Shepherd MichiganATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Shepherd, Michigan.
1. Maple Creek Golf Club
SCENIC RIVERSIDE GOLFING
Maple Creek Golf Club offers an enjoyable golfing experience for players of all skill levels in Shepherd. The course features the Little Salt River meandering throughout, providing unique challenges on several holes. Located just two minutes from the Shepherd exit off Route 127, this course is easily accessible and visible from the highway.
2. Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival
SWEETEST WEEKEND CELEBRATION
The Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival is the town's premier annual event held on the last full weekend of April (April 24-27, 2025). Visitors can enjoy pancake meals with locally produced maple syrup, parades, classic car displays, tractor pulls, horse pulls, bingo, and arts and crafts. This beloved tradition has been running since 1958 and relies heavily on community volunteers who help with everything from tapping trees to making sausage.
3. Little Salt River Park
NATURAL RIVERSIDE RETREAT
Little Salt River Park provides a peaceful natural setting for visitors to Shepherd to enjoy the outdoors. The park is centered around the Little Salt River, which also runs through other attractions in town including the golf course. Visitors can relax by the water, enjoy picnics, and appreciate the native Michigan landscape.
4. Jack-o-lantern Pumpkin Halloween Display
SPECTACULAR HALLOWEEN ILLUMINATION
The Jack-o-lantern Pumpkin Halloween Display transforms Shepherd into a Halloween wonderland with over 1,000 carved pumpkins. This spectacular annual event, located at the corner of Second Street and Orchard, has been drawing spectators from near and far for nearly a decade. Visitors can even volunteer to help carve pumpkins on the Sunday before Halloween at homeowner Kent Roth's residence at 109 N Second Street.
5. Train Depot Museum
HISTORICAL RAILWAY HERITAGE
The Train Depot Museum preserves Shepherd's railway history in an authentic historic setting. Visitors can explore exhibits showcasing the importance of rail transportation to this small Michigan town's development. The museum offers a glimpse into the past with historical artifacts and educational displays about local railroad heritage.
6. Little Red Schoolhouse Museum
EDUCATIONAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Little Red Schoolhouse Museum takes visitors back to the early days of education in rural Michigan. This preserved one-room schoolhouse offers an authentic glimpse into how children learned in Shepherd's formative years. Visitors can see original educational materials, furnishings, and learn about teaching methods from a bygone era.
7. Cones N' Candy
SWEET DOWNTOWN TREATS
Cones N' Candy serves up delicious ice cream and sweet treats in downtown Shepherd. This charming shop features colorful murals and art decorating the little alley where it's located. Visitors looking for a refreshing break can enjoy a variety of frozen desserts and confectionery in this local favorite spot.
8. Shepherd Village Park
MAPLE TREES AND SPLASHPAD
Shepherd Village Park offers recreation in the heart of downtown, directly across from Shepherd Bar. In early spring, visitors can see maple trees with sap buckets collecting the raw ingredient for the town's famous maple syrup. The park features a splash pad water play area, making it a perfect spot for families to cool off during warm weather months.
9. Shepherd Murals
OUTDOOR PUBLIC ARTWORK
The Shepherd Murals add vibrant artistic character to this small Michigan town's streetscape. Visitors can stroll through downtown to discover colorful paintings depicting local history, culture, and scenic imagery. These public art installations help tell the story of Shepherd while beautifying the community for residents and tourists alike.
10. Fireside Grille
COZY HOMETOWN DINING
Fireside Grille welcomes diners with a warm atmosphere and hearty meals in Shepherd. This popular local restaurant serves up comfort food favorites that satisfy visitors looking for authentic small-town dining. Guests can enjoy a relaxing meal in a casual setting that captures the friendly spirit of this Michigan community.
11. Shopping
LOCAL RETAIL EXPLORATION
Shopping in Shepherd offers visitors a chance to browse locally-owned stores with unique items and small-town charm. The downtown area features specialty shops where visitors can find everything from handcrafted goods to practical everyday items. Shoppers will appreciate the personalized service and community feel that comes with supporting Shepherd's retail establishments.
12. Dining
TASTY SMALL-TOWN EATERIES
Dining in Shepherd provides a variety of options including the iconic Shepherd Bar, the town's main sit-down restaurant offering lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch. Other popular establishments include VanEffen's CornerDeli & Market, providing quick bites and specialty items for hungry visitors. From casual fare to comfort food classics, Shepherd's dining scene offers authentic Michigan flavors in a friendly atmosphere.
13. Hiking
PEACEFUL NATURE TRAILS
Hiking in Shepherd allows visitors to explore the natural beauty of central Michigan along scenic pathways. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy leisurely walks through wooded areas and along the Little Salt River that flows through the community. These trails provide opportunities for wildlife viewing, photography, and peaceful outdoor recreation throughout the changing seasons.
14. Fishing
SERENE RIVERBANK ANGLING
Fishing in Shepherd centers around the Little Salt River, providing anglers with quiet spots to cast their lines. Local fishing enthusiasts enjoy catching various freshwater species while surrounded by the tranquil Michigan countryside. Visitors can experience the relaxing pace of small-town outdoor recreation while trying their luck in these accessible waterways.
15. Camping
RURAL OVERNIGHT ADVENTURES
Camping near Shepherd offers outdoor enthusiasts the chance to immerse themselves in Michigan's natural environment. Visitors can set up tents or RVs at nearby campgrounds that serve as perfect basecamps for exploring all the attractions in and around this maple syrup town. Campers will appreciate the starry night skies and peaceful atmosphere that comes with staying in this rural part of Isabella County.