TOWNS
Oscoda County administrative offices are located at 11 South Morenci Ave, Mio, MI 48647. Phone> 989‑826‑1109.
Oscoda County [†] is a unique part of Northeast Lower Michigan, and is home to some of the best natural resource based recreation in the State; recreation that includes multi-use trails, camping, hiking, fishing, and horseback riding. These trail systems paired with thousands of acres of unspoiled Jack Pine Forest, the Au Sable River corridor, and numerous inland lakes, streams and wetlands create a highly desirable recreation and leisure time destination.
Oscoda County was officially incorporated in 1881. The area now known as Oscoda County was first relinquished to the United States by Native Americans in 1819 under the Treaty of Saginaw. Settlers entered the County following the Homestead Act of 1863 hoping to take part in the growing lumber industry. Across Michigan, the State’s virgin pine forests were harvested and between 1870 and 1890, Oscoda County’s virgin pine stands disappeared. The lumber industry continued to prosper with the logging of hardwoods and other conifers through 1920. The town of McKinley, supported by these large lumbering companies, grew to an estimated 2,000 residents during this period. But as the lumber industry began to subside, McKinley decreased in size to the small community it is today.
Oscoda is comprised of 6 political subdivisions: Big Creek Township, Comins Township, Clinton Township, Elmer Township, Greenwood Township and Mentor Township. None of the six townships are incorporated. The largest community is Mio (around 1300 residents), which also serves as the County seat and is located at the southern intersection of M-72 and M-33. Mio straddles two townships: Mentor and Big Creek. The second largest community is Fairview, located at the intersection of the two state highways. Luzerne, located on M-72 west of Mio, is third in size with regard to population. Red Oak and McKinley are the smallest communities and are located just north of Luzerne and along the eastern portion of the County along the Au Sable River, respectively.
† Oscoda County Master Plan: 2014-2018. www.oscodacountymi.com, accessed June, 2021.
HISTORIC SITES