More Than a Dot on the Map: Discover Michigan’s Smallest City, Omer

Nestled within Arenac County, Omer holds the distinction of being Michigan’s smallest city. A sign passing through town celebrates this status, and as of the 2020 census, the town had just 274 residents.

For many travelers on US-23, Omer is a blip on the radar on the way to I-75 in Standish or heading north further along the Lake Huron coastline. But this small town has a fascinating history and interesting spots worth checking out.

Getting to Know Omer Michigan

Once upon a time, Omer was known as Rifle River Mills because the Rifle River intersects the town. The name changed when one of the town’s founders, George Carscallen, wanted to rename the town Homer. Carscallen found however that Michigan already had a town called Homer (located in Calhoun County), so he dropped the ‘H’, and Omer was born.

Note: Omer has consistently been ranked as Michigan’s smallest city, but the city of Lake Angelus in Oakland County briefly took the title after the 2010 census.

Omer became part of Arenac County in 1883 and was incorporated as a city in 1903, but the town has had several hardships throughout its history. A fire in 1914 destroyed 40 of the town’s buildings and a flood hindered rebuilding efforts just a few years later.

Omer briefly gained a small measure of international notoriety in the late 1990s when a “cussing canoeist” was ticketed for swearing in front of youngsters after falling into the Rifle River, under a 1897 law.

The American Civil Liberties Union defended the man, a resident of Roseville, and a Michigan appeals court in 2002 struck down the 105-year-old law.

Things to Do in Omer

With a total area of 1.16 square miles, Omer isn’t a bustling city center, but it is steeped in history and has fun community events that draw Michigan residents from all over the state. 

Explore the Rifle River Farmer’s Market

The seasonal Rifle River Farmer’s Market off of State Street invites visitors to check out a variety of handcrafted goods, fresh produce, foilage and fauna, and baked goodies.

The market’s spring nursery is filled to the brim with beautiful potted flowers, trees, perennials, and herbs, giving green thumbs all they need to beautify their yards.

In the summer, visitors can stock up on fresh fruits and vegetables as well as beautifully hand-crafted sheds, chicken coops, outhouses, and deer blinds.

Enjoy a Sweet Treat at Sundaes Afternoon Ice Cream Parlor

Sundaes Afternoon along US-23 is a seasonal ice cream parlor that’s perfect for families craving a sweet treat.

The menu is packed with ice cream classes including flavored cones, shakes, malts, soft-serve ice cream, sundaes, parfaits, and specialty sundaes. Hungry customers can also choose from fried food favorites including burgers and dogs, onion rings, fries, and more.

See Omer’s Railroad History Up Close

Omer was originally settled as a lumber mill operation and was once serviced by the Detroit and Mackinac Railroad. A branch line to Au Gres was also located in Omer.

The original depot is long gone, but the new depot is now used as a community center. Visitors to the town can also find a railroad bridge over the Rifle River that spans more than 100 feet. It is a rare example of a pony truss bridge that is believed to date back to the 1880s or 1890s.

Learn About Omer at the Ye Olde Courthouse Masonic Hall

This beautiful old courthouse, known as Ye Olde Courthouse Masonic Hall, is a center of community activity in Omer and the surrounding area. Once the site of the Arenac County Courthouse, it remains a symbol of county history and has survived heavy blows from nature and man.

This building is filled with historic artifacts and documents, and a walk through it is like walking through a 19th-Century time capsule. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1982.

Several events are held here including Omer’s annual Omer Suckerfest, holiday weekends, scrapbook days, Red Hat Teas, and more.

Attend Omer’s Annual Suckerfest

Michigan’s smallest city is known as a spring fishing hotspot because of the thousands of suckers who migrate from Lake Huron to Michigan rivers like the Rifle River to spawn.

It’s only natural then that the city hosts an annual spring sucker fishing festival known as Suckerfest. Each spring anglers from across the state descend upon Omer to participate in a thrilling multi-day competition.

Businesses contribute prize money and anglers line the shore of the Rifle River, hoping to catch the heaviest fish.

Explore More Near the Lake Huron Shoreline

Due to its location, Omer isn’t too far away from other quaint Lake Huron communities. Whether you’re passing through Omer or planning a visit there, there’s much more to see along the Lake Huron coast.

Visit a Lake Huron Lighthouse

Sturgeon Point Lighthouse in Harrisville has been a guiding beacon for mariners since its establishment in 1870. This historic structure stands 70 feet tall and is a well-preserved testament to the region’s maritime heritage. The lighthouse tower is open to the public and the keeper’s house is a museum that’s open from Memorial Day through mid-September.

Tawas Point Lighthouse within Tawas Point State Park is a historic 150-year-old structure that towers 67 feet above the Lake Huron shoreline. The lighthouse, with its distinct red brick construction, has witnessed significant maritime history and technological advancements. Seasonal tours are offered and there are other historic structures on-site, including a fog signal area and an oil house.

Charity Island Lighthouse, located on Big Charity Island near Au Gres has been a steadfast beacon since its construction in 1857. Today, the lighthouse stands as a symbol of the role played by lighthouses in ensuring maritime safety, while also attracting visitors with its historical significance and picturesque setting. Seasonal trips to the island are offered and visitors can enjoy picnic lunches, wildlife viewing, and more.

Eat at a Local Restaurant

While travelers can find plenty of chain restaurants along their travels on US-23, local restaurants provide a delicious alternative and a chance to soak in the ambiance of the local community. Some of our recommendations include:

• Wheeler’s Restaurant: An American diner along US-23 in Standish that specializes in breakfast favorites and more.
• H&H Bakery and Restaurant: A cozy breakfast and brunch spot along US-23 in Au Gres that features breakfast favorites and freshly baked goods.
• Stormy’s Diner: This Au Gres restaurant offers the best in home cooking with a menu that includes basket meals, burgers, hot dinners, hot sandwiches, and more.
• The Half Barrel Bar: This Standish eatery captures the diversity of American cuisine with a full bar, tasty apps, and lunch and dinner entrees like burgers, salads, and steak.

Try Your Luck at the Sagining Eagles Landing Casino

Visitors passing through Omer, Standish, and the surrounding area can travel a little off the beaten path to try their luck at Sagining Eagles Landing Casino and Hotel.

Sagining includes thousands of popular slot machines, table games, and more so visitors of legal age can enjoy their favorite games and try to walk away with some winnings.

Discover an Interesting Part of Michigan in Omer

While it may be Michigan’s smallest city, Omer is more than a map dot. For the few hundred people who call it home, it’s a town steeped in history and resilience.

Whether you stop for an ice cream cone at Sundaes Afternoon Ice Cream Parlor, meander through the historic Ye Old Courthouse Masonic Hall, or watch the action during Suckerfest, there’s plenty of excitement to be found in Omer Michigan.

No matter which direction you’re traveling on US-23, take a few minutes to stop in Omer and discover for yourself the wonders of the smallest city in Michigan.