About Chelsea

If you are visiting Chelsea, please stop into The Chelsea Area Chamber of Commerce office located at 222 S Main (inside the Palmer Automotive Building) for the official Community Profile magazine, maps, and a variety of resources on events and Chelsea businesses.  The Chelsea Area of Commerce would love to tell you about what is happening around town or even just point you in the right direction! The newly renovated Visitor and Business Resource Center is sure to have items to help you enjoy your visit, items to help you relocate to the area or resources for residents that would like to support area businesses. To view a digital version of the Community Profile, just click on the photo of the Chelsea Community Profile.

Nature and Recreation

Chelsea is a Pure Michigan Trail Town.  The beautiful 25,000-acre Waterloo Recreation Area is literally at Chelsea’s doorstep. You can experience the beauty of Michigan’s unique wilderness, wildlife and geological wonders in this protected area. There nature enthusiasts can hike, ski, or bike miles of trails, spend a sunny afternoon fishing on one of many lakes, or experience the spectacle of the migrating sandhill cranes. Golfers can choose from more than 20 lush golf courses, all within a 20-minute drive. Families can enjoy a picnic and playgrounds and Timbertown, Pierce Park or Veteran’s Park. To learn more about the natural splendor of the Chelsea area and the various activities available, please visit our Recreation in Chelsea page.

Arts, Music and Culture

A commitment to the arts is an essential part of Chelsea’s vitality. Actor Jeff Daniels, an inaugural inductee in the Michigan Walk of Fame, is a founder of The Purple Rose Theater which showcases the work of nationally known playwrights, as well as the talents of equity-card actors. The Sculpture Walk is an annual year-long community arts project in which juried sculptures are installed at 16 locations in historic downtown for walking tours. There is art on display throughout the city - check out the Art in Chelsea.  Chelsea has also become the home of a vibrant music scene! Almost any night of the week you can find live music events. For more information on the Community Beat please visit our Music in Chelsea page.

History and Architecture

The unique and lovely architecture that defines Chelsea is a treasure to be experienced. Streets, buildings, parks and businesses serve as reminders of Chelsea’s long history. Recently honored as a National Register of Historic Places designation, the downtown area abounds with history wherever you turn. Whether you are looking to stroll quaint Victorian neighborhoods, view historical Main Street architecture at its best, or delve deeper into the history of small town America, Chelsea has all that and more to offer. Historical organizations such as the Chelsea Area Historical Society, Preservation Chelsea, and Chelsea Depot Association are preserving the past to educate generations and guide the future. To learn more about Chelsea’s history consider taking the Historic Walking Tour.

Business and Shopping

Chelsea’s thriving shopping district offers both residents and visitors alike the pleasant ambiance of tree-lined streets and cheerful storefronts. Visitors can stroll down historic Main Street, the home of specialty shops, gift boutiques, markets, restaurants, cafes, and visitor tours at Chelsea Milling, home of JIFFY Mix. Please use the Directory to find the shops or businesses that fit your needs!

Health and Wellness

Chelsea counts outstanding educational and health care among its many valuable resources. The Chelsea School District’s excellent staff and high level of parental involvement prepare students of all ages for a bright future. St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, nestled in a beautiful, wooded setting, provides quality healthcare, including a Health and Wellness Center, a Head Pain Program, a Woman’s Health Center and ER services.

Senior Living

For more than 100 years, Chelsea has been an ideal place for seniors to enjoy their lives. A diverse range of opportunities exist for seniors to experience art and music, volunteer, and join social groups all within a friendly small town atmosphere. Chelsea proudly offers several residential communities for seniors including the Chelsea Retirement Community and Silver Maples of Chelsea, which both offer beautiful campuses and a range of living options. With many organizations dedicated to providing senior services including the Chelsea Senior Center and the St. Joseph Mercy Chelsea, seniors can stay active and feel comfortable knowing that the full spectrum of resources are available within their community.