Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Calhoun County, MI

  • Published 2022/11/04

Calhoun County is located in the south-central region of Michigan.

The county seat is Battle Creek, and the largest city is Marshall.

The county was established in 1829 and was named after John C. Calhoun—the 7th Vice President of the United States.

Calhoun County is home to several tourist attractions that offer something unique and fun for visitors.

Every attraction you visit pays homage not only to the city and county but to the entire state of Michigan as well.

At 718 square miles, Calhoun County is relatively small.

Despite its size, it has no shortage of things to see and do.

If you’re wondering how you should spend your time here, here are the 15 best things to do in Calhoun County, Michigan.

Enjoy Nature at Leila Arboretum

Flower bed at Leila Arboretum

Chez1981M / Shutterstock.com

The Leila Arboretum is a great place if you want to commune with nature.

This 70-acre arboretum features a variety of flowers, trees, and plants.

The arboretum is named after Leila Post Montgomery, who donated the land the arboretum now sits on to the local government.

Closeup view of a flower at Leila Arboretum

Chez1981M / Shutterstock.com

The Leila Arboretum Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving and beautifying the Leila Arboretum.

Their efforts in planting and maintaining the different gardens in the arboretum have made it a beloved destination for many locals and tourists.

If you’re looking to escape city life and experience the beauty and serenity of nature, a visit to the Leila Arboretum is a great option.

Children's garden at Leila Arboretum

Battle Creek CVB, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Visit the American Museum of Magic

Start your journey with something magical at the American Museum of Magic.

This is one of the only museums in the country dedicated to magic and its history.

Opened in 1978, the Museum has featured countless magicians, including Harry Houdini, David Copperfield, and Siegfried and Roy.

It displays many interactive exhibits, such as sawing a person in half and making things disappear.

The American Museum of Magic is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the rich history of magic for visitors of all ages.

Take a guided or unguided tour through the Museum and see the different displays and exhibits.

If you ever wonder what and how magic tricks came to be, a visit to the American Museum of Magic will answer you.

Try Your Luck at FireKeepers Casino Hotel

Sometimes, we can’t help but try our luck.

So, if you’re feeling lucky and you’re up for some gambling, make your way to FireKeepers Casino Hotel.

Located in Battle Creek, this casino hotel is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Calhoun County.

FireKeepers Casino Hotel features over 2,900 slot machines, 70 table games, and a poker room.

They also have live entertainment and five different restaurants to choose from.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, this four-star hotel also has 243 rooms and suites.

Each room is fully equipped with all the amenities you need for a comfortable stay.

Or take advantage of their recreational facilities, which include an indoor pool, a fitness center, and a spa.

So whether you’re looking to gamble or relax and unwind, FireKeepers Casino Hotel is the perfect place.

Check Out a Piece of Battle Creek’s History at the Kimball House Museum

As a historical landmark and the official history museum of Battle Creek, the Kimball House Museum is a must-visit for anyone interested in the city’s history.

The Museum is housed in a Queen Anne-style home built in 1886 by Dr. Arthur Herbert Kimball.

It was donated to the Junior League in 1966 for use as a museum and has been open to the public since then.

The Kimball House Museum features a variety of exhibits showcasing different aspects of Battle Creek’s history.

Tour the house and see the different rooms that have been furnished to look like they did when the Kimball family lived there.

When exploring Calhoun County, you’re bound to see some great historical structures that will leave you in awe.

The Kimball House Museum is a testament to that and is worth a visit.

Watch a Baseball Game at Bailey Park

Bailey Park in Battle Creek is an 80-acre park perfect for a day out with family and friends.

The C.O. Brown Stadium is also home to the Battle Creek Battle Jacks, the city’s premier baseball team.

The Battle Jacks play in the Northwood League, a collegiate summer baseball league.

Bailey Park also features a Quadro-plex softball diamond, a playground, four sand volleyball courts, and 12 shuffleboard courts.

With this many recreational facilities, you can always find something that you love to do at Bailey Park.

There’s no shortage of baseball action and other recreational activities at Bailey Park.

So, if you’re up for some fun and excitement, Bailey Park is the place to be.

Admire the Unique Architecture of the Honolulu House Museum

The Honolulu House Museum in Marshall is one of the most unique historic homes you’ll ever see.

Its design features Hawaiian, Italian, and Gothic influences.

It’s quite a unique combination of architectural inspirations, but when you look at it in person, you’ll see that everything meshes perfectly together.

Also known as the Abner Pratt House, the Honolulu House Museum was built by the former Michigan Supreme Court chief justice.

Years of living in Hawaii profoundly influenced Pratt’s taste in architecture, as evident by the design of his home.

The Honolulu House Museum is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Calhoun County.

It’s a great place to learn about the area’s history and admire its unique architecture.

Check Out the Sojourner Truth Monument

The Sojourner Truth Monument in Battle Creek is a tribute to the famed abolitionist, civil rights activist, and women’s rights advocate.

California artist Tina Allen designed the monument, which was unveiled in 1999.

It’s located in downtown Battle Creek and is directly accessible from the Sojourner Truth Memorial Pathway.

The monument features a 12-feet-high sculpture of Sojourner Truth, depicted giving a speech.

The monument also has a series of granite benches inscribed with some of her most famous quotes.

The Sojourner Truth Monument is a great place to learn about the life and work of this important figure in American history.

It’s also a beautiful piece of public art you can admire when you’re in Battle Creek.

Enjoy the Waters and Scenery at Goguac Lake

The waters of Goguac Lake

photo.eccles / Shutterstock.com

Goguac Lake is a beautiful body of water located in Battle Creek.

This 352-acre Lake in Battle Creek is a great place to enjoy the outdoors, go for a swim, or take in scenic views.

With a maximum depth of 66 feet, Goguac Lake is also a premier destination for fishing and boating.

There’s a public boat launch available and several docks and piers that serve as fishing spots.

The lake is stocked with various fish, such as bluegill, crappie, pike, largemouth, yellow perch, bass, walleye, and more.

There are also several parks around the lake, making it a great place to take a stroll or have a picnic.

Goguac Lake is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Battle Creek.

It’s a great place to enjoy the great outdoors and create some lasting memories.

Take Your Kids To Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum

Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum is a great place to take your kids for a day of fun and learning.

The Museum features various interactive exhibits and programs in Albion.

These programs promote creative thinking, problem-solving, and physical and social skills through play.

The Museum also offers a range of special events throughout the year.

One of the most popular exhibits at Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum includes The Airwall, where kids can learn the concepts of wind energy and air movement through scarves zipping through air pipes and flying overhead.

Another is the Conservation Station, where kids learn about the great outdoors and how to care for the environment.

They can also pretend to be a scientist in the Water Lab and experiment with different properties of water.

Your little ones will blast at Kids ‘N’ Stuff Children’s Museum.

It’s a great way to introduce them to topics like science, nature, and history due to its fun factor and interactivity.

Appreciate Works of Art at the Art Center of Battle Creek

The Art Center of Battle Creek is a great place to enjoy the works of local, national, and international artists.

In addition, the Art Center features a wide variety of art exhibitions and educational programs throughout the year.

The Art Center also has several permanent collections, including paintings, sculptures, prints, and photographs.

One of the most popular exhibitions at the Art Center is The Holocaust in Today’s World.

This special exhibit features a variety of contemporary art pieces portraying the issues and crises of today’s world.

Art exhibits and workshops for kids make the Art Center a great place to bring your family for a day of fun and learning.

The Art Center of Battle Creek is a great place to appreciate the arts and learn about different global artistic styles.

Get a Glimpse of the History of Calhoun County at Battle Creek Regional History Museum

The Battle Creek Regional History Museum is a great place to learn about the history of Calhoun County.

Located in Battle Creek, the Museum features a variety of exhibits that depict the area’s history from its early days to the present.

This Regional Museum also offers several educational programs and other annual special events.

The people behind the management and oversight of the Battle Creek Regional History Museum have done an excellent job of making the exhibits interesting and engaging.

Their dedication to showcasing the area’s history is evident in every aspect of the Museum.

So, if you’re ever in the area and are looking for a place to learn about the history of Calhoun County, the Battle Creek Regional History Museum is the place for you.

Tee Off at Binder Park Golf Course

If you’re looking for a place to play a round of golf, look no further than the Binder Park Golf Course.

This golf course in Battle Creek, Michigan, features 27 holes of challenging golf in a beautiful, well-maintained setting.

The Binder Park Golf Course is a great place to golf because it offers various challenges for all skill levels.

The natural marshland and ponds that come into play on many holes make this course both scenic and challenging.

Opened in 1963, Binder Park Golf Course is one of the oldest courses in Calhoun County.

The Charles Binder family donated the land in the early 1950s, and the City of Battle Creek built the course.

In addition to the 27 holes of golf, the Binder Park Golf Course also has a clubhouse with a pro shop and snack bar, a driving range, and a practice green.

So, if you’re ever in Battle Creek and looking for a place to play a round of golf, check out the Binder Park Golf Course.

Explore the Woodland Park and Nature Preserve

The Woodland Park and Nature Preserve is a combination of a community park and a nature preserve.

Located in Battle Creek, this 145-acre park is filled with nature-based recreation, including hiking and biking trails, a playground, and picnic areas.

You can also come to the park to appreciate nature’s beauty—surround yourself with thick forests, wetlands, and tallgrass prairies while keeping an eye out for the many different types of wildlife in the park.

The Woodland Park and Nature Preserve are also home to many different species of animals and plants.

This makes it a perfect place for animal watching or plant identification.

Several pavilions are also available for rent, making the Woodland Park and Nature Preserve a great places to picnic or party.

Visit the U.S. Postal Museum

Did you know that Marshall, Michigan, is home to one of only a few postal museums in the United States?

The U.S. Postal Museum is open to the public during regular business hours, accessed via the entrance on Madison Street.

Opened in 1932, the postal Museum features exhibits on the history of the U.S. Postal Service and the Marshall Post Office.

There are also interactive exhibits, including a sorting machine that shows how mail is sorted.

Check out various items and materials related to the postal service, including stamps, postcards, and envelopes.

The Museum also has a gift shop selling items related to the postal service.

The U.S. Postal Museum is a great place to learn about the history of the postal service and to see some unique items related to this important part of American history.

Check Out and Admire the Brooks Memorial Fountain

Night lights of Brooks Memorial Fountain

Phillip Hofmeister / Shutterstock.com

When you look at it during the daytime, the Brooks Memorial Fountain looks like an ordinary Greek-inspired fountain.

However, when you see it at nighttime, the fountain is illuminated and becomes a beautiful work of art.

The Brooks Memorial Fountain is inspired by the “Temple of Love” in Marie Antoinette’s garden at Versailles.

It features a white marble pedestal at the center of the fountain, surrounded by a pool of water.

The Brooks Memorial Fountain was built in 1930 and is located in Battle Creek’s West End Park.

While the fountain looks beautiful at any time of the day, it comes alive at night when illuminated.

The fountain displays 96 color combinations and water effects that continue for ten minutes.

This small presentation is a delight for both young and old.

After the show, the fountain returns to its original calm state.

The Brooks Memorial Fountain is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Marshall and is worth checking out.

Final Thoughts

Calhoun County isn’t the biggest county in Michigan.

But it has no shortage of fun and exciting activities and attractions to see and do.

From exploring nature to playing a round of golf to learning about the region’s history, there’s always something for everyone to do in Calhoun County.

So, if you’re planning your trip right now, add the 15 best things to do in Calhoun County, Michigan, to your list.

That way, you’ll make the most of your time in this beautiful corner of the Great Lake State.

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