Blake Walsh

15 Best Things to Do in Eaton County, MI

  • Published 2022/12/19

Prepare your travel itineraries and get ready to explore all the exciting destinations that Eaton County has to offer!

Located in the heart of the southern portion of Michigan’s lower area, Eaton County is a region that’s also a part of the Lansing-East Lansing Metropolitan Area in the state.

The county is filled with numerous attractions that will satisfy your interests.

Established in 1837, it has undergone many changes throughout the years, making it an excellent destination for those who want to learn more about history.

Aside from this, Eaton County is also filled with scenic outdoor destinations where you can enjoy different recreational activities.

Whether you’re planning a trip filled with outdoor adventures or an educational getaway, you can find something in Eaton County that you’ll love.

Here are the 15 best things to do in Eaton County, Michigan:

Discover the Region’s Past at the Courthouse Square Museum

Exterior of the Courthouse Square Museum

kennethaw88, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Make your trip to the county more educational by learning more about its history when you visit the Courthouse Square Museum.

Located along Lawrence Avenue in Charlotte, the Courthouse Square Museum features different artifacts to help you discover more about the county’s past.

With its dedication to sharing the county’s history with all its visitors, this museum is the best destination for anyone who loves history.

From photographs to documents, the displays at this museum will pique any history buffs’ interest.

Take a deep dive into the county’s past and learn all about the area’s pioneers, the county’s formation, and the founders when you visit the Courthouse Square Museum.

Have a Picnic at Jaycee Park

Spend quality time with your friends and family by bringing them to Jaycee Park and enjoying a picnic.

Jaycee Park is a scenic 5.92-acre park along River Street in Grand Ledge.

This park features several amenities that ensure a fun-filled day for all of your loved ones.

You can engage in sports at the volleyball or basketball court, play with your kids at the playground, or even cool off from the heat at the splash pad.

Kayaking and boating are also allowed in the waters near the park.

There are also a pavilion and picnic tables where you can enjoy a delicious meal with your family and friends.

You can even listen to free live music on certain days as you catch up with your loved ones over a hot meal here.

Pay Homage to Union Veterans at Michigan’s GAR Memorial Hall & Museum

Remember the lives and the honorable works of Union Veterans at Michigan’s GAR Memorial Hall & Museum.

This memorial and museum is nestled along Main Street in Eaton Rapids and offers its guests a chance to pay tribute to the brave veterans.

Here, you can honor Union Veterans behind the Grand Army of the Republic or GAR and discover more about their crucial roles during the Civil War.

Explore this museum and take a look at artifacts that will tell you all about the sacrifices veterans made for the country.

You can also check out photographs and videos inside the museum to learn more about the courageous soldiers who offered their lives to the nation.

If you want to take home something as memorabilia or a gift for your loved ones, stop by Michigan’s GAR Memorial Hall & Museum’s gift shop.

Step Back in Time at the Grand Ledge Area Historical Society Museum

You’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another era when you visit the Grand Ledge Area Historical Society Museum.

This museum is located inside a historic home on Lincoln Street in Grand Ledge.

It is a cottage with a combination of Craftsman and Gothic styles, which was built back in 1880.

When you explore this museum, you’ll feel like you’re in another era because of its historic furnishings and overall look.

Roam around and see the various amenities in each room.

You can also explore the herb garden and porches all around the home.

Depending on when you visit, you may even catch some of the rotating exhibits inside the Grand Ledge Area Historical Society Museum that will give you a glimpse of how life was back then.

Take a Dip at Fox Memorial Park

Cool off from the sunny and hot weather by swimming in the pristine waters at Fox Memorial Park.

Fox Memorial Park is a scenic outdoor destination that can be accessed through Gresham Highway in Potterville.

This park has numerous features perfect for anyone who’s looking to have some fun under the sun.

From biking and skiing trails to fishing and ice skating, Fox Memorial Park offers countless recreational activities.

The most common activity at this park is swimming in the lake’s clear waters.

Bring your loved ones and spend a day splashing at this park’s picturesque lake!

If you get tired, you can take a break at the picnic areas and shelters while grabbing a quick snack.

Hit the Links at Bonnie View Golf Course

Visit Bonnie View Golf Course and indulge in some tee time with your friends, family, or colleagues.

Bonne View Golf Course is along Michigan Road in the city of Eaton Rapids.

Since it has been serving visitors for over 75 years, this golf course is popular among the community in Eaton County and has also become a hub for social events in the area.

Bring your loved ones and play golf at this golf course!

If you want to take a break, you can sit by the grassy areas and enjoy the scenic view of the landscape.

You can also grab a few drinks or even a meal at the clubhouse within the course.

Spend a day hitting the links and bonding with your loved ones through golfing at Bonne View Golf Course.

Join a Cooking Class at Le Chat Gourmet

Learn new tips and tricks when it comes to cooking by joining a class at Le Chat Gourmet.

Le Chat Gourmet is a facility on Bunker Highway in Eaton Rapids that offers a range of baking and cooking classes.

Here, you can get a hands-on learning experience in cooking different dishes.

It doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or an experienced cook; you’ll have a great time learning in outdoor and indoor kitchens.

You can bring along your friends, family, and coworkers to learn how to cook together.

Have a new and extraordinary bonding experience by joining a cooking class at Le Chat Gourmet!

See a Historic Gristmill at the Bellevue Gothic Mill

Exterior of Bellevue Gothic Mill

William Stockhausen, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Have you ever wondered how wheat or cornmeal was turned into a cooking ingredient back in the olden days?

Take a trip to the Bellevue Gothic Mill to get the answers you’re looking for!

The Bellevue Gothic Mill is based on Mill Street in Bellevue and has been standing since 1854.

This mill was once used to pulverize grain into flour for cooking.

Using the waters that come from Battle Creek, the waterwheel in this mill was a crucial tool used to create several grain products.

This mill produced bran, cornmeal, white, and even biscuit flour.

If you want to learn more about the different industries that once thrived in the county, this destination is a must-visit!

Catch a Movie at Eaton Theatre

End your long and eventful day by sitting back and relaxing while watching a film at Eaton Theatre.

Eaton Theatre is a movie theater on Cochran Avenue in the city of Charlotte.

This establishment stands out in the neighborhood because of its striking Art Deco-inspired facade that will make you want to take pictures.

Before watching your chosen movie, snap a photo of this theater’s incredible architecture.

Catch some of the latest films while chowing down on some of the fan-favorite snacks sold here, like Dippin Dots ice cream and Michigan candies.

For an evening filled with entertainment, bring your loved ones to this destination!

Keep Active at Lake Alliance Park

Break a sweat as you work out or engage in sports at Lake Alliance Park.

Nestled along Alliance Drive in Potterville, Lake Alliance Park is a 100-acre park with sports fields, a lake, and a course where you can play disc golf.

This is the perfect destination if you want to keep active by engaging in a sport.

Break a sweat as you play on one of the four baseball or softball fields!

You can also jog or run around nature trails.

Bring your loved ones along and play disc golf.

You can even go boating or kayaking on the stunning lake within the park, which spans 24 acres.

Explore the Trails at Keehne Environmental Area

Journey into the great outdoors and explore nature trails at Keehne Environmental Area.

Keehne Environmental Area is a destination made for studying nature on Sand Road in Bellevue.

Many researchers frequent this area to observe both flora and fauna, but outdoor enthusiasts visit this place for its excellent facilities.

This scenic natural area spans 30 acres and features numerous trails, two ponds, a fishing area, and a boardwalk system.

Here, you can indulge in many different recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, and even exploring aquatic habitats.

You can even bring your furry best friend to explore this gorgeous nature area as long as you keep them on a leash.

Reconnect with the environment while exploring this stunning natural destination.

Score Unique Vintage Items at Sunfield Antiques

Buy extraordinary gifts for yourself or your loved ones when you visit Sunfield Antiques.

Sunfield Antiques is the go-to destination for people looking to purchase vintage items.

Located on Main Street in the village of Sunfield, this shop sells a wide range of antiques, from furniture to vintage collectibles.

You can get antique kitchenware, rare toy collectibles, and even historic home decor like turntables and vintage phone booths.

They also offer antique furniture, vintage stoves, and more unique items that will kick your home decorating game up a notch.

Stop by Sunfield Antiques to get your hands on vintage gems.

Engage in a Heart-Pumping Activity at TC Paintball Park

Bond with your loved ones in a thrilling activity at TC Paintball Park!

Located along McConnell Highway in Charlotte, TC Paintball Park is a facility that provides exciting activities to all its visitors.

Experience new fun in this outdoor facility by running around and shooting paintballs at your friends or family.

It doesn’t matter if you’re an experienced shooter or not because you’ll have a fun time engaging in friendly competition with your loved ones.

You can even bring your kids and sign them up for the Low Impact paintball matches, where they can play safely.

If you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge or if you already have paintball experience, you can opt for the Airsoft activity and enhance the difficulty of your matches!

Paddle through the Waters at Bunker Road Canoe Landing

Unwind as you glide through the pristine waters while riding a boat at Bunker Road Canoe Landing.

Accessible through Bunker Highway in Eaton Rapids, this canoe landing is ideal for exploring the scenic Grand River.

Here, you can bring a canoe or kayak and paddle through the waters while enjoying the stunning view of the natural environment.

You can bring your whole family and spend a day kayaking or fishing at this destination.

There are also grilling and picnic areas here where you can prepare and enjoy your delicious meals.

Bunker Road Canoe Landing is another great destination you can check out if you want to spend the day outdoors.

Take in the Beautiful Scenery at Oak Park

Rock climbing at Oak Park

SBarnes, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Explore the trails and recreational areas at Oak Park while appreciating the stunning view of its natural surroundings.

Oak Park is a must-visit destination for anyone who loves to take in captivating sights and explore the great outdoors.

Located along Front Street in Grand Ledge, this park overlooks the Grand River and offers its visitors a picturesque view of the waters.

Oak Park is also a great destination if you want to take a walk or hike through a stunning natural area.

Roam around and try to spot local wildlife hiding through the leaves of the towering oak trees around this park.

You can also try rock climbing at the numerous climbing routes in the area.

This park is the perfect place for nature lovers and thrill-seekers.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, you’ll find something fun to do in Eaton County.

Add these 15 best things to do in Eaton County, Michigan, to your travel itinerary so you can explore all the must-visit destinations in the area.

Plan your next trip to the county with your loved ones today!

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