Michigan's Secret Whimsical Public Art Park Is An Enchanting Garden For Serene Picnics And Nature Walks

A lot of public parks around the U.S. have the same features –- fields for sports and other outdoor activities, picnic tables, trees for shade, maybe a pond, or a dog park. However, few of them have what McCourtie Park in Somerset Center, Michigan, has. In addition to plenty of areas to have a relaxing picnic and tranquil nature walks to embark on, McCourtie Park has a fascinating history, a series of eccentric cement sculptures, and, according to legend, perhaps even a ghost.

McCourtie Park is located within the Somerset Township of Hillsdale County, which is about 65 miles south of the Capital Region International Airport in Lansing and 95 miles west of Detroit. Because the area is fairly remote, there aren't a whole lot of lodging options in the immediate vicinity, with the Motel Somerset being one of the few in-town stays. However, within a 20-minute drive of Somerset Center, there are the Munro House Bed & Breakfast in Jonesville and the Devil's Lake Inn in Manitou Beach.

This quaint rural community of Somerset Center is characterized by its proximity to seemingly countless beautiful lakes, charming farms, and rolling green hills, making it a surprising place to find such a quirky public park, as you're about to learn. And while you're in Michigan, check out another overlooked gem, a recreational escape with miles of scenic shoreline.

McCourtie Park began as a family-owned property that was developed by Herb McCourtie, a Somerset native who made his fortune in the oil business during his time in Dallas, Texas, and became even richer when he got into the cement business back home in Michigan. Upon his return to Somerset Center, he bought his family's home and the surrounding area, turning it into a private luxury resort of sorts for himself that doubled as a community park that was open to the public. During Prohibition, McCourtie had a "rathskeller" — an underground beer hall — built beneath the sprawling grounds that was said to have hosted such prominent guests as Henry Ford and Al Capone.

However, one of the more eccentric features of the park that McCourtie ordered to be created was the series of 17 cement bridges and two elaborate bird houses placed throughout the grounds in the 1930s. What really made these structures so unique, though, was that they were created in the "trabajo rustico" style, a kind of Mexican folk art in which cement is crafted to look like wood.

Today, McCourtie's house is no longer standing, and the rathskeller isn't as happening as it used to be (renovations were done in 2023 so events could be held there). But the cement sculptures still exist and are maintained regularly. The site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as a pleasing backdrop for a laid-back picnic as well as community gatherings. In fact, the whimsy of the faux-wooden bridges makes guests feel like they're in a more fantastical realm than that of a small farm town in Michigan. Still, Michigan has plenty of surprises, such as this picturesque artsy town offering charming streets and quiet waters.

Despite its semi-secretive status (there's no official website for it), McCourtie Park is surprisingly welcoming and offers quite a few amenities, including a sports complex with tennis, basketball, and beach volleyball courts, ball fields, and even a disc golf course. However, the real magic lies in the gorgeous nature spread out across its 42 acres. This little slice of heaven on Earth is characterized by infinite green slopes and majestic trees, split by countless creeks and brooks. The storybook atmosphere is accentuated even more by the aforementioned bridges, each one given a different fantasy-inspired aesthetic. There's no shortage of stunning scenery to take photos of, with breathtaking vistas facing you from every direction.

As one reviewer on Tripadvisor put it, "This park is clean, well cared for, and would give something enjoyable to people of all ages. It can show how people entertained themselves in the past and provides plenty of room to run. I'm sure we will return here again."

Adding to the aura of mystery and wonder of McCourtie Park is the ghost of "The Lady in Blue" that supposedly haunts the grounds in a long blue dress from the mid-1800s. It's said that this apparition is the spirit of a woman who escaped slavery, though her identity has never been verified. She's said to only make her presence known at night, so your chances of encountering her are low since the park closes at dusk. However, stay until closing when the sun is setting, and you just might hear some mysterious footsteps when no one else is around. And for even more things to do in nature, Michigan's chain of lakes is home to a little village with serene waters and outdoor adventure.