Ionia County - 8 Attractions You Must Visit

I-96 Speedway is a bucket list destination for ambitious racers and fans alike. Located in Lake Odessa, the ¼ mile banked clay oval provides a thrilling and spectator friendly racing environment. Offering five weekly divisions, this lightning quick track produces action packed and competitive racing that spectators can view from multiple angles. In addition to the driving excitement, I-96 Speedway also features a great family atmosphere with affordable prices and concessions.

Ionia State Recreation Area is a stunning open-air park located in Ingham County. This sprawling location offers countless opportunities for outdoor recreation, with picturesque hiking trails, plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities, family-friendly beaches and more. For camping enthusiasts, the well kept grounds feature dozens of camp sites, pavilions for large groups, and even primitive tent camping along the river. Fishing is also popular on site or nearby Frog Pond's Lake Saint Helen.

The John C. Blanchard House was built in 1864 by one of the first settlers of the area, and it also served as a home to many generations of the same family line. This particular Greek Revival living space stands out from others that were built around this time due to its beautiful symmetry and architectural details, such as its gable with bells and location near Red Cedar River. While the house has been restored over the years, much of its original features still remain intact.

Jordan Lake, is a beautiful natural sight. Spanning 300 acres with a maximum depth of 38 feet, this all-sports lake is truly majestic. Every year anglers come to fish for the lake's largemouth bass, bluegill, yellow perch and black crappie. The lake also makes for a great spot for swimming or boating in the summertime. Whether you're out fishing, picnicking with friends or just appreciating the natural beauty of the area, Jordan Lake has something to offer everyone.

Morrison Lake is a popular destination for vacationers and nature lovers alike. It has crystal clear water and is surrounded by stunning forests, making it a tranquil oasis off the beaten path. Local fish species include yellow perch, bluegill, largemouth bass and northern pike. There is also an abundance of wildlife grazing around the lake, including beavers and other small mammals. Visitors can enjoy swimming, kayaking, fishing, camping and hiking opportunities throughout the area.

The Portland Riverwalk is an incredible place to take a walk and get close to nature. From the boardwalk lined path, visitors can observe plenty of scenery along the way including views of the river, multiple species of birds, and native foliage. Visitors who want more of a challenge can access the mountain biking trails that wind through canopies of trees located off the main path. Don’t forget to take some time to sit on one of the many benches available along.

Scheid Park is a wonderful park with many attractions to explore. Among its highlights are several covered pavilions for picnics and gatherings, two boat launches for kayaking and fishing, grills for barbecues, benches and trails for a leisurely stroll or serious hike, and two softball fields for those looking for some outdoor fun. There is even an area specially designated as a dog park. Overall a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and to communicate with nature.

Whites Bridge was built in 1927, and has been a part of the county ever since. This bridge has two highway crossings that are locally known and is listed under the National Register of Historic Places. It once connected to Bippley Avenue where locals used to go for Sunday drives to watch the sunset. Today, it stands as a reminder of the local beloved history and traditions that were once typical of the area.