McCourtie Park
In the middle of southern Michigan is a region that has become known as the “Irish Hills”. A short and scenic drive from major metropolitan areas, the Irish Hills has been a day trip destination since Henry Ford was building his cars. A cruise along U.S. 12, the Great Sauk Trail, goes right through the hills. The two towers, now closed, were a popular destination back in the day.
McCourtie Park, however, has only grown in popularity as a day trip destination. Almost directly south of Jackson on U.S. 12 is Somerset Township. Just east of Somerset Center a small sign announces McCourtie Park.
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 puppy 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
bridge, and another like a thatch roofed bridge.
Seventeen in all; all different; all the work of one artist,
and all are constructed of concrete. 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. Beautifully constructed with
sculptured roofs, 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 trunks with broken branches that
are an unnatural white color. The color is due to the fact,
that these two trees are also constructed
of concrete and are actually chimneys that served an
underground rathskeller that once operated
here. If you go back to the paved path and walk along you
will come to the front of that grassy
hill. Installed in the face of the hill are what appear to
be old garage doors. Last visit, one
could peer inside through one or two windows, and see the
rathskeller is still there. A beautiful
mahogany bar, fixtures, and a floor to ceiling field stone
fireplace are all still there.
Directions: East of Somerset Township you will see what appears to be two huge cement trees standing among normal trees on the north side of the road. There is a turning and a small sign announcing McCourtie Park.
