Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you want to know about Hubbardston, Michigan — the tiny village with an outsized Irish heritage.
Location & Geography
Where is Hubbardston Michigan?
Hubbardston is a village in North Plains Township, Ionia County, in the central part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula. It is located approximately 45 miles north-northeast of Lansing and 65 miles east of Grand Rapids. The village sits at the intersection of Main Street and Washington Street, surrounded by rolling farmland. Its ZIP code is 48845.
What county is Hubbardston MI in?
Hubbardston is located in Ionia County, Michigan. It is situated in North Plains Township in the northern part of the county. Ionia County is in central Lower Michigan, bordered by Montcalm County to the north, Clinton County to the east, and Kent County to the west.
What is the zip code for Hubbardston MI?
The ZIP code for Hubbardston, Michigan is 48845. This ZIP code covers the village of Hubbardston and the surrounding rural areas served by the Hubbardston Post Office at 101 E Main Street.
What is the population of Hubbardston MI?
According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Hubbardston has a population of approximately 345 people. The village has always been small — it is one of the tiniest incorporated villages in Michigan. Despite its small size, Hubbardston punches well above its weight in cultural significance due to its deep Irish heritage and annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Where is the nearest hospital to Hubbardston MI?
The nearest hospital to Hubbardston is Sparrow Carson Hospital in Carson City, approximately 5 miles to the west. For more specialized care, Sparrow Hospital in Lansing (approximately 45 miles south) and MidMichigan Medical Center in Alma (approximately 22 miles north) are the closest regional medical centers.
What is the elevation of Hubbardston MI?
Hubbardston sits at an elevation of approximately 860 feet (262 meters) above sea level. The village is located on gently rolling terrain in the central part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, characteristic of the glacial landscape that defines much of Ionia County.
What are the nearest cities to Hubbardston MI?
The nearest cities and towns to Hubbardston include Carson City (5 miles west), Pewamo (7 miles south), Maple Rapids (8 miles northeast), St. Johns (15 miles east), Ionia (18 miles southwest), Ithaca (20 miles north), Alma (22 miles north), Greenville (25 miles northwest), Lansing (45 miles south), and Grand Rapids (65 miles west). Carson City provides the closest everyday services, while Ionia is the county seat.
What is the weather like in Hubbardston MI?
Hubbardston experiences a typical central Michigan climate with four distinct seasons. Winters are cold and snowy, with average January temperatures around 20-25°F. Summers are warm and humid, with average July temperatures around 70-80°F. The area receives approximately 35 inches of rain and 40-50 inches of snow annually. The growing season runs roughly from late May through September, supporting the agricultural traditions that have sustained the community since the 1830s.
Visiting & Things to Do
What is Hubbardston MI known for?
Hubbardston is best known for three things: its deep Irish heritage dating to the 1849 arrival of John Cowman, the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade held every March, and Shiels Tavern — Michigan's oldest continuously licensed bar under the same name (building dates to 1878, continuous license since 1933). The village is also home to St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, a Gothic Revival landmark listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
What is there to do in Hubbardston MI?
Visitors to Hubbardston can explore St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (National Register of Historic Places), grab a burger and play shuffleboard at Shiels Tavern (Michigan's oldest continuously licensed bar), browse the Hubbardston Market for smoked ribs on Saturdays, and walk the village's historic streets. Annual events include the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade in March, Hubbapalooza summer festival in July, and the Parish Festival in August. History enthusiasts can visit the cemeteries for genealogical research and explore the Irish heritage trail.
What is the World's Shortest St Patrick's Day Parade?
The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade is Hubbardston's signature annual event, held every March since around 1970. The parade's tongue-in-cheek name celebrates the fact that the route through this tiny village is extremely short — from the village park through the Four Corners and down N. Washington Street to Shiels Tavern, where a bagpiper performs at the finish. Lineup begins at 11:45 AM with the parade stepping off at noon. The day includes a 5K run, Irish Dance Troupe performance, corned beef sandwich plates, and an American Legion celebration running from 2 to 10 PM with live music.
Where is Shiels Tavern?
Shiels Tavern is located at 117 N Washington Street, Hubbardston, MI 48845. The building dates to 1878, and the tavern has held a continuous liquor license since 1933. It is Michigan's oldest continuously licensed bar under the same name. The original bar and back bar are still in use. The phone number is (989) 981-6655.
Is Shiels Tavern the oldest bar in Michigan?
Shiels Tavern holds the distinction of being Michigan's oldest continuously licensed bar under the same name. The building dates to 1878, and the tavern has maintained a continuous liquor license since 1933 — the year Michigan began its modern licensing system after Prohibition. While other Michigan bars may claim older buildings, Shiels Tavern's unbroken licensing record under the same family name is what sets it apart. The original bar and back bar are still in use today.
Are there any historic sites in Hubbardston MI?
Yes, Hubbardston has several historic sites. St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (1868-69) is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is a Michigan State Historic Site. Shiels Tavern (1878) is Michigan's oldest continuously licensed bar. The Parish Rectory (1908) was designed by Detroit architects Donaldson & Meier. St. John the Baptist Cemetery (1884) contains headstones documenting Irish county origins. The John Cowman Farm site on Section 11 marks the birthplace of the Irish community. The Glass Cabin site is connected to an unsolved 1838 mystery.
What is Hubbapalooza?
Hubbapalooza is Hubbardston's annual two-day summer festival, typically held the third weekend in July. Organized by the nonprofit Hands on Hubbardston, the event raises money and awareness for cancer research, suicide prevention (MASP), and Angels of Hope. Highlights include a 5K run and 1-mile walk, the 'Hope Floats' LED balloon launch at dusk, outdoor concerts, head-shaving fundraisers for children's charities, and food and spirits throughout the weekend.
When is the St Patrick's Day Parade in Hubbardston?
The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Hubbardston is held annually in March, typically on St. Patrick's Day (March 17) or the nearest Saturday. Parade lineup begins at 11:45 AM at the village park, with the parade stepping off at noon. The Irish Dance Troupe performs at 11:30 AM. Corned beef sandwich plates are served from noon to 3 PM, and the American Legion Post 182 celebration runs from 2 to 10 PM with live music.
Can you visit Hubbardston MI?
Yes, Hubbardston welcomes visitors year-round. The village is accessible by car via local roads from Carson City, Pewamo, or Maple Rapids. Top attractions include St. John the Baptist Catholic Church (National Register of Historic Places), Shiels Tavern (Michigan's oldest continuously licensed bar), and the historic cemeteries. The best time to visit is during the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade in March or Hubbapalooza in July. The Hubbardston Market is a great stop for smoked ribs on Saturdays. There are no hotels in the village, but accommodations are available in Carson City, Ionia, and St. Johns.
Community & Living
Is Hubbardston MI a good place to live?
Hubbardston offers the quintessential small-town Michigan experience. With approximately 345 residents, the village is tight-knit, quiet, and affordable. Community organizations like Hands on Hubbardston and the American Legion Post keep residents connected, and annual events like the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Hubbapalooza foster a strong sense of belonging. The area is surrounded by productive farmland and offers a rural lifestyle. Carson City (5 miles) provides additional services, while Ionia (18 miles) and Lansing (45 miles) offer larger-city amenities within commuting distance.
What church is in Hubbardston MI?
The primary church in Hubbardston is St. John the Baptist Catholic Church, which has served the community since 1857. The current Gothic Revival wood-frame structure was built in 1868-69 at a cost of $8,000, constructed entirely by Irish immigrant labor. It is the largest church in Ionia County, seating approximately 700. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001 and designated a Michigan State Historic Site, the church is now clustered with St. Mary Parish in Carson City.
What school district is Hubbardston MI in?
Hubbardston is served by the Carson City-Crystal Area Schools district. Historically, the village had its own school — St. John the Baptist School operated from 1917 to 1965, designed by the Detroit firm Donaldson and Meier. After the parish school closed, students were consolidated into the Carson City-Crystal district, which serves the surrounding rural area.
Is Hubbardston MI safe?
Hubbardston is a very small, quiet, rural village with approximately 345 residents. Like most tiny Michigan farming communities, it has a low crime rate and a strong sense of community where neighbors know each other. The village's active organizations — including the American Legion Post, Knights of Columbus, and parish — contribute to a close-knit social fabric that is characteristic of safe, stable rural communities.
What organizations are in Hubbardston MI?
Hubbardston has an active network of community organizations for a village of its size. These include the Hubbardston Area Historical Society (HAHS), Hands on Hubbardston (cancer awareness nonprofit), Walter T. Roach American Legion Post 182, Knights of Columbus Council 14581, Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe, St. John the Baptist Parish Council, Tuscan Lodge No. 178 F&AM (Masonic, est. 1865), and the Hubbardston Township Board.
Does Hubbardston have a post office?
Yes, Hubbardston has a United States Post Office located at 101 E Main Street, Hubbardston, MI 48845. The post office serves the village and surrounding rural areas and has been a fixture of village life since the 19th century.
What is Hands on Hubbardston?
Hands on Hubbardston is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on raising money and awareness in the fight against cancer. The organization also supports MASP (Michigan Association for Suicide Prevention) and Angels of Hope. Their flagship event is Hubbapalooza, an annual two-day summer festival featuring a 5K run, the 'Hope Floats' LED balloon launch, outdoor concerts, and head-shaving fundraisers. The organization is comprised entirely of local volunteers. Website: handsonhubbardston.org
History & Heritage
When was Hubbardston MI founded?
Hubbardston was formally established as a village in 1854, named after Thomas Hubbard of Hubbard, Taylor & Co., a lumber company operating a local sawmill. The village was officially incorporated in 1867. However, the area's settlement history goes back further — Hector Hayes and Hiram Brown arrived as the first Euro-American settlers in October 1836, and the first Irish Catholic settler, John Cowman, arrived in 1849.
Who founded Hubbardston Michigan?
Hubbardston was named after Thomas Hubbard of Hubbard, Taylor & Co., a lumber company that operated a sawmill in the area when the village was formally established in 1854. However, the first Euro-American settlers were Hector Hayes and Hiram Brown, who arrived in October 1836. The Irish community that defines the village today was founded by John Cowman, the first Irish Catholic immigrant, who arrived in 1849. North Plains Township was formally organized in 1844, with Nathaniel Sessions winning the first supervisor election.
What happened to the Glass family in Hubbardston?
In March 1838, Hiram Brown discovered the burned ruins of a cabin belonging to Ansel D. Glass in what would become North Plains Township. Inside the ashes were the remains of three people — Glass's wife and two children. Ansel Glass himself was never found. The cause of the fire and Glass's fate remain a mystery nearly two centuries later. Whether the blaze was accidental, the result of an attack, or something else entirely has never been determined. The Glass Tragedy is one of the earliest and most dramatic events in the township's recorded history.
How old is St John the Baptist Church in Hubbardston?
The current St. John the Baptist Catholic Church building was constructed in 1868-69, making it over 155 years old. However, the parish itself was formally organized in 1855, and the first church was built on John Cowman's farm on Section 11 in 1857. The current Gothic Revival structure cost $8,000 and was built entirely by Irish immigrant labor. It is the largest church in Ionia County and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2001.
Irish Heritage
Why is Hubbardston MI Irish?
Hubbardston's Irish identity traces to the chain migration that began with John Cowman's arrival in 1849. Fleeing the Great Famine in Ireland, Cowman found fertile farmland in North Plains Township and sent word back to family and neighbors in Counties Wexford and Monaghan. By 1851, six more Irish families had followed. Over the next three decades, dozens of Irish Catholic families settled the area, drawn by the land and the comfort of an established Irish community with a Catholic parish. By the 1880s, Hubbardston was overwhelmingly Irish Catholic — a character it has maintained for over 170 years through its church, dance troupe, pub culture, and annual St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
What is the history of Irish immigration to Hubbardston?
Irish immigration to Hubbardston began in 1849 when John Cowman became the first Irish Catholic settler in North Plains Township. Fleeing the Great Famine, Cowman found fertile farmland and sent word to family and neighbors in Counties Wexford and Monaghan, Ireland. By 1851, six more Irish families had arrived through chain migration — relatives and neighbors following established settlers. Key families included the Roach/Roche, Welch, Hogan, Cahalan, McKenna, Connell, Shiels, and McCormick clans. St. John the Baptist parish was organized in 1855, and by the 1880s, Hubbardston was a predominantly Irish Catholic community — a character preserved to this day.
Where is St John the Baptist Cemetery?
St. John the Baptist Cemetery is located in Hubbardston, MI 48845, adjacent to the church grounds. Consecrated in 1884, the cemetery sits on land donated by five founding Irish families: Roach, Welch, Hogan, Cahalan, and Connell. A shrine at the entrance honors Father Eugene R. Fox, who served the parish for nearly 50 years. The cemetery is an important genealogical resource, with headstones often recording Irish county origins.
What is the Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe?
The Hubbardston Irish Dance Troupe is a non-competitive, performance-based Irish dance group with approximately 95 dancers ages 3 to 18. Founded in 1998 by Patricia McCormick Baese, the troupe has performed at community festivals, the World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade, and twice at Walt Disney World. Emma Jandernoa became director in 2010. Baese was inducted into the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame in 2018 for her contributions to preserving Irish culture in Hubbardston.