Bogar Theatre

Historic Marshall, Michigan is a picturesque city founded in the 1830`s with the emphasis on maintaining the elegance of the city`s 19th century heritage. Marshall is in Calhoun County and is convenient to both Chicago and Detroit, located where highways I-94 and I-69 meet, and is less than 40 miles to Indiana and Ohio, and just a stone's throw from Battle Creek, Michigan, which makes it easy to find — and what a find it is!

You can buy gifts in any town, but shopping in Marshall is an experience. As you enter the downtown the first thing you’ll notice is the beautiful 19th century architecture. Marshall is actually the largest historical landmark district for a town this size in the country — and the downtown is a large part of it. The citizens of Marshall take pride in their downtown and make it a priority to preserve it, making the shopping experience here truly distinctive.

Next you'll notice the wonderful assortment of stores from which to choose. These are not your typical chain stores you can find in Anytown, USA. Marshall is the place to visit for unique gifts and impeccable customer service. After all, these stores are mostly owner-operated. These owners go out of their way to make sure you find the perfect gift. And with more than 50 stores in the downtown, they can help you with everyone on your list. The stores include specialty gift shops, women's and men's clothing stores, antique stores (Marshall is a favorite of antique shoppers), art galleries, and so much more. Included are items you won't find in your local mall or outlet store. With all the town has to offer, it's no surprise to learn the National Trust for Historic Preservation selected Marshall as one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations in 2004.

It's not only the shopping that attracts visitors from all over the Midwest, Marshall also offers wonderful events during the holiday season. The annual Marshall Christmas Parade kicks off the season, followed by the Retail Open House where stores are open from 6 - 9 pm. It's like a scene from an old-time movie with caroling groups spreading the holiday cheer, citizens passing out hot cider to visitors, and of course Santa to greet the children. Then there's the annual Christmas Candlelight Walk, a highly personalized walking tour of four private homes and the Honolulu House museum.

For those interested in the arts, be sure to see the beautiful Franke Center for the Arts. And you can't pass up a dinner theatre performance at Cornwell's Turkeyville USA. Be sure to stop by the Mole Hole to hear their famous Barton Theatre Organ on select weekends in November and every Saturday in December. Schuler's Restaurant features wonderful caroling performances on select dates from late November through the holidays.

www.MarshallMI.org