US-12 & Irish Hills
Tour Overview
 This tour showcases attractions on or near US-12, one
of the oldest and well-traveled transportation corridors east of the Mississippi River. US-12
provides access to some of the most extensive and significant historic,
cultural, scenic, and recreational resources in Michigan. As a result,
the roadway was designated a Michigan
Historic Heritage Route in 1994.
Spanning approximately 212 miles in the southern lower part of the
State, US-12 has had many names over the years, including the Sauk Trail, the
Chicago Road, and Michigan Avenue (a number of stretches are still known as such
today).
The tour begins in Saline, a
small town just to the southwest of Ann Arbor, and travels through one of the more scenic
stretches of the US-12
Heritage Route. The highlight of the journey
is the Irish Hills near Brooklyn, a beautiful area of rolling countryside and 52
sparkling, spring-fed lakes.
Skip To…
Tour
Map
More Information
Saline
Vicinity of East Michigan Avenue and South Ann Arbor Street
 Website
A growing community in the vibrant Ann Arbor
Metropolitan area, Saline was chosen as one of the most attractive small
cities in America by Money Magazine in 1996. Though only 10 minutes from Ann Arbor, the City has a country feel. Thus, Saline is able to combine the best
aspects of small town life with the progressive attitude of a growing
city. While in town, check out the Bixby Marionette Museum, Rentschler Farm, and Railroad Depot Museum.
Clinton
Vicinity of East
Michigan Avenue
and North Jackson Street
Website
Clinton was the birthplace of Wirt Rowland, a 1920s
architect instrumental in shaping Downtown
Detroit. He is best known
for designing the Buehl, Penobscot, and Guardian buildings, structures that
define the Detroit Skyline
to this day. The Village has a rich History (PDF
file) which includes the Clinton Inn and the operation of the
Clinton Woolen Mill, a vital part of the area economy for over 90 years and
noted by a Michigan Historical Marker near the center of town along US-12.
Irish
Hills
Region surrounding US-12 between Monagan Highway and
Michigan International Speedway
 Area
Brochure (PDF File)
History of Irish Hills dates back to the 19th century as a
stopping point during the 5-day stagecoach trip between Detroit and Chicago. The early 20th
century saw the region develop into a popular tourist destination, a theme
that exists today. A unique
combination of picturesque countryside peppered with the occasional tourist
trap, there is something for everyone here.
As you begin to explore this area, don't miss the 755-acre Hidden Lake Gardens, the Walter J. Hayes State
Park, and
the amazing views of the surrounding lakes and land as seen from the Twin Towers.
Brooklyn
Downtown:
Vicinity of East Main Street and Ann Arbor Street
Website
 Continuing along US-12 towards the western edge of
the Irish Hills brings you to Brooklyn. Pay a visit
to Historic Walker Tavern, one of the first tourist attractions in the area
in the 1920s Here you will discover
the early days of stagecoach travel and trace the development of US-12. A short distance down the road is the
hard-to-miss 1,400-acre Michigan
International Speedway, the State's largest sporting venue. Thousands of race fans flock to the track
each season to enjoy NASCAR, Indy Racing League, and ARCA series action on
the two-mile oval speedway that opened in 1968. Heading north on M-50 leads you to downtown
Brooklyn, a cozy little town nestled between three lakes and
featuring a town square-like setting with a cupola in its center.
Manchester
Vicinity of Main Street and Center
Street
Website
This quaint riverside village features 19th Century
Italianate architecture, specialty shops, an eclectic mix of restaurants, and
a rich history. Year-round events such
as the Chicken Broil, Fourth of July Fireworks, Riverfolk Music and Arts
Festival, and River Raisin Canoe Races draw are popular with locals and
visitors alike. Great antiquing, fall
color displays, and numerous recreational opportunities add to the allure of
this charming little town.
Tour Map
Number of Destinations: 5
Overall Tour Time: 1-2 days
More
Information
Click on the links below for more information on US-12 and the Irish
Hills area:
Michigan's US-12 Heritage
Trail
Michigan.org
-- Irish Hills
Back
to Top
|
