Explore Chelsea

Chelsea is a small city bursting with charm and adventure. Known for its picturesque downtown, Chelsea offers a vibrant mix of boutique shopping, diverse dining, live entertainment, and endless outdoor recreation. As a designated Pure Michigan Trail Town and one of Michigan’s top 10 bike-friendly cities, Chelsea is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

This close-knit community celebrates its agricultural roots, fosters a thriving arts scene, and embraces a lifestyle centered on health and wellness. Whether you’re exploring scenic trails, discovering unique shops, or enjoying farm-to-table delights, Chelsea delivers big experiences with small-town warmth.

Outdoor Adventures Abound

Chelsea is your gateway to adventure at the Waterloo Recreation Area, Michigan’s largest park in the Lower Peninsula. Spanning 20,000 acres, it offers hiking, skiing, biking, fishing, and camping amid stunning wilderness. Golfers can enjoy the championship Pierce Lake Golf Course, while families explore play areas like Timbertown and Veteran’s Park.

For thrill-seekers, the DTE Energy Foundation Trail delivers 22 miles of top-rated mountain biking, and the Border-to-Border Trail adds even more outdoor fun. Chelsea is a true recreation wonderland with something for everyone!

A Creative Canvas

Chelsea is a town that pulses with creativity and the arts. The Purple Rose Theatre, founded by actor Jeff Daniels, is a cultural gem, while the Sculpture Walk offers a self-guided tour of 16 stunning artworks. Music thrives here too, with the Chelsea House Orchestra and summer events like Sounds & Sights on Thursday Nights featuring over 75 musicians. Live performances can be found year-round at local venues, making Chelsea a hub of artistic energy and musical talent!

Business & Shopping

There are over 65 specialty shops, gift boutiques, markets, restaurants, and cafés with storefronts in Chelsea. There is a Farmers Market twice a week that provides easy access to fresh produce and other artisan goods. Don’t worry if you miss the Farmers Market, Agricole Farm Stop is open daily with fresh produce, meats, and other goods from local farmers and artisans. Those that  are big fans of “JIFFY” Mix, may recognize the towers of the Chelsea Milling Company.

History & Architecture

One of Chelsea's many treasures is its historic appeal. The downtown, designated a Commercial Historic District in 2011, has over 60 commercial, public, and institutional buildings that show off the amazingly preserved Victorian architecture. Visitors can take a walking tour of the area to learn more of its past, or take a relaxing stroll through the nearby quaint neighborhoods to see some of the long-standing generational homes. 

Find out more about happenings in Chelsea at ChelseaMich.com