Old Mill Museum - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

The Draper-Houston Meadows Preserve in Washtenaw County, Michigan is worth a visit if you're looking for a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. The preserve spans over 154 acres, filled with lush meadows, towering trees, and babbling creeks. As you roam the trails, you'll discover an abundance of wildlife, including deer, foxes, and coyotes. Just be sure to keep an eye out for the occasional skunk - they can be quite smelly!

Ellis Park is a public park just outside the village of Onsted. It's comprised of over 130 acres and offers a variety of activities for outdoor recreation including biking, fishing, canoeing, horseback riding and more. The park also contains a pavilion with picnic tables and benches, restrooms, and an open shelter for special gatherings. A fishing pier has also been added as well as 2 miles of paved biking trails. Visitors will find plenty to enjoy at Ellis Park.

Monroe County Museum is a great spot for history and science buffs alike. Not only does it boast a variety of permanent exhibits on the county's history and culture, but also rotating exhibits from collections around the area. In addition to exhibits, the museum hosts educational programs that cover topics from local Native American cultures to the impact of immigration on the county's growth. Visitors can also explore outside with plenty of nature trails and large open areas to roam.

George Armstrong Custer Equestrian Monument honors the Civil War General. The 30-foot bronze statue rests on a 13-foot granite base and depicts a triumphant Custer atop his horse. Commissioned by General Custer's wife and completed in 1910, the statue has become an iconic part of Monroe County’s history. In the 1940s, multiple citizens saved it from being melted down after Japanese forces attacked Pearl Harbor.

The River Raisin National Battlefield Park offers a stunning view of national history. Established in 2010, the park commemorates the Battle of Frenchtown, which is considered to be one of the bloodiest conflicts of the War of 1812. Within these scenic grounds lies the iconic Monument to Commemorate U.S. Navy Captain Sinclair and his men who fought valiantly against British forces in this historic battle.

The Tecumseh Area Historical Museum is an incredible resource for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the region and its people. The museum houses thousands of documents and artifacts pertaining to Lenawee County's founding settlers, Native American cultures, Carlisle Military Academy students' experiences, prominent institutions and businesses and their founders, historical events, social movements and much more.