Photo: Roberto – stock.adobe.com. Marshall, Michigan, USA – October 21, 2021: The business district on Michigan Avenue

Distance: 1.6 miles

Walking time: 36 minutes

This walking tour will take you past some historic structures and sights as well as some unique museums within this beautiful little Michigan town. The town’s website has several well-organized and informative self-guided walking tours available at https://choosemarshall.com/walking-tours/. Our tour takes you to some of the highlights.

 

Capitol Hill School, 602 Washington St.

This picturesque brick building with the arched center window, curved roofline, and white bell tower was a schoolhouse for 101 years. It was sold to the Marshall Historical Society in 1968, and since then, the society has overseen several renovations to maintain the structure’s historic appeal, as well as to continue service as a modern-day educational center. The two-room schoolhouse features one room set up as a 19th century classroom, while the other is utilized as a museum featuring children’s toys from that bygone era. Grade-school classes today can visit by making arrangements with the historical society.

 

Governor’s Manor, 612 S. Marshall Ave.

Did you know that Michigan’s capitol building almost stood in Marshall, and not Lansing? At least that was the plan back in the 1830s. The discussion was happening at the time because the State Constitution of 1835 fixed the capital at Detroit until the end of the next decade, 1847.

So a plan was formed that included Marshall as the new permanent capital. The town, and legislature, made strides toward being ready for the move in 12 years’ time. A large area was set aside, a governor’s mansion was built in the Greek-revival style, real estate went for slam-dunk prices. Unfortunately, in 1847 the House by one vote chose Lansing as the new permanent capital, also against popular opinion, and it was passed by the Senate.

 

Museums, Michigan Ave.

There are five museums located within the town, all of which are worth a visit and easy to walk to. Two that might pique your interest are the American Museum of Magic (107 E. Michigan Avenue), and down the road, the Walters Gasoline Museum (220 W. Michigan Avenue). The Walters Gasoline Museum, housed at the old Interurban Railway Depot of 1903, has memorabilia related to cars, service stations, and local history. The American Museum of Magic features hundreds of magicians and their treasures, magic artifacts, and history.

 

Riverwalk, Parking Available at 301 W Pearl St., Marshall, MI 49068

Stretch your legs and take in the scenery by walking the 1.6-mile riverwalk. Much of the town’s early history took place and relied on these waterways. The raised boardwalk follows Rice Creek and the Kalamazoo River, complete with lovely overlooks and a fishing dock found at Stuart’s Landing. When you traverse the riverwalk, you’re also joining part of the North Country Trail. And, it’s wheelchair accessible.

 

Nearby: A trip to this part of Michigan deserves a visit to two other nearby towns. Battle Creek, known as Cereal City, is the home of Kellogg’s; it also has a rich military history. Kalamazoo has a wonderful air museum, Air Zoo, which will be a delight for young and old.