You don’t have to be a full-blown history buff to appreciate a taste of our state’s past. If you do adore history, though, there are all sorts of sites to experience throughout Michigan – from mining ghost towns in the Upper Peninsula to Motown music landmarks in Detroit. When you’re looking for a day trip that will help you embrace yesteryear, the most historic small town in Michigan is a must-visit.
Tecumseh, Michigan sits in Lenawee County and houses a population of just under 9,000 residents. Don’t let its small size fool you, though: Tecumseh is loaded to the brim with unique places and a storied past.
History is at the heart of this quaint community, as Tecumseh was one of the earliest established settlements in Michigan. It dates back to 1824, more than a decade before Michigan earned statehood.
When you visit today, you’ll find a pleasing combination of modern attractions and nods to the area’s important history. Kick off your journey with a stop at the Tecumseh Area Historical Museum.
Note: at the time of publication, the museum is temporarily closed for renovations. Check out their Facebook page for the latest updates.
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Next, experience a taste of the town by driving or walking past some of Tecumseh’s historic homes. The Musgrove Evans House on East Logan is one of Michigan’s oldest standing homes, dating back to 1826.
The Tecumseh Train Station is another historical landmark, offering visitors to downtown Tecumseh the chance to imagine what life would have been like during the heyday of railroads in the Great Lakes State.
Keep your eyes peeled for official state historical markers throughout town, including one honoring the La Plaisance Bay Pike, an early road that played an important role for travelers and Michigan settlers.
If you’d like to stretch your legs, head to Brookside Cemetery for a quiet, scenic stroll. This cemetery dates back to 1853 and serves as the resting place for countless locals from throughout the generations.
Of course, if you’d like to throw some modernity into the mix, Tecumseh offers plenty of eateries, shops, and more for your enjoyment. Few small towns in Michigan so seamlessly combine the past, present, and future.
Learn even more about the most historic small town in Michigan by heading to the official Tecumseh website. Have you and your family enjoyed a day trip to this charming destination in years past? What were some of your favorite discoveries in town? Share your thoughts with us by leaving a Facebook comment or recommend another fun place to spend the day in Michigan by completing our nomination form.