THE IRISH HILLS
Source: Image Courtesy of Patti Leader, former GEO 333 Student
The SE Michigan interlobate region, of which the Irish Hills are a part, extends from
Lapeer County, through the "lakes region" of Oakland and Washtenaw Counties,
into Ohio, exiting the state in Hillsdale County.
Source: Unknown
This region came into existence as the Huron-Erie glacial lobe contacted the Saginaw
lobe. The interlobate moraine formed at the contact is a long mass of hills, lakes,
sand and gravel. Short, steep slopes are the rule in such landscapes, and it is safe
to assume that sediments and soils are extremely variable over short distances.
Source: Unknown
Note, in the map above, the interlobate area between the Saginaw and Huron lobes.
This interlobate region contains, in its southern end, the region known as the Irish
Hills. Cities located in the SE Michigan's interlobate region include: Pontiac,
Auburn Hills, Walled Lake, Brooklyn, Brighton, Pinckney, Bloomfield Hills, and West
Bloomfield Township.
The Irish Hills are part of the SE Michigan Interlobate region. The Irish Hills
are loacted in Jackson and Lenawee Counties. They are a tourist haven in southern
Michigan, for the hills and lakes of the region give a "northern feel" to the
area. Here's some text from a local tourist brochure about the Irish Hills:
The Irish Hills Area with its green rolling hills and over 50 clear
blue lakes puts the Irish Hills at the top of family fun! At its best all year around, the
spring and summer months bring warmth to the lakes and beaches and in the fall, the colors
are unsurpassed anywhere. The winter months bring silence to the hills for cross country
skiers and those who hunt and fish. Fun shopping, bargains, antique artifacts,
memories and more await those who explore the Irish Hills of southern Michigan . The
green, rolling hills, quaint towns and clear-blue lakes make the Hills a delightful travel
destination. Weekends bring plenty of activities to the area, including the Brooklyn
Artists’ Arts and Crafts Show and NASCAR races at Michigan Speedway. Touristy
spots abound in the area. You can zip around in a go-cart, putt up a storm at the
miniature-golf playlands, walk through an 1800s Western town (complete with petting zoo
and street shows) and see water run uphill at Mystery Hills. Visitors also rave about
Hidden Lake Gardens.
The Brooklyn-Irish Hills area has a long tradition of friendly
hospitality and wholesome family entertainment. The spring and summer months bring warmth
to our lakes and beaches and our fall colors are unsurpassed anywhere. Winter brings
blankets of snow enjoyed by cross-country skiers, ice skaters, and snowmobilers alike. The
Brooklyn-Irish Hills area plays host to several events each year including an old
fashioned Fouth of July parade and fireworks, Christmas tree lighting ceremony, St.
Patrick's celebration, arts and crafts shows, and international motorsport racing events
at Michigan Speedway.
The images below should give you an idea of the layout and appearance of the Irish Hills.
Source: Image Courtesy of Patti Leader, former GEO 333 Student
Source: Image Courtesy of Patti Leader, former GEO 333 Student
Source: Images Courtesy of Patti Leader, former GEO 333 Student
This material has been compiled for educational use only, and
may not be reproduced without permission. One copy may be printed for personal
use. Please contact Randall Schaetzl (soils@msu.edu)
for more information or permissions.