Cass County: Lakes, Parks, and History

Discover Cass County in different ways through its parks, lakes, and historic sites. Natural areas and water access sit alongside museums that showcase local history and ways of life from different eras. Talks, a historic driving tour, and a week-long county fair are also among the experiences described.

Nature Parks and Water Along Dowagiac Creek

Dr. T.K. Lawless Park is an 820-acre nature park. Fred Russ Forest Park is located within a 580-acre research forest. The acreage figures refer to different things: one to the park and the other to the research forest in which the park is located. Arthur Dodd Memorial Park is situated along Dowagiac Creek. It covers 51 acres and is near the county line.

The lakes also offer different kinds of activities. Henry Sears Park provides boat access to Birch Lake; parking there is limited. At Little Fish Lake, Stevens Lakeside Memorial Park includes a two-acre swimming park, also with limited parking. At Shavehead Lake, the eastern part of Harmon Park provides access for swimming. These details offer specific points of reference when choosing between boat access and swimming areas.

At 1,100-acre Diamond Lake, Park Shore Marina offers boat rentals. Since seasonal operations may change, it is a good idea to check availability before you go. Birch Lake is a fishing lake in Cass County; fish species listed there include crappie, largemouth bass, rainbow trout, and yellow perch.

Museums and Local History

The Newton House Museum features permanent and rotating exhibits on everyday life between 1844 and 1930, when the Newton family lived in the house. The museum in the Pioneer Log Cabin offers another connection to county history through the building’s story: the Pioneer Log Cabin’s 146 logs came from all the townships in Cass County. The museum opened on June 18, 1924, Pioneer Day.

Inside the Red Brick School, the style and furnishings of schools from the mid-19th century through the 1960s are on display. For a broader geographic perspective, the Dowagiac Area History Museum’s exhibits cover 6,000 square feet and explore the history of Dowagiac, Cass County, and Sister Lakes. The Edward Lowe Foundation Information Center houses a historical exhibit about the business ventures of Ed and Darlene Lowe and their initiatives to promote entrepreneurship.

For a drive to several historic sites, the Cass County Underground Railroad Site Driving Tour visits 20 locations connected with the origins and activities of the Underground Railroad in Cass County. One example is Brownsville School No. 1: it was integrated from its opening in the mid-1840s until it closed in 1957.

Talks, Visiting Hours, and Events

The Cass County Historical Society hosts talks from April through October. Since dates may change, check them before making plans. Tours of Bonine House are scheduled Monday through Friday, 2:00–5:00 p.m., from May through October; check the hours before your visit.

Sunday open houses at Pioneer Log Cabin are scheduled from Memorial Day through Labor Day, 12:00–4:30 p.m. Open houses at the Red Brick School are scheduled for the first Sunday of each month from June through September, 1:00–4:30 p.m. Before traveling, check whether the scheduled visiting hours are in effect.

The Cass County Fair dates back to 1851. Its week-long event, centered on entertainment and agriculture, brings the community together.

For travel planning, Dowagiac Municipal Airport has paved runways and lighting for night landings.

Explore More Destinations

Dowagiac, Cassopolis, St. Joseph, Shiawassee County, Menominee County, Sanilac County, Benzie County, Antrim County

For the overarching travel guide: Michigan.