Ithaca

Understand

Ithaca is the third largest population center of Gratiot County, with 3,098 residents. Nestled in the center of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, Ithaca greets visitors from all corners of the state. Ithaca serves as the county seat of Gratiot County, and is mid-point of the US-127 university corridor of Central Michigan University, Alma College, and Michigan State University.

The Ithaca Downtown Historic District is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and is on Business US-127 along the former "Old 27" route. Ithaca's best known landmark is the masterfully preserved Gratiot County Courthouse, which has in its front lawn the Gratiot All Wars Memorial Monument. Just down the street you will find another beautiful landmark, the Ithaca Fire Hall, which once served as the original Village Hall.

In the summer months, visitors to Ithaca are greeted by beautiful flowers planted by area youth and community members, stretching along both sides of Business US-127 from the City Limits to downtown. Woodland Park is filled with rolling hills, mature trees, and a volunteer-built playscape, as well as a large sledding hill for winter use.

Ithaca hosts several annual events, including the Ithaca Hometown Funfest (August), Dust Off Car Show (May), Gratiot Ag Society Fair (June), Old US 27 Motor Tour (August), as well as many other seasonal events.

Get in

By car

Located on US-127 about 35 minutes north of Lansing, the city of Ithaca is easily accessible from all parts of the state of Michigan by car.

By train

The Great Lakes Central Railroad bisects Ithaca, used predominantly for freight service. However, special passenger train tours are a summer tourism attraction, transporting riders from as far south as Owosso, north to Mt. Pleasant or Cadillac and back.

By plane

The Gratiot Community Airport (AMN) is 4 miles northwest of Ithaca.

By bicycle/foot

City sidewalks are very conducive to bicycle use within the city limits. The DALMAC bicycle tour takes 2,400 bicyclists through Ithaca each year on the way from East Lansing to Mackinaw City.

Get around

Ithaca is a very walkable community, especially in the downtown area. A full range of businesses and services are available within easy walking distance.

Go next

Ithaca is "on the way" to many larger metropolitan destinations throughout the state. Following US-127 north will lead to Alma, Mt. Pleasant, and many northern Michigan communities before US-127 becomes I-75 near Grayling. I-75 continues north across the Mackinac Bridge to Michigan's Upper Peninsula, before ending in Sault Ste. Marie, Canada. US-127 will take travelers south to Lansing, Jackson, and all the way to Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Several other larger metropolitan areas can easily be reached from Ithaca.