Did you know Saline was literally named for its salt springs? French explorers in the 1700s dubbed the river “Saline” after discovering natural salt deposits bubbling up from underground. While those surface springs have long disappeared — thanks to a lowered water table — the ancient saline sea still sits quietly about 200 feet below the city. Today, a visit to Salt Springs Park offers a glimpse into this lesser-known legacy, with interpretive trails that nod to the natural feature that once drew Native American tribes, French traders, and eventually European settlers to the area.
History of Saline
One of those settlers was Orange Risdon, a government surveyor who fell in love with the area’s fertile land and founded Saline in 1832.
The river already bore the name “Saline,” thanks to the early French explorers. Risdon didn’t invent the name, but he cemented it — using it when he officially platted the settlement and helped launch its development.
He opened the town’s first store, served in the Michigan Legislature, and laid the groundwork — literally and figuratively — for the community that still thrives today.
Fast forward to the 1930s and ‘40s. In 1931, the growing village officially became the City of Saline, a move that reflected its increasing population and evolving needs.
Saline Valley Farms
Just a year later, amid the Great Depression, a bold social experiment took root: Saline Valley Farms, a nearly 1,000-acre cooperative founded by Harold S. Gray.
The farm drew families from across the country seeking self-sufficiency, offering them the chance to live and work on a communal dairy, orchard, poultry house and gardens.
It thrived until the 1950s, when economic recovery opened other paths and the cooperative era quietly ended.
Schuyler Mill
Meanwhile, in 1936, Henry Ford — yes, that Henry Ford — purchased the historic Schuyler Mill in Saline and transformed it into a soybean processing plant.
Ford had already launched the Ford Motor Company in 1903 and revolutionized American transportation with the Model T by 1908. His investment in Saline was part of a broader plan to bring jobs and industry to rural communities through his “village industries” model.
WWII Efforts
Just a few years later, during World War II, Saline residents contributed to the national war effort, with many working at nearby plants like the Willow Run Bomber Plant. Women in particular played a vital role in the workforce — part of the larger “Rosie the Riveter” movement that swept the nation.
These decades cemented Saline’s identity as a community shaped by innovation, cooperation and resilience. While Ford’s mill eventually closed and the war industries shifted, Saline kept growing — always adapting, always anchored in a deep sense of place.
Saline today
Today, you’ll find a walkable downtown full of independent shops and cafés, live music, museums and parks.
It’s the kind of place where you can sip locally roasted coffee in a converted train depot, explore a restored 1930s farmhouse, and still catch a summer concert on the lawn — all in one afternoon.
Restaurants & eateries in Saline
Bone Heads Bar-B-Que
Offering savory smoked meats and comfort food. A perfect setting for a dine-in experience and convenient for take-out.
1333 E Michigan Ave.
Biwako Sushi
Provides a variety of sushi rolls and Japanese cuisine in a casual dining environment.
1355 E Michigan Ave.
Brecon Grille & Pub
Offers a diverse menu of American and Welsh-inspired dishes in a cozy pub atmosphere.
101 W Michigan Ave.
Cancun Mexican Grill
Serving authentic Mexican cuisine in a vibrant atmosphere, known for its flavorful dishes and margaritas.
405 E Michigan Ave.
Carrigan Cafe
A cozy spot serving specialty coffees, breakfast items and light lunches, with an emphasis on local ingredients.
101 S Ann Arbor St. #107
City Limits Diner and Pancake House
Known for hearty breakfasts and sweet favorites like pancakes and waffles — great for a sit-down treat any time of day.
220 W Michigan Ave.
Dan’s Downtown Tavern
A local favorite known for its extensive beer selection and classic American pub fare in a relaxed setting.
103 E Michigan Ave.
Drop Top Pizza
New kid on the block serving up authentic Detroit-style pizza, smash burgers wings and boozy shakes in a cozy downtown spot with a creative, made-from-scratch menu.
107 W Michigan Ave.
George’s Saline Inn
A family-friendly diner known for its hearty breakfasts and classic American comfort food.
434 E Michigan Ave.
Mac’s Acadian Seafood Shack
Specializing in Cajun and Creole-inspired seafood dishes, Mac’s brings a taste of Louisiana to Michigan.
104 E Michigan Ave.
Oscar’s Sports & Grill
Voted #1 Bar and Restaurant in Saline for 2024, offering a scratch kitchen, an amazing patio, and weekly food specials.
6877 State Rd.
Salt Springs Brewery
Housed in a renovated historic church, this brewery offers craft beers and a menu featuring locally sourced ingredients.
117 S Ann Arbor St.
Thompson Bar & Grill
A welcoming establishment known for its affordable prices, prompt service and a menu featuring American traditional fare, including notable hamburgers and fried pickles.
10655 W Michigan Ave.
RELATED: Droptop Pizza Brings Detroit-Style to Downtown Saline
Sips & sweets
Arise Bakery and Cafe
Offers espresso drinks made with Hyperion Coffee, freshly baked pastries and a cozy atmosphere perfect for a slow morning or lunch break.
972 E Michigan Ave.
Baker’s Nook
Baker’s Nook provides a variety of baked goods, homemade foods and baking supplies to the public, making it a one-stop shop for baking enthusiasts.
901 W Michigan Ave.
Benny’s Bakery
A family-owned bakery since 1952, Benny’s offers a delightful selection of freshly baked breads, donuts, pastries, cakes and cookies, all made from scratch daily.
111 W Michigan Ave.
Brewed Awakenings Café
Warm and welcoming with a full coffee and tea menu, light breakfast and lunch fare, and plenty of comfy seating.
7025 E Michigan Ave.
Eleanor’s Sweets & Sodas
A nostalgic candy shop full of retro sweets, bottled sodas and fun gift items with an old-fashioned flair.
108 S Ann Arbor St.
Enchanted Oven
This scratch bakery specializes in high-quality cakes, cupcakes, cookies and other desserts, sourcing local ingredients for cake lovers.
100 S Harris St.
Stony Lake Brewing Co.
A microbrewery offering a variety of handcrafted beers in a relaxed atmosphere, with options for both indoor and outdoor seating.
447 E. Michigan Ave.
Gift & Specialty Shops
Cobblestone Rose
A locally loved shop filled with charming home décor, seasonal items, jewelry and thoughtful gifts for every occasion.
101 S Ann Arbor St.
Fine Print Bookshop
An independent bookstore focused on building an inclusive community through a curated selection of books for all ages.
109 E Michigan Ave.
Little Green Apple
A Hallmark Gold Crown store packed with cards, ornaments, gift wrap, and specialty items perfect for celebrating life’s moments.
549 E Michigan Ave.
Saline Flowerland
A full-service florist and garden center providing fresh flowers, plants and gardening accessories to brighten any space.
108 E Michigan Ave.
Learn & explore
Curtiss Park
A popular spot for outdoor activities, Curtiss Park offers walking trails, picnic areas and access to the Saline River, providing opportunities for fishing and kayaking.
111 E Michigan Ave
Rentschler Farm Museum
Step back in time at this preserved 1907 farmhouse, complete with eleven original outbuildings — from a classic red barn to a hog house and windmill. The museum showcases antique farm tools, period furnishings and a way of life that once defined rural Michigan.
1265 E Michigan Ave.
Saline District Library
Beyond its extensive collection of books and media, the library hosts educational programs, book discussions and community events, serving as a cornerstone for lifelong learning.
555 N Maple Rd.
Saline Farmers Market
A year-round market offering fresh produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods and artisanal products from local vendors. It’s a hub for community interaction and supports local agriculture.
7265 Ann Arbor–Saline Rd.
Saline History & Depot Museum
Housed in a restored 19th-century depot, this museum highlights Saline’s railroad history through exhibits, artifacts and photographs. It offers insights into how the railroad influenced the town’s growth and development.
402 N Ann Arbor St.
Salt Springs Park
A quiet nature preserve with interpretive signs and walking trails that honor Saline’s namesake salt springs and the ancient natural history still flowing beneath the surface.
Off South Monroe St.
Two Twelve Arts Center
This community arts center offers classes, workshops and gallery exhibitions, fostering creativity and artistic expression among residents of all ages.
216 W Michigan Ave.
