Chesaning, Michigan - 48616

Photos courtesy of:
Ken Huisjen

Historic Chesaning is located on M-57 in southern Saginaw County on the Shiawassee River. It is often referred to as "Showboat City’ for its Showboat on the river that is used as a stage in the Showboat Festival held each summer. This city is also known for its preservation of "vintage" Victorian architecture which is very obvious with just a drive through town - an excursion definitely worth taking. This is especially the case on the west side, with a parkway style main street graced by an old clock and ornamental ball lamps. A walk by the river is also an enjoyable experience, where you can view the showboat and falls on the south and north sides of the bridge respectively.

Chesaning was first settled in 1839 by Thomas W. Wright. At that time, it was called Northhampton, and Wright became the first postmaster there. It was renamed "Chesaning,"(which in Indian stands for "Big Rock,") in 1853 and organized as a village in 1869.