In celebration of America’s 250th anniversary as a country, embark on this driving tour across Michigan, established as a state in 1837, by following the historic signages managed by the Daughters of the American Revolution. This historic society promotes “historic preservation, education, and patriotism across the United States.”
Some of these locations are large buildings while others are simple markers, but the fact remains that Michigan’s history is preserved and shared by their existence. If you were to drive the entire route, you’d spend a lot of time in the car or RV. So, it might be best to hand-pick your locations based on where you already plan to be.
1.Chippewa County Courthouse, Sault Ste. Marie: Located at the site of an early mission, this courthouse was built in 1877. It’s one of three stone buildings in the city, as well as the only courthouse in the state that has served residents continuously throughout its long history. The building was used as a meeting place over the decades as well, including for agriculture and art. The town of Sault Ste. Marie is rich with history and is the oldest city in the state. This walking tour will take you to many of the sights.
Nearby campgrounds: Paradise Point RV Park
2. Veterans Memorial Park, Traverse City: Near the base of Grand Traverse Bay and a short walk from the beach is a small recreational park with pickle ball courts and a dog run. But these modern A poignant statue, “The Gold Star Mother” features a mother sitting on a bench holding a folded American flag. It was placed here in 2017 in honor of those brave, sorrowing mothers whose children died in defense of our country. Traverse City is a bustling town that has seen tremendous growth over the years. If you enjoy beautiful views, unique downtowns, and fresh produce, then make sure to add this city to your bucket list, along with the other towns in this driving tour around the bays.
Nearby campgrounds: Holiday Park Campground
3. The Cob-moo-sa Monument, Hart: This monument is in honor of an Ottawa Indian Chief and Great Speaker of the Flat River Band, who had several contributions in the country’s evolution during the early and mid-1800s. He was instrumental in negotiating with European settlers in the 1855 Treaty of Detroit, which relocated his tribe to a nearby Michigan location and planned for his tribe’s future.
Nearby campgrounds: Sun Retreats Silver Lake, Dunes Harbor Family Camp, Woodland Shores RV Resort
4. Michigan Veteran’s Memorial Park, Lansing: Dedicated in 2001, this monument pays tribute to the nearly 3,000 Michigan soldiers who died during the Vietnam War. It’s located in front of the Hall of Justice. Just across the way you can also visit the capitol building, a national historic landmark. The building was first erected in the 1870s and its majestic rotunda is a sight to behold, not to mention the well-groomed grounds, monuments, and memorials.
Nearby dealerships: Price Right Auto & RV Dewitt, Gillette’s Interstate RV
The Michigan state flag waving along with the national flag of the United States of America.
5. Governor’s Mansion, Marshall: This beautiful Michigan town has a lot of history and was almost the capital city (lost by a single vote)! The Governor’s Mansion, located on Marshall Ave, is a Greek Revival building that was erected in 1839 on the designated Capitol Hill in anticipation of Marshall being distinguished as the permanent capital. Today, the mansion serves as a museum and event space. It’s also one of the stops along this 36-minute walking tour around the town of Marshall.
Nearby campgrounds: Camp Turkeyville RV Resort
6. Robert L. Cook Veterans Memorial Plaza at Rose Park, Kalamazoo: This lovely memorial resides at the east gateway to the city and next to the Kalamazoo River. There are flags flying high and impressive granite memorials honoring each military branch. It’s a nice spot at which to reflect. The town of Kalamazoo should not be missed. This combined walking and driving tour will take you to several sights over eight miles, including the Kalamazoo Nature Center, Henderson Castle, Kalamazoo Institute for the Arts, Kalamazoo Valley Museum, and of course, Bell’s Brewery.
Nearby campgrounds: Klines Resort, Cranberry Lake Resort
7. Sue Silliman House Museum, Three Rivers: This structure has been here since the 1870s and is named after the daughter of one of the area’s earliest pioneers. It’s a three-story brick house with a view of the St. Joseph River and is now a museum that is free to visit in during the summer months.
Nearby campgrounds: Leidy Lake Campground
8. Four Corners Park, Coldwater: At the heart of Coldwater and at the intersection of two highways is Four Corners Park, which is actually four individual parks. The Northwest quadrant is where most annual festivities take place and features monuments honoring those who gave their lives. The Northeast potion has a military motif and a couple of historic artifacts: a gun and carriage from the Civil War and a piece from World War II. This is where visitors can take in outdoor concerts during the summer. Moving to the Southeast, you’ll find the historic Branch District Library and a statue honoring soldiers from the Spanish-American and Philippine Wars. The Southwest area is where folks can find relaxing sitting areas.
Nearby dealerships: Camping World, Bish’s RV of Coldwater, Haylett Trailers LLC
9. Hillsdale County Courthouse, Hillsdale: This courthouse stands in downtown Hillsdale, reaching three stories above the earth since its construction in 1898. The sandstone structure is designed in the Renaissance Revival architecture, with a copper-roofed cupola. A clock was added about 10 years later. Downtown Hillsdale holds to its Victorian past, offers free parking, and is a central destination for cruises, concerts, festivals, a farmers, and parades. There’s a Farmers Market in the Courthouse Square on Saturdays. If you feel like a walk or a bike ride, connect with the Baw Beese Trail, which borders downtown.
Nearby campgrounds: Gateway Park Campground
10. Croswell House, Adrian: Michigan’s 17th governor resided in this building, also designed in the Greek Revival style. It’s a stately red brick home with white trim and white columns. The interior is just as grand, with mid-19th century architectural trends and furnishings that have been well cared for. The storied history of its various owners all share one thing: progress and expansion. It’s now a chapter house for the Daughters of the Revolution.
Nearby campgrounds: Minister RV Park
11. Joy Bells Park, Grosse Pointe Farms: A familiar sound resonates through Grosse Pointe Farms every hour. Fifteen bells, commissioned by Henry B. Joy and made in the Paccard Foundry in the French Alps, stand at the corner of Moross and Grosse Pointe Blvd. Their original location was on the estate grounds of Henry B. Joy, a man affectionately known as the “Father of the Modern Highway System.” After both he and his widow passed, the tower and its collection of bells were given to the city. The bells can also play tunes.
Nearby dealerships: Kline’s RV Center, Price Right Auto & RV Sterling Heights
12. The War Memorial, Grosse Pointe Farms: Just a couple miles down the coastline from the Joy Bells is the War Memorial. This community destination and former home of the Alger family is an expansive campus that sits on the shores of Lake St. Clair, offering breathtaking views. It sees a lot of life, hosting enrichment classes, community activities, weddings, and other large gatherings. However, it remains true to its main mission: honoring those who served. It’s a perpetual memorial for those who served or died in WWII as well as other conflicts. Throughout the year, there are numerous Veteran-focused or patriotic events that take place. History tours take place once a month and last for 90 minutes. Check the website for details.
Nearby dealerships: Kline’s RV Center, Price Right Auto & RV Sterling Heights
13. Veterans Memorial Pointe, Rochester Hills: This five-acre park was dedicated in 1997 that offers tribute to the brave souls who served the United States. The centerpiece isn’t hard to miss: a tall granite monument surrounded by waving flags. The monument, of course, lists local heroes. The park itself is designed for contemplation and serenity. Take a walk along the river, or sit quietly at one of the benches. There’s also a gazebo. Once you’re ready to return to the busyness of life, you won’t be in want of things to do. Rochester Hills has several other parks, a couple museums, downtown shopping, and golf courses nearby.
Nearby dealerships: Blue Compass RV
14. Fort Gratiot Marker, Port Huron: An area teeming with military history, this marker indicates the location of Fort Gratiot, which was an important keep during the War of 1812 on the river that stands between the United States and Canada. Looking at all the industrial progress around the marker, it’s hard to imagine the rugged wilderness that used to be here. What cannot be missed from this vantage point is the tall white lighthouse tour. In fact, this marker as well as several others is on the lighthouse grounds. The Fort Gratiot light was built in 1829 (15 years after the fort) and is the oldest lighthouse in Michigan. Tours take place on the hour every day of the week between 10 am and 5 pm from Memorial Day until just after Labor Day. There is an admission rate.
Nearby campgrounds: Dancing Fire RV Resort, Port Huron KOA
15. Military Road and Indian Reservation Marker, Port Huron: Near the Civil War Memorial and the historic St. John’s United Church of Christ is a tablet on a building marking the intersection of the eastern line of an Indian Reservation. The marker also notes, “Provided by the treaty made Nov. 17, 1807 between the U.S. Government and the Chippewa, Ottawa, Pottawattamie, and Wyandotte Indians with the East line of the Military Road from Detroit to Fort Gratiot completed in 1833.”
Nearby campgrounds: Dancing Fire RV Resort, Port Huron KOA
16. Veterans Memorial Park, Lapeer: This quaint park packs a lot of meaning, recognizing service members on individual monuments from WWI, WWII, the Korean War, and the Vietnam War. A flagpole sits in the center. It’s a common gathering place for community remembrance, especially on Veterans Day. In honor of the country’s 250th birthday, a new marker has been placed to honor those heroes of the Revolutionary War. The town itself is small and family friendly. In August, it hosts Michigan’s largest free festival, Lapeer Days.
Nearby campgrounds: Horseshoe Lake Campground