The Middle of the Mitten
St. Louis is the Geographic Center of the Lower Peninsula, and commonly referred to as "The Middle of the Mitten."
In 2009, long time local residents Walter and Beulah Case donated a 5" x 8" bronze plaque that was placed on a historic stone marker in Clapp Park and the blue sign above hangs in Clapp Park easily visible to travelers on M-46, reminding them that they are visiting the middle of the lower peninsula.
The plaque reads, "Sidney S. Hastings placed this stone here in 1876 to mark the geographical center of lower Michgian."
St. Louis citizens enjoy many features of their community that help provide a high quality of life. The St. Louis Public Schools have never failed to pass a bond issue and their facilities are some of the very best in Mid- Michigan, while quality health care is available nearby and there is a successful business community that provides for all citizens day to day needs.
There are many housing options available for various age groups and the area is home to many active service related and other non-profit organizations.
Schools
St. Louis Public Schools, through the direction of a strategic plan, offer traditional values taught in state-of-the-art facilities using modern teaching methods. The high school was constructed in 1997, and all four school buildings received extensive renovations since 2015. In 2015-2016, the school district implemented a K-12 1:1 computing initiative. They offer an exemplary K-12 music program, including a unique steel drum band. St. Louis High School students successfully compete at the state and national levels in FFA and Business Professionals of America. Vocational programs offer courses designed to prepare students to be career and college ready in Agriculture, Business, Accounting, and Digital Media. Students can complete college courses for credit while attending high school. They offer over 20 Career Technical Education programs. Many students travel to Spain or Germany as part of the Spanish and Links programs. Athletic opportunities are available for students in grades K-12.
Baseball
Basketball
Cheerleading
Cross Country
Football
Golf
Pom Pon
Softball
Track
Volleyball
Wrestling
Pep Club
Drama Performance
Business Professionals of America
National Honor Society
Future Homemakers
Yearbook
Student Council
Varsity Club
Computer Competition
Debate
Forensics
Fine Arts Competition
Model United Nations
Industrial Arts Competition
Language Arts Competition
Marching Band
Jazz Band
Quiz Bowl
Science Competition
Talent Show
FFA
Spanish Club
In addition to the activities listed, classes K-12 use the community to better understand how to apply what is being taught. There is an excellent working relationship between the school, local government, and employers in the area.
Health Care
The St. Louis community has excellent medical facilities available. We are served by an area hospital providing a full range of care.
MidMichigan Medical Center - Gratiot
300 Warwick Drive, Alma, MI 48801
(989) 463-1101
Mid Michigan Medical Center, located approximately five miles west of St. Louis, is a 97-bed teaching hospital specializing in high-quality rural medicine. What began as a rural community hospital in 1955 has grown into much more, and is affiliated with Michigan Medicine (University of Michigan Health System). They opened a new Cardiac Cath Lab, Maternity Center, and MRI rooms in 2019-2021. Services include:
- Anticoagulation Clinic
- Bariatric Surgery
- Behaviorial Health Services, including inpatient and partial day outpatient programs
- Cancer Care
- Diabetes Services
- Emergency Department
- Family Practice Center
- Fitness Center
- Heart and Vascular Services
- Imaging - CT, MRI, PET, 3D mammography, X-Ray
- Maternity Services
- MidMichigan Urgent Care
- Orthopedics
- Pain Management
- Rehabilitation Services - physical, occupational, speech and audiology therapy and inpatient unit for complex conditions such as stroke
- Sleep Disorders
- Surgical Services
- Wound Treatment Center
A First Responders Team and a state-of-the-art advanced Life Support ambulance system provide around-the-clock emergency care. St. Louis is home to two of the finest health centers in the area. Schnepp Health Care Center (989) 681-5721 has been family owned and operated since 1978, and offers a clean and modern facility with an outstanding staff. Pine River Healthcare Center (989) 681-2124 has a specialized Alzheimer's unit along with 24-hour skilled nursing care.
Businesses
The City of St. Louis has a wide variety of businesses in the service, industrial, retail, housing, and restaurant sectors.
View a complete list of businesses located in the city limits
Churches
Church organizations are a vital part of the close knit community of friends and family in St. Louis.
View a complete list of local churches.
Gratiot Community Senior Center
American Legion Post #256
The Gratiot Community Senior Center is located at 1329 Michigan Avenue in St. Louis. Hours are from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. Lunch is served Monday through Friday at 12:00 noon.
The Senior Center has many programs and activities designed for Senior Citizens 60 years of age and over. The Center relies on contributions to help with operating costs which include utility payments, grounds care, maintenance expenses and the on-going cost of keeping the Center open daily. The Center does not receive grant funds for maintenance cost and therefore donations are very important.
If you have any questions contact (989) 681-4341 or write to:
Gratiot Community Senior Center
P.O. Box 205
St. Louis, MI 48880
City of St. Louis Aerial Photos
