Reese is a welcoming village located in Tuscola County in Michigan’s Thumb region, known for its strong agricultural heritage, small-town charm and close-knit community spirit. Home to roughly 1,400 residents, Reese offers a peaceful rural atmosphere surrounded by fertile farmland and scenic countryside.
The community traces its origins to 1865, when Mrs. Louisa Woodruff and her son Dan built the area’s first home on land purchased from Jesse Hoyt. The village later developed from two neighboring communities — Gates and Reese — during the early railroad era. Gates was established along the Saginaw-Watrousville plank road in 1872, while the adjacent community of Reese was platted in 1873 after the Detroit and Bay City Railroad arrived. The village was named in honor of railroad superintendent G.W. Reese, whose railroad helped spur local growth and commerce.
Today, agriculture remains central to Reese’s identity, with area farms producing crops such as corn, soybeans, wheat and sugar beets. The village also maintains a strong sense of community pride, with residents supporting local schools, churches, businesses and community events throughout the year.
Education continues to be an important part of village life through Reese Public Schools, which serves students from preschool through high school and is well known throughout the region for academics and athletics.
Today, Reese continues to reflect the enduring values of rural Michigan — hard work, community involvement and neighborly hospitality — while preserving the history and traditions that have shaped the village for generations.
Current local officials
- President: Paul Keast
- Clerk: Erin Osborn
- Treasurer: Lindsay Mason
School district
- Reese Community Schools · (989) 868-9864
- Reese Elementary School · 9535 Center St. · (989) 868-4561
- Reese Middle/High School · 1696 S. Van Buren Rd. · (989) 868-4191
Private/parochial schools
- St. Elizabeth Catholic School · 12835 E. Washington Rd. · (989) 868-4108
- Trinity Lutheran School · 9858 North St. · (989) 868-9901
Other services
- Post Office · 2077 Gates St. · (989) 868-4947
- Police Non-Emergency · (989) 868-4582
- Fire Non-Emergency · (989) 868-3661
- Reese Unity District Library · 2065 Gates St. · (989) 868-4120