Irish Hills

rdf:langString Irish Hills

rdf:langString Irish Hills is an area of land located roughly in southeastern Jackson County and northwest Lenawee County in Southeast Michigan. It was named after the numerous Irish immigrants who settled there from 1830 until 1850. Today it is known throughout the state for its scenery, especially in the summer. Its hills and larger kettle lakes surround the 654-acre (2.65 km2) Hayes State Park. It is also known for its chain of smaller kettle lakes bordered by US Highway 12 (US 12, Michigan Avenue). These link to Cambridge Junction Historic State Park, which is adjoined by the Michigan International Speedway. Irish Hills has a number of resorts. It had several family-oriented locations, including an old west theme park known as Stagecoach Stop USA and a mock dinosaur exhibit named Prehistoric Forest, both of which subsequently closed. In 2013, however, Stagecoach Stop was reopened as a resort, and is now called Stagecoach Stop Western Resort. As of 2015, Mystery Hill, a gravity hill, was still in operation. Attempts are being made to save the observation towers known as the Irish Hills Towers. The area is home to several family-owned restaurants and bars. There are several places to lodge, mostly located along the lakefront. The Michigan International Speedway hosts NASCAR races, attracting about 300,000 fans a year during the racing season of June and August. The Faster Horses Festival takes place in July in Irish Hills. Some towns in Irish Hills include Brooklyn, Napoleon, Norvell and Onsted.