An Abundance of Fishing Lakes

Branch County was a primeval wilderness inhabited by the Potawatomi Indians until the early 1800s. In 1822, Joseph Godfrey established a trading post near present-day Coldwater, which officially became a village in 1829. The town takes its name from the Potawatomi word “chuck-saw-ya-bish,” meaning cold running water, in reference to the river flowing through the area. The arrival of telegraph lines in 1848 and the railroad in 1849 accelerated growth, transforming Coldwater into a major horse breeding center that provided 3,000 horses to the Union Army during the Civil War. Following the war, the city saw a massive industrial boom in cigar manufacturing, producing over 13 million cigars by 1882.

Today, Coldwater preserves its rich heritage through several landmark institutions. The Tibbits Opera House, built in 1882, is the second oldest theater in Michigan and has hosted legendary performers like John Philip Sousa. Nearby, the Wing House Museum serves as a monument to the High Victorian lifestyle, showcasing 19th-century Second Empire architecture. The Coldwater Public Library also stands as a historical cornerstone, functioning out of its original building since the late 1800s and serving as the heart of the East Chicago Street Historic District.

The city balances this history with a vibrant modern culture and a deep connection to the outdoors. With 112 lakes in the surrounding county, it is a premier destination for fishing and recreation. For a touch of mid-century nostalgia, visitors frequent the Capri Drive-In Theater. Opened in 1964, this iconic single-screen theater has been recognized by national publications as one of the best drive-ins in the country, maintaining Coldwater’s status as a vital stop along the historic U.S. 12 corridor.

Gladiolus Capital of the United States

Located midway between Chicago and Detroit, Bronson offers the peace and serenity of small town America within one of Michigan’s fastest growing regions. The community was named after its first settler, Jabez B. Bronson, who became the first postmaster in 1830 and originally called the settlement Bronson’s Prairie. The name was shortened to Bronson in 1871 when the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern Railroad established a station there. Today, the Bronson Public Library stands as a significant historical landmark, being one of the few remaining Carnegie Libraries still in its original, unaltered configuration.

The area is widely celebrated as the Gladiolus Capital of the United States. While surrounded by approximately 300 diverse farms raising livestock and grain, several large operations specialize in commercial flower growing on more than 1,400 acres. This agricultural richness is matched by the town’s reputation as a true water wonderland. Dotted with nearby lakes stocked with a wide variety of fish, including bluegill, bass, and rainbow trout, Bronson is a year round destination for both traditional and ice fishing.

Beyond its status as a fisherman’s paradise, the community serves as a hub for summer recreation such as swimming, sailing, and water skiing. This balance of historic preservation, specialized agriculture, and natural beauty defines Bronson’s unique character along the southern Michigan corridor.