The City of Gladwin is centrally located in Michigan for recreation, business, and events. Visitors to our community can savor the tastes offered in our many restaurants, find a special gift for a loved one, or a memento of their visit at one of our numerous downtown shops.

Gladwin County has quite a lengthy history in plastics manufacturing. In fact, it’s known as the Thermoforming Capital of the world. The rich history of Gladwin is preserved in the Historical Society Museum on Main Street in Gladwin. The history is rich in culture, traditions and deep in family roots.

The City of Gladwin is a special place, and those who visit realize the gem of a lifestyle we offer. Just take a drive through the Amish countryside, visit our family farmers market, or stroll along the Cedar River on the Riverwalk path for a hometown experience. The uniqueness of Gladwin is priceless, the friendliness of our businesses is welcoming to everyone, and the memories will be with you for a lifetime.

History
Gladwin was named in honor of Major Henry Gladwin, who bravely defended the fort at Detroit during the year-long siege by Chief Pontiac in 1763. The first people in Gladwin County were Native Americans of the Ojibway, Sauk, and Menominee tribes. These people lived by hunting, fishing, and collecting wild rice. The magnificent pine and oak forests were virtually untouched.

The county’s first American settler was Marvel Secord, who settled on the Tittabawassee River in 1861. Finding more satisfaction and money than in the wagon business he owned in Owosso, he packed up his family and moved to what is now known as the Secord area of Gladwin County.

The lumber era began its colorful period in the 1870s, and lasted through the 1890s. The White Pine trees grew from four to six feet in diameter, with heights often exceeding 100 feet. The lumber boom, which peaked in the 1880s, helped supply the lumber needs of the westward expansion of the United States.

Gladwin was incorporated as a city in 1893. Following the lumber era, settlers interested in farming the newly-cleared land came to homestead in the Gladwin area. Even so, many small villages could no longer support a post office and businesses. These villages, now called ghost towns, have such names as Oberlin, Wagerville, Hockaday, Highwood, Grout, and Hardluck.

The oil boom began in the 1930s. This boom helped finance the new county courthouse in 1939, and led to increases in the county’s population. Oil and gas production continues to this day.

Gladwin boasts a rich and colorful history with many wonderful events and attractions. Our community takes deep pride in our history, and currently we have approximately 15 community events every year, including a lit Christmas Parade downtown the first Saturday in December.