In 1881, the Wabash Railroad, which ran from 1827 to 1964, established a station in southern Michigan that would later develop into the village of Britton. Originally called Balch, a post office first opened in 1881 and the population began to boom. Less than a decade later, a shopkeeper by the name of John Britton paid to have the village take his name. Only six miles from Dundee, Britton has always been a center for small business and agriculture. At the peak of its success, the city had more than doubled its original population. Today, it's located in Ridgeway Township and is home to about 586 people.
In nearby Tecumseh, you'll find J-Bar Hobbies, the biggest hobby shop in the Midwest and a big draw for visitors to the area. This family-owned business started back in 1982. It quickly outgrew its original location and eventually moved into its current 6,200-square-foot property. This store carries more than 10,000 hobby kits imported both internationally and domestically. Some of their stock includes train accessories, plastic car kits, armor, aircraft, wooden ship models and more.
The River Raisin National Battlefield Park is east of Britton near Lake Erie. This memorial preserves and discusses the local battles that occurred during the War of 1812. Ultimately, the conflict ended as a defeat for the United States and a success for Tecumseh's confederacy. Spend your time walking the peaceful grounds, touring the new visitor center or searching out the many plaques and historical markers.
Campgrounds Near Britton, Michigan
The Detroit Greenfield RV Park in Ypsilanti has a luxurious swimming area with a 90-foot water slide. You're sure to adore the arcade games, boat rentals, general store and mini golf course. You can even take part in the campground's seasonal, themed events.
Hell Creek Ranch Campground in Pinckney offers well-shaded lots, finger lakes and freshwater creeks. Stay here for easy access to the nearby Hudson Mills Metropark and Waterloo State Recreation Area.
RV camping options are also available for five months out of the year at the Wayne County Fairgrounds & RV Park in Belleville. This site regularly hosts carnivals, fairs, animal shows and other festivities. There are a total of 100 sites with a range of amenities from 30 amps to full hookups.
State Parks Near Britton, Michigan
Pinckney Recreation Area covers 11,000 acres of swamps, glacial moraines and lakes. Some of the most popular hiking paths include Losee Lake Trail, Crooked Lake Trail and Potawatomi Trail. During the winter, you can ice fish and snowmobile. Bruin Lake Campground is one of the larger camping options with 160 sites, electrical hookups and picnic tables. You’re encouraged to bring your pets with you to hike as long as you keep them under control and always clean up their waste.
Brighton Recreational Area is open year-round and boasts some of the best midwestern scenery around Ann Arbor. The hiking, biking and horseback riding trails are well-maintained and perfect for any level of enthusiast. This park is unique in that it has stables where you can take a riding lesson, celebrate a personal event or bring your kids for a pony ride. Between September and March, all hunters with an appropriate hunting license can search for deer, rabbits and wild turkeys.
The 1,336-acre Maumee Bay State Park offers resort lodges, sandy beaches, an 18-hole golf course and a 56-acre lake. This state park overlooks Lake Erie, which is one of the largest freshwater sources in the world. Some of the local wildlife includes dragonflies, northern water snakes, chorus frogs, spotted salamanders and muskrats. You're welcome to take your non-motorized boat out on the lake or rent a canoe, rowboat or paddleboat. The park has two beaches suitable for swimming during the warmer months.
National Sites Near Britton, Michigan
Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial honors the many soldiers who lost their lives in the Battle of Lake Erie during the War of 1812. This is also the resting place for three American and three British soldiers. Since 1915, this has been the site of the tallest Doric column in the world. Take your time enjoying the view of Lake Erie and the surrounding forests and marshlands. You're welcome to walk the grounds or fish during the day or come back in the evening for a sunset and night sky tour.
The Dayton Aviation National Historical Park is home to the Wright-Dunbar Interpretative Center, Carillon Historical Park, Wright Brothers Cycle Shop and Huffman Prairie Flying Field. Experience first-hand what Oliver and Wilbur Wright went through as they designed, built and tested their early airplanes. Check out the shop where they made a living by repairing bicycles or visit the interpretive center for more historical and local info. This site also commemorates the life and achievements of Paul Laurence Dunbar, the first African American scholar to financially support himself as a writer.
The Charles Young Buffalo National Monument was created in 2013 to honor Charles Young. He served as a soldier in the military until 1903 when he became the first African American National Park Superintendent. Later, his exceptional efforts were further recognized when he was named the first Military Attaché to Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Take part in the cell phone tour to learn more about Young's time in the military as well as the years he spent as a professor at Wilberforce University. While the grounds are regularly open, the home is only available for tours by appointment only.
National Forests Near Britton, Michigan
Huron-Manistee National Forest encompasses nearly one million acres between Lake Huron and Lake Michigan. While exploring this forest, you'll see bogs, marshes, fens, dunes, forests and savannas. The cold-water watersheds are brimming with trout year-round. Much of the 330 miles of trails are multi-use and accessible via hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, horseback riding and snow skiing. Inside the forest's wildflower sanctuary, you'll see an astounding 238 plant species. Huron-Manistee National Forest as a whole has more than 400 bird species and an additional 200 animal species. Keep an eye out for woodpeckers, bears, bobcats, white-tailed deer, songbirds and porcupines.
With more than one million acres in the Appalachian foothills, Wayne National Forest is spread across Ohio with tracts near Dayton, Cleveland and Columbus. Up near Marietta, you can find a portion of the scenic Ohio River. During the warm season, visitors often stop by to see the colorful violets, hepatica, orchids and Dutchman's breeches. Wayne National Forest has 400 miles of off-roading, hiking and biking trails. Burr Oak Cove Campground and Leith Run Campground are two established camping options with electric and non-electric sites. Burr Oak Cove has a swimming beach, horseshoe pit, boat ramps and a gift shop. Leith Run will keep you entertained with its game courts, paved biking trail and scenic river trail. You can also camp primitively out in the wilderness for up to 14 days in one spot before you’re required to move.
Hoosier National Forest encompasses 204,000 acres in south-central Indiana. The trail system consists of more than 20 separate trails that stretch for 266 miles. Hickory Ridge Trail near Norman is the longest hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trail while the Celina Interpretive Trail is the shortest. History buffs won’t want to miss out on seeing the Potts Creek Rockshelter, an uninhabited archeological site that was once used as a camp by Woodland, Archaic and Paleo-Indian indigenous groups. Another prominent historical spot is the Jacob Rickenbaugh House, which was built in 1874 out of ashlar sandstone. The structure has since been restored and is available for tours during the warm season. Included in this forest is the 12,472-acre Charles C. Deam Wilderness Area, the only remaining wilderness area left in the state.
