Sterling is located in Arenac County, about 40 minutes north of Bay City & about two hours north of Detroit. Take Exit 195 on I-75 & you are two miles west of downtown. Sterling got its start as a result of the Norn & Kent sawmill established in 1871. The town was named in honor of local lumberman, William Sterling. Today, Sterling remains a small rural community, with several small businesses, stores, a park & a local elementary school. The Detroit & Mackinaw Railroad runs across town & remains active. As of the 2000 census, Sterling's population was estimated at 533, however during the summer months, especially weekends the population grows as Sterling is becoming a tourist attraction for many Michigan residents. On any given weekend there are several thousand people enjoying everything that Sterling has to offer. Tourists spend many weekends enjoying the scenic Rifle River which winds through the town. Several Sterling campgrounds & canoe outfitters are in town to help you plan your trip. The Rifle River starts 60 miles north at the Rifle River Recreation area, winds through town & stretches all the way down to Saginaw Bay. Sterling campgrounds have plenty to offer visitors passing through on their way up north or as a getaway destination all its own. There are many hiking & biking trails available. Many of the Sterling campgrounds are full of wild-life for campers to enjoy. You'll most likely catch a glimpse of a bald eagle as many have chosen Sterling as their home. Sterling is rich in natural gas & you'll notice many gas wells pumping along in the many fields around town.