The village was founded in 1832 when the Rev. Calvin Swain purchased 40 acres of land to build a sawmill. Brooklyn was originally named Swainsville, but the people voted to change it to Brooklyn in 1836.
Once a summer vacation spot for Detroit residents who owned lake cottages in the area, Brooklyn grew to establish its own year-round population with the introduction of Interstate 94 in the late 1950s, followed by the arrival of Michigan International Speedway in 1968. The village is 36 miles from Ann Arbor and 56 miles from Lansing. The closest neighboring city is Jackson, about 15 miles away.
Many people visit Brooklyn for the three closest natural lakes. Wamplers Lake boasts Hayes State Park, while Clark Lake and Vineyard Lake have county parks. The speedway is also a big draw.
Despite a population of only 1,206, shopping has always been a big part of Brooklyn culture, and the village has continued to introduce new businesses. In addition to the downtown area and a shopping mall, Brooklyn has two mini-plazas.
Vivian Kellogg, who played first base in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, lived in Brooklyn and is the namesake of the Vivian Kellogg Field at Brooklyn's Columbia Little League complex.
When are the best times to visit Brooklyn, Michigan?
If you're planning a visit to Brooklyn, you're probably going to want to travel in the warm season, between late May and mid-September, when high temperatures will generally be in the mid- to upper 70s. Summer events and activities will also be in full swing during this time of year. With the popularity of lake activity and the speedway, hotel rates will be at their highest at this time, so book early to save money and to ensure that you get a room.
If you don't mind packing some extra layers, you could save on hotel rates by traveling in late spring as the blooms begin or in fall when the colors change. The cold season, from early December to early March, is not a popular time to visit Brooklyn — but if you're a winter sports enthusiast, you could score the lowest rates of the year. Winter offers plenty of skiing, skating, and snowmobiling opportunities.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Brooklyn, MI:
Averate Rates by Star Rating
Below are 3 charts displaying average price trends by star rating class in Brooklyn, MI. Analyze these illustrations to determine the least expensive time to book a room in Brooklyn throughout the year.
Where are the luxury hotels near Brooklyn, Michigan?
If you want to feel right at home yet bathed in luxury, book a room at the Devils Lake Inn in quaint Manitou Beach. The inn is within walking distance of Devils Lake and the boutiques, restaurants, and galleries that abound in the heart of the city. The three uniquely themed rooms all accommodate two adults and have queen-size luxury memory-foam beds, large flat-screen TVs, and private bathrooms.
You can feel like a star in the two-story Celebrity Suite, which focuses on celebrities who were born and raised in Michigan. The suite has a kitchenette, a living area, and an upper-level bedroom. A private balcony offers views of the city's main street and the lake. The kitschy Pantry Suite is inspired by food products made in Michigan. This fun studio suite includes a kitchenette. The Auto Suite is on the ground floor and has a private entrance. It's inspired by car-related companies and products from Michigan. The suite features a kitchenette, a separate living room, and a separate bedroom. An outdoor patio faces a park with a view of the lake.
With a bold contemporary vibe, Weber's Hotel & Restaurant in Ann Arbor offers luxury accommodations near Michigan Stadium. Dine at one of three restaurants, get a bite at the coffee shop/cafe, or get room service during limited hours. Three bars are also waiting to serve you. Cooked-to-order breakfasts are available for a fee. Your room comes with premium bedding, a refrigerator, an LCD television, and free Wi-Fi. For recreation and relaxation, take advantage of the indoor pool, the spa tub, the elevated patio, and the fireplace in the lobby. The hotel also has a fitness center and a business center.
What affordable hotel options are around Brooklyn, Michigan?
3 Star Average Prices: $127.44
If you're looking for a low-cost hotel in this charming little village, you have a great choice — Super 8 By Wyndham Brooklyn! Super 8 is near the Michigan International Speedway, with lakes and parks also nearby to explore. Rooms have mini fridges, flat-screen TVs, large desks, coffee/tea makers, and free Wi-Fi. Suites have upgraded amenities such as hot tubs and full kitchens. You can also enjoy free breakfast every morning.
At Travelodge By Wyndham Jackson, you can enjoy a meal at the on-site restaurant and follow up with a drink at the bar/lounge. Your room will have a microwave, a desk with an ergonomic chair, a flat-screen TV, a coffee/tea maker, and free Wi-Fi. You can get refreshed with a dip in the outdoor pool and get some work done in the business center. Take advantage of the free breakfast for a good start to your day. This location will put you 10 minutes from Grande Golf Club and Sandhill Crane Vineyards.
2 Star Average Prices: $113.09
What are the best hotels in the Brooklyn, Michigan for group discounts?
TownePlace Suites by Marriott Jackson will make you feel right at home with full kitchens that will help you save on restaurant bills. You can also take advantage of the free breakfast each morning and the barbecue grills outdoors. If you're a senior citizen, a AAA member, a government employee, or a member of the military, you'll save even more with discounts on your room. The spacious suites are bright and modern, featuring sofa beds, large work desks, flat-screen TVs, and free Wi-Fi. Some larger suites come with separate bedrooms.
Baymont by Wyndham Jackson provides senior, AAA, and government/military discounts. In your well-appointed room, you can relax on a pillowtop bed, watch digital programming on a flat-screen TV, and stay connected with free Wi-Fi. With the in-room refrigerator and microwave, you can have lunch while you're out and return to the hotel for supper. You can also choose from a variety of suites. The hotel has a 24-hour fitness center, a television in a common area, and free newspapers in the lobby. Get a good start each morning with the free buffet breakfast.
What hotels in Brooklyn, Michigan have the best value?
At Hampton Inn Jackson, you'll enjoy amenities that provide good value for your hard-earned money. Your room will come with a refrigerator, flat-screen television, a work desk, and free wired and wireless internet access. You can also get larger rooms and studios with amenities such as sofa beds and armchairs. Get refreshed in the indoor pool, and get in a good workout at the fitness center. If you're a business traveler, you'll appreciate having the 24-hour business center on hand. The hotel also offers a complimentary buffet breakfast, coffee, and tea in common areas, and free newspapers in the lobby.
Fairfield Inn & Suites Jackson is in the Jackson business district, giving you plenty of shopping and dining opportunities. Your room will be smartly decorated with bold colors and contemporary patterns and will have a refrigerator, microwave, LCD television, well-lit work area, and free Wi-Fi. Suites offer more space and additional amenities, including separate living and sleeping areas and furniture such as sofa beds and comfortable easy chairs. Enjoy the indoor pool, spa tub, and 24-hour fitness center. The hotel provides a business center, a grocery/convenience store, and a free buffet breakfast.
What are the things to do Brooklyn, Michigan?
Walter J. Hayes State Park, an 11-minute drive from Brooklyn, is a popular destination that covers 654 acres on Wamplers Lake. It provides access to the 796-acre lake and completely surrounds the 100-acre Round Lake. The park has a campground, a large swimming area, a picnic shelter, trails, interpretative programs, a pair of boat launches, and a fishing pier. Wamplers Lake offers opportunities for boating, water skiing, wind surfing, and much more.
Michigan International Speedway is a 2-mile speedway 4 miles south of Brooklyn that's primarily used for NASCAR events. The speedway is considered one of the premier motorsports facilities because of its high baking and wide racing surface. It's the fastest NASCAR track. In addition to racing, the speedway hosts numerous other sporting events, concerts, and festivals, including the Michigan Beer and Wine Festival.
Golfers can choose between Hills' Heart of the Lake Golf Course, which has a par-69 18-hole course, and Clark Lake Golf Course, which has been family-owned since 1948 and offers 27 holes of golf. Both golf clubs offer food and drinks.
With a healthy tourist population, Brooklyn's businesses thrive. You can buy nautical gifts and decor at Admiral Woody's Treasure Chest, lightly used upscale clothing at Closet Overload, and eclectic wonders at IDK Creative Decor, which sells imaginative repurposed furniture and other pieces that are sometimes beautiful and sometimes odd. Pirates Adventure Golf offers a 20-hole pirate-themed miniature golf course that also features a pirate ship, rides, water wars, ice cream sales, and a Nerf Wars shooting gallery.
There's so much more to see and do in Brooklyn, Michigan. Book a trip here to see for yourself just how much this charming little village has to offer.
FAQs about hotels in Brooklyn
How much does a cheap hotel in Brooklyn cost per night?
In the last year, a 2 star hotel in Brooklyn can be as cheap as $113.09 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
How much does a 3 star hotel in Brooklyn cost per night?
In the last year, the average 3 star hotel in Brooklyn has been $127.44 per night. (based on HotelPlanner prices)
What did travelers think of the city of Brooklyn?
Below are reviews of the city of Brooklyn, MI from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Knutson sporting goods"
Score
5.0 / 5
Anthony P., from 13-Sep-2026
"It's a wonderful town"
Score
4.0 / 5
I lived in the City of Brooklyn for 23 years, and always loved the small town look and feel. I was sorry to leave. It's a wonderful town!!
Judith E., from 18-Jul-2026
"Area is beautiful"
Score
4.0 / 5
Kevin S., from 26-May-2026
"Many waterways and parks to visit"
Score
5.0 / 5
Deborah M., from 01-Sep-2025
"Accommodating Hotel"
Score
4.0 / 5
Brooklyn is wonderful. Hotel was accommodating.
Wayne P., from 19-Mar-2024
"Peaceful and quiet."
Score
5.0 / 5
Peaceful and quiet.
Mark M., from 04-Apr-2022
The average traveler rating of the city of Brooklyn, MI shown above is
4.5 out of 5 based on 6 reviews