Michigan
Back Roads
Michigan getaway vacations to
Michigan attractions and Terrific Towns
McCourtie Park
McCourtie
Park is located U.S. 12 in the Irish Hills region just west of
Brooklyn. William H. L. McCourtie transformed his 42 acre
estate into a one-of-a-kind beauty back when this part of Michigan
was considered "up north". A walk through the park will reveal
a surprising number of bridges. Each one is unique and each is
made of concrete
There are two trees made of concrete that are actually chimneys for an underground heating and boiler system. That was designed to serve an underground apartment.
The birdhouses are capable of holding 200+ birds and were built to accommodate Purple Martins. Made of cypress and "duraluminum" the birdhouses are anchored in concrete blocks weighing over 15 tons.
This park is an extraordinary example of secrets hidden away in Michigan history.
A Hidden Treasure
There are seventeen bridges in this park and no two are alike. While they look like logs or planks or rope, each one is made of cement.
In addition to the stream and bridges, there are ponds and rolling green areas to enjoy. The ponds are spring fed and were originally used for trout and for swimming.