Brunch in Marshall. The weekend brings out the sweet and decadent in restaurants such as Grand River Brewery, Copper Athletic Club and SandHill. Conjure enchantment at the American Museum of Magic in Marshall. Learn about the history of magic and illusion, as well as how some of the tricks work.
Evoke the imagination at Kids ‘N’ Stuff Hands On Museum. Kids can play make believe on a variety of interactive sets, such as a farm, a veterinary clinic, grocery store and car garage.
Explore animal habitats from around the world at Binder Park Zoo. You can feed giraffes, watch the three bear siblings play or come face-to-face with a lion.
Find the original House with a Clock in its Walls. John Bellairs grew up in Marshall and he used it as the inspiration for the setting of his popular gothic mysteries. The house that would eventually become “The House with a Clock in its Walls” is located at 407 N. Madison St. Other sites from the book include Hemmingsen Rexall Drugs, the Honolulu House, Brooks Memorial Fountain and Oakridge Cemetery.
Fish off the dock at Stuart’s Landing. The fishing dock is part of a park that is attached to the Marshall Riverwalk. You can launch your kayak into the Kalamazoo River here.
Hold a tiny alligator at the Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary. When alligators no longer have a home and can’t make it in the wild, they can come to this sanctuary in Athens. Watch the gators and sign up for an animal interaction.
Play at Leila Arboretum and Kingman Museum. There are hills for sledding, a disc golf course, the whimsical Kaleidoscope Garden and Fantasy Forest, interactive museum exhibits and lots of green space.
Satisfy your sweet tooth at Foundry Bakehouse and Deli in Albion. One of the latest developments in downtown, Foundry has an abundance of baked treats and sandwiches. It’s also close to Bohm Theatre, Kids ‘N’ Stuff and the Pure Albion gift store.
Shop at Horrocks Farm Market with a wine or beer in hand. There’s a lot of fresh food, international treats and local products. The best part is you can get a free coffee or buy a glass of wine or beer at the bar and sip while you shop.
Sit down at the World’s Longest Breakfast Table. Every June, Battle Creek celebrates with free cereal, entertainment and a parade. It’s a chance to meet Tony the Tiger or Sugar Bear. We’ve been the Cereal City for more than 100 years.
Slide down into the pool at Full Blast. The outdoor waterslides make a big splash in the summer.
Slurp a bowl of noodles. Umami Ramen has customizable dishes – choose which broth, noodle, protein, veggies and garnishes you want. Then sit at one of the community tables. Ramen tastes best when it’s slurped!
Swing your driver. There are six highly rated golf courses in Calhoun County. Southern Swing can help you find the courses and hotels that are right for you.
Take a selfie with Penny Lincoln. This giant portrait of Abraham Lincoln is completely made of pennies and it won the ArtPrize public vote for grand prize.
Throw a ball or frisbee for your dog at the Home Run Dog Park. There’s plenty of room for your four-legged friend to give chase.
Tour through elegant houses during the Marshall Home Tour. The Marshall Historical Society runs this September event, celebrating the unique architecture of the small town.
Travel back in time at the Historic Adventist Village. Houses of Seventh Day Adventist pilgrims have been preserved, along with the school and church. The buildings aren’t usually open, but you can stop by the Kellogg Discovery Center to learn about Adventist’s health activism and see some of the old exercise equipment that Dr. Kellogg used at the Sanitarium.
Visit the Welcome Center in downtown Battle Creek. We have an exhibit on the history of cereal, information on more things to do in the area and a gift shop for all your Battle Creek and Michigan souvenirs.
Walk over the restored truss bridges at Historic Bridge Park. There are five bridges that have been restored and incorporated into a walking path next to the Kalamazoo River. They’re also popular photo spots.
