Many visitors to western Michigan spend time in the Marshall area. Marshall, a family-oriented town near the I-94 and I-69 junction, attracts travelers with stimulating activities amid a friendly atmosphere. Although Michigan’s weather can be unpredictable, Marshall presents events throughout the year.
Marshall celebrates Michigan Week by opening historical sites to the public, teaching visitors and residents about Marshall’s history and importance as a transportation and commercial center of western Michigan. Sites to visit include the Honolulu House Museum, listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the American Museum of Magic, containing magic memorabilia; a model two-room pioneer schoolhouse; the Grand Army of the Republic Hall with its artifacts from American wars; and the Marshall Postal Museum. The weekend concludes with Marshall’s annual Corvette Festival, showcasing classic and modern Corvette cars.
History buffs enjoy Marshall’s spring Mayfaire Renaissance Festival, held at the Calhoun County Fairgrounds. Participants dress in the fashion of England during the Middle Ages. Events include sword fighting, juggling, music, magic, comedy, an archery tournament, period encampments and royal games. Costumed street characters and vendors are on hand. The festival lasts five days.
Travelers who enjoy music can attend performances at Marshall’s Franke Center for the Arts on East Mansion Street, near the I-94 business loop. Events take place in the Downstage Banquet Room, where patrons enjoy a candlelit social hour with friends and family beginning at 7 p.m., followed by the show at 8 p.m. Shows include cabarets, jazz, Repertoire Dance Company performances, orchestra concerts and more.
Chefs from Marshall and Battle Creek delight local residents and visitors with their annual “Men Who Cook” benefit. The Yarrow Golf and Convention Center is the scene of the event, which brings some of the area’s best male chefs to the kitchen to prepare dishes for attendees (who must reserve meals in advance). A cash bar is available. Each chef specializes; attendees can reserve a French, Asian, Italian, Colombian, Kenyan, Mexican, Spanish, traditional or other meal.
Cornwell's Turkeyville USA, just north of Marshall at the corner of North Drive North and 15-1/2 Mile Road, presents a wide variety of activities for tourists and locals throughout the year. Events include a community bazaar, arts and crafts shows, yard sales, flea markets, folk art exhibits, a banana split eating contest and "Plow Days," when visitors can watch horse-drawn plows at work while organizers share farm stories.
