Welcome Marshall Area Visitors Guide
You’re Welcome Marshall, Michigan.
Introduction
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History
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Accommodations
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Restaurants
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Shopping
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Golf
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Museums & More
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Recreation
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Events
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Attractions
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Accommodations Index
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02 Front and inside cover photos courtesy of Scott Buttrick, Marshall, MI
Come Home Again To Marshall.
You feel it as you stroll around our town. Streets lined with towering trees and stately Victorian homes. This feels like home. Or at least, a home you’ve always dreamed about. A home that embraces its past. Where quaint shops warmly invite visitors to explore and discover antiques and one-of-a-kind collectibles. Where family-run restaurants continue their generous service to customers as they have for generations. Where families walk, bike, hike or simply picnic in the park. This is Marshall. And whether you spend a day, weekend or longer here, you will succumb to its small-town charms.
The Brooks Memorial Fountain, the identifying fixture of downtown Marshall, was built in 1930 as a replica of Marie Antoinette’s fountain at Versailles, France. The fountain features a
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color light show in spring and summer months.
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STEP BACK TO A SIMPLER TIME.
A strange and wonderful thing happens as you pull off the highway into Marshall. The hectic pace of today’s world quickly fades. You find yourself in a place surrounded by beautifully restored Victorian homes, quaint downtown shops, parks and neighborhoods where families enjoy the peaceful outdoors. You almost feel like you’ve stepped into a Norman Rockwell painting. And it’s easy to see why.
Marshall was an important station on the Underground Railroad. In 1846, local citizens helped escaped slave, Adam Crosswhite, and his
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family cross over into Canada after arresting his would-be captors.
Historic
Marshall’s historic downtown is part of the community’s National Historic Landmark District. Home and shop owners take great pride in maintaining the original integrity and character of their buildings. For almost 50 years, the annual Marshall Historic Home Tour has been drawing people from all over the country to visit our most famous residences and museums. Today, the tour draws thousands the weekend after Labor Day. It is recognized as one of the top parade of homes in the Midwest.
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ALL THE COMFORTS OF HOME.
In Marshall, making the perfect getaway is as simple as making reservations. Several national hotels and motels offer comfortable, familiar accommodations to fit any budget. And all are convenient to area attractions and the shopping districts. In Marshall, you can choose from the Comfort Inn, Hampton Inn, and Holiday Inn Express. Nearby, you can choose from Best Western and Quality Inn and Suites.
For a complete listing of area accommodations, see page 25.
Begun in 1848, the Calhoun County Fair, held every August in
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Marshall, is the oldest county fair in Michigan.
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Accommodations
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SIT BACK. RELAX. STAY AWHILE.
In Marshall, we take life at a more leisurely pace. And why not? There’s so much worth exploring and enjoying it seems a shame to hurry. Especially when there are so many wonderful places to stay. Places like our historical Bed & Breakfast Inns, each of which has been lovingly restored to its original splendor.
Rose Hill
For a complete listing of area accommodations, see page 25.
Built in 1835, The National House Inn is the oldest operating hotel in Michigan. It served as a
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halfway haven for weary travelers on their way to Chicago from Detroit.
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Bed and Breakfast
Listed as a National Historic Landmark District, Marshall has several Bed & Breakfasts. Our most famous, the National House Inn, is Michigan’s oldest continually operational inn. It has been welcoming guests since 1835. Here you can linger over your morning coffee. Read the paper. Even enjoy an actual conversation with a loved one. And you’re never far from the many shops and restaurants. Even if you stay just one night, you’ll find yourself wandering back in time.
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DINING AT ITS FINEST. While Marshall is well known for its historical architecture, we are also famous for our fine-dining establishments, several of which have a storied history all their own.
Marshall has been called “a textbook of 19th century American
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small town architecture.� It is listed as a National Historic Landmark
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District, which includes over 850 homes and businesses.
Restaurants Founded in 1909, Schuler’s Restaurant & Pub has earned a national reputation for its exemplary food and service. This family-owned establishment has drawn visitors from all over the country. Guests have the option of dining in the traditional Centennial Room or enjoying a more casual atmosphere in the Pub. For those who want to really talk turkey, there’s Cornwell’s Turkeyville USA. More than just a great place for a nontraditional turkey dinner, Turkeyville USA features a dinner theater and special events throughout the year. Enjoy food and fun served up family style. In addition to its famous establishments, Marshall also features cozy cafes, coffee shops and a handful of national restaurants.
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AN HISTORIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE.
Treasure seekers. Bargain hunters. Collectors of the eclectic. They all find something to love amid the historic shops of Marshall. Come stroll through our beautifully preserved downtown district and discover one-of-a-kind collectibles, antiques, clothing and more. Shopkeepers are warm, friendly, and eager to help. Grab a bite to eat at one of our downtown cafes. Sip a latte on a nearby park bench. Or simply relax and enjoy the easy pace of life here in Marshall.
Marshall was nominated as the state capitol in 1839, but lost to Lansing, then a village of eight registered voters, in 1847. The Governor’s Mansion was built in 1839 specifically for the
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purpose of housing the state’s new governor.
Shopping
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GET INTO THE SWING OF THINGS.
Whether you’re a duffer or scratch golfer, you’ll find a lot to love about the Marshall area. Here you’ll find everything from gorgeous, “Up North” style championship courses to challenging community courses. From tight, tree-lined fairways that test your accuracy to long, green stretches that tempt your power. Marshall has it all for every skill level. So if you’re ready for a day on the links, call your golf buddies, grab your bag, and make a straight shot for Marshall.
Two Marshall citizens, Rev. John D. Pierce and Isaac E. Crary, innovated the Michigan school system and established it as part of the state constitution. Their format was later adopted
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by all the states and became the foundation for the U.S. Land Grant Act in 1861 which established schools all over the country.
Golf
The following public courses are located in or near Marshall:
Alwyn Downs
18 holes
(269) 781-3905
The Medalist
18 holes
(269) 789-4653
Tomac Woods
18 holes
(800) 835-9185
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PUTTING THE PAST ON DISPLAY.
Given its rich history, it seems only natural that Marshall would have several museums. What’s more interesting, however, is the subject matter each covers. The Marshall Postal Museum is the second largest museum of its kind; next to the Smithsonian. Here visitors can see the history of our country through stamps and postal memorabilia. Magic fans will love the American Museum of Magic. It is the largest privately held museum of its kind open to the public. The museum features nearly a million items, including props, illusion equipment, magic sets, costumes, posters and much more, dating from the 16th century to present day. Advance reservations are required. For special tours and information, please call (800) 877-5163 or visit www. marshallmi.org.
During the Civil War, the First Michigan Infantry Company I from Marshall was greeted by
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President Abraham Lincoln when it arrived in Washington. He declared the company the
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“first from the West.”
Museums & More
Of course, what would a community like Marshall be without some museums that highlight the exquisite and unique designs of its historic buildings? The Honolulu House, built in 1860 and famous for its Italianate architecture and unusual wall and ceiling murals, serves as Marshall Historical Society Headquarters. It’s open daily to the public, May through September. Other notable places to visit include the Governor’s Mansion Museum, the Capital Hill School Museum and the Grand Army of the Republic Hall Civil War Museum. Advanced reservations are required.
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THE GREAT OUTDOORS AWAIT YOU.
A shady tree. A cool breeze. Some simple food and refreshments. Otherwise known as a family picnic. That’s all it really takes to enjoy some quality time here. In fact, you have your pick of parks and recreation areas in Marshall.
Michigan boasts that wherever you stand in the state, you’re never more than five miles from a river, stream, lake or pond. In Marshall, you’re even closer. We have numerous parks
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and public areas offering swimming, boating, and more.
Recreation
The Brooks Memorial Fountain Park, located at the intersection of Kalamazoo and Michigan Avenues, is the gateway to our community. The Park’s fountain is a notable downtown fixture and impressive light shows take place here daily, May through September. The River Walk stretches for 1.6 miles along Rice Creek and the Kalamazoo River. Stroll along elevated boardwalks and paved pathways, while you enjoy scenic views and an occasional peek at the native wildlife. There are several other area parks offering picnic facilities and playgrounds. These include Carver Memorial Park, Elizabeth Cronin Park, Stuart’s Landing and Ketchum Park / Kids Kingdom.
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A GREAT PLACE IN ANY EVENT.
There’s never a dull moment in Marshall. In fact, our annual calendar of events would tucker out even the most energetic visitor. So choose wisely and bring a good pair of comfortable shoes. You and the family will find plenty to do and enjoy.
In July, Marshall hosts Welcome to My Garden Tour and Garden Market, highlighted by a tour of colorful and creatively designed area gardens. In August, Marshall hosts the Calhoun County Fair. Begun in 1848, the fair is the oldest county fair in the state, drawing thousands wanting a taste of country life. In September, Marshall’s architectural marvels are on display during the annual Marshall Historic Home Tour. Voted the best in the state by Michigan Living magazine, the tour attracts visitors from around the country. In October, the CraneFest at Baker Sanctuary celebrates the migration of thousands of the beautiful, big-winged birds as they pass through our area.
Each summer, Marshall hosts Cruise to the Fountain, featuring over 1,000 classic cars from the 50s and 60s.
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Events
Here’s a listing of other notable events: • Michigan Week Festivities (May) • Renaissance Festival (May) • July 4th Pet Parade and Celebration (July) • Marshall’s Cruise to the Fountain (July) • Welcome to My Garden Tour & Garden Market (July) • Main Street Blues Festival (July) • Calhoun County Fair (August) • Historic Home Tour (September) • If These Stones Could Talk Cemetery Tour (October) • CraneFest (October) • Marshall Christmas Parade (November) • Retail Christmas Open House (December) • Christmas Candlelight Walk (December) For more information visit www.marshallmi.org.
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SO MUCH TO DO, SO LITTLE TIME.
Boredom is never an option in Marshall. Throughout the year, Marshall bustles with activity, with eager visitors drawn to our many attractions. Here you’ll discover something for everyone, including music festivals, theatre performances, art fairs, even dog shows. Marshall is home to several unique art galleries that are open daily and host tours during the summer.
Hometown of national blues recording artist, James Armstrong, Marshall also hosts
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national-caliber talent during its annual blues festival held downtown in July.
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Attractions
Because of its central location, Marshall is close to some of Western Michigan’s most notable attractions. The new FireKeepers Casino, six miles west of Marshall at I-94 and 11 Mile Road, opens in the summer of 2009. It promises to attract thousands wanting to try their hand with Lady Luck. Binder Park Zoo, open April through October, is a family favorite and is a short drive away in nearby Battle Creek. The Air Zoo in Kalamazoo gives families the “total flight experience.” The Kids n’ Stuff Children’s Museum in nearby Albion features interactive exhibits that let kids take a hands-on approach to arts and culture. For more information on these and other events and attractions, visit www.marshallmi.org
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Accommodations Arbor Inn 15435 West Michigan Avenue Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 781-7772 (800) 424-0807
www.arborinnmarshall.com
Comfort Inn 294 Winston Drive Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 789-7890 (877) 782-2491
www.comfortinn.com
Hampton Inn 17256 Sam Hill Drive Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 789-0131 (800) 426-7866
www.konoverproperties.com
Holiday Inn Express 17252 Sam Hill Drive Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 789-9301 (800) 465-4329
www.konoverproperties.com
Howards Motel 14884 West Michigan Avenue Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 781-4201
Imperial Motel 14978 West Michigan Avenue Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 781-2841
National House Inn (B&B) 102 South Parkview Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 781-7374
www.nationalhouseinn.com
Rose Hill Inn (B&B) 1110 Verona Road Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 789-1992
www.rose-hill-inn.com
The Avenue (B & B) 108 West Michigan Avenue Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 781-8144
www.giftdipity.com
The Lakehouse (B&B) 102 Lyon Lake Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 781-8144
www.giftdipity.com
The Olde Farmhouse (B & B) 18992 18 Mile Road Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 789-2349
www.theoldefarmhouse.com
The Townhouse (B & B) 108 West Michigan Avenue Marshall, Michigan 49068
(269) 781-8144
www.giftdipity.com
Quality Inn & Suites 11081 East Michigan Avenue Battle Creek, Michigan 49014
(269) 964-3000
www.qualityinn.com
Best Western 27644 C Drive North Albion, Michigan 49224
(517) 629-9411
www.bwalbioninn.com
Wilde Oakes Guest Suites 903 Cram Lane Albion, Michigan 49224
(517) 629-4678
www.wildeoakesguestsuites.com
Continental Breakfast
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Whirlpool Suites
Room Service
Restaurant On Site
Outdoor Pool
Indoor Pool
Pets Allowed
Non-Smoking Rooms
Conference Room
Meeting Space
Wireless Internet
High Speed Internet
Extended Stay
Exercise Facilities
Exterior Corridors
Interior Corridors
Full Breakfast
Barrier Free
No. of Units
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Marshall, Michigan.
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MARSHALL
Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce 424 East Michigan Avenue Marshall, MI 49068
www.marshallmi.org 1 (800) 877-5163 Š 2008 Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce