HILLSDALE, Mich. (Great Lakes News) – The middle of southern Michigan boasts a region that has become known as the “Irish Hills.” The short and scenic drive to the Irish Hills from major metropolitan areas has been a day trip destination since Henry Ford built his cars.
A cruise along U.S. 12, or the Great Sauk Trail, goes right through the hills. The two towers were a popular destination years ago. However, McCourtie Park has only grown in popularity as a day trip destination. It’s almost directly south of Jackson on U.S. 12 is Somerset Township, and just east of Somerset Center.
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The park is several acres in size, containing a number of very unique features, along with beautiful grounds and a meandering stream. On nice summer and autumn days, it is a favorite destination for a picnic, a tranquil walk along the trails, or fun and games with the dog.
Upon entering the park, visitors find unique works of art scattered along the paved path. A small stream meanders through the park. That stream can be crossed on any one of 17 bridges. Each bridge is of a different design. One looks like a log bridge, another like a suspension bridge, and another like a thatch roofed bridge.
McCourtie Park is a favorite spot for bird watchers as well. On top of tall poles are two of the largest Purple Martin bird houses anywhere in the mid-west. Each is said to house more than 100 Purple Martins.
There is more to discover in this park, and some of it is underground. If you bear to the left as you enter the park on the paved path, you go up a small grassy hill. There is an historic marker there with some interesting information, and there are two tall tree trucks with broken branches that are an unnatural white color. That’s because these two trees are also constructed of concrete. Actually, they are chimneys that served an underground rathskeller that once operated here.
If you go back to the paved path you will come to the fronting of that grassy hill. Installed in the face of the hill are what appear to be old garage doors. Look through the windows to see the old rathskeller. A beautiful mahogany bar, fixtures, and a floor to ceiling field stone fireplace are all still there. Tours are scheduled to begin in 2022.
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Directions: McCourtie Park is in Somerset Township on U.S. 12 just west of the junction with U.S. 127. The parking lot is directly adjacent to the walking path entrance. The parking area is unpaved.
