This unincorporated community developed along the northern border of Center Lake. Newcomers established settlements here around 1834, but it was not until 1837 that Abel Fitch and Paul Ring officially founded the area as Michigan Center. The name is because the site was close to the meridian that divided the state into eastern and western regions.
Michigan Center began as a mill town along a Grand River tributary. Along with the mill, the town also had a station that served the Michigan Central Railroad. The site closed as the nearby community of Jackson quickly grew faster. As of 2020, the community reportedly had a population of 4,609 residents. The entire township encompasses 5.70-square miles.
If you are lucky enough to visit in June, guests are welcome to join the festivities offered at the yearly Carp Carnival hosted by Leoni Township Park. The fun includes a parade, a carnival midway with rides and games, a fishing contest, a beer tent, and BBQ chicken dinners.
The All Hallows Illumination of Frog Island in November features hundreds of hand-carved pumpkins on display. Guests are welcome to bike or walk through the park to enjoy the sights and listen to live music.
The Nite Lites Holiday Light Show, which takes place at the Michigan International Speedway from November through December, features millions of lights creating sculptures, tunnels, and recognizable characters. The Winter Wonderland provides the chance to enjoy hot cocoa and a snack.
The Midwest Open Ice Fishing Tournament at Wamplers Lake in January offers thousands of dollars in prize money, including a $20,000 Grand Prize. Prizes are also awarded for the largest bluegill and crappie netted.
Isle Royale National Park is situated on Lake Superior and accessible by boat or ferry. The scenic park serves as home to many mammal species, including moose, wolves, foxes, and beavers. Guests have the chance to tour the quaint lighthouses found here. Hikers find 43 miles of trails to enjoy.
Indiana Dunes National Park features 15 miles of shoreline along Lake Michigan, which is ideal for swimming, paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, body surfing, power boating, and fishing. More than 20 square miles of countryside contain the famous dunes, forests, and rivers that are ripe for climbing sand sledding, hiking, biking, and fishing.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park encompasses 32,572 acres, which includes the Cuyahoga River, forests and rolling hills along with ravines, and the 65-foot-tall Brandywine Falls. Adventurers enjoy exploring the Talus Caves. Cyclists, hikers, and joggers enjoy the Towpath Trail that extends for 20 miles. Kendal Hills attracts visitors in winter who enjoy skiing and sledding.
Pinckney Recreation Area is just 30 minutes away from Michigan Center. At this state park, you can explore 11,000 acres comprising kettle lakes, glacial moraines, and swampy areas. The park is popular for its many hiking trails, but you can also enjoy mountain biking, fishing, and camping.
W.J. Hayes State Park encompasses 654 acres in the Irish Hills and along the southeast shoreline of Wamplers Lake. The 100-acre Round Lake is also found in the park. Guests enjoy recreational boating on the waterways. Year-round fishing nets anglers bass, bluegill, crappie, and muskie. Trails around both lakes provide scenic leisurely strolls.
Cambridge Junction Historic State Park encompasses 80 acres and features a number of historic attractions. Walker Tavern was a popular rest stop for stagecoaches in the 19th century, and today's guests can tour the building. Hewitt House Visitor Center provides a glimpse of tourism over the years along with identifying Irish Hills attractions.
Keweenaw Historical National Park was the site of copper mining from approximately 5000 B.C. to the 1900s. Along with the chance to take in some of the state's beautiful landscape, the location welcomes guests to tour historic mines and museums. There are also some historic villages constructed secondary to the mining industry.
The Hackley and Hume Historic Site welcomes guests to tour the stunning and massive Victorian homes that were constructed by early lumber barons. The multi-storied structure has multi-colored and impressive exterior architectural features. Upon entering the homes, guests get a glimpse of life from the authentic, historic décor and furnishings.
The McGulpin Point Lighthouse & Historic Site provides visitors with the chance to explore the property that features the oldest lighthouse in the state. The location was discovered in 1615 by the French who used the 9-foot-tall McGulpin rock to gauge water levels. The lighthouse stands 300 feet above Lake Michigan and was in service from 1869 to 1906. Tour the lighthouse, see the famous rock and hike the nearby trails.
The 150-acre Holiday Campground near Michigan Center has 177 campsites. Many of which feature 30- and 50-amp RV hookups. There is also a dump station, swimming pool, and country store. A large pond welcomes anglers and swimmers. The scenic location also has a number of hiking trails.
The Apple Creek Campground and RV Park provides hookups on 180 shaded sites. Amenities include 10 miles of hiking trails and a heated swimming pool. Guests are also welcome to use the modern bathhouses, the laundry room, and the camp store.
Hideaway RV Park features cement-pad sites with electric, water, and sewer hookups to accommodate the largest of RVs. The park's lake welcomes swimmers, boaters, and anglers. Paddle boat rentals are also available.
Motorhomes are divided into Class A, B, and C vehicles. On average expect to pay $185 per night for Class A, $149 per night for Class B and $179 per night for Class C. Towable RVs include 5th Wheel, Travel Trailers, Popups, and Toy Hauler. On average, in Michigan Center, MI, the 5th Wheel trailer starts at $70 per night. Pricing for the Travel Trailer begins at $60 per night, and the Popup Trailer starts at $65 per night.
Do you need to be a certain age to rent an RV in Michigan Center?Yes. The minimum age is 25 to be eligible to get an RV Rental in Michigan Center from RVshare.
Does RVshare have emergency roadside assistance?Yes. Every RV rental booked through RVshare receives 24/7 emergency roadside assistance.
Does RVshare offer one way RV rentals in Michigan Center?Yes. Prior to renting any RV, check with the owner since not all will offer this particular option.