Discover Isabella: Nature, Culture and Trails

Isabella combines distinctive natural sites, regional history and cultural discoveries to create a diverse destination. Those looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home can plan their stay around whether nature, exhibitions, historic buildings or special events should take center stage. This allows the choice of accommodation to reflect personal interests and the desired mix of peaceful and eventful days.

Nature Among Rivers, Forests and Distinctive Bridges

One distinctive natural site is Bundy Hill Preserve. It protects the highest point in Isabella County as well as an adjoining buffer of deciduous forest. This gives the site a clear connection to the landscape for anyone who wants to include a wooded natural area and a notable elevation point in their travel plans. In addition, the parks of Isabella County include eight parks covering a total area of more than 1,000 acres.

Majeske Landing is located on the Chippewa River and provides public access to the river. The site can also be used for recreational fishing year-round. This combination makes Majeske Landing a distinct option for planning a day: You can plan time by the water or include recreational fishing as a recurring interest in your trip without making the entire visit revolve around just one activity.

Deerfield Nature Park stands out with its bridge crossings. There are four bridge crossings in total, including two suspension bridges, the Lewis Pontiac Bridge and the Fisher Annex Covered Bridge. Details like these give a nature outing a clear sense of lasting appeal. The Pere Marquette Rail Trail also offers a different perspective on the landscape: It follows the route between Midland and Clare that was formerly used by the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad.

History and Culture for Varied Days

The Bohannon Schoolhouse was built in 1901 and moved to the campus of Central Michigan University in 1970. The building is open to the public by prior appointment. The schoolhouse’s historical depth and its subsequent relocation make it an interesting destination for travelers who want to experience regional history not only through exhibitions but also through a specific historic building.

At the Ziibiwing Center, the permanent exhibition Diba Jimooyung tells the story of the Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes. The site also offers access to a seasonal plant exhibition from June through September. In addition, the Ziibiwing Center offers Anishinabe singing and dancing performances on site or at another venue. Depending on your interests, you can combine historical, nature-related and cultural topics here.

The Central Michigan University Art Gallery offers further cultural inspiration with contemporary art by regional, national and international artists. The exhibition Magic Circles: Society through Game Spaces explores the historical role of board games and video games. The range therefore extends from regional heritage to current artistic and social questions.

Special Themes for Planning Your Trip

Traditions and events also give Isabella its own distinctive character. The first Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival took place in Shepherd in 1958. Those interested in regional festivals and culinary traditions can include this historical connection when choosing their destinations. The horse program at the Isabella County Youth and Farm Fair includes a public educational event and a showmanship clinic. Both examples complement the nature and cultural offerings with topics that are particularly well suited as intentional highlights of a varied stay.

The desired focus of your trip is therefore especially important when choosing accommodation. If you want to emphasize rivers, forests and parks, your ideas for day trips will differ from those centered on exhibitions, history or regional events. A holiday rental in Isabella can serve as the starting point for your personal itinerary; the specific destinations and interests involved will determine which location makes the most sense for you.

Getting There and Further Orientation

The city of Mt. Pleasant can be reached via US-127 and M-20. For further orientation, you will also find the directly linked selection here: Mt Pleasant, Antrim County, Lapeer County, Oakland, Washtenaw, Iosco County, Van Buren County and Muskegon.

For the higher-level travel overview: Michigan.