Hubbardston, Michigan

A tiny village with an outsized story. Founded in 1854, home to one of Michigan's deepest Irish heritages, the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade, and a community that endures.

Ionia CountyPop. ~345ZIP 48845

Village History

From the founding in 1854 through the sawmill era, the railway that never came, and the evolution of a resilient small community.

Irish Heritage

How immigrants from Counties Wexford, Monaghan, Tipperary, and Wicklow built one of Michigan's most authentically Irish villages.

Business Directory

Current and historical businesses — from Shiels Tavern, Michigan's oldest bar, to the sawmills that built the town.

Community Wiki

Articles on village government, Fish Creek, cemeteries, and everyday life in Hubbardston past and present.

Landmarks & Historic Sites

Explore the churches, natural features, monuments, and historical sites that define Hubbardston's landscape.

Family Names & Genealogy

Trace your Hubbardston roots — Irish family surnames, county origins, and genealogy resources.

Key Moments

2018

Michigan Irish Hall of Fame

Patricia McCormick Baese is inducted into the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame in recognition of her founding and leadership of the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe.

2001

National Register Listing

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (September 24) and designated a Michigan State Historic Site (January 18).

1998

Irish Dance Troupe Founded

Patricia McCormick Baese founds the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe, a non-competitive performance-based group that will grow to approximately 95 dancers ages 3-18.

1970

World's Shortest Parade

Hubbardston begins its tradition of hosting the "World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade," celebrating the village's deep Irish roots.

1965

Parish School Closes

St. John the Baptist School closes after 48 years of operation, ending parochial education in Hubbardston. Students transition to the Pewamo-Westphalia School District.

View full timeline →Browse by decade →

Annual Events

World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade

Hubbardston's signature event — a beloved, tongue-in-cheek St. Patrick's Day parade that celebrates the village's deep Irish heritage. The parade's short route through the tiny village is the whole point.

Hubbapalooza

A two-day summer festival organized by Hands on Hubbardston. Features a 5K run, Hope Floats LED balloon launch, outdoor concert, and head-shaving fundraiser for charity.

St. John the Baptist Parish Festival

An annual church festival hosted by St. John the Baptist Catholic Church featuring food, games, raffles, and community gathering.

Memorial Day Observance

An annual Memorial Day ceremony honoring veterans from the Hubbardston area, held at local cemeteries.

Historical Society Open House

Annual June open house at the Hubbardston Area Historical Society archives, featuring displays of photographs, documents, and artifacts from the village's history.

Knights of Columbus Fish Fry

Lenten fish fry hosted by Knights of Columbus Council 14581 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a beloved Friday tradition during Lent.

Community Breakfast

Community breakfasts hosted by Walter T. Roach American Legion Post 182, open to all residents and visitors.

Hubbardston 5K Run

A 5K run held as part of Hubbardston's St. Patrick's Day celebrations, drawing runners from across the region.

Hope Floats LED Balloon Launch

A moving LED balloon launch at dusk during Hubbapalooza, honoring those affected by cancer and raising awareness for charity.

Parish Cemetery Walk

An October guided walk through St. John the Baptist Cemetery, exploring the history and stories of Hubbardston's founding families through their gravesites.

All events →

Quick Facts

Location: Ionia County, Michigan (Hubbardston Township)
Founded: 1854 (incorporated 1867)
Named For: Thomas Hubbard, lumber company operator
Population: ~345 (2020 Census)
ZIP Code: 48845
Heritage: One of Michigan's most authentically Irish communities
Known For: World's Shortest Parade, Shiels Tavern
Landmark: St. John the Baptist Church (National Register)