Easily accessible from US-10 and US-127, Clare has a charming downtown with several historic locations, including The Doherty Hotel (1924) and Clare Congregational Church (1909). The city is located near the center of Michigan's mitten and borders the Tobacco River, a tributary known for its brown trout fishing.
Clare Area Trails
Clare is a link on the
Pere Marquette Trail, a rail trail that stretches from Midland to Baldwin. The trail is used for biking, hiking, and jogging. The trail section between Clare and Midland is paved, and the smooth surface is very popular with bicyclists of all ages. The section west of Clare to Baldwin is mostly unpaved (gravel and dirt) and is used for snowmobiling and mountain biking.
The Kevin Sherwood Trail in Clare starts near Petit Park. The paved trail that parallels the route of Clare Avenue/McEwen Street and is used for biking, walking, and jogging.
Clare Area Parks
Shamrock Park is on Wilcox Parkway and features a baseball diamond, playground, and a picnic shelter. The park's large pavillion is used for family reunions and other get-togethers.
Stamina Stadium has three baseball diamonds and a tee ball field. Near the restrooms, there is a playground. The park also has a small picnic shelter.
Brookwood Park has baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and a large playground.
City Park is located close to Clare City Hall on 5th Street. The park has playground and gazebo. There are also a couple of picnic tables near the gazebo.
Petit Park Campground is located off of McEwen Street. The park has small playground and a picnic area.
More About Clare
Proud of its Irish heritage, Clare hosts its annual
Irish Festival in March, which features a parade, Irish dancing, music, and much more.
Clare's downtown area has several shops, including Herrick House and Clare Hardware. The Ideal Theatre, which opened for business in 1930, features popular movies. Fast-food restaurants and larger stores are located north of downtown on Clare Avenue.
Lodging in downtown Clare includes the Doherty Hotel, which has facilities for conferences and wedding receptions. Days Inn and Econo Lodge are two other options for overnight stays in Clare.
