893
• Latitude: 43.6492° N
• Longitude: 84.9836° W

Location and History

Lake Isabella is a village centered around an 800-acre lake of the same name, located southwest of Mount Pleasant. The lake was created in the 1960s as a recreational community, attracting both full-time residents and seasonal visitors. Lake Isabella has since grown into a small but thriving community, known for its peaceful lakefront living and abundant recreational opportunities. The lake is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and water sports, making it a desirable place for retirees and families alike.

Major Schools and Landmarks

Lake Isabella is served by Chippewa Hills School District, with local students attending Chippewa Hills High School in nearby Remus. Major landmarks include Lake Isabella Park, which offers swimming, boating, and picnicking facilities along the lake’s shores. The lake itself is the centerpiece of the community, providing year-round opportunities for fishing and water recreation. The Lake Isabella Golf Course is a local favorite for golf enthusiasts. The village hosts several community events throughout the year, including the Lake Isabella Summer Festival, which features fireworks, live music, and family-friendly activities, celebrating the village’s laid-back lake lifestyle.