Travel Log: Michigan

Set in the southern part of Michigan is the tiny village of Brooklyn. And it's anything but similar to New York's borough.

Brooklyn, Mich., is at the very center of the rolling Irish Hills. The area got the name because of Irish immigrants who laid claim to the land in the mid 1800s and the beautiful landscape that surrounds the area.

Today the area is known as a quiet little getaway from the hustle and bustle of Detroit, which lies 73 miles to the east and a world away in terms of scenery.

MAP OF BROOKLYN, MICH.
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DID YOU KNOW?
The village was founded by Calvin Swain in 1832 under the name Swainsville. The name was changed four years later to Brooklyn.

WHAT THE CITY OFFERS
Walker Tavern -- Imagine being in the 19th century and traveling for miles between Chicago and Detroit with nothing between the two business centers. The only relief: Walker Tavern. The stagecoach stop was at the crossroads for Michigan transportation, known as Cambridge Junction, where Sylvester and Lucy Walker gave travelers rest and refueling.
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Stagecoach Stop -- A trip back into the Old West that's nestled in the Irish Hills has been a popular family spot for more than 40 years. There are antiques on display, panning for gold, magic shows, street performers and demonstrations -- all in an Old West setting. Visitors can even get held up in an old fashioned train ride before taking in lunch at the saloon or dessert at the parlor.
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Walter J. Hayes State Park -- Most travelers who camp for the race are somewhere within walking distance of the racetrack. They're not too far from a beach, either. The Walter J. Hayes State Park, which does also have its own campsites, sandy beaches and outdoor activities, spans 654 acres next to Round Lake with additional access to Wamplers Lake, two of the 50 lakes within a 10-mile radius of Brooklyn.
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MUST-VISIT RESTAURANT
BBQ Shack -- This tiny gem is a true barbecue-lover's dream. Of course, any place with the word "shack" in the title can't be bad. One customer review stated that race fans should go out of their way to journey to the BBQ Shack. Strong words for a time-constrained weekend.
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WEATHER FORECAST
Sunny all weekend with highs nearing 90 degrees. The only chance of rain is on Saturday, 30 percent. Complete forecast

BOOK YOUR TRAVEL
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