Marshall is in the center of the southern Michigan, about 45 minutes east of Kalamazoo and 60 minutes west of Ann Arbor. The small town of Marshall has so much absolutely stunning 19th-century architecture that it is one of the country’s largest National Historic Landmark Districts. Anyone who enjoys viewing historic homes and buildings will enjoy staying in a Marshall bed and breakfast.

The Brooks Memorial Fountain is a lovely Greek Revival structure at the entrance to the downtown area. Most summer evenings there is a fabulous light show at the fountain – ask any bed and breakfast innkeepers about it.

The Kalamazoo River flows through Marshall, and a wonderful Riverwalk runs alongside much of it. It affords spectacular views of the river and a canoe launch. Indeed, there are several parks in Marshall. Ketchum Park is the biggest. It encompasses 25-acres, a stretch of Rice Creek and Mill Pond. A lovely footbridge spans the water and connects the grassy areas of North Ketchum with the more wooded South Ketchum Park.

Stay at a Marshall bed and breakfast every time there is a festival in Marshall. Come in August for the oldest country fair in Michigan. In the fall, celebrate the harvest of the many area farms at the Scarecrow Festival and the Harvest Festival. Cranefest in October marks the fall migration of Sandhill Cranes; there is a good chance visitors will spot these magnificent birds at this time.

In the summer, there are frequently outdoor concerts at Stuart’s Landing Band Shell. In the spring, the Mayfaire Renaissance Festival thrills spectators with sword fighting, royal games, costumed street characters and period encampments.

On those rare occasions when there is nothing special happening in Marshall, it is worth coming to a bed and breakfast to walk along the quiet, tree-lined streets of this National Historic District.