Chesaning has been known for the Chesaning Showboat for decades. The entertainment destination has docked in Chesaning since 1937 and provides fun on the water during the summer months. The annual
Chesaning Showboat Music Festival in July features live music, food, a parade, and more.
Chesaning Parks
Showboat Park isn't just home to the Chesaning Showboat. It's also a recreation area with several baseball diamonds, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and a basketball court. A fishing pier at the park on the Shiawassee River is a popular spot with local fishermen. Showboat Park has a campground near the back of the park, and reservations can be made through Chesaning Chamber of Commerce at (989)845-3055.
At the center of town, Cole Park is a relaxing place on the Shiawassee River. The park features the Riverboat Playland--a large, elaborate playscape for kids. There is also a smaller playground near Cole Park's round picnic shelter. The waterfront near Cole Park underwent a facelift with the removal of a faulty dam and the now features a flowing rapids.
Next to Chesaning Township's offices, there is a very nice playground with a swings and a multicolor slide/play set.
Fishing
The river banks of the Shiawassee River in Chesaning provide good locations for fishermen looking to catch smallmouth bass, rock bass and northern pike. Popular fishing spots include Cole Park and Showboat Park.
A valid fishing license is required to fish on Michigan lakes and waterways, and you can get a Michigan fishing license online at the
Michigan DNR E-License web site and at bait shops and sporting goods stores.
More About Chesaning
Chesaning has a distinctive downtown area with brick storefronts and family-owned businesses. There are several restaurants located along Broad Street, including the Showboat Restaurant. The Malt Shop on Broad Street is a great spot to get some ice cream on a summer day.
Chesaning has a few of small hotels and bed & breakfasts. The Sthone House Bed and Breakfast on Broad Street is an historic spot, dating back to 1909.
