Situated in southeastern Lapeer County, about fifty-five miles north of Detroit, Imlay City, Michigan offers a full range of services to its residents, many of whom are employed in the Detroit Metro region.
However, given its proximity to I-69 and I-75, via I-69, as well as M-53, Imlay City is positioned for long-term development and commerce. I-69 passes through the southernmost portion of Imlay City in an east-west direction, while M-53 (Van Dyke Road, Cedar Street) is a north-south route that runs through the eastern portion of the city. Other routes to and from the city include Attica Road, Blacks Corners Road, Capac Road, Fairgrounds Road, Imlay City Road, Neward Road, and Reek Road.
Cities and villages within twenty miles of Imlay City include Almont, Capac, Dryden, Lapeer, Leonard, Romeo, Emmett, Brown City, Metamora, North Branch, and Yale.
The North Branch of the Belle River flows eastward around the north portion of Imlay City, is fed by the Hunt, Pennell, and Clark Corner drains northeast of the city, then turns southward, where it forms a small portion of the city's eastern border.
The city has a land area of about 1,585 acres, and about 70% of this has been developed. Approximately 80% of the developed area is made up of single-family homes. Most of its older homes are north of downtown, while newer homes are largely found further south and west, nearer to the interstate. About 12% percent of the residential area consists of multiple-family homes, several of them being assisted living facilities or other residential units for seniors. Roughly 20% of the developed land is categorized as public and institutional, which includes those owned by the city, utility companies, schools, churches, and other non-profits. The city owns several parks, including Lion's Park, Old School Park, Rotary Park, and Veteran's Park. The city's downtown district is made up of approximately seven acres along Third Street, between North Cedar Street and Almont Avenue. Commercial land outside of the downtown district makes up just over 11% of developed land, and most of it is along the M-53 corridor, although there are also commercial buildings along the interstate. Office land takes up about eleven acres along the M-53 corridor. Imlay City's industrial development is found largely in four locations: an industrial park east of Cedar Street, along West Second Street south of downtown, along Blacks Corner Road, and south of Newark Road on both sides of M-53. Industry takes up about 14% of the land area in the city. The only significant agricultural areas within the city limits are in the southwestern and northeastern corners of the city, but they take up about 10% of the city's total land area.
Although Imlay City has lost population during the last two census years, the losses were minor, and its history has been largely one of gains. Its peak population was 3,869 in 2000, and its current population is still above 3,500.
Imlay Township was named for William H. Imlay, a Connecticut land speculator, who began buying forest land in the area in 1836, and the city later took the name of the township.
Imlay City was established as a railroad town after Charles Palmer, the chief engineer of the Port Huron & Lake Michigan Railway, selected the location as a produce market between Lapeer and Capac. Palmer purchased a 240-acre tract of land, which he had surveyed and platted. The village was settled when the railroad completed its track as far as Attica, west of Imlay City, in 1870.
Within a year and a half, the new town had a population of about five hundred people and hosted four general stores, two hardware stores, a furniture store, a drugstore, two carriage and blacksmith shops, a saw and planing mill, a livery stable, an elevator, two hotels, a school, and about two hundred homes.
On December 12, 1870, a post office was established, with Edward E. Palmer as postmaster. Imlay City was incorporated as a village in 1873, and became a city in April of 1970.
Managed by the Lapeer County Agricultural Society, the Eastern Michigan State Fair has been held in Imlay City since 1883, featuring a rodeo, demolition derby, car show, farm animal competitions, rides, and other events.
The focus of this guide is on Imlay City, Michigan, so appropriate resources will include websites representing the city, as well as local businesses, industries, schools, places of worship, organizations, attractions, and events.
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Recommended Resources
Clendenan/Hessler Chiropractic
The Imlay City, Michigan chiropractic clinic is a member of the Michigan Association of Chiropractic, the American Chiropractic Association, and the American Chiropractic Board of Sports Physicians. An overview of the facilities, its services, hours of operations, appointment and cancellation policies, and financial requirements are published on the site, which includes new patient information, payment options, insurances accepted, patient testimonials, and access to new patient forms.
https://www.clendenanchiro.com/
Established in 1952, ICCS is a non-denominational Christian school offering a K-8th-grade curriculum. Its site features informational videos, an overview of its academic and alumni programs, admission policies and guidelines, tuition, and scholarship information. Other resources include a school calendar, office contacts, staff introductions, parent testimonials, news and updates, and a map showing the location of the school. Information on touring the school is included.
https://iccschool.net/
Situated in Lapeer County, Imlay City, Michigan was founded as a produce center for the railroad in 1850. The official municipal website features contacts for the city council and administrative and departmental staff, as well as meeting agendas and minutes, its master plan, a brief history, and a photo gallery depicting recent municipal projects. Community economic reports, plans, and development guides, and zoning, building, and developmental standards are presented.
https://www.imlaycity.org/
Offering a PK-12th-grade curriculum, as well as programs for adult learners, the public school district operates the Imlay City Early Learning Center, Weston Elementary School, Borland Elementary School, Imlay City Middle School, Imlay City High School, and Venture High School, each of which is featured here, with schedules, contacts, and parent-student handbooks. District administrative contacts, a staff directory, curriculum data, and employment opportunities are posted on the site.
https://www.icschools.us/
Opened in 2020, Johnny's Place is located in Imlay City, Michigan, where it offers a varied menu that includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, drinks, and carry-out options, as well as live music and entertainment on weekends, as well as Keno. Its location, dine-in hours, and carry-out contacts. Its current menu is published on the site, including prices. Current job openings are published on the site, with a description of the job expectations, and an online employment application.
https://www.johnnysplaceimlaycity.com/
Offering free parking, free HBO, and high-speed Internet access, each guest room at the M53 Motel is air-conditioned, and includes a microwave, refrigerator, telephone, television, and daily maid service. Located in Imlay City, Michigan, near the intersection of I-69 and M-53, the motel is within walking distance of several restaurants and shops, and the fairgrounds are only a couple of blocks from the grounds. A list of amenities is listed, with rates, special offers, and contacts.
http://www.m53motel.com/
Original Michigan Lavender Festival
Held at the Eastern Michigan Fairgrounds, just off I-69 and M-53, in Imlay City, Michigan, the annual event showcases Michigan's top lavender farms, growers, and producers, featuring more than a hundred artists and makers, as well as a food truck gathering of food trucks from the Detroit Metro Region, and educational events demonstrating the benefits of lavender, including growing, harvesting, cooking, crafting, and the medicinal and aromatic uses for the herb. Schedules are posted.
http://michiganlavenderfestival.net/
Stevo's Bar & Grill Banquet Facility
Locally owned and operated, the Imlay City, Michigan restaurant is situated just north of I-69, right off of M-53, north of the fairgrounds, the bar and grill is open seven days a week, and its banquet facilities are able to accommodate small and large parties, up to a hundred and twenty people. Its location is shown on a map, and directions are offered, and its business hours are posted, along with contact information, a menu, guest testimonials, and a gallery of photographs.
https://stevosbar.business.site/
