Historical Home & Buildings Tour
City of Jackson
There are over 300 notable homes located in a 15 block historic district, which is located on the city’s west side. Here you will find a wide variety of architecture representing Victorian, English Tudor, Craftsman and unique Ionia Stone homes. You will find interesting touring on the following streets: Franklin Street from First Street to Brown Street. Washington Street from Brown to First Street. Michigan Avenue just west of the city center.
There are several locations within the city that have historical significant:
Blackwell Building
125 North Jackson Street, Jackson
Located behind Casler’s hardware store, the Blackwell building is Jackson’s oldest building. It once served as a post office and a hospital for Civil War wounded.
The Carnegie Library Building
244 West Michigan Avenue, Jackson
Listed on the National Register of Historic Places and the State of Michigan Register of Historic Sites, this Neo-Classical style building was designed and built in 1906. Inside the facility has inlaid terrazzo floors, intricate ceiling moldings, Carrara white marble staircase and numerous pieces of art. Free admission.
First Baptist Church
201 South Jackson Street, Jackson
This was the first Baptist church established in Jackson, built in 1934. For more information, call 517-784-3151
First Congregational Church
120 North Jackson Street, Jackson
This pre-Civil War building has a fascinating history that includes a well-documented story about adding a basement AFTER the structure had been in operation for several years. For more information call 517/784-8577
Jackson Train Depot
501 East Michigan Avenue, Jackson
In operation since 1873, Jackson’s train depot was reputed to be the largest stop on the line between Detroit and Chicago. Free. Call for more information 517/787-6385
Michigan State Prison
Cooper and North streets, Jackson
Built beginning in 1838, this facility remains an important defining element of Jackson’s heritage. Two huge stone walls remain standing with garrison towers, as do several large halls now used by the Michigan National Guard.
St. Paul’s Episcopal Church
309 South Jackson Street, Jackson
This church was built in 1838. For more information call 517-787-3370.
Under the Oaks
Corner of West Franklin and Second streets, Jackson
A small park and commemorative boulder mark the spot where the first Republican Convention was held on July 6, 1854. Free. For more information call 517-841-6671.
South of the city there are several areas of interest.
Essex Heights is located between West Avenue and Kibby Road. The houses in this area are nestled on the hillsides among winding streets.
If you head south from Michigan Avenue on 4th Street or West Avenue you will find Ella Sharp Park, where the Ella Sharp Museum is located. The Museum is “Jackson’s center for history and visual arts”. Here you will be able to tour an elegantly furnished Victorian home and pay a visit to a one-room schoolhouse. After leaving the Museum continue south on Stonewall Road to view large, historic homes built at the turn of the century.
Outside of Jackson there a several communities with beautiful tree lined streets that showcase turn of the century homes. Brooklyn, Concord, Grass Lake, Horton, Hanover, Parma and Springport all have historically significant districts.
The following are a few points of interest.
Grass Lake
Coe House Museum
371 West Michigan Avenue, Grass Lake
This two-story pioneer Tuscan house was built in the 1860s. A variety of events are scheduled throughout the year, including flea markets, craft shows, music and a heritage celebration. Call for more information. 517-522-4139
Whistlestop Park Depot
210 East Michigan Avenue, Grass Lake
Built in 1887, this Romanesque train depot exhibits local interest displays. Free. For more information call 517/522-4660 or 517/522-4332
Hanover & Concord
Mann House Museum
205 Hanover Street, Concord
The home of the Mann family was built in 1884 and has been preserved with family heirlooms. Visitors can see all the items of living 125 years ago and during certain times of the year enjoy the herb and rose gardens. Tours are offered. Free. Call for more information 517-524-8943.
Lee Conklin Antique Organ Museum
105 Fairview Street, Hanover
This renovated school houses a unique collection of organs of all varieties. Open April through November. For more information contact the Museum. 517/563-8927.
Waterloo Township
Dewey School
Corner of Territorial Road and Mayer, Waterloo Township
This 19th Century schoolhouse is open June through August with costumed guides to provide a glimpse into the past. For more information call 517-851-8247 or 517-851-7890.
Waterloo Area Farm Museum
9998 Waterloo-Munith Road, Waterloo Township
Visit a log house, seven farm buildings and a one-room schoolhouse at the 19th Century living farm. Call for more information 517-596-2254.
Brooklyn
Walker Tavern Historic Complex
13220 M-50 at U.S. 12, Brooklyn
This complex features an 1830s historic stagecoach stop, and 1840s barn and a visitors center. Tours are available. Free. For more information call 517-467-4401 or 517-373-3559.