Located on the winding banks of the Clinton River, Mount Clemens offers its residents small town delights with the conveniences of contemporary urban life. Platted in 1818 by Christian Clemens, the son of a Mennonite farmer who was a conscientious objector in the Revolutionary War, Mount Clemens is the oldest community in Macomb County and the County Seat.
Healing mineral springs were discovered in 1862, giving rise to the City's illustrious bathhouse era which lasted from 1873 to 1940. Dubbed "America's Bath City," Mount Clemens soothed sufferers from around the globe who flocked to the more than 40 bathhouses and hotels to drink and bathe in the revitalizing waters.
From this beginning, Mount Clemens boasts one of the few genuine downtown districts in the county. The central business and retail sectors radiate from Macomb Street, featuring gazebos, water fountains, gardens, statuary and shrubbery. Stores tend to be unique and local to the community with little coffee shops, delicatessens, restaurants and pubs are abundant in the downtown district which add to the exciting night life.
Drifting into the residential neighborhoods that surround the downtown, one is greeted by an eclectic collection of homes. They run the gamut from historic to contemporary, including 19th century mansions, post-World War I bungalows and traditional two-story, brick A frames. More than 3,000 rental units, including apartments and flats are also available.
In recent years, first time home buyers and newlyweds have been attracted to the tree-lined streets, induced by moderate housing prices, an award winning school district, numerous recreational amenities including sparkling Lake St. Clair and easy access to major metropolitan freeways, 1-94 and M-59. Recent completion of 1-696 give Mount Clemens a direct link to 1-75, Oakland County and other environs. The school district has won three exemplary school awards in the '90's.
Mount Clemens Public Library, founded in 1865, is a member of the Suburban Library Cooperative, a network of all public libraries in Macomb County as well as the cities of Harper Woods and Troy. Residents also have access to Macomb County Library on M-59 at Garfield Road.
Waterfront revitalization has led to an energetic agenda of community activities highlighted by a riverfront concert series that runs throughout the summer, art fairs, fireworks displays, chartered boat cruises, parades and festivals The Art Center features the work of local and international artists and offers a variety of classes from watercolor to pottery. The Crocker House, a restored 19th Century home operated by the Macomb County Historical Society showcases local historical exhibits throughout the year.
Residents are served by 15 City and neighborhood parks and a nature preserve. The City has some of the finest recreation programs in the state. Besides the outstanding baseball, Little League and other athletic facilities including a new Ice Arena & Fitness Center, it offers classes in gold smoothing, lapidary and photography, as well as many other unique crafts. Nearby, Metropolitan Beach MetroPark, one of the Huron Clinton Metropolitan Authority facilities, offers recreational pleasures to boaters, golfers, bikers, walkers, picnickers, tennis players and sun worshippers.