Tuscola County

Tuscola County … Sugar, Corn, Cork Pine and More!

First settled in the 1830’s by a lumberman who received 3,000 acres of timberlands for building a bridge across the Cass River, Tuscola County is one of the three primary counties which make up the Thumb Area of Michigan’s Mitten State.

Tuscola is home to about 58,000 residents living in an area that covers 914 square miles, of which, 812 square miles consist of land while the other 101 square miles is water, including 20 miles of shore line along the Saginaw Bay. Most residents of Tuscola have the pleasure of living in rural communities with 23 townships in the county. But for those who need a little more ‘city’ life, they have the advantages of being in a city or one of the 10 villages in the area.

The name Tuscola is said to have derived from various cultural influences over the years, but it is best described as a plateau, tableland, or flat country with cultivated land and perhaps a hill or knoll. The core industry for many years in Tuscola was lumber until a forest fire ravaged the area and destroyed most of the timberlands, including the world-famous Cork Pine.

Today, Tuscola is best known for growing corn and sugar beets, and producing ethanol (POET Biorefining – formerly Michigan Ethanol) and sugar (Michigan Sugar/Pioneer). However, there is more to Tuscola than just corn and sugar. In fact, Tuscola County is home to a diverse mix of industry, agriculture, retail and festivals/events.

There are hundreds of stable and growing employers in the area; as well as, thousands of prospering farms (both big and small) and many roadside produce stands. The mom-n-pop businesses still play a key role in the economy with many being transferred from one generation to the next.

Coming for a visit or just need something fun to do? Look to Tuscola’s vast recreational opportunities from canoeing/kayaking/boating down the Cass River to hunting or hiking across the 29,000+ acres of public recreational/state game/wildlife land. Or take in an afternoon of fun at a local festival/event; such as, Tuscola County Fair, Tuscola Pumpkin Festival, Harvest Days, Michigan Bean Festival, Octagon Barn Festival, River Fest, Sunflower Festival and so much more!. There’s plenty to keep you busy for a day, week, year … a lifetime.