Arts & History

Performing Arts

Housed in the historic Strand Theater, the Gratiot County Players are a long-standing community theater group comprised of area volunteers, young and old, with admirable talent willing to bring the theatrical experience to Gratiot County. They recently finished an $80,000 renovation of their historic auditorium which will enhance the experience for their patrons.

Visual Arts

The Alma Community Arts Center (ACAC), a non-profit organization with a showcase of local artists, offers a wellrounded curriculum of classes in a wide-variety of mediums for all ages. Recently, the ACAC has expanded their renovated space in Downtown Alma to offer even more, including a new kiln for pottery classes.

Dance

DuHadway Dance Dimensions classes are taught by highly qualified and dedicated teachers who go out of their way to create an experience your child will enjoy. At DuHadway, dancers can start as early as age 3 and tumbling starts at age 4. Alma’s Academy of Performing Arts offers students high quality training, whether you are an aspiring performer, dancer,

Gratiot County History

The City of Ithaca is home to many historical sites including the Courthouse, Historical & Genealogical Society and Historical Museum. The museum, located adjacent to the Ithaca Public Library, displays various artifacts and much of the history of Gratiot County. The Historical and Genealogical Society can be found in the 130-year-old Georgiana Peet Miller home. There you can research the names of every resident who has ever lived in the county. An archive of original newspapers spanning the past 100 years is also on file at the Society. History buffs will find both locations a must stop in Gratiot County.

Other Gratiot County historical sites include the Plank Road Museum in Breckenridge, the St. Louis Area Historical Society in St. Louis, and the state’s smallest Post Office in Elm Hall. Walk or bike the Fred Meijer Heartland Trail to Riverdale and you’ll find the Riverdale Museum. In Riverdale, you might also want to stop by the Riverdale Tavern, one of the area’s oldest restaurants.

Winding a path through the southern half of Gratiot County is the railroad passing through Bannister, Ashley, Pompeii, Perrinton and Middleton. Ashley has well-known holiday tradition with in their old-fashioned country Christmas, which centers around their Polar Express rail line. Whether you are a passenger or spectator, the Polar Express can be exciting for everyone. The experience has become so popular that if you want a ticket to ride, you will want to purchase a ticket early this autumn.

Another key historical feature of Gratiot County is the recently restored Wright Leppien Opera House Block (see left). This historic building was constructed 140 years ago by Ammi Wright as a retail and entertainment venue. Unfortunately, it was destroyed by a fire in 2010. However, thanks to the leadership and generosity of Alma College, several community donors, and the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, the building has been restored to its original character and integrity. The building offers event space, retail stores, and student housing. The Opera House is now the cornerstone of Downtown Alma.