Calendar RSS Feed

February 19 - April 4St. Johns Lenten Soup and Salad DinnersEvery Friday Weekly Friday Night Fish FryEvery Friday Night now - AprilVid WeatherwaxMarch 14, 2010Animals in WinterMarch 14, 2010Chamber concertMarch 18, 2010My Ideal WeightMarch 18-20, 2010Musical: Fiddler on the RoofMarch 20, 2010A Visit to the Dahlem Sugar BushMarch 20 and 21Grass Lake Spring Business ExpoMarch 20, 2010Creative Voice WorkshopMarch 20, 2010Family Fun NightMarch 20, 2010Jackson Symphony concert March 21, 2010Scats and TracksMarch 23, 2010Good Morning! Greater JacksonMarch 24, 2010The 30/50 Project Speaker

Spring Arbor Michigan

A short drive from downtown Jackson, Spring Arbor Township represents 36 square miles of woods and lakes, farmland, wetland and residential developments. First inhabited by Native Americans, Spring Arbor Township has an appealing rural character punctuated by the presence of Spring Arbor University.

Spring Arbor University is a private, liberal arts institution with approximately 2,000 students. Offering day and evening classes and graduate programs, Spring Arbor University also hosts cultural activities on their campus, including lectures, piano recitals, musicals and concerts ranging from classical to jazz to contemporary music. In addition, the University's library is open to the general public.

From parks for kids to play in to the Spring Arbor Senior Center, which features many activities for senior citizens, Spring Arbor Township offers something for all ages.

History

Jackson County's largest Potawatomi Indian encampment was located in Spring Arbor Township, near the spot of the current-day Falling Waters Park. Pioneering settlers moving through south central Michigan in the early 1830s were attracted by the rich farmland, fresh streams and other natural resources.

Christian education was a priority for the settlers. Both Albion College and Hillsdale College can trace their roots back to the early settlers of Spring Arbor.

History buffs and car lovers are in for a treat at Spring Arbor's Ye Ole Carriage Shop. Founded by prominent community member Lloyd Ganton, this private museum showcases cars produced in Jackson from 1902 to 1954. On display are the only known 1902 Jaxon and 1908 Fuller in the world, a DeLorean, and a 1954 Kaiser-Darrin – the last car built in Jackson. In total, the 52 cars include 14 models made in Jackson. Other automobile and transportation memorabilia, such as original gas pumps, are also on display.

In addition, the museum houses artifacts from Jackson and Spring Arbor businesses, a toy room filled with pedal cars and playthings of times past.

Finally, Ye Ole Carriage Shop features an extensive Coca Cola memorabilia room set within a reconstructed 1915 soda bar that receives national attention. The museum is open by appointment only; call (517) 750-4300 for more information.

For more information on Spring Arbor Township, visit their homepage.

Recreation

The county park and four township parks of Spring Arbor Township offer playgrounds, picnic areas, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and other recreational opportunities. Many parks have sparkling lakes which invite visitors to swim, water ski and fish.

Falling Waters Park

Located at the corner of Hammond Road and South Cross Road, Falling Waters Park is on the Michigan State Register of Historical Sites, and reveals the rich history of the area. Walking paths lead to a Potowatomi Indian burial ground, an authentic log cabin and an 1831 homestead site. Plaques and informative displays throughout the park describe interesting facets of local history, including accounts of the Indians and settlers and the founding of two colleges.

Harmony Park

Harmony Park is home to the Snyder School House and Museum, a renovation effort completed by the local Historical Committee. Two playground areas grace the park, as well as benches, a basketball court, softball diamond and a pavilion with picnic tables and grill equipment.

Ogle Park

On the campus of Spring Arbor University, the main draw of Ogle Park is its four public-use tennis courts.

Gallagher Park

Located on Second Street, Gallagher Park covers 10 acres and has baseball and softball facilities, a soccer area, playground equipment and a pavilion with restrooms.

Lime Lake Park

Spring Arbor Township's county park is located on Teft Road at Lime Lake. Lime Lake itself offers a great swimming beach and fishing opportunities. Picnic tables, grills and playground equipment line the shore of this unpopulated lake.