So many places to go in Jackson, Michigan
There are so many places to explore in Jackson! The adventure is even better when you explore them with friends.
It’s not every day we get to team up with some of Michigan’s top digital influencers, but when we do, we can guarantee that it’s going to be a good time. Our friends at MI Playground stopped by to visit us again with a mission: What does 10,000 steps look like in a place full of art, lakes, and parks?
Follow Andy and Nick as they find baskets of fun disc golfing on Jackson County’s trails, discover beauty in Downtown Jackson’s art, and enjoy great food at Schlenker’s that satisfies cravings and sparks nostalgia.
Disc Golf at Ella Sharp Park
The day began with a round of disc golf at Ella Sharp Park.
“Disc golf is like a yard game and a hike combined in one,” Andy remarked. Disc golf is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and step into fun.
Ella Sharp’s disc golf course offered the brothers a chance to rack up 3,000 steps while enjoying some friendly competition. “This course is incredibly laid out,” Andy added, praising the accurate signage and easy-to-use score-tracking app.
“This is a fun course! This is equally for advanced and beginner players. I think that beginners are going to like the nice open fairways, but there’s enough terrain, guardian trees, and distance between the holes that you can actually push yourself as a more advanced player,” Andy said.
Despite Andy’s best efforts, it was Nick who came out on top, earning the right to choose their next stop—lunch.
Burgers and Fries at Schlenker’s
The brothers made their way to Schlenker’s Sandwich Shop, a Jackson food stand renowned for its classic burgers. One of the many great places to go for great food in Jackson.
“There are burger places that work to try to emulate a burger like this,” Nick commented as they savored the iconic meal. Reenergized, they headed downtown to immerse themselves in the vibrant art scene.
Art and Architecture in Downtown Jackson
Downtown Jackson’s Bright Walls served as the perfect backdrop for their exploration. Nick reflected on how the art, architecture, and town come together to create a unique, curated experience.
“The last time I was here, I was so obsessed with the art that I basically just walked around and tried to document all of the different pieces I really enjoyed,” he shared. This time, they took their time, combining steps with snapshots that highlighted the beauty of Jackson’s urban canvas. With another 2,000 steps under their belts, they set off to dive into Jackson’s rich history.
History and Hiking at Ella Sharp Museum
At the Ella Sharp Museum, Andy and Nick explored the historic buildings and exhibits, adding 2,500 steps to their count as they learned about the area’s agricultural past. The museum’s trail loop offered them a serene walk through history, blending nature with knowledge.
“Having this hiking trail connected right to the museum and being able to walk through the path down all of the historic buildings… we’re going to get to our step goal super quick,” Andy noted.
Pickleball at Sparks Foundation Park
Their next stop took them to the Hurst Pickleball Courts at Sparks Foundation Park, where a quick match added to their growing step count. “Play to 11, loser buys ice cream,” Andy declared. After a quick bout of pickling, Andy claimed victory.
“Good game. These courts are nice!” Nick said.
“They’re so nice,” Andy added.
Despite a tough game, Nick found a silver lining in his loss at Cascades Ice Cream Co.
“If I had to buy it, this thing is awesome,” Nick said, enjoying a sweet and melty hot fudge sundae.
Colorful Water Spectacle at The Cascades
Finally, the brothers capped off their day at The Cascades, one of Jackson’s most iconic landmarks. As they strolled through the park, they realized they had not only reached their 10,000-step goal but surpassed it. “We’re up to about 11,000 right now,” Andy noted with satisfaction. To celebrate, they watched the cascading water display, reflecting on the day’s adventures. “I’ve orchestrated all of this for the closing ceremonies just for the two of us,” Andy joked, enjoying the moment.
Experience Jackson Podcast
Their Jackson journey didn’t end there. Experience Jackson invited them to share their experiences on the organization’s podcast, where they discussed their favorite places to go and the hidden gems they discovered. “I can’t tell you how much I love the Bright Walls,” Andy said, highlighting the transformative impact of the art on Jackson’s downtown. “It has turned the downtown into a giant art gallery that is interactive and happening every time you take a new corner.”
Nick echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the variety of adventures Jackson offers. “This county has 125 lakes, and the opportunities to get out on the water are endless,” he said.
This collaboration between MI Playground and Experience Jackson showcases how 10,000 steps in Jackson can be a journey through art, history, nature, and food, all wrapped up in one unforgettable day. The video documenting their adventure is now available on MI Playground’s YouTube channel, inviting viewers to discover places to go in Jackson through their lens.
Check Out MI Playground!
This isn’t the first time Experience Jackson has worked with MI Playground, and it certainly won’t be the last. Previous collaborations have also shined a spotlight on Jackson’s hidden gems, from its picturesque parks to its bustling downtown area.
The full-length video is available to watch on MI Playground’s YouTube channel, and exclusive clips can be found on their social media platforms. Whether you’re planning your first visit or looking for new places to go in your own backyard, these videos are sure to inspire you to explore all that Jackson has to offer.
You can hear more about Andy and Nick’s journey through Jackson County on the Experience Jackson Podcast!
To learn more about MI Playground and to watch their latest videos, visit www.miplayground.com.
Watch the Full Video
Watch the Full Video from MI Playground Now on Youtube
Follow MI Playground
Stay up-to-date with Andy and Nick’s latest adventures by following them on social media.
Don’t miss out on the next exciting collaboration between MI Playground and Experience Jackson!
Listen to the Podcast
Listen to the Experience Jackson Podcast
Tune in to hear Nick and Andy share about their adventures in Jackson with host Rachel Buchanan!
