Colon, MI Real Estate, Homes For Sale, School & Area Information

Out in St Joseph County there is a village called Colon that sits in Colon Township. The township covers 36 square miles and the village covers around two square miles. The area is referred to as the "The Magic Capital of the World" and has a lot of industry tied to magic. Abbot's Magic Manufacturing Company is the largest magic company in the industry and makes its home in Colon. The village has several historical buildings for those who like history. The village is wedged between two very popular lakes, Palmer Lake and Long Lake. Colon host several festivals through the year; Christmas festival, 4th of July Festival and three magic festivals. The area has a small population of Amish.

I grew up in the Colon/Leonidas area and love being a part of this small community. Colon is known as the "Magic Capitol of the World" and has Magic Week each year in August, which draws magicians and spectators from all over. There are many magic shows, fireworks, garage sales and other activities going on during Magic Week. If you walk around downtown, you will see people doing magic tricks all over! Abbott's Magic Company is a popular destination for area visitors during this event and throughout the year.
Curly's restaurant downtown is a popular place in Colon and has been owned by the same family for almost 30 years. In March 2013, Curly's was destroyed by fire and was a complete loss which was a shock to our small town. Curly's successfully re-opened in March 2014 and is an amazing restaurant/bar with tons of character, including a huge bar built from the old bricks of the original Curly's. This will remain a favorite for local residents or those just visiting Colon.

Colon is home to several large lakes that are great for fishing, water sports and pure enjoyment. These include Palmer Lake (with the lighted dam downtown), Sturgeon Lake (aka Lower Lake) and Long Lake, among other smaller area lakes. Colon has one of the biggest 4th of July celebrations and the best fireworks which can be seen downtown. Many spectators choose to watch the fireworks from boats out on Palmer or Sturgeon Lakes. A recent millage allowed Colon Schools to make multi-million dollar updates, making them one of the most modern and high-tech schools in the area.

Leonidas is where I am originally from, though Leonidas is usually "lumped together" with Colon, as Leonidas School is a part of Colon School District. I went to the historic Stone School in Leonidas, and I wouldn't have had it any other way. I loved going to such a small school where we knew everyone. We would have to ride the bus to Colon for gym day and library day, as Leonidas had neither. We joined with the "Colon Kids" from middle school through 12th grade. Leonidas is a very rural area with a lot of farming and a large Amish community. Leonidas is home to C&J's General Store (now Little Jen's). They have the best pizza around! It is also home to one of the most beautiful parks in the County, Rawson's King Mill Park. It is a gorgeous park setting with the old Mill, the dam, and the Nottawaseppi River flowing through. Many enjoy fishing, picnicking, and relaxing here. It is also a popular wedding site in the warmer months. You can also canoe or kayak from King's Mill to the St. Joe River, which is a fun float. I grew up just down the road and spent a lot of time with family and friends at the Mill Pond at Rawson's King Mill Park. Great memories! .