Jackson County - 19 Attractions You Must Visit

Clark Lake is a stunning body of water located in Jackson County, Michigan. With over 303 acres of sparkling blue waters, it's home to many recreational activities, including swimming, sailing and fishing. The shoreline includes several cottages and houses with stunning views out onto the lake. Whether you're looking to take advantage of its calm waters for a leisurely cruise or you want to enjoy quality time with friends and family, there's something for everyone at Clark Lake.

Clark Lake County Park is a picturesque outdoor paradise. The park offers many activities and breathtaking scenery to enjoy. While hiking on the over five miles of trails, visitors may catch a glimpse of diverse wildlife such as whitetail deer, foxes and wild turkey. For those who prefer to stay close to the water, activities include fishing, canoeing and kayaking on the pristine 208-acre lake. The park also provides camping sites, equestrian facilities, basketball courts and picnic areas.

The Ella Sharp Museum, celebrates art and culture in the region. Built to honor Ms. Ella Sharp, an acclaimed local artist and philanthropist, the museum provides a range of educational exhibitions and programs for community members. Among its featured collections are 19th century furniture pieces, paintings from Ms. Sharp's personal collection, and artifacts from the Native Americans who once inhabited the area. Additionally, visitors can explore a vibrant outdoor sculpture garden.

Ella Sharp Park is a great place to go for some outdoor fun! Situated on 100 acres of beautiful forest land, the park has plenty to offer such as hiking trails, camping sites and its award-winning disc golf course. There are also tennis courts and a fenced-in dog play area for visitors to take advantage of. The Henry Ford Barn Museum, which is located within the park's boundaries, boasts a fascinating collection of artifacts that help provide insight into the region's past.

Gillett's Lake, renowned for its high quality fishing experiences. This lake sits in a picturesque setting of rolling hills, overlooked by a century-old barn. Popular among anglers, this lake is stocked over and over with buckets of Brook Trout, Brown Trout and Rainbow Trout - making it one of the best spots to fish in the area. In addition to its vibrant fishing grounds, visitors can enjoy the hiking trails that meander along the wooded shoreline and access to boat launches for easy launching.

This is a popular family friendly destination. It welcomes diners from all over the state with its casual diner atmosphere and classic American dishes. The restaurant features an impressive selection of classic coney island-style hot dogs and chili along with fresh burgers, sandwiches, salted fries and other comfort food favorites. There are also several vegan options on the menu. With its charming vintage decor, relaxed vibe and delicious food, Jackson Coney Island is an ideal spot.

The Jackson Historic Prison is a place of immense historic significance. It was built in the 1800s and served as a maximum security prison for almost a century until it closed in 2007. During its operation, some notable inmates were held here, including two presidents of the United Auto Workers union and one famous murderer. Today, this prison stands as a relic to those dark days when it was operating, offering visitors a glimpse into what life was like within those walls so long ago.

Lake Columbia in Jackson County, Michigan is a piece of paradise. With its crystal clear water and shimmering sandy beaches, the lake offers something for everyone. Kayakers can take in the sweeping panoramic vistas while fishermen can challenge their luck in finding some of the best bass and bluegill found anywhere. But that's not all - there are also plenty of amenities around the lake like parks, restaurants, golf courses, shopping centers and more.

Lime Lake, is a picturesque 175-acre body of water that offers a variety of recreational activities. Not only is it great for swimming and fishing, there are also trails surrounding the lake which provide wonderful opportunities for hiking and biking. The lake has plenty of boat launches and docks with easy access to the lake. In addition to swimming and fishing, other popular activities here include picnicking and camping on the scenic shorelines.

Loomis Park is a beautiful spot to enjoy nature along the Michigan AuSable River, the park offers 54 acres of land perfect for hiking, camping, fishing, kayaking and swimming. With picnic tables and grills provided onsite, this park is ideal for family gatherings and outdoor barbecues. Local wildlife such as deer, turkey, turtles and fish can often be seen in the surrounding area. Facilities include drinking water fountains and restroom blocks to ensure a comfortable visit to all who come by.

Meridian-Baseline Historic State Park is the perfect destination for any outdoor enthusiast. The park consists of 350 acres of wetlands boardwalk trails and a historic limestone survey marker known as the 'Meridian Stone'. The large stone marks the baseline used by surveyors to map out Michigan's Lower Peninsula in 1815. Visitors to the park can take part in several different activities like kayaking, fishing, hiking and bird watching along the nature trails.

The Michigan Theater of Jackson has been a cornerstone of the city since 1929. it stands as a proud example of classic cinema architecture and a reminder of a bygone era. This historic theater brings audiences all the charms that characterize traditional venues and blends them with modern innovations such as digital projection systems and state-of-the-art sound systems. Every year, thousands of patrons flock to the theater to enjoy movies, plays, ballet and other forms of live entertainment.

Norvell Lake is simply idyllic. Nestled among the lush rolling hills of southern Michigan, Norvell Lake offers a peaceful atmosphere that's perfect for fishing, swimming and relaxing. The lake itself is quite inviting with its crystal clear water that allows anglers to easily spot the various species of pan fish for which it is known. The abundance of other area wildlife makes it a popular spot for birdwatching and nature photography year-round.

The Cascades boast a breathtaking array of rolling hills and cliffs that lead to a series of seven cascading waterfalls. The park is situated on a 52-acre parcel of land filled with lush landscapes, wildlife, recreational activities and amenities like picnic areas and outdoor grills. After exploring the 7 cascading falls, visitors can venture onward for 3 miles of trails through the woody landscape. It's easy to take in the beauty at every moment throughout this natural paradise.

Wamplers Lake is a charming resort and vacation destination. The lake itself is formed by an abundance of sandy beaches, coves, and open areas with over 8 miles of shoreline to explore. Perfect for swimming, boating, fishing and more Wamplers Lake provides endless opportunities for visitors. There are also many spots to rent boats, kayaks and paddle boards right on the beach! With beautiful parks surrounding the lake that offer outdoor recreation like biking trails and playgrounds.

The Waterloo Farm Museum is a great destination for those interested in learning about the history and culture of the region. Visitors can explore the unique exhibits that provide valuable insight into what life was like on a rural farm in 19th-century Michigan. The museum includes a variety of artifacts showcasing everything from everyday tools to antique furniture, as well as an expansive collection of vintage photographs featuring local families and workers.

The 6,000 acres of parkland are home to many attractions, including twenty different hiking trails, a mountain biking course, and Lake Falls- a stunning natural pond that provides hours of kayaking and canoeing. In addition, the area is teeming with wildlife; visitors to the recreation area can expect to spot birds of prey soaring overhead as well as deer grazing on the mountainside. With its kaleidoscope of activities amid idyllic surroundings, this is an irresistable state park experience.

Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is a beautiful destination, boasts over 12 miles of trails along with its namesake - Watkins Lake - which provides plenty of opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Then there is the old growth forest which makes up the bulk of the park that's reminiscent of what our area looked like several hundred years ago - peaceful oak trees, abundant flowers and grasses, and of course plenty of wildlife.

Whistlestop Park Depot is a popular attraction for many families and individuals throughout the region. Located along a scenic lake, the depot features an old steam train, miniature golf course, large gift shop and snack bar. Visitors can take a step into history by riding on the original 19th century train or playing a game of miniature golf while admiring superb views of the lake. After a day of adventure, visitors can refuel at the concession stand stocked with delicious foods.