Gladstone is a city in Delta County in the U.S. state of Michigan. First settled in 1877, Gladstone’s original name was Saunders Point. The population was 5,032 at the 2000 census.
U.S. Routes 2 and 41 run concurrently through the city, connecting with Escanaba, nine miles to the south. US 41 runs north to Marquette and US 2 runs east to Manistique. M-35 runs northwest 52 miles to Gwinn and merges with US 2/US 41 south to Escanaba.
Gladstone is often referred to as “The Year ‘Round Playground†because of its myriad of parks and activities. Gladstone’s main park is Van Cleve, which hosts a playground (Kid’s Kingdom), a skateboarding park, a beach and boardwalk, as well as a harbor with boat ramps.
Another Gladstone attraction is the Gladstone Sports Park, which hosts skiing and snowboarding runs and a tubing facility. The Park itself is often rented out for other activities, including wedding receptions, and high school graduation parties.
Gladstone also hosts the Days River Trails, which are hiked and biked in the spring, summer, and fall. In the winter, these trails are used primarily for cross-country skiing.
Until 2002, Gladstone was the first stoplight a driver would have to encounter on US-2. If this driver had been coming from I-75, Gladstone would be the First stop light since Florida. This distinction is now held by Manistique, MI.
Because of its natural port and its access to iron ore, Henry Ford at one time considered Gladstone as a spot for his first automotive plant [The People's Tycoon: Henry Ford and the American Century].
Gladstone is mentioned in the now canceled Television Program, Capitol Critters. In the third episode, “The Rat To Bear Arms,†Trixie talks about spending her childhood living on the shores of Lake Michigan. She then states: “What I wouldn’t give to be back eating those Gladstone perch!†{how to cite a television show?}
Gladstone is sometimes referred to as “Happy Rock†or “Gay Pebble” by its residents, both plays on the town’s actual name.
The Gladstone High School Track team currently holds the record in the state of Michigan for most consecutive Division 1 championships with 6.
Hotels in Gladstone, MI:
Terrace Bay Inn
- www.terracebay.com – (906) 786-7554
Lakeside Motor Inn
- maps.google.com – (906) 428-3170
Shorewood Motel
- www.shorewoodmotel.com – (906) 428-9624
Gladstone Motel
- gladstonemotel.com – (906) 428-1100
Bayshore Resort Bait & Tackle
- www.bay-shore-resort.com – (906) 428-9687
Sleepy Hollow Motel
- www.baydenoc.com – (906) 786-7092
Bay View Motel
- www.bayview-motel.com – (906) 786-2843
Norway Pines Motel
- maps.google.com – (906) 786-5119
Norway Pines Motel
- maps.google.com – (906) 786-5119
Super 8 Escanaba
- www.super8.com – (906) 786-1000