Isabella: Nature, River and Culture

Isabella combines public access to the Chippewa River and recreational fishing with protected landscapes, historic sites and contemporary art. When planning, both the type of experience and the applicable visitor conditions matter.

River, Landscape and Bridges

Majeske Landing offers public access to the Chippewa River and is also available year-round for recreational fishing. Isabella County’s park system includes eight parks covering more than 1,000 acres in total. Nature experiences therefore range from a specific access point on the river to a park system comprising several individual parks.

Bundy Hill Preserve protects the highest point in Isabella County as well as an adjacent buffer of deciduous forest. The protected area thus includes both the named high point and the neighboring woodland. For travelers interested in landscape conservation, this connection is a distinct consideration when choosing places to visit.

The Pere Marquette Rail Trail follows the route between Midland and Clare that was formerly used by the Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad. The trail’s present-day route is thus connected to a specific history of railroad use. Deerfield Nature Park has four bridge crossings, including two suspension bridges, the Lewis Pontiac Bridge and the Fisher Annex Covered Bridge. The number and variety of bridge names give the park a distinctive detail that is easy to identify.

History, Exhibitions and Art

Bohannon Schoolhouse was built in 1901 and moved to the Central Michigan University campus in 1970. The two dates mark distinct milestones: first its construction, then its relocation to the university campus. The schoolhouse is open to the public by appointment, so a visit must be planned in advance.

At the Ziibiwing Center, the permanent exhibition Diba Jimooyung tells the story of the Indigenous peoples of the Great Lakes. The plant exhibition on the grounds is also open seasonally from June through September; its availability may vary from year to year. The two exhibitions therefore differ in both subject matter and schedule. The Center also offers Anishinabe song and dance performances on site or at another venue.

The Central Michigan University Art Gallery presents contemporary art by regional, national and international artists. Alongside the historical perspective of the Diba Jimooyung exhibition, it offers art of the present day, with an artistic scope ranging from regional to international. Another historical point of interest is in Shepherd, where the first Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival took place in 1958.

Planning Your Trip

The offerings differ considerably in their timing: recreational fishing at Majeske Landing is available year-round, while the plant exhibition at the Ziibiwing Center is open seasonally from June through September, and its availability may vary from year to year. To reach Mt. Pleasant, note that the city is accessible via US-127 and M-20.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Mt Pleasant, Leelanau County, Iron County, Dickinson County, Clinton County, Mason County, Oakland, Shiawassee County

For the main travel overview: Michigan.