Jackson Travel Guide

Trek Zone

City

Facts and practical information

Located in the heart of Michigan, the city of Jackson offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural experiences. Nestled amidst rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, this charming city is a hidden gem waiting to be explored.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the abundance of outdoor activities Jackson has to offer. The city is surrounded by numerous lakes, rivers, and parks, providing ample opportunities for fishing, boating, and hiking. Cascades Falls Park is a must-visit destination, boasting stunning waterfalls, scenic trails, and a family-friendly atmosphere. For a more immersive outdoor experience, visitors can explore the expansive Ella Sharp Park, which features a zoo, golf course, and beautiful gardens.

History buffs will be captivated by Jackson's rich historical heritage. The city played a significant role in the abolitionist movement, and visitors can trace the footsteps of the Underground Railroad at the historic Michigan Central Railroad Depot. The Cell Block 7 Prison Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the history of the Michigan State Penitentiary, showcasing artifacts and exhibits that shed light on the lives of inmates and the evolution of the prison system.

Art and culture thrive in Jackson, with numerous galleries and theaters scattered throughout the city. The Jackson Symphony Orchestra mesmerizes audiences with its world-class performances, while the Michigan Theatre hosts a variety of live shows, concerts, and film screenings. The Ella Sharp Museum showcases a diverse collection of art and historical artifacts, providing a comprehensive overview of the region's cultural heritage.

Food lovers will not be disappointed in Jackson, as the city boasts a vibrant culinary scene. From cozy cafes serving locally sourced ingredients to upscale restaurants offering international cuisines, there is something to satisfy every palate. Visitors can savor the flavors of the region at the farmers' markets, where fresh produce and artisanal goods are showcased.

Alternative names: Founded: 1829 (196 years ago)Population: 33.1 thous.Area: 10.96 mi²Elevation: 984 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 42°14'57"N, 84°25'25"W

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MichiganUnited States

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Jackson Top Attractions

Jackson Attractions - What to See and Explore

Jackson offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Ella Sharp Museum, Westwood Mall, Michigan State Prison, Cascade Falls. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Specialty museum • Art museum • Museum
Ella Sharp Museum
The Ella Sharp Museum is a historical museum located at 3225 4th Street in Jackson, Michigan. The original structure is a nineteenth-century farmhouse, the Ella Sharp House, which was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
Shopping • Building • Shopping centre
Westwood Mall
Westwood Mall is an enclosed shopping mall serving the community of Jackson, Michigan. It opened in 1972 and the mall's anchor stores are JCPenney and Walmart. There is 1 vacant anchor store that was once Younkers.
Historical and heritage tours • Tours • Museum
Michigan State Prison
Michigan State Prison or Jackson State Prison, which opened in 1839, was the first prison in Michigan. After 150 years, the prison was divided, starting in 1988, into four distinct prisons, still in Jackson: the Parnall Correctional Facility which is a minimum-security prison; the G.

Natural attraction • Park • Waterfall
Cascade Falls
The Cascades is a manmade waterfall attraction in Sparks Foundation County Park, Jackson, Michigan. The falls are both illuminated and choreographed and is the site of concerts and special events from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Universities and schools
Jackson College
Jackson College is a public college in Jackson County, Michigan. Originally established as Jackson Junior College in 1928, Jackson County electors voted to reincorporate the institution as a Community College District under the "Public Act 188 of 1955" in 1962.
Concerts and shows • Cinema • Theater
Michigan Theatre
The Michigan Theatre at 124 North Mechanic Street in Jackson, Michigan opened in 1930 and was designed by Maurice Herman Finkel. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on May 8, 1980, and is undergoing renovations as of 2005.
Church • Downtown Jackson
St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church
St. Mary Star of the Sea Catholic Church is a parish of the Roman Catholic Church located in downtown Jackson, Michigan, in the Diocese of Lansing. It is dedicated to Our Lady, Star of the Sea. In 2008 it absorbed the congregations of St. Stanislaus Kostka Chapel and the Chapel of Sacred Heart, also in Jackson.
Synagogue • Queens
Temple Beth Israel
Temple Beth Israel is a Reform synagogue located at 801 West Michigan Avenue in Jackson, Michigan. Formed in 1862 by Jews of German background, it grew out of the Hebrew Benevolent Society, which had been organized in 1858, and was the second Reform congregation in Michigan.
42°14'53"N • 84°25'1"W
Hugh H. Richard House
The Hugh H. Richard House, also known as the Hand Building, or Fossores Chapter House was built as a single-family home, and later converted to office use. It is located at 505 Wildwood Avenue in Jackson, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993.
42°15'9"N • 84°25'24"W
Temple Beth Israel Cemetery
The Temple Beth Israel Cemetery, also known as the Hebrew Cemetery, is a Jewish cemetery located at 420 North West Avenue in Jackson, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2009.
42°14'53"N • 84°24'30"W
Stone Post Office
The Stone Post Office, also known as the Blackwell Building, is a former post office located at the rear of 125 North Jackson Street in Jackson, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.
42°15'22"N • 84°24'23"W
Art 634
Art gallery • Shopping • Museum
Church • Downtown Jackson
First Congregational Church
The First Congregational Church is a historic church in downtown Jackson, Michigan, adjacent to the original city square. It was listed as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1987 and added to the National Register of Historic Places in July 2017.
42°14'53"N • 84°24'40"W
Jackson Carnegie Library
The Jackson Carnegie Library is a library building operated by the Jackson District Library, located at 244 West Michigan Street in Jackson, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.
42°14'50"N • 84°24'16"W
Otsego Apartments
The Otsego Apartments, formerly known as the Otsego Hotel is an apartment building located at 102–106 Francis Street in Jackson, Michigan. The building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2015.
Italianate architecture • Exchange
Andrew Wilcox House
The Andrew Wilcox House, also known as the Wilcox-Holton House, is a single-family home located at 231 East High Street in Jackson, Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1987.

Things to See and Do in Jackson by Category

Sights, interesting and unusual places and attractions valued by most tourists. See the list of places to visit in Jackson.

Culture

Ella Sharp Museum
Jackson
Specialty museumArt museumMuseum
Michigan Theatre
Jackson
Concerts and showsCinemaTheaterDowntown Jackson
Art 634
Jackson
Art galleryShoppingMuseumArts

Day trips

Jackson – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Jackson, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum (East Lansing), Jackson Field (Lansing), Yost Ice Arena (Ann Arbor).

34 milesN
Museum, Art museum, Modern art museum
Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum, East Lansing
Nestled in the bustling college town of East Lansing, Michigan, the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum presents a striking example of contemporary architecture and an immersive cultural experience. This museum, located on the campus of Michigan State University, was...
34 milesN
Sport venue, Arenas and stadiums, Sport
Jackson Field, Lansing
Nestled in the heart of Michigan's capital city, Lansing, Jackson Field stands as a testament to America's love for baseball. This modest yet charming stadium is a destination for sports enthusiasts and families looking for an afternoon of fun and entertainment.
35 milesE
Sport venue, Sport, Arenas and stadiums
Yost Ice Arena, Ann Arbor
Nestled in the bustling college town of Ann Arbor, Michigan, the Yost Ice Arena stands as a historic and beloved icon for ice sports enthusiasts and University of Michigan fans alike. This renowned arena is not just a venue for athletic contests; it's a storied hall...
41 milesE
Specialty museum, Museum, History museum
Michigan Firehouse Museum, Ypsilanti
The Michigan Firehouse Museum is a unique cultural gem nestled in the city of Ypsilanti, Michigan. This museum is dedicated to preserving and showcasing the history and heroism of firefighters throughout the ages. Housed in an original 1898 firehouse with a modern...
33 milesN
Intimate zoo for endangered animals
Potter Park Zoo, Lansing
The Potter Park Zoo is a 102-acre zoo located in Lansing, Michigan, within Lansing's Potter Park. Its mission is to Inspire people to conserve animals in the natural world.

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Best Time To Visit Jackson

Learn when is the best time to travel to Jackson weather-wise and what to expect in each season.

Popularity among visitors

JFMAMJJASOND

June and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, July and September.

Average temperatures in °F

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The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.

Monthly rainfall in inches

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The lowest rainfall is recorded in February. Most of it rains in June, July and September.

Length of day in hours

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We can expect the longest days in June, while the shortest in December.

Sunrise

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What are the top attractions to visit in Jackson?

The top attractions to visit in Jackson are:

What is the best time to visit Jackson?

June and August are the busiest months in this location. Many people also choose to visit in May, July and September. The highest air temperature is in June, July and August. While the coldest is in January and February.