WaterLand Living » Osceola County

The Old Rugged Cross Museum

Dave — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 05:12:29 +0000

Exit #153 has been a favorite stop for us on the way to Michigan’s North Country as it is home to a Mac Donald’s, Burger King, roadside produce market and a gas station.

Recently I noticed the Old Rugged Cross Museum was open and decided to pay a visit. I wasn’t sure what to expect once I walked thru the doors, but I soon learned that the museum is actually the Reed City Museum.

The building is divided into three large rooms. The first room is focused on home life in and about Reed City in the early 1900’s. Displays center on various rooms in a home at that time, with replicas of a dining room, kitchen, etc.

The second room is focused on the work life in the Reed City’s area, with old farming tools, shop tools, displays of the logging era, and equipment from an old Reed City cottage cheese factory. Of added interest is some old firefighting equipment from the 1930s, including a fire truck.

The third room is full of mementos of Reverend and Mrs. George Bennard, who in 1913 wrote a that is still popular today, The Old Rugged Cross.

The part of my short visit I appreciated the most was the volunteer staff, two warm friendly women who enjoyed their work as the caretakers of the museum. The next time you’re at Exit 153, it may be a nice welcome rest stop from the trip. Certainly better for you than a Big Mac, fries and a shake.

Admission is free, but donations are accepted

Swiss Alpine Association

Dave — Sun, 01 Feb 2009 16:11:07 +0000

Throughout Michigan they are many small lakes, many with names few would recognize or be familiar with. Many have names that are shared with other lakes throughout the state, names like Bass Lake, Sand Lake, Lost Lake and Long Lake. Lakes that often go by unnoticed by many of Michigan’s residents. Lakes that are tucked away in the Northern Michigan forests and are just as quiet as the day they were formed.

Many small developments are found around some of these Michigan treasures. One example of these developments is the Swiss Valley Lake Association. Found in Osceola County, just a few miles north of Reed City, along the edge of the Pere Marquette State Forest, this well kept community displays a pride of ownership of the lake development. Mainly year round stick built homes are built around two small Michigan lakes.

Round Lake and Horseshoe Lake, yes, are names of other Michigan lakes. These two small private lakes, of twenty some acres of surface waters each, are the jewels of this community of neighbors enjoying the four seasons of Michigan. Whether it is the sight of a deer running thru the woods, catching some pan fish for a summer fry with family or friends, life is just a little bit better living on a Michigan lake.

Reed City- the New Depot

Dave — Fri, 08 Aug 2008 00:44:27 +0000

Recently I found myself passing through Reed City, Michigan. As I drove through the town, I was reminded of a previous visit to Reed City and a post I wrote about the new Reed City Depot, that was about to open. I was curious to see if it was completed, so I decided to go check it out.

It has opened and it is impressive! This all new brick depot is located at the intersection of the Pere Marquette Trail and the White Pine Trails. These former rail lines have been turned into trails for walkers, runners and bicyclists.

This site offers plenty of paved parking and restrooms for those using the trails. The team that thought, planned and built the depot did a wonderful job. This will be a landmark for the Reed City community for years to come.

Dighton Michigan, Whats the Big Deal?

Dave — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 11:21:39 +0000

You will not even find a “Welcome to Dighton” sign on the edge of town. In fact, if you are not careful you may not even recognize it is a Michigan town. Much of the original town is long gone except for a store known as The Dighton Store.

You can find Dighton in Sherman Township in northern Osceola county on 130th Avenue, 1/2 mile south of 20 Mile Road.

What is so unique about Dighton? Dighton is considered to be the highest elevation in southern Michigan, which provides some beautiful, sweeping views of the surrounding area. This fall, be sure to check out the view on 20 Mile Road, just before it turns south. It will take your breath away!

Reed City: A City at the Crossroads

Dave — Tue, 13 May 2008 13:49:41 +0000

Reed City Michigan is located at the crossroads of US10 and US131 (exit #153). Even before there was a US10 or a US131, Reed City was at the crossroads of the Pere Marquette and the Northern Michigan rail lines. The Pere Marquette ran from Ludington to Midland, while the Northern Michigan ran from Rockford to Caddillac. Today, Reed City is still at the crossroads with the intersection of two popular rails to trails; the White Pine Trail and the Pere Marquette Trail.

There is ample trailhead parking available adjacent to the soon to open new Reed City Depot. This is impressive building will house offices, as well as 24 hour restooms for the trails. Grand Opening July 12, 1-4 p.m.

Complementing the natural beauty of the area, the Hersey River runs thru Reed City and continues thru to Hersey Michigan where it flows into the Muskegon River.

Reed City serves as the county seat for Osceola county. County administration offices, the county courthouse as well as the county road commissions operation are located there. This often provides a source of ecomically stability for the area.

The Rev. George Beverly Shaw, who authored the popular hymn “The Old Rugged Cross” made Reed City his home. He is now remembered at the Reed City Museum.

Quality health care is available at Spectrum Health’s Reed City Hospital. A Yoplait Yougart (a division of General Mills) plant also is located in Reed City.

Reed City is far more than just another exit of US131!