Marshall/Albion - Marshall, MI

Sidney and George Ketchum founded Marshall in 1830, naming it in honor of John Marshall, the Chief Justice of the United States. The community earned its place in history in 1843 for the stand it took against slavery by refusing to return runaway slaves to slave catchers. A crowd of 100 citizens rallied to protect their wards, swaying the local deputy sheriff to their cause who promptly arrested the slave catchers. Eventually, this occurrence became a federal court case that the citizens lost, and they were ordered to pay restitution; however, the incident caused Senator Henry Clay of Kentucky, in 1850, to push the Fugitive Slave Law through Congress.

The first European-American settlers arrived on the south shore of the Kalamazoo river to found Albion in 1833 before incorporating it as a village in 1855. Methodist Episcopal settlers founded Albion College in 1835 as one of the earliest Michigan colleges.

The Little Red Lunch Box is located in a small, cozy brick building painted the appropriate color and features home-cooked menu items. Hamburgers are juicy, not greasy, and their chili may be the best in town. Be sure to save room for their homemade cake of the day.

The family run Lopez Taco House will give other Hispanic restaurants a run for their money. It as been handed down from father to son, and serves cooked to order meals. Their hand made guacamole is a real treat, but they are better known for their spicy green sauce.

Dining at Schuler's Restaurant & Pub is like stepping back in time. Located in the Marshall historical district, the place looks like it has been there for over 100 years. An open fireplace warms up this cozy eatery, which even has a small hotel upstairs. They are known for their steaks and seafood.

Amtrak provides daily service to Albion with the Wolverine line running between Chicago, Illinois and Pontiac, Michigan through Detroit. Greyhound provides daily intercity bus service to Albion to Chicago and Detroit. Albion is 80 miles from the Detroit Metropolitan International airport, 60 miles from the Lansing Capital City Airport, and 45 miles from the Kalamazoo-Battle Creek International Airport.

Albion is just south of Interstate 94 and is located on the I-94 bypass, while Marshall lies southeast of where I-94 crosses I-69.

Do to the rural nature of the two communities, there is no city bus service and taxis are dispatched from nearby Jackson so must be called, and there is no Uber service. Consequently, the best form of transportation is by foot although Marshall and Albion are 13 miles apart. There are no public parking lots in the two communities but this is unnecessary due to plenty of free street parking.

The Albion-Marshall area features many bike and hiking trails including the Albion River Trial running along the south bank of the Kalamazoo River, through downtown and connecting McClure Riverfront Park and Victory Park. The neighborhoods are friendly and walkable and, although there are no bike lanes, relatively safe for cyclists.

Despite the small population of both Albion and Marshall, the area has over 25 parks available for all activities. Victory Park and Rieger Park covers 48 acres just south of downtown Albion and includes a waterfall, natural spring, woods, and a formal garden. The Albion River trail is a running path along the Kalamazoo River for walking, jogging, roller blade use, and skateboarding. Holland Park offers basketball, tennis courts, and a playground while the 10-acre McAuliffe Park has a baseball field, a playground and a garden. The Porter Street Canoe Dock is a small park for canoe launching.

The village of Marshall has the Brooks Memorial Fountain Park in its center, plus the Brooks Nature Area, 180 acres of wetlands, hardwood forest, native prairie landscape, 2 miles of trails, wildlife viewing and lake views. It is ideal for bird watching, hiking, biking, or skiing.

The cost of living in Albion-Marshall is 11.8 percent less than the Michigan average, and 20.8 percent less than the national average and a one-bedroom apartment averaging $580. A glass of beer averages around $3, with a microbrew costing $4. Area gas prices run 14 percent less than the national average.

Due to the small-town yet inviting nature of Albion and Marshall, shopping possibilities are limited to boutique stores. Anyone wishing to walk a neighborhood mall will have to drive 20 miles west to Battle Creek.

Books and More of Albion specializes in both new and used publications and features Michigan authors, bestsellers and the classics. The store often has readings by visiting writers and occasionally features live music. The Real Coffee shop is located inside the bookseller. This neighborhood book store closes at 1 pm on Saturday and is closed on Sunday.

Quilts at the Marshall House offers a unique shopping experience for visitors. Shop for quilting supplies and antiques, and be sure to stop by the Double D Iron Art, located inside, for original pieces of art. This local shop is tucked away inside the historic Marshall House in the downtown area, giving guests a glimpse at what life in was like in Marshall long ago.

Founded by the late Gar Dickerson who was once the conductor of the Albion City Band, Dickerson Music is a full-service music store featuring a variety of musical instruments beyond the typical guitar collections, accessories, sheet music and supplies. It also has a repair department on site and offers lessons.

Grocery shopping options are limited to Save-A-Lot and Family Fare Supermarkets.