Page 31 - MARVAC2020

MARVAC
South-Central
Driving Tour: Irish Hills
Driving Time: 27 minutes • Mileage: 17.8 miles
Region
There’s a part of south-central Michigan known as the Irish Hills. This area encompasses parts of two counties (Jackson and Lenawee), as well as Onsted, Tipton, Somerset Center, Napoleon, Norvell, Cement City, Clarklake, and more. The name originated from the Irish immigrants who settled the area in the mid-1800s. Truly an honor indeed if the authentic Irish considered their new home to be reminiscent of their beloved Emerald Isle.
That beauty is most evident in summer, and the area is also known for its chain of lakes. It’s an easy drive from metropolitan Detroit — it was a popular area to stop in the 1920s for travelers — with this particular driving tour easy to cover in a leisurely day.
➊ McCortie Park, the Bridge Park
➌ Michigan
International
Speedway
Do you have a need for speed?
Then visit the Michigan International Speedway, Michigan’s exclusive NASCAR track, for one of their
summer races. Prices for tickets to the grandstand vary by event, and there are several Race Day extras you can also purchase. Outpost and infield camping options are also available.
➍ Irish Hills Towers This historical landmark of twin observation towers was almost lost
to demolition before the Irish Hills Historical Society stepped in. After falling into ruin, the towers got a much- needed restoration in 2016 and 2017. Historically, the wooden observation towers were popular lookout points for tourists in the 1920s. Back then, each tower had a different owner. The rivalry between the owners resulted in a bit of a war over whose tower would be the tallest. Climbing the towers is not yet open to the public, but you can get a great view regardless.
Where’s the nearest pint? You
can’t be in the Irish Hills of Michigan without stopping in to a pub or two for a refreshing pint of Michigan craft beer. There are several local joints around your route — just pace yourself along your journey or save it for a toast at the end of your driving tour. Blue Skies Brewery, Cherry Creek Winery, and Shady’s Tap Room are all within easy reach of U.S. 12. Head north to Jackson and east to Ann Arbor for many
more options.
Begin your driving tour by visiting some of the most unique and unusual works of infrastructure in the state. McCortie Park is a 42-acre historical site near Somerset Center. There are 17 intricately designed cement bridges in mock-wood grandeur. It’s a pleasant spot to enjoy a quiet, early breakfast as well as an ideal scene to take photographs if you’re a bit of
a shutterbug.
➋ Walker Tavern
Historic Site
This site is comprised of three buildings: the Walker Tavern, an
1840s barn, and a visitor’s center. The tavern is furnished and has period reproductions of what you’d find at
an 1840s stagecoach stop (aren’t we glad to have our RVs?). Entrance to the Cambridge Junction Historic State Park, where this historic site is located, requires a recreational passport. Once a month during the summer, the state park hosts a summer evening in the Irish Hills with a Picnic on the Lawn concert series. Just bring your picnic and something to sit on.
Bonus Stop:
Love a good party? Rockin’ the Hills Craft Beer Festival takes place in July and is a rollicking good time. Try to plan your drive to coincide with the festivities. More information can be found on the event’s website.
MichiganRVandCampgrounds.org
2020 MICHIGAN RV & CAMPGROUNDS
29
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA
PHOTO COURTESY OF WIKIPEDIA PHOTO COURTESY OF MISPEEDWAY.COM