The Jim Crow Museum houses more than 9,000 artifacts, most dating from the 1870s to the 1960s. The museum uses objects of intolerance to teach tolerance and promote a more just society. The collection thus spans a broad period of time while serving a clear educational purpose—an insightful introduction to the culture of Mecosta County.

History with Local Connections

The Mecosta County Historical Museum features exhibits on the county’s history and the lumber industry. It is housed in the former home of lumber businessman Fitch Phelps. You can explore regional history through both the subjects of the exhibits and a building that is itself connected to a figure from the county’s past.

The Paris Fish Hatchery is also part of the region’s history: it opened in 1881 and was the second-oldest fish hatchery in the state. Paris Park is located at the site of the former Paris State Fish Hatchery. Another historical detail awaits at School Section Lake Veteran’s Park: an original one-room schoolhouse stands there, alongside the large sandy beach where visitors can swim today.

Lakes, Riverfronts, and Water Activities

More than 100 lakes, rivers, and streams shape Mecosta County. Individual parks show the many different ways to experience this waterscape. Brower Park has 1,000 feet of sandy beach. At School Section Lake Veteran’s Park, you can swim at the sandy beach and rent canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and pedal boats.

On the Muskegon River, Paris Park offers a launch site for kayaking and canoeing. Davis Bridge Park has 500 feet of riverfront, an accessible kayak launch, and a fishing pier. It also provides direct access to the Dragon Trail. Merrill Lake and Gorrel Lake are located at Merrill-Gorrel Park; each lake has a boat ramp. Haymarsh Lake offers fishing for northern pike, largemouth bass, crappie, perch, sunfish, and pumpkinseed sunfish. Fish species may vary.

At Tubbs Lake, the Martiny Chain of Lakes connects eight lakes through a canal system. For a larger body of water, Haymarsh Lake has 375 acres of water. When choosing a destination on the water, you can consider not only beaches and boat ramps, but also fishing opportunities and the chain of lakes linked by canals.

Trails Through Forests and Landscapes

White Pine Valley Recreation Area encompasses 200 acres of forest and offers a well-developed, non-motorized trail network. Activities include hiking, biking, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing. The 92-mile White Pine Trail runs directly through Paris Park. There is currently a restriction on one section in Paris: the trail is closed between the Mecosta County Parks office and 207th Avenue due to construction; a signed detour is in place. Check the current route before setting out.

Michigan’s Dragon at Hardy Dam offers a different scale: this linear county park is 45 miles long, fully completed, and open. Check trail conditions before you leave. The Dragon Trail, in turn, is especially well suited to hiking, running, and mountain biking. In Big Rapids, the Riverwalk adds another option: four fishing platforms are located along its paved path, which can also be used for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing in winter.

Market Days and Getting Your Bearings

Seasonal markets also offer a glimpse of local products. The Big Rapids Farmers’ Market runs from May to October and offers produce, plants, and baked goods. Barryton Farmers Market takes place weekly in summer in Barryton’s Central Park; from June to October, it features regional produce and handmade goods. As these are seasonal events, it’s worth checking the current dates before visiting.

For navigation, the intersection of US-131 and M-20 is a useful landmark. Mecosta County is also an easy stop along the route between Grand Rapids and Traverse City. Whether you plan your stay around trails, water, history, or local markets, these different themes give you practical starting points for planning your trip.

Explore More Destinations

Explore more destinations: Big Rapids, Remus, Alpena County, Osceola County, Mason County, Grand Traverse, Lake County, Shiawassee County.

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