Marshall Historic Home Tour
Marshall, Michigan
Anyone who drives through Marshall instantly notices the architecture. Not only the Victorian houses that have been preserved, but also the quirky home designs and centennial farms.
The Home Tour gives you a chance to see behind doors and learn the stories for one weekend in the City of Hospitality.
Is it about history or is it about design?
The tour is about both! It’s organized by the Marshall Historical Society. Sites are chosen for historical significance or interesting design.
Past tours have included an octagon house, an old school that was converted into a home and the mansion that inspired John Bellairs to write “The House with a Clock in Its Walls.”
Anything else to see after the houses?
Check out one of Marshall’s many museums: the Honolulu House, the Marshall Historical Museum at the GAR Hall, the Capitol Hill School Museum, the Governor’s Mansion, the U.S. Postal Service Museum and the Walters Gasoline Museum.
There are fun items to find in the museums, such as author John Bellair’s bicycle, a diamond mirror and some of the first stamps.
Artists from all over will congregate on the lawn of the Honolulu House for a juried art show. Nearby will be the Vintage Market, if the tour inspires you to go searching for antiques (you should also check out Amazing Grace Antiques).
Can I dance at the Honolulu House Ball?
Yes, anyone can dance at the ball for free. Located in front of the Honolulu House on Saturday, historical reenactors party like it’s 1865. Don’t worry if you left your hoop skirt at home – street clothes are just fine and you’re invited to join in the festivities.
There are some traditional waltz type dances and also lots of square dancing, where you can follow the crowd and the caller tells you what to do. People of all ages and abilities participate.
Where should I get food and drinks?
If you want to eat in the historic dining room of Schuler’s Restaurant, which has been in service for 100 years, then we recommend calling for a reservation now. Winston’s, the attached pub, is first-come, first-served.
Grand River Brewery and Copper Athletic Club both serve good food and fun cocktails – or opt for the craft beer on tap. Dark Horse Brewing Co. has a nice beer garden with live music.
Go back in time with an old-fashioned root beer float at the Hi-Lite Drive-in.
Speaking of ice cream, True North is getting people talking with its unique flavors and alcohol-infused ice cream. It’s all homemade.