Fowlerville: one of Michigan's oldest fairs, and a Hall of Fame Tiger

Fowlerville may be a small farm town on the western edge of Livingston County, but it’s home to one of Michigan’s oldest fairs. The Fowlerville Family Fair has been put on by the Fowlerville Agricultural Society since 1886 — the 2026 fair is the 140th — and each summer it fills the fairgrounds with livestock shows, 4-H exhibits, carnival rides, and grandstand entertainment. The Livingston Centre Historical Village, a collection of restored local buildings, sits right on the fairgrounds and is open for tours.

Fowlerville’s other claim to fame is a ballplayer. Charlie Gehringer — nicknamed “the Mechanical Man” for his quiet, machine-like consistency — grew up on a farm near Fowlerville and went to Fowlerville High before spending his entire 19-year career at second base for the Detroit Tigers. He won a World Series with Detroit in 1935, was named the American League’s Most Valuable Player in 1937, and was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1949.

The Fowlerville Family Fair is held at the Fowlerville Fairgrounds, 8800 West Grand River Avenue, each summer; you can find dates and details at fowlervillefamilyfair.com.