Vassar
Vassar is a city in Tuscola County, Michigan. Founded March 1, 1849. The population was 2,697 at the 2010 census and 2,823 in 2000 (a decrease of about 4.5%). The city is located on the western edge of Vassar Township but is politically independent.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 2.18 square miles (5.65 km2), of which 2.12 square miles (5.49 km2) is land and 0.06 square miles (0.16 km2) is water. The Cass River flows through the city.
The City of Vassar is considered to be part of the Thumb of Michigan, which in turn is a sub region of the Flint/Tri-Cities.
The M-15 Heritage Route Byway traverses the City north to south.
The City also has a semi-enclosed sports pavilion that holds three basketball courts and during the winter serves as an ice skating and hockey rink. There is another wooded park on the north side of the river. Eight other parks, scattered throughout the city, add to the beauty of the city. The combination of its historic downtown and lovely parks makes a traveler want to stop and stay awhile.
Vassar Township Roadside Park
South of Vassar is the MDOT Don Malott Roadside Park, is heavily wooded with Gooding Creek running behind the site. It is also known as the Vassar Township Roadside Park.
Willow Springs Golf and Country Club
Southeast of Vassar on M-15 is the Willow Springs Golf and Country Club which offers excellent golfing in a scenic rural setting.
Vassar Rail Trail
The City is also the Trailhead for the Vassar Rail Trail. This is a paved "Rail Trail" for walking, running, biking, and skating. It begins at the end of South Cass Avenue at the Townsend North Pavilion and park. There is parking, swings and slides for kids, and restrooms. The gentle uphill path takes you through the woods and near the Cass River. At the end you can turn around and go back or walk awhile through the quiet subdivisions. The beautiful rail trail was created to be enjoyed by all.
Cass River Water Trail
Vassar is also an intersecting point along the Cass River Water Trail. The water trail is a series of 13 kayak/canoe access sites located on public property along the Cass River. The trail begins upstream of Vassar where Highway M-46 crosses the Cass River. The water trail follows the river downstream through Vassar, Tuscola, Frankenmuth, Bridgeport and ends at Wickes Park on the Saginaw River.