In Calhoun County, discoveries range from extensive trails through changing landscapes to historic routes and museums. Battle Creek Linear Park stretches for more than 25 miles through wooded areas, open fields, parks, and business districts. In Marshall, the Riverwalk offers a different experience: it is 1.6 miles long and consists of elevated boardwalks and paved paths.
Paths Between River, Prairie, and Park
The Marshall Riverwalk includes five pedestrian bridges, boat and canoe access points, and scenic overlooks. Wooded trails follow Rice Creek and the Kalamazoo River, with opportunities to observe wildlife along the way. Compared with the more than 25-mile-long Linear Park, it illustrates the different scales of the trails, without suggesting that both need to offer the same experience.
Brooks Nature Area brings together several landscape types: a restored native prairie covers 88 acres, along with 97 unplanted acres of hedgerows, wetlands, and wooded areas. The area has 2.3 miles of maintained trails. Along the trailhead section, the path borders restored native tallgrass prairie, with views of Stuart Lake. This section is also suitable for spotting sandhill cranes, great egrets, Canada geese, and numerous species of ducks.
The North Country Scenic Trail runs through several parks in Calhoun County, including Historic Bridge Park. In the county, the Iron Belle Trail also connects to the North Country National Scenic Trail. Historic Bridge Park has picnic tables and grills for cookouts. Nearby, between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, Fort Custer Recreation Area offers more than 40 miles of trails, as well as opportunities for paddling and fishing.
History and Culture on Their Own Paths
The Marshall Historical Walking Route follows sidewalks and passes more than 15 sites with historic information markers. It’s a way to pair a stroll with insights into local history. The American Museum of Magic also focuses on a distinct subject: since 1978, it has celebrated magicians and the art of magic. Group tours can be booked any day of the week, including outside regular opening hours; advance reservations are required. From April through October, a magic show takes place every Saturday at 2 p.m. Check the schedule before your visit, as the program may change.
At Kids 'N' Stuff Children's Museum, the “Your Town” exhibit invites children to role-play community jobs, such as shop owner or public safety worker. In the “Wonder Wing” area, a 16-foot-long water table recreates the branches of the Kalamazoo River in downtown Albion. The bridge and waterfall are modeled on Albion’s Cass Street Bridge. The museum offers programs and events year-round. It is wheelchair accessible and has an elevator on the entrance level; however, a small number of exhibit features are not wheelchair accessible. Check the latest details before your visit.
Markets, Festivals, and Regional Connections
The Marshall Area Farmers' Market offers fresh fruit and vegetables, meat, poultry, baked goods, plants, and flowers. Those looking to include regional events in their trip can find main-stage shows, rides, livestock exhibits, fair food, and community-organized events at the Calhoun County Fair. The fair dates back to 1849 and is Michigan’s oldest county fair to be held continuously at the same location. The National Cereal Fest in Battle Creek first made it into the Guinness Book of Records in 1979; the festival features a free breakfast, magic shows, music, and bounce houses. Check the market calendar and current programs for annual events before you travel.
Battle Creek, Albion, and Marshall are close to one another within Calhoun County and are connected by the Kalamazoo River. Their proximity makes it possible to visit several communities during one trip. The county is located on Interstate 94, halfway between Chicago and Detroit. Amtrak stations are in Battle Creek and Albion. BCGo provides transportation within the county with pickup arranged in advance; the Albion-Marshall Connector runs between the two cities five days a week. Check train and schedule details before your trip.
Discover more destinations: Battle Creek, Albion, Marshall, Delta County, Dickinson County, Ingham, St. Clair County, Sanilac County.
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