Rich in history, festivals, and outdoor fun.
Conveniently located where US-10 and US-127 intersect, the City of Clare boasts festivals in every season. Its downtown district offers unique shopping and dining, while outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the scenic Pere-Marquette Rail Trail. Clare’s historical sites from the lumbering era add a rich cultural backdrop to this charming city.
Clare, City of Festivals
Clare, known as the “City of Festivals,” hosts events throughout the year. The town turns green for the annual four-day Irish Festival in March, one of Clare’s most well-known and beloved events. Enjoy a host of Irish traditions such as parades, bed races, a kids’ fun run, craft show, musical performances, and a Leprechaun contest.
As summer heats up, so do the festivals in the city of Clare. The Summerfest Celebration offers old-fashioned fun for all ages with children’s games, a picnic in the park, and fireworks over Shamrock Lake. In June and July, the Summer Concert Series provides free musical entertainment in City Park. The grand finale of the summer is the Old 27 Motor Tour Overnight Stop in downtown Clare.
As summer turns to fall, the town prepares for the annual Clare Spook-Tacular, featuring pumpkin painting, carnival games, hayrides, a kids’ costume parade, and the Clare 5K Pumpkin Run. Winter and the holiday season kicks off with a Christmas Celebration each December.
Shopping in and around Clare
Clare’s downtown district offers some of the best shopping experiences. Stroll along brick-lined sidewalks with trees draped in white lights, where each store is unique. Proprietors treat you as a special guest as you discover items ranging from clothing and collectibles to home decor, biking gear, hardware, and Celtic treasures. Take a break from shopping to enjoy coffee, lunch, or dinner in a relaxed atmosphere. For a special treat, visit the world-famous Cops & Doughnuts Bakery. Beyond downtown, many Clare stores offer items from sporting goods to Amish-crafted goods. Don’t miss the Amish Quilt Auction, Craft Show, and Flea Market the third weekend in May and on the Friday and Saturday of Labor Day weekend.
Experience Clare’s Pere-Marquette Rail Trail
Biking and hiking enthusiasts will love the picturesque Pere-Marquette Rail Trail, a 30-mile paved trail from downtown Clare to Midland. This section of the Rails to Trails system is perfect for biking, hiking, or skating, as no motorized vehicles are allowed. In 2009, another section of this trail was paved from just west of Clare through Evart, with plans to extend it further through Reed City and beyond. This route has been designated as US Route 20, which extends west to the Pacific coast. Learn more about the public trail system in greater Clare County.
Historic Downtown Clare Map
