Introduction to St. Johns, Michigan
St. Johns, Michigan, in Clinton county, is 18 miles N of Lansing, Michigan (center to center) and 89 miles NW of Detroit, Michigan. The city is in the Lansing - East Lansing metropolitan area.
St. Johns History
DeWitt Clinton, a prominent American statesman, was the first settler in present day Clinton County. He conceptualized an artificial waterway to facilitate transportation. It eventually became the Erie Canal, and was responsible for bringing a number of settlers to the area. The community of St. Johns was laid out several decades later and was established by John Swegles and Rev. C. A. Lamb in 1853. The "Saint" part of the name refers to the Reverend's efforts, while "John" was in honor of John Swegles. St. Johns was initially incorporated as a village in 1857, and was granted city status in 1904. It is the seat of Clinton County.
St. Johns and Nearby Attractions
- R.E. Olds Transportation Museum
- Michigan Historical Center
- W.K. Kellogg House
- Sleepy Hollow State Park
- Potter Park Zoo
- W.J. Beal Botanical Garden
Things To Do In St. Johns
St. Johns is close to a number of museums and historic sites including the Impression 5 Science Center, Michigan Historical Center, Battle Creek Sanatarium, W.K. Kellogg House, and R.E. Olds Transportation Museum. Sleepy Hollow State Park, encompassing more than 2,000 acres, offers opportunities for camping, fishing, hiking, and picnicking. Other popular attractions are Dow Gardens, Potter Park Zoo, and W.J. Beal Botanical Garden. In addition, the community celebrates the Mint Festival during the second weekend of August every year. It features homemade crafts, food vendors, a flea market, and live entertainment.
St. Johns Transportation
Air transportation is available fron the Bishop International Airport.
St. Johns Higher Education
Michigan State University, Lansing Community College, Central Michigan University, and Northwood University are close to the city of St. Johns.
