Capri Drive-In Movie Theater
It was recognized in the New York Times as one of the best in the country! Highlighted
on FoodTV Networks “Top 5” show. The original flavor of the “All
American Drive-In” certainly remains today. This is a clean family business
and a great place to come and bring back a little nostalgia. Their season runs
April through October. For more information visit our Website.
Tibbits Opera House
Coldwater attractions include the famous Tibbits Opera House; built in 1882
the Tibbits Opera House also, the second oldest theatre in Michigan. Tibbits
has developed and outstanding reputation for its Professional Summer Theatre,
which brings in thousands of people each year for professional productions
by its resident summer stock. For more information call 517-278-6029 or
at our Website.
Coldwater
Cinema
The Coldwater Cinema has stadium seating and 6 huge screens. For more information
Show times: (517) 279-SHOW, Office: (517) 279-9189.
Attractions
Sauk Trail/U.S. 12 Historical
Heritage Trail
The Great Sauk Trail runs through the southern
corridor of Michigan from Detroit to New Buffalo.
The 209 miles of U.S. 12 was designated as a Heritage
Route in
June of 2004. Promotional plans to encourage travel along the Trail include Michigan’s
Longest Collectible, Antique and Yard Sale the second weekend in August , in July the Most Patriotic
Road in America and in October the ever-popular Harvest/Scarecrow Festival visit our Website.
Wing House Museum
The 1875 Second Empire was constructed for newlyweds Jay and Francis Chandler;
this second Empire structure wears its documented, original exterior paint
colors. In 1881, Lucius M. Wing, Mayor, businessman and Civil War Captain purchased
the home. It remained in the Wing family until bought by the Branch County
Historical Society in 1947 for use as a historical museum. The most characteristic
feature of this structure is its convex roof, which is sheathed in tin. This
house museum is open year-round Tuesday through Sunday. Call for hours 517-278-2871.
Largest Genealogy Research Center in South
Central Michigan
The Holbrook Heritage Room in the Branch County District Library in Coldwater
is full of history and family information. Indexed old newspapers dating back
to 1841, census
information available throughout the United States, old directories, immigrant
ship listings. They have an extraordinary collection of compact discs on Family
Trees, the Civil War, Census Information, Michigan Civil War History as well
as donated family histories and genealogies. For more information call 517-278-2341 or visit our Website.
Historic Downtown Coldwater
This city reflects a unique balance of past and present, featuring many fine
old turn of the twentieth century homes and shops restored to their original
splendor coupled with a booming economy and rapid retail development. Allen
Tibbits and Joseph Hanchett first settled Coldwater in 1830. Coldwater was
incorporated as a city in 1861 and continues to thrive as a significant contributor
to South Central Michigan. Coldwater has many designated Historic Districts
that spread over the city with many beautiful homes restored to their Victorian
Era glory. The district include homes built in the 1800’s from Italian
Villa, Greek Revival, and Queen Anne to Dutch Revival, Colonial Revival and
Federal Style. Walking and driving tours are available. The area boasts many
unique shopping experiences in the restored shops in the area. For more information call 517-279-6902 or visit our Website.
Cemetery Hill
Established in 1852, the Oak Grove Cemetery has many beautiful treasures of unique
statues, mausoleums and even a grand stand still used today at the annual Memorial
Day services. The cemetery secrets are held within the names renowned locally
and abroad with family stones like Tibbits, Wings, Quimby and Crippin. Oak Grove Cemetery is located along the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail on the west end of Coldwater. For a printable list of Branch County cemeteries click here.
Steam Engine Train-Ride the Rails
The “Little River Railroad” was formed in 1975 and is a not-for-profit
organization. The focus of the “Little River Railroad” is the restoration,
preservation and operation of historic steam railroading. Ran entirely by volunteers,
trains will be running weekends June through October and December from Coldwater
to Quincy.Operating two historic steam locomotives, one of
which is the only one of its kind ever built and
has the honor of being the smallest standard gauge
Pacific type locomotive ever built. “Locomotive
110” was built in 1911 by the Baldwin Locomotive
Works. It was custom built for the original “Little
River Railroad” in Townsend, Tennessee. It
was sold to the “Smoky Mountain Railroad until
being purchased in 1972 by the current “Little
River Railroad”. It took about three years
to restore and has been operational ever since.
“Locomotive 1” was built in 1908 by
the Vulcan Iron Works. It is a 0-4-0T type locomotive
and was used for switching services for the Youngstown
Sheet and Tube Company. “Locomotive 1” was
purchased in 2000 by the “Little River Railroad”,
and after three years of restoration it made its
inaugural run in 2004.
The “Little River Railroad” uses all
of its equipment, nothing is static and their philosophy
is one of operation and not display. They consider
themselves an operating museum with a focus of
exposing and educating their visitors about steam
locomotives. For schedules and pricing visit our Website .
Adventure Zone
Family fun at its finest! Enjoy 36 holes of mini putt-putt that include a brand
new 18 hole miniature golf course featuring refreshing water falls or visit
the nostalgic 18 hole course for challenges for every skill level. If that's
not fast enough for you, strap yourself into NASCAR replica go-carts to race
with your friends or family. After you've taken a trip around the track and
golf course its time for the 1800 square foot arcade. The latest games and
old time favorites finish off your adventure. This year the Adventure Zone
has added 2 paint paint ball courses. Groups and parties welcome. Located 125
W Chicago Road on US-12 next to the Capri drive-in Coldwater Michigan.. Open
7days during the summer.
Call 517-278-ZONE (9663) for party reservations, specials
and spring and fall hours. Visit our Website.
HERITAGE PARK
The showcase park system of Coldwater. Walking paths, little league diamonds,
softball fields, indoor and outdoor basketball courts, swimming pool, tennis
courts, skate park with wide open spaces for yourself or family reunion open
year round. A great way to get outside and stretch your legs. Located on Western
Avenue on the west end of Coldwater. For a list of area park click here.
BUTLER MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Butler Motor Speedway is located just north of Quincy MI. and has the fastest
3/8, high banked dirt track with races from April through September. Featuring
sprints, UMP late models and Street Stock cars in their races. Located at 1031 Clarendon in Quincy MI. Call 517-542-3627.
Coldwater Mini-Triathlon
Annually the 4th Saturday in August
The Mini Iron Man Triathlon has been active annually for over 16 years at Coldwater
Lake. The Coldwater Mini Iron Man brings registrants from all over the country
into Branch County. The event annually in August is for men and women of all
ages, competing in teams or individually. It is impressive to watch the 150 incredible
athletes’ swim 150 yards, bike 6 miles and run 3 miles to the finish line.
This sanctioned race is amazing to observe, whether you are a spectator or a
participant. 517-279-9038.
Log Road Moto-Cross
The large track is approximately 1.5 miles long and there are several different
ways to run
the race. There are mad-made jumps, single, double, triple jumps
and whoops. The Pee
Wee track which (about 3/8 miles long) is the track used
for drivers as young as 4 years
old. Don’t miss Christmas in July where
you can see Santa riding around the track. Call
Michigan International Speedway
Located just down the U.S. 12 Heritage Trail, Michigan International Speedway
is host to national races 3 week ends each summer. NASCAR takes to the track
in mid June and again in mid August. INDY car racing is the end of July.
For
more information call 800-968-9333.
Wooly Bike Rally
Annually
Bike with Family & Friends for Fun & Fitness at our 5th annual Branch
Area Bike Association Wooly Bike Rally will be held on a new weekend Sunday,
June 1, 2008. Starting at Heritage Park in Coldwater, MI, routes of 7, 15,
25, 40, 62, or 100 miles will be available for riders of all skill levels traveling
through historic Coldwater, area lakes, and Amish country. We are encouraging
families to join in together - as well as avid cyclists to use this as a spring
training ride. The cost is minimal with those under 12 free.
You may register the day of the ride. Safety is a
must. All riders must wear helmets. No radio headsets.
Riders must obey all traffic rules, as bicycles are
legal vehicles on Michigan roads. For more information
517-278-7506 Visit us our Website.
Bike Tours
20 Mile-Coldwater Lake Tour Coldwater, Michigan (I-69 to exit 13 is U.S. 12 in Coldwater)
Starting in Downtown Coldwater Travel:
South on Sprague Street- 1 ¼ miles
East on Dorrance Road-¼ mile
South on Centennial Road-4 3/4 miles
East on Warren Road-½ mile
South on Lake Drive-2 1/2 miles
North on Quimby Road-5 1/2 miles
West on Dubendore-¼ mile
North on Fiske Road-1 ½ miles
West on Dorrance Road-½ mile
North on Steffy Road-1 ½ miles (turns into Willowbrook)
West on Woodward-1 mile (turns into Michigan Ave)
15 Mile-Gilead Lake Bike Tour Bronson, Michigan (I-69 to exit 13 go west on U.S. 12 to Bronson
about 12 miles)
Starting in Downtown Bronson Travel:
South on Matteson Street -5 ¼ miles (turns into Orland Road)
East on Pleasant Hill Road -1 mile
South on Rierson Road -¼ mile
East on Gilead Shores Drive -1 ½ miles
North on Gilead Lake Road -2 ¾ miles
West on Kosmerick Road -2 miles
North on Orland Road -2 ¼ miles (turns into Matteson Street)
Sauk Trail/U.S. 12 Historical
Heritage Trail
Historic Downtown Coldwater
Steam Engine Train-Ride the Rails
Adventure Zone
HERITAGE PARK
BUTLER MOTOR SPEEDWAY
Coldwater Mini-Triathlon
Log Road Moto-Cross
Michigan International Speedway
Wooly Bike Rally
