Ella Sharp Park is located on 562 acres along the banks of the Southwest Branch of the Grand River in beautiful Jackson, Michigan. The landscape of the park varies from relatively flat to heavily rolling and hilly. This provides a great location for a park full of fun and activities for everyone. The park holds a challenging golf course, beautiful flower gardens, miles of hiking trails, basketball courts, soccer fields, a golf learning center, softball fields, and many other facilities for athletics and casual enjoyment of the outdoors.

The 562 acres were donated to the city of Jackson by Ella W. Sharp, the largest park donation to the city. She bequeathed her farm to the city to be developed as a park and maintained through a trust fund from her estate. Beginning in 1912, this family farm was developed as a public park. park roadways were laid out as well as the picnic and play areas, the golf course, tennis courts, and ball diamonds, and the gardens. The Merriman-Sharp Farmhouse became the beginning of the Ella Sharp Museum.
In 2001, the Golf Course went through a restoration and redesign. The park's landscaping plan for the main park entrance was also professionally redeveloped, including new signage, additional trees and beautiful flowering shrubs.

This park currently features an eighteen hole golf course, eighteen hole miniature golf course, golf practice and learning center, four tennis courts, two picnic shelters, Olympic size swimming pool, rose garden, Carter’s Corner Play Structure, two lighted softball fields, three regular softball fields, ten soccer fields, four baseball fields, one basketball court, playground areas, cross country ski trails, and the Ella Sharp Museum.

Mini-Golf

• Ella Sharp Park's 18 hole miniaturized golf course holds fun for everyone. The mini course is open 7 days a week. Please call for Seasonal Hours @ 517-788-4696

Golf Course

• Ella Sharp Park's 18 hole golf course provides a challenge for golfers of all levels. The course touts two of Jackson County's most challenging golf holes (2nd & 12th holes) along with an array of other well manicured fairways and greens. Call the club house for availability at (517)788-4066.

Golf Learning Center

• Ella Sharp Park's Golf Learning Center is a great place to learn how to play golf, brush up on your skills, or just go to hit a few golf balls. The center includes 25 tee stations over looking a well manicured range with 5 target greens. The center also has a sand bunker and a large putting green for practicing that short game. For those golfers that are looking for more than just hitting a few balls around, the learning center also has a wide range of classes available for youths and adults. Classes and private instruction by PGA Golf Professional (Eric W. Terrian) are available for both beginners and veteran players. Please Call for Seasonal Hours @ 517-780-4799.

Lighted Softball Fields

• The park includes 2 full service fenced and lighted ball fields. Field #1 has a scorer's building while field #2 has a rain shelter.

Open Field Sports Area

• The park includes 3 full size football fields, 3 softball fields, 4 full size soccer fields which can be used as 8 smaller fields.

Fishing Area

• The park has a stretch along the banks of the Grand River which is available for fishing. The area is handicapped accessible and is located in the southeast portion of the park.

Paved and Unpaved Walking, Jogging, and Bike Trails

• The park includes a 1 mile path that connects from Fourth Street with Museum and with the South Jackson Street entrance. In addition, the park also keeps some rough trails that meander through natural preservation areas in both the East and West sides of Fourth Street. These trails are ideal for walking, jogging, and cross country skiing. Cascades Cycling Trail Map

Tennis Courts

• The park upkeeps 4 paved tennis courts on a first come first serve basis.

Basketball Court

• The park upkeeps one basketball court located at the South Jackson Road entrance.

Playground Equipment

• Includes Carter's Corner located across from the Ella Sharp Museum

Meeting Facilities

• The Jackson Recreation Department will reserve either the Ella Sharp Park Rose Garden (near the entrance of Ella Sharp Park) or the Rotunda (across from the Museum) for your wedding. The Ella Sharp Park Carters Corner Picnic Pavilion or the West PicnicPavilion are also available for rental. See Ella Sharp Museum for their Facility Rentals.

In 1912, Ella Sharp’s farm and home were willed to Jackson for the creation of a park and museum, which opened in 1965. The Ella Sharp Museum features an 1860’s log cabin, the Dibble one-room schoolhouse, country store, print shop, doctor’s office, woodshop and the Merriman Sharp Farmhouse.  The Ella Sharp Museum of Art and History also houses six galleries including the Andrews Gallery of Wildlife Art, the Jackson History Gallery, a clock gallery and three galleries featuring traveling and “in house” exhibitions. Thousands of visitors are drawn each year for the Ella’s major festivals Sugaring & Shearing (spring), Art, Beer & Wine Festival (summer) and Fall Harvest Festival (fall).

Admission to the galleries is free every Saturday.

The Grand Community Room at the Ella Sharp Museum of Art & History is the perfect place for your next grand event. The 3,000-square-foot room features an outdoor patio, catering kitchen, and stage to accommodate a wide variety of uses. A huge, arched window looks out onto the surrounding park and a mid-19th century log house.
   

• Reunions
• Holiday parties
• Weddings
• Seminars
• Annual meetings
• Award ceremonies
• Galas
• Graduation parties
• Rehearsals
• Staff meetings
• Luncheons and banquets
• Dramatic presentations

The best known attraction of this 457 acre park is The Cascades, a man-made, illuminated waterfall with musical accompaniment enjoyed by all since 1932. Some prefer to watch the dancing lights and listen to the beautiful music from comfortable seats, while the more energetic climb to the top of the 500 foot hill alongside the six giant fountains while dodging the spraying water. The falls are illuminated every night in season, 8:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. with an admission charge. Children 10 years and under are free with paid adult. Call for special group rates. 

The park, also known as the Sparks Foundation County Park, features the Cascades 18-hole Championship Golf Course and Cascades Short Course and driving range.  Other features include outdoor basketball court, baseball and softball fields, a very popular walking path, playground area, and a picnic shelter.  The Cascades Park is also the home of many special events such as the Midwest's Largest Cascades Civil War Muster, and spectacular fireworks show every year. Don't forget to stop by the Cascades Ice Cream Co, featuring "Frozen Dome Malts", opened March through September.

2013 Admission Rates for The Cascades 
Senior   $3.00 per person
Regular   $4.00 per person
Family Nights $7.00 per family
Fireworks  $6.00 per person
Children 10 and under always free with paying adult.

Group Rates for 12 or more people at $3 per person, with one person paying for entire group.
(Please call ahead – Mon thru Fri @ 517-768-2901)

2013 Season Passes
Includes Family Nights and Fireworks
Single (1)   $40.00
Double (2)   $60.00
Family (Limit 8)  $90.00

We offer a delicious selection on our extensive Sunday Brunch Buffet. Reservations are accepted, but not required. Our private VIP Room may be reserved for your party of 15-32. Treat your family to a special afternoon!

We specializing in Showers, Corporate Meetings, On-site Weddings and  Wedding Receptions, Service Clubs, Memorials, Special Events and Fabulous Sunday Brunch. Nestled in beautiful Cascades Falls Park of Jackson, Michigan, you'll find the elegant Cascades Manor House.  The perfect setting for your next occasion, The Cascades Manor house will impress your guests with stunning surroundings, impeccable service and delicious cuisine. We cordially invite you to relax and enjoy the charming atmosphere of the Cascades Manor House while our experienced, professional staff plan and coordinate your special event. Our scenic grounds and unique bridges create the perfect setting for any occasion. Your guests will enjoy a large dance floor, ample parking and our smoke free environment.  The Cascades Manor House has a long-term agreement with Jackson County Parks.  We are a nonprofit facility and our proceeds are directed to local parks improvement. We have seating for up to 300 and three private rooms to choose from.   We offer a full bar and equipment rentals to complete your event. Corporate events, showers, wedding receptions, memorial luncheons, retirement parties, your event will shine at Jackson's Original "Community Gathering Place." Call today to schedule your next event.  517-784-1500.

Celebrate your wedding or special occasion in the romantic Wedding Chapel in our historic Victorian church just outside Jackson, MI. (Formerly Billingsgate restaurant)  Event Center for intimate gatherings accommodating up to 50 guests. Kitchen facilities available for catered food or pot luck and alcohol is allowed.  Officiant on-site who will work with you to create the perfect ceremony. Elope with an hour's notice-just bring the license.  Weddings, receptions, showers, birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, seminars, Holiday parties.  Come make your memories with us!

Sandhill Crane Vineyards is an award-winning winery and tasting room featuring a wide range of wines made onsite using only local fruit. The new café at Sandhill Crane Vineyards features farm-to-table comfort food – soups, salads, sandwiches, and desserts. Many of the foods are locally sourced from area farms and food producers. Open for lunch Mon-Sat 11-6 and Sun 12-6. The café is open late on Thursday nights for “Thirsty Thursdays” from 6 to 9 pm with live music and an extended menu.

The beautiful new banquet room at Sandhill Crane Vineyards features high ceilings, lots of light, and a beautiful copper-topped bar. We’d love to host your next party or meeting. The room will seat up to 72 with additional seating on the stage. The stage can also be used for a DJ, live music, presentation, or silent auction. The facility features estate-produced wines and on-site catering.

Locally owned and operated by Greg & Annette Walker, they offer you a warm atmosphere, a delicious, distinctive menu and daily specials. The extensive wine list will please the most discriminating palate. The facility features private dining, intimate meeting rooms and banquet facilities for up to 250 guests. Live entertainment is available every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Bella Notte Ristorante specializes in fine dining, catering, take-out orders, wine sales and all types of business and/or personal banquets. Our four banquet rooms accommodate from 1 to 250 guests to meet all your special requirements. All our entrees are freshly made to order with the finest ingredients available. Menus change seasonally utilizing the best of seasonal ingredients.

The Commercial Italianate building on this site once housed the Oppenheim's clothing store, originally an outlet for furniture built by inmates at the Jackson Prison. In the 1950's Oppenheim's was rebuilt in the Moderne style popular at the time. Sav-a-lot drug store operated here for many years. Now Bella Notte Ristorante resides in this building with an impressive two story interior, popular horseshoe-shaped bar and delicious Italian cuisine.

Nestled between the lakes of Columbia and Clark Lake, lies Clark Lake Golf Course and Domenick's Restaurant. Family owned since 1948, this course offers the public 27 holes to golf. The North and South Courses are Michigan’s longest regulation blue tees, totaling 7,580 yards.

From the well maintained greens, to the beautiful timbers that line the inside walls of the restaurant there is so much to experience. As you walk through the door to the restaurant you're greeted with a friendly, upbeat atmosphere. Whether your looking for a great spot to sit and enjoy the game, or a quiet dinning experience with the family the clubhouse can accommodate your needs.

No event is too big or too small!  Clark Lake Golf course has banquet facilities, separate from the restaurant seating, capable of accommodating your every need, including golf outing, wedding, shower, company gathering, holiday party or any other special event.  The banquet room has numerous windows providing a fabulous view of the original nine hole golf course.  All packages are customized to meet your specific needs.  Please call for more details regarding the banquet rooms.

Hankerd Hills Golf Course is located in Pleasant Lake, Michigan. We are proud to offer 27 holes featuring 3 unique nines for every level of player. The course offers a scenic layout with Northern Michigan charm. A variety of bunkers, water hazards and narrow-driving holes await you.

The course also contains a full-service clubhouse which gives you the "Country Club" feel. There is a full-service restaurant open year round serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Our beautiful banquet facility overlooks the 9th, 10th and 18th holes and can accommodate groups of any size. Please contact us if you have any questions about our restaurant or would like to talk about hosting your next golf outing, banquet, family reunion, wedding or baby shower reception at our facility.

Located north of Jackson in the scenic Pleasant Lake area. This resort offers 23 lovely bedrooms in three buildings adjacent to a 27-hole golf course, Hankerd Hills Golf Course. Features full breakfast, central air, and a large room for meetings and receptions. Jacuzzi and fireplace suites available.  Great for individual stays or retreats with more than 16,000 square feet including areas for quilting, scrapbooking and family reunions. Beautiful demonstration kitchen for cooking classes, art studios and retail shops. The newest addition to this resort is a 3 bedroom lakefront property on Battesse Lake, just two miles away from the main property at 75 Indian Trail.

Back in the day, a good stout knock meant I'm here, I'm hungry, and I'm thirsty! Let me in!!! So to this day, The Hard Knock Grill is the place to go for good food, good drink and a fun time!

A family-run establishment with over 30 years experience, the Hard Knock Grill offers an extensive menu and banquet facilities to Jackson, MI.
Sunday Brunch Buffet from 9am to 2pm, including French Toast, Fresh Made Waffles, Omelettes to Order, Roast Beef, Salad, Veggies and much more!

• Great Prices & A Super Friendly, Helpful Staff.
• Great Burgers, Steaks, BBQ Ribs & Fish!
• Great Lunch & Dinner Specials, including many American Comfort Food Classics!
• A VERY Well Stocked 72 Foot Bar & 10 Beers on Tap!
• 8 TV's INCLUDING a 100 Inch Projection Screen!
• Live Music on Friday & Saturdays!

Hugo's Bar & Grill is a locally owned and operated restaurant, serving excellent food and family fun to the Jackson, MI community.  All of our menu items are made from scratch, including secret, authentic family recipes that are sure to satisfy your tastebuds. Our landmark restaurant was named Jackson Small Business of the Year in 2005 for our dedication to the community and excellent quality service.

Hugo's Bar & Grill serves exceptional American foods, as well as Italian and Mexican dishes to the community of Jackson, MI.  For over 8 years, chef and owner Hugo Gamez utilizes his Mexican-style cooking to put a unique spin on everyday American foods.  From pastas and salads to steak and potatoes, we guarantee you'll come back for more!

About Our Bar & Grill:

• Family dining
• Full-service, casual bar
• Banquet rooms
• Catering services - on-site and off-site
• TVs in every booth
• Buzztime Trivia - play games with restaurants around the world!

Hugo's Bar & Grill offers catering and banquet services for all of your special event needs to the Jackson, MI community.  Our staff will accommodate your event's specific needs, to ensure your social gathering is memorable. We offer both on-site and off-site catering, and can seat up to 250 people in our banquet rooms. We are proud to carry the lowest prices in town, yet have one of the highest standards of food quality and customer service.

Catering and Banquet Services:

•     Wedding receptions
•     Showers
•     Retirement parties
•     Business meetings
•     Birthday parties
•     Anniversaries
•     Post-funeral gatherings
•     Full-service bar
•     On-site catering
•     Off-site catering

Great sports bar over 40 TV's. Seating 399, large groups welcome. Game room for children. Two areas to book for private parties.

Welcome to the Holiday Inn Jackson - Jackson's only full-service hotel. Our 99 elegantly appointed guest rooms feature microwave and refrigerator, HDTV programming and complimentary wireless Internet. Kem's Restaurant onsite offers breakfast and dinner daily, as well as accommodations for meetings up to 120 people. 

If you're hungry, you're at the right place. The Davis family have been feeding folks in Jackson County since 1968 and have always believed in the philosophy of good food and plenty of it. All our steaks are USDA choice or higher, dry aged and specially seasoned. We hand cut and trim all our steaks in our in-house butcher shop. Our master butcher assures you of the highest quality and freshest steaks in town.

We believe our steaks will have you talking long after you leave. Yes, you can purchase our steaks to take home. We also bake all of our own bread & buns for all of our sandwiches and burgers. So, if you're here for a salad, sandwich or dinner, we say enjoy. We work hard to make Steaks a special place. We know you'll make it your steak place.

The spirit has no limitations, so there is no limit to the types of creativity birthed and practiced at Art 634.  Music, dance, photography, painting, sculpture, jewelry, pottery and theater are all celebrated within the walls of ART 634.  Art 634 is proud to call an 1850's manufacturing facility home.  It was originally built as a wagon and carriage factory, adjacent to the Michigan Territorial Prison.  The location afforded an abundance of workers and reasonable labor rates for factory. Over the years it has been used for warehousing, trucking operations. and numerous illicit and illegal activities.  It was spared from a 1950's fire that burned the building to the south on Mechanic, but the rear portion suffered damage.  Today it has been reborn as an industry of creativity.

The Art 634 logo incorporates the building's long history.  The circle of leaves represents the wagon wheel, fashioned out of leaves from the historical ginkgo tree directly to our east on Mechanic. Hence the name - Art 634, Center for the Creative Spirit.  The creative spirit has no limitations.

Special event every second Sunday of every month 12-4.  Art, music, wine, food and camaraderie – shop for all your gift needs for the coming month. Also don't miss the annual Fairy Festival in April which fills the building with magic and fun for the whole family.

Art 634 has two unique rooms available for rent:  

• ART 634 Classroom: Do you like to teach but lack the space and artistic atmosphere? Rent the ART 634 Classroom for $15 an hour and we’ll even help promote it. Text 517-745-3980.
• ART 634 Back Gallery Space: Offering a unique atmosphere for exhibits. Text 517-745-3980.

ART 634 Tenants

• BoKay Studios
• Circle of Stones
• Copper Orchid Design
• Cuppa
• Essa Arts
• Gallery 634 (Available to rent)
• Hair 634
• Hazelle M. Designs
• Jackson Arts and Cultural Alliance
• Jackson School of the Arts
• Maggie Drew Designs & Holey Altered
• Practical Guitar, Mike Crupi
• Regalitos
• Studio Deeply Art
• The Music Institute 
• The Old Prison Gift Shop
• Wendy Lebel Photography

The Lee Conklin Antique Reed Organ & History Museum proudly displays over 100 fully restored and working antique reed organs. Visitors to the museum are often treated to the beautiful sounds of these antique instruments, as they are in playable condition. The collection includes parlor, cottage and church organs along with elegant rosewood melodeons, some dating as far back as the mid-1800’s. The historical collection includes a turn of the century classroom, barber shop, library, printing press and telephone switchboard. The museum building itself, once Hanover High School, was designated a Michigan Historical Site in 2000 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2013. The museum is owned and operated by the Hanover-Horton Area Historical Society. Special events include Rust N' Dust Days, Fourth of July Tractor Pulls and October Corn Mazes. 

The Heritage Park Event Center hosts monthly concerts called Bluegrass Bonanza and is also great place to hold your next gathering. Whether you are expecting a small crowd or a full house the event center can accommodate your needs. There are two rooms available. The small meeting room features a classroom style space that holds 44 people maximum and includes the use of the kitchen. The large meeting space is also available for rent and also includes the use of the kitchen. If you are interested in renting either room, please contact the Hanover-Horton Area Historical Society office at 517-563-8927.

Group tours are welcome.  The buildings and restrooms are handicapped accessible except for the 2nd floor of the museum. Please allow 1.5 hours for the tour. Please visit their website for more information on group tours.

The gallery features art images from a rarely seen perspective; during his 47-year-career Dale has worked exclusively from a helicopter. His powerful, breathtaking pieces are not only framed as fine art but are also used for advertisements, brochures, public relations, and many other forms. Dale Fisher has been perfecting his art of taking images from a helicopter for over 53 years. He has an extensive inventory of art from the states of Michigan, Hawaii, Arizona and New York and includes wildlife, nautical, landscape images for all four seasons. A brief display of Dale's art may be found on his website at www.dalefishephoto.com.

Although the main function of the Dale Fisher Galleries is an art, photography and framing center, it doubles as a convention and reception hall that can accommodate up to 250 people. The convention center has dramatic lighting, catering kitchen, restrooms, heat and air conditioning. It is situated on the 100-acre Eyry of the Eagle Campus which house three art galleries, state of the art photography lab, framing center and animal viewing zoo. It is also home to the Michigan Center for the Photographic Arts, a non-profit 501(3)(c) organization that's main focus is to unleash the creative spirit in children through the art of photography. Each year the Children's Mentorship Program features the photographic art of the students during the annual Fall Focus Festival, which takes place the 3rd weekend in September at the center. 

Meeting Facility: http://www.eyryoftheeagle.com/

The Eyry of the Eagle Farm is a special place for special occasions. Enjoy the peaceful wooded areas, fields and 3-acre pond. A beautiful site for wedding receptions and company meetings, the Eyry of the Eagle Farm has a modern reception hall, wedding pergola, catering kitchens, and a charming 125-year old restored barn. Located in Grass Lake, Michigan just west of Ann Arbor.

The reception center is perfect for:

• Weddings
• Business meetings
• Company picnics
• Family picnics
• Class reunions

Amenities include:

• Wings Gallery Reception Hall, over 5000 square feet with 40'x64' meeting/dining room,
• air conditioning
• warming kitchen
• entry room
• bride's changing room
• 125-year-old barn, the Eagle's Nest Gallery
• large pond
• wedding ceremony pergola with brick walkway
• many flower gardens
• wooded areas
• ball field
• decorated with the photographic art of Dale Fisher

Contact the Eyry of the Eagle Farm to learn more about the availability of the reception facilities for your next event!

The Jackson Symphony Orchestra has a rich and vibrant history serving the Jackson area for over 60 years. Our mission is to add value, joy and enrichment to the lives of all Jackson area residents through music. The Jackson Symphony strives to impact the lives of everyone in the community either directly through performances and education programs or indirectly by offering positive programs and arts support in collaboration with community agencies, educators and other arts organizations. Most JSO series concerts are held at Jackson Community College’s world-class Music Hall at the Potter Center. Other music events are often held at Jackson Symphony Orchestra Performing Arts Center at 215 W. Michigan Ave. This facility is also available for rental with a capacity of 300.

Nestled in the scenic countryside of Irish Hills is one of the largest motor speedways in the United States. MIS features IRL and NASCAR sanctioned auto racing on its two-mile oval track. The 1000-acre track has a seating capacity of 111,000 in its main grandstand and bleachers. Spectator capacity in the infield and outfield areas is 150,000. After more than 38 years of improvements and updates, Michigan International Speedway is considered one of the country’s premier racing facilities. Follow them on Twitter @MISpeedway

Michigan International Speedway is ideal for corporate retreats, catered affairs, receptions and other social events. Event packages are also available. To learn more, call (517) 592-1161.

Venue and Capacity
Champions Club - 350
Michigan Room - 200
Infield Suites - 15-60
Media Center Deadline Room - 135
Media Center Cafeteria - 52

More than 150 cultural events are showcased annually in the Potter Center, including Broadway productions, national and international touring shows, local community groups, in-school productions and visiting performers. The Potter Center houses three theaters: Ruth M. Day Theatre, Michael Baughman Theater and the Harold V. Sheffer Music Hall. The campus complex has enjoyed national attention after more than 30 years of welcoming familiar stars and outstanding productions to the campus. A great public outdoor sculpture, Victory Reconstructed, can be seen from the top floors of the building.

The Hugh Federer Rooms

The Federer Rooms are a complex of seminar & meeting rooms that are centrally located on the first floor of Potter Center. These rooms provide ideal facilities for the accommodation of meetings, seminars, luncheons, displays, lectures, films, teleconferences, PowerPoint presentations, special events, etc. The Federer Rooms have the capability of being subdivided, with acoustically controlled folding wall panels, in various multiples from three separate rooms to one large room. As a result, seating can be adjusted from 40 persons to 200 people. Food arrangements are made through Continental Services Catering at 517.783.1521. For more information on the Federer Rooms, please contact the Cultural Affairs Office at 517.796.8473.

Michael Baughman Theatre

The Baughman Theatre, in a combination of conventional and continental seating patterns, seats a total of 403 persons, including 10 wheelchair spaces. Support facilities include a total of four dressing rooms, fully equipped costume and scene shops, and a formative dance studio with special flooring, mirrored walls and dance bars.

Harold Sheffer Music Hall

This spacious grand concert hall/theatre seats 1,549 patrons, including 20 wheelchair patrons. There are 1,046 seats plus the wheelchair spaces on the lower or Orchestra Level, while the balcony, or Grand Tier, contains 483 seats. On occasion, 37 additional seats can be placed on the orchestra lift, at audience level, for a maximum total of 1,586 seats. Each level contains outer lobbies which afford striking views of the Potter Center Complex. Also included in the theatre is a complete rehearsal room equipped with a dance floor, mirrored walls and an outstanding environment for dance and music programs and classes.  Finally, for the performing artists, the Music Hall houses a total of seven dressing rooms - five for Chorus, two for "Stars," crew dressing rooms and facilities and a canteen and laundry for traveling artists. The "Star" dressing room is carpeted with a sofa and casual chairs. There are also phone lines available for calls, faxes and computer hook-up for the artists or their managers' use.

Ruth Day Theatre

 The Ruth M. Day Theatre is a multiple form, experimental theatre. By incorporating fixed seating on eight movable units, the theatre can be fashioned into four standard staging configurations: Arena, Thrust, Center Aisle and Proscenium. The seating capacity of Day Theatre varies according to the presentation style, but generally seats 104, 126, 168 or 184 persons.

Robert Snyder Dining Room

Located on the first floor of Potter Center is the Robert Snyder Dining Room which can comfortably accommodate 300-350 person. Recently renovated, this is an excellent facility for wedding receptions, banquets and other special events. Food service arrangements are made through the catering service on campus, Continental Services. They offer a complete line of menus ranging from hors d'oeuvre receptions to buffets to sit-down dinners. Managers may be reached at 517.783.1521 or by e-mail at JCC_FoodServices@jccmi.edu. Reservations can be made up to a year in advance. For more information on the Dining Room, please contact the Cultural Affairs Office at 517.796.8473.

Victory Reconstructed, by Richard Hunt, corten steel, 1995, Jackson Community College

Victory Reconstructed, much like Summer Night Tree, is an abstract and non-representational sculpture fabricated in Michigan at K & M Machine Fabricating in Cassopolis, where many works by Hunt and other contemporary sculptors are enlarged.

Hunt's work is in many important public and private collections across the United States and it has even been included in a temporary exhibition on the lawn of the White House in Washington. Like many of Hunt’s statuary, Victory Reconstruction is based on figures of the ancient Greek goddess of victory, Nike. The abstract construction for Jackson Community College is larger and more simplified than his earlier work. The sculpture fits nicely into its setting and people are able to see it from several different levels, from the ground as well as from the top floors of the Potter Center for the Performing Arts.

The Central Railroad (later the Michigan Central Rail Road, or MCRR) came through Grass Lake in 1842, and the community grew around that first depot. In 1887, Grass Lake was awarded a stone depot designed by the same architects and with stone from the same quarry as the Ann Arbor station. This historic Romanesque train depot offers displays of local interest. Available for rentals, receptions, parties, and weddings. Heritage Day in September highlights the depot every year with an Open House.

Concord Hills Golf Club in Concord, about 10 minutes off I-94 and west of Jackson is a William Newcomb championship design that has earned 3-1/2 stars from Golf Digest Places to Play. The course is situated along a varied topography with some significant elevation changes from tee to green. The beginning holes of each nine play along a level terrain before elevated tees and raised green complexes come into play. Throughout, the rye/bluegrass fairways are defined by mature pines, spruce and hardwoods, creating a mix of tight and fairly wide fairways.

Three sets of tees play to distances and slopes measuring 6422 yards/125 slope, 6116 yards/122 slope and 5104 from the forward sets with a 125 slope for the ladies. On property is a grass range and putting/chipping green. The clubhouse includes a small pro shop plus snack area with pizza, hot and cold sandwiches, plus a full bar menu. 

Concord Hills newly built banquet facility offers packages for weddings, showers, business meetings, golf outings, or any special event. Concord Hills banquet facility provides a beautiful, picturesque natural surrounding and is an ideal setting for any type of special occasion. Our banquet room comprises of floor-to-ceiling windows and a wrap-around balcony overlooking the golf course and can accomodate up to 200 guests for golf outings, meeting or banquets (240 guests for wedding receptions). Experience the breathtaking view of our rolling hills golf course.

52 rooms, Jacuzzi rooms and suites. 230 person banquet room.

The Michigan Theatre was the last and largest theater to be built in downtown Jackson, opening in 1930. Now a nonprofit organization, the Michigan Theatre of Jackson Inc., is working to restore the theater to its original luster. It was originally built in Spanish Renaissance style with an ornate polychrome terra cotta façade, carved walnut furniture, plush carpeting, heavy damask draperies, and stained-glass light fixtures. The Michigan Theatre is considered one of the most splendid theaters in the state. Their mission is to provide today's entertainment in an incredible historic venue. Events include kids movies and classic films, as well as live entertainment.

No matter the time of the year, there’s always something exciting happening at the Jackson County Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds are home to the area’s most exciting events including the Jackson County Fair, Southern Michigan Winter Beer Fest, Rockapalooza and Jackson Nite Lites.

To host the perfect event, the key is location, lacation, location and that location is here! The fairground has plenty of rental space available for events. Whether you’re planning a party for a few dozen or a gala event for a few hundred, this is the place for your ultimate trade show, reception, party, reunion or other event.

To suit your needs, we have two unique indoor facilities. First, the Blackstone Activity Park seats up to 140 guests and is equipped with tables and chairs. Located at 800 N. Blackstone St., Blackstone Activity Park is a favorite choice for wedding receptions, reunions, anniversary, graduation and birthday parties. This building has a working bar and a holding kitchen with a refrigerator, although there is no cook stove.

Our other facility is the 14,000-square-foot American 1 Event Center, which is perfect for large events, holding up to 1,000 people. Give your trade show, wedding reception or other festivities that “wow” factor by hosting it in one of Jackson County’s most desirable locations. The American 1 Event Center has a fully-equipped holding/catering kitchen with a commercial refrigerator and freezer, commercial sinks and plenty of counter space, along with a serving window. You must arrange for the rental of tables and chairs at this facility.

The Blackstone Activity Park and American 1 Event Center feature stocked bathrooms and trash can liners. Dumpsters are available at both buildings.

For rental information, please call (517) 788-4405.

Comfortable and convenient, Baker College’s Jackson campus is set in rural surroundings, yet it’s only minutes from major highways. This campus has nearly doubled in size since 2004 and has added many state-of-the-art classrooms, labs, and other specialized facilities.

The Commonwealth Commerce Center Conference & Banquet Facilities is the largest and truly one of the most unique in Jackson County. Our facilities include Jackson's most elegant Ballroom, perfect for any size function or event. There are also a large variety of smaller rooms for your meeting or seminar. From groups of 20 to groups of 800, we have a variety of rooms available for your next event.

If parking is a concern, our 1,200 free parking spaces is the largest private parking lot in the city. Our building is handicap accessible, offers a smoke-free environment, and is monitored by on-site security guards. The Commonwealth Commerce Center is second to none in Jackson.

Weddings, Banquets—Your special event

The Commonwealth Commerce Center's 7,500 square foot ballroom and Banquet facility on the first floor is available for both business and social events with seating for up to 650. We can accommodate many types of events such as receptions, rehearsal dinners, bridal showers, annual meetings, conferences, fashion shows, dinners, etc.

Jackson Coolidge Masonic Temple is available for Weddings and Receptions, Graduation, Birthday, Christmas, Baby Shower, etc.

Table, Chair & Hall Information

39 ea.  -  Tables, 8 ft. by 30 in.
16 ea.  -  Tables, Round 48”
300 ea.  -  Folding Chairs
Dining Room Size is 48’ by 79’ with 15’ by 45’ Foyer
Men’s Restroom & Women’s Restroom 
Air Conditioned
Commercial Refrigerator comes with Dining Hall Rental, use of the Gas Stove is extra. Kitchen is Health Dept. Certified.

For reservations or to view the hall call: (517) 764-9962 Hall is available for viewing with appointment every Friday, from 1 - 3 p.m.

Our Banquet and Convention Center located at 3575 Francis Street, Jackson, Michigan, offers ground level floor service with no steps or elevators, modern spacious restrooms, a drive up canopy for protection against Michigan's weather, zone heating and air conditioning, an elegant spacious lobby, portable bars and dance floors, a state of the art sound system with microphones, a smoke free atmosphere, ample lighted parking, handicap accessibity, all in addition to our FREE professional event planning and consultation.  Our Center is designed with one room large enough to handle 650 guests, or can be subdivided into 3 different size rooms, with one being small enough for as little as 20 guests.

It's great for conventions, weddings, birthdays, graduations, business meetings, baby showers, family reunions, or any other special event! The decor is elegant, the price is fair and reasonable.

Contact Us with any questions that you may have regarding renting our facility for your special event, or telephone Amy or Nick at (517) 789-8878 for more information.

Spring Arbor University (SAU) is a liberal arts university dedicated to developing lifelong learners through the integration of faith and learning. Spring Arbor University is a community of learners distinguished by our lifelong involvement in the study and application of the liberal arts, total commitment to Jesus Christ as the perspective for learning, and critical participation in the contemporary world.

Spring Arbor University was founded in 1873 by leaders of the Free Methodist Church as Spring Arbor Seminary, an academy for elementary and secondary grades. In 1923, as the school celebrated its 50th anniversary, the board of trustees voted to add a junior college to the academy. In 1929, the school became Spring Arbor Seminary and Junior College. In 1960, when the school achieved accreditation by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the trustees changed the name of the institution to Spring Arbor College. On April 30, 2001, Spring Arbor College became Spring Arbor University. In part, recognizing the wide-ranging growth of its degree offerings, its locations and its structure.

The SAU Cougars Athletic Program includes Men's and Women's Soccer, Men's and Women's Basketball, Men's and Women's Tennis, Baseball, Softball, Men's Golf, Men's and Women's Track and Field, Men's and Women's Cross Country, Volleyball. Teh School colors are Blue and Gold. 

Facilities of all sizes available for rental including:

Spring Arbor University Fieldhouse

• Capacity: 2,600
• Weight room (free weights and Nautilus equipment)
• Three full sized basketball courts
• Four full sized volleyball courts
• Four lane indoor track
• Olympic-size swimming pool
• Exercise lab
• Varsity and general locker rooms
• Training room
• Concession stand
• Press box

White Auditorium

• State-of-the-art, multimedia performance center
• Seats up to 315 people 

Classrooms and Conference Rooms

• Built-in ethernet
• DVD
• VCR
• Computer
• Projector
• White board

For more information on facility rental go to Spring Arbor University's website.

Listed in the Michigan Historical registry, The First Presbyterian Church in Brooklyn was originally 40 x 60 feet in size, the church was a simple Greek Revival building with a square belfry. In 1901 a gabled entranceway was added and the church raised up on high stone foundation. The church building is the second oldest in Jackson County and a highlight of the Greater Irish hills Historic Churches Driving Tour. Inside the church's Archives Alcove is a mini-museum in which the memories and artifacts of 170 years of service have been stored and displayed. 

This was the first Baptist church established in Jackson. In 1834, thirteen Jackson pioneers established the Barry-Jackson Baptist Church in Sandstone Township. Five years later the Reverend David Hendee and seventeen members of that church formed the First Baptist Church in Jackson. Meetings were held in several locations until 1868, when construction began on the present church. J. R. Lewis provided the plans and specifications for this Romanesque Revival-style structure. When a lack of funds resulted in repeated construction delays, "Uncle Ben" Mosher, a member of the building committee, agreed to erect the walls free if the materials were supplied. A donation from four church members in 1871 assured the structure's completion. The church was eventually dedicated on March 10, 1872.

Founded in 1839, First Baptist Church has been a vital presence of God’s hope and grace in downtown Jackson for more than 170 years. From the corner of South Jackson and Cortland Streets, the congregation continues to live this legacy through mission and outreach to the community. With about 190 members First Baptist is a place to be known by God and friends. 

Photos coutesy of First Baptist Church of Jackson.

This pre-Civil War building has a fascinating history that includes a well-documented story about adding a basement AFTER the structure had been in operation for several years. This monumental Romanesque Revival church was erected in 1859 according to plans by architect Horatio N. White of Syracuse, New York. It is this congregation's third church. In 1871 the building was raised eight feet to accommodate lower-level classrooms. In September 1861, on the eve of departing for duty in the Civil War, the "Jackson Blair Cadets" and the Jackson County Rifles gathered with their families in the crowded sanctuary. At Detroit's Fort Wayne the troops joined the Eighth and Ninth Michigan infantries respectively. Beginning in the 1840s with the antislavery movement, the congregation actively participated in social reform--most notably the temperance and civil rights crusades.

Photo Courtesy of Jackson District Library Archives.

St. Demetrius Church, purchased for $1.00 in 1960, was originally built as a one-room schoolhouse.  Today the structure is something altogether different.  Still set in a rural area resonating with the peace of nature, the colorful interior of St. Demetrius contrasts with the more pastoral colors of its surroundings. The interior walls and ceilings are covered with brightly colored paintings called frescos. In addition, individual Icons are held in place by a 33-foot long hand carved wooden wall of icons called a “Iconostasis.”

On this engaging tour, you experience how our world-renown Iconographer, Niculai Enochi, uses an authentic Byzantine method of painting to adorn our exquisite church – a church equal to any you can see in Europe – and it is right here in Jackson!  The Orthodox tradition of Iconography, often called “Windows to Heaven,” originated about 1800 years ago. This Iconography, through its vivid visual depictions, truly brings the stories of the Bible to life.

The artistic, historical and personalized tour is given by Father Dusan, a delightful master of presentation.  

After experiencing the beautiful Icons and their intriguing history, you will thoroughly enjoy sitting in our beautiful dining area as you drink a cup of coffee with the very special treat of our famous, unforgettably delicious homemade Baklava baked by the Baklava Bakers of the Sisterhood of St. Demetrius Church.

Personal tours require 10 or more people and are $12.00 a person.

For more information please call Monica Dellas (517-414-3829) & (517-569-2982) or the Church (517-784-0116).

St. John's, the oldest Catholic Church is Jackson, was constructed in 1857 as a Gothic brick building. St. John's is the oldest Catholic Church in Jackson and was the only church of this denomination in the city until 1901. 

Photo Courtesy of Jackson District Library Archives.

On December 8, 1838, the founders of St. Paul's Parish met and began the task of drafting the Articles of Organization for a ""new Protestant society."" The Parish of St. Paul's Church was officially established with the signing by twenty-two persons of the articles of Organization on January 12, 1839.
Its first house of worship, a small frame church completed at a cost of $2,500 by vestry member Lemuel S. House, was consecrated on October 20, 1840. By 1850 the group had outgrown its original home, and plans were begun to build a larger church.
Designed by Buffalo architect Calvin N. Otis, the new Romanesque Revival church was consecrated on January 11, 1853. Remodeled and expanded several times, it is one of the oldest Episcopal church structures in southern Michigan.

Photo Courtesy of Jackson District Library Archives

The First Universalist Church of Concord, constructed in 1866 is typical of the Gothic Revival style. The construction of a Universalist church in Concord reflects the trend of migration from New York State to Michigan in the mid-1800s since a significant number of the founding members of the Universalist Society, and subsequent members of the parish, were originally from New York.

The Jackson County Courthouse, located at Jackson and Wesley Streets, was constructed in 1927-28 as the Elk's Temple.  It was a very elaborate lodge and a center of recreational activity for several years.  The Jackson Elks spared no expense when building their new headquarters which included a swimming pool, auditorium, Spanish-decor restaurant and cafeteria, rooms for visiting Elks, handball courts, bowling alley, Turkish bath, barber shop and beauty parlor, and eight shops.  When the Depression hit a few years later, they couldn’t make the payments, so they returned to their former hall at 310 Mechanic.   In 1935, it was purchased by the county from the bond holders for a total of $27,000, which included $17,500 in delinquent taxes. It was remodeled for cost of $360,000, and occupied by the county in the spring of 1937.  Since then, it has served as the seat of government for the County of Jackson.