TWO NEARBY PARKS OFFER NATURAL BEAUTY AND A GLIMPSE INTO HISTORY
By Jenny Black
Situated in the rolling countryside of the Irish Hills are two parks that allow us a window into our local history as well as a connection to nature. With historic sites and exhibits, an open air farmers market, lush natural spaces, and much more, these places have much to offer and are located just down the road.
Cambridge Junction Historic State Park
A Popular Stop Along an Ancient Road
Three miles south of Brooklyn, at the corner of US 12 and M-50, is Cambridge Junction Historic State Park. The park is home to Walker Tavern Historic Site, a historic reconstructed barn, and a visitors center. The location of this park is the key to its status as a historic park, as it stands at the intersection of two roads that played a significant role in the history of Michigan.
What is now known as US 12 was originally referred to as the Old Sauk Trail, used for centuries by Native Americans. In the early 1800s, the government converted it to a military road connecting Detroit and Chicago. When pioneers began heading west from Detroit in the 1820s and 1830s, this route became an important way for them to travel. During this time, the route became known as the Chicago Pike or the Old Chicago Road. Another popular route was the La Plaisance Bay Pike (now M-50), which brought pioneers from Monroe, where they could connect to the Chicago Road. Cambridge Junction stood at the intersection of these two important routes.
By the 1840s, there were stagecoaches running regularly between Detroit and Chicago and as the trip took several arduous days, taverns sprung up along the route serving as places for rest and refreshment. At the heart of Cambridge Junction was a farmhouse that became an important hub for both travelers and the community.
In 1843, Sylvester and Lucy Walker, who had moved to Michigan from Cooperstown, New York, purchased the farmhouse from Calvin Snell. It became known as Walker’s Tavern. Visitors could get a meal for 25 cents and a bed for 50 cents a night. The tavern was also a site for political and religious gatherings, as well as a place where locals could pick up their mail. During these years, there would be as many as ten to twenty wagons lined up in front of the tavern awaiting accommodations. In 1853, Walker Tavern became so popular and crowded that the Walkers had a larger, brick tavern built across the road.
As the mode of transportation changed, so did the role of Walker Tavern. By 1865, trains and later automobiles replaced stagecoaches and a tavern at this location was no longer needed. Francis Dewey, a local stagecoach driver, purchased the property and he and his family farmed the land. In 1922, the Hewitt family bought the property and converted the dwellings to tourist attractions featuring antiques and chicken dinners. During this time, the Irish Hills area was a popular tourist destination for city dwellers from Detroit, as it was a nice day trip for them to take in their new automobiles. Reverend Frederick Hewitt was longtime friends with Henry Ford and the two went on antique buying trips to find pieces for the antique and gift shop.
In 1965, the State of Michigan acquired the property and restored it to its 1840s condition. The Michigan History Center (part of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources) has operated the historic Walker Tavern as a state historic site since then, while the ‘Brick Walker Tavern’ across the road became a privately owned business. This historic Walker Tavern is part of an 80 acre Historic State Park open from May through October, including two additional historic structures consisting of a reconstructed historic barn and visitors center. The buildings feature interesting historic exhibits that tell the story of years past.
Today, visitors to Cambridge Junction Historic State Park can enjoy historical programs, exhibits, live musical concerts, and vintage baseball games (where the teams dress in old-fashioned uniforms and adhere to rules from the 1860s). The park also hosts a weekly open air farmers market on most Sundays during May through October, with fresh local produce and goods crafted by local artisans.
In addition to the historic sites and events, there is a hiking loop where visitors can enjoy the peaceful setting and scenic beauty of the Irish Hills. The quiet beauty, in conjunction with the historic atmosphere, allows folks to truly slow down and appreciate the essence of this interesting area. Although US 12 is no longer the main thoroughfare that it once was, it is inspiring to visit this route that so many have traveled.
Laurie Perkins is a Site Historian at the Michigan History Center. She is currently working on a project related to Watkins Lake State Park and the escape of John White, who escaped slavery in Kentucky and lived in Michigan, where he worked on the Watkins family farm. The aim of the project is to create programs that can be used to teach students a fuller picture of Michigan history.
“Cambridge Junction is one of only a few state parks in Michigan that have the word ‘historic’ in its name,” Perkins said. “Through the exhibits and events, the park tells visitors stories about the history of this area.”
Although the historical sites are managed by the Michigan HIstory Center, the park could not function without the help of a group of dedicated volunteers. The park had approximately 7,000 visitors last year, mainly from the tri-state area (Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio).
“We have a wonderful volunteer group to help and last year they put in approximately 2,000 hours of volunteer time,” Perkins said. “They help run the farmers market, assist with school programs, sell root beer, and more. We are very grateful to them.”
Whether they are tourists or cottagers on the local lakes, people enjoy spending time here. Between the historic exhibits and programs, lush natural beauty, and fun events like the farmers market and live music, Cambridge Junction Historic State Park offers something for everyone.
Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve
Wildlife Destination and Historic Site
A few miles northeast of Cambridge Junction Historic State Park is a relatively new park called Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve. This park is the result of a partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (WCPARC).
Nestled deep in the countryside, this 1,122 acre park has both scenic and historic value. As Michigan’s 103rd state park, the land consists of gently rolling hills, open meadow, mixed hardwoods, wetland areas, and of course, Watkins Lake. Wildlife enthusiasts will enjoy the serene, natural setting ideal for bird-watching and hiking.
Watkins Lake has been designated a Waterfowl Refuge by the MDNR due to habitat for migrating birds. Many species of ducks, geese, grebes, and other species may be spotted, especially in spring and fall. The park also features a 5 mile walking trail through the peaceful and varied terrain.
As a historic site, this park has the honor of being accepted by the National Park Service as part of the National Underground Railroad Network to Freedom, due to the land that the park sits on having a connection to the Underground Railroad.
A condensed version of the history tells the tale of this connection. In 1834, the Watkins Farm was owned by Royal and Sally Watkins. The farm encompassed over 1,000 acres, including cultivated land and grazing for cattle and sheep. The Watkins’ were known to be abolitionists and often employed African and Native Americans on their farm. One of those employees was John Felix White, a man self-emancipated from slavery, who came to Michigan after escaping from Kentucky.
In the fall of 1847, slave trader/owner George Brasher and his associates traveled from Kentucky to the Watkins Farm in search of White. With the help of prominent Underground Railroad activist Laura Smith Haviland, several community members, and Watkins himself, White was able to evade capture. By the time Brasher and his posse arrived at the Watkins Farm to apprehend White, he was already on his way to Canada. Later, John Felix White attempted twice to return to Kentucky to rescue his wife and children but was unable to do so. He eventually settled back in Michigan and is buried in Ann Arbor.
Historian Carol E. Mull wrote and submitted the Network to Freedom program application on behalf of the State of Michigan and WCPARC and was instrumental in the park’s acceptance in the program.
“When we visit historic places, we are walking in the footsteps of people who were here before us,” Mull said. “Hearing their stories helps us understand our own place in the world.”
The mission of the Underground Railway Network to Freedom program is to “honor, preserve and promote the history of resistance to enslavement through escape and flight, which continues to inspire people worldwide.” The National Park Service accepted the Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve into the Network to Freedom program in 2020.
“As we cross the fields where John White once labored and where a slave trader tried to kidnap him, we feel a visceral connection to one man’s struggle for freedom. Knowing American slavery touched our community lets us see the past in a new light,” Mull said.
Sometimes the most meaningful places are close to home, just waiting to be discovered and rediscovered. With these two scenic and historic parks, that seems to be the case. Not only do they offer the opportunity to slow down and enjoy time in nature. Visiting historic places adds an essential element to learning about our local history. It allows us to experience history in a personal way, engaging the senses and stimulating the mind. Spending time at a historical park touches us in a way that books and pictures cannot, creating memories that linger long after the visit has ended.
Events and Amenities at Cambridge Junction Historic State Park
Cambridge Junction Historic State Park is located at 13220 M-50 in Brooklyn. It opens for the season on Saturday May 11th, 2024 as part of Jackson County’s Free Museum Day.
Admission to the park is free. However, a State of Michigan Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to the grounds.
The Farmers Market takes place every Sunday that the park is open from mid May through Oct. 1st, with the exception of the weekends during the Faster Horses event and Michigan International Speedway race weekend.
Events at Cambridge Junction Historic State Park include:
• Open Air Farmers Market
• Vintage Baseball Games
• Outdoor Concerts
• Immersion History Summer Day Camp for Kids
• Special Historic Presentations
• Quilting Workshop
For exact dates and times of events, please visit their website at www.michigan.gov/mhc/museums/cj.
Also, information can be found on The Friends of Walker Tavern Facebook page at facebook.com/FriendsofWalkerTavern.
Facts About Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve
Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve is located at 14801 Arnold Road, Brooklyn. The trailhead for the 5 mile hiking trail and parking lot is off Arnold Road, on your right and just past Watkins Lake.
The park was established in 2015 and is made up of 1,122 acres.
A State of Michigan Recreation Passport is required for the parking lot.
Watkins Lake State Park and County Preserve is the result of a unique partnership between the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) and Washtenaw County Parks & Recreation Commission (WCPARC). The MDNR owns 717 acres of land in Norvell Township, Jackson County, while WCPARC owns 405 acres in Manchester Township, primarily through WCPARC’s Natural Areas Preservation Program.
You will find:
• Birdwatching
• Fishing (license required)
• Picnic Tables
• Trails
Future plans include extending the trail from the park to the village of Manchester
Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve was awarded membership in the National Underground Railroad Network To Freedom Program in 2020, through the National Park Service. For more details about the program and the site’s connection to the Underground Railroad, please visit
www.washtenaw.org/3192/Watkins–Lake–UGRR
For the latest information about Watkins Lake State Park & County Preserve, please visit their website at
www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ and click on Parks or follow their Facebook page at facebook.com/WatkinsLakeSPCP/.
