Goodland Township

The first thing that might strike you about Goodland Township is its motto, “It’s a rural thing.” Located 60 miles from Detroit, the agricultural area has fully embraced its countryside persona. Sparsely populated, you won’t have to worry about the neighbors’ music being too loud. Instead, the tranquility of humming insects and chirping birds replace the sound of car engines and other street noises. Settled by Europeans in 1851, the township lies five miles from Imlay City and is even closer to the ghost town of Deanville Mountain, a former sawmill area abandoned in the early 1900s that serves as a park today. There’s no retail shopping or public transportation, but the township’s main thoroughfare, North Van Dyke Road, will take you into Imlay City or the 40 miles to Lake Huron.

Living in Goodland Township offers residents the chance to spread out as far as they like, with plenty of large plots of open land to choose from. Houses are sparse here, although manufactured homes and ranch-style residences are popular. As expected, there are no sidewalks, but there are numerous country lanes for taking long strolls and lush fields to admire along the way. Prices range from $200,000 for a three-bedroom manufactured home to $355,000 for a bungalow with three bedrooms and a large front porch.

Students in the township are part of the Imlay City Community Schools district, the second-best district in Lapeer County. Children attend Weston Elementary, Borland Elementary, Imlay City Middle and Imlay City High as they move toward graduation. All four schools have earned a B or higher from Niche. Weston Elementary serves students from the free preschool program through the second grade. It teaches Spanish courses and has an active parent-teacher organization. Borland Elementary educates children from third to fifth grade and hosts regular reading and writing workshops to help increase literacy. Imlay City Middle is accredited by the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement and is known for its sports teams like football, volleyball and cross country. Imlay City High is a highly diverse school providing free universal breakfast for all students and extracurriculars like Quiz Bowl, French Club and Art Society.

While there are no dedicated green spaces in this rural township, nature is never far away. The Lapeer State Game Area is a wildlife conservation area beside Long Lake, with camping sites and field trails. The preserve has a dog training plot and target ranges, as well as hunting and boating. Attica Township Park is located in the township adjacent to Goodland. It’s 45 acres overall and just next to the community hall. Developed in the 1980s and expanded twice in the early 2000s, the green space was recently renovated for a half-million dollars. The township installed six dugouts and bleachers for the three baseball fields, added 2 sets of playground equipment and several new courts for basketball, pickleball and tennis. An asphalt path for walking and biking is open year-round, and benches are scattered throughout the park for when you need a rest.

Although there’s no indoor recreation at the parks, just down the road from Goodland Township, Jump City ensures you can have fun rain or shine. Open four days a week, the indoor bounce house and fun center is filled with inflatable attractions and an arcade. It’s family-owned and operated, and guests can choose between daily jump passes or monthly memberships featuring unlimited playtime.

Another way to pass the time is on the links at Attica Township’s Castle Creek Golf Club. The community course was opened in 1979 by a WWII veteran who’d been impressed with the castles he’d seen in Europe. Modeling his clubhouse after those same castles, the course became known for its stunning scenery. In fact, golfing in the morning could mean seeing whitetail deer and other wildlife while teeing off. There are putting and chipping greens and a driving range where golfers of all skill levels can practice their shots. Open to the public, the club hosts special events, weddings and various tournaments throughout the year.

Tucked into Michigan’s countryside, Goodland Township is filled with farms, both agricultural and equine, just minutes from the conveniences of Imlay City.

Written By

K.T. Phillips

Photography Contributed By

Scottie Davison

Video By

Stewart Taveras