McCourtie Park
McCourtie
Park is located U.S. 12 in the Irish Hills region just west
of Brooklyn. William H. L. McCourtie transformed his 42 acre
estate into a one-of-a-kind beauty back when this part of
Michigan was considered "up north". A walk through the park
will reveal a surprising number of bridges. There are
seventeen bridges in this park and no two are alike. While
they look like logs or planks or rope, each one is made of
cement.
There are two trees made of concrete that
are actually chimneys for an underground heating and boiler
system. That was designed to serve an underground apartment.
The birdhouses were capable of holding 200+ birds and were
built to accommodate Purple Martins. Made of cypress and "duraluminum"
the birdhouses were anchored in concrete blocks weighing
over 15 tons.
In addition to the stream and bridges, there are ponds and
rolling green areas to enjoy. The ponds are spring fed and
were originally used for trout and for swimming.
For local lodging options - www.southmilodging.com