Why Travelers Are Falling for This Small Historic Town in Michigan

I’m about to admit something kind of embarrassing to you, and I’m going to ask you not to judge me, okay? Deep breath. Here goes: I’m a giant magic fan. Not necessarily the big stage illusions with trap doors and smoke machines. I mean the close-up kind: Card tricks at a dinner table. Coins appearing behind someone’s ear. A deck of cards shuffling itself like it has its own personality. Imagine my surprise when I discovered that the Magic Capital of the World is right here in Michigan. Allow me to introduce you to a magical, small historic town in Michigan: the village of Colon.

Colon is a tiny village in St. Joseph County with a population of around 1,200 people. The village lies within Colon Township, surrounded by farmland, lakes, and quiet country roads. Visitors might blink twice at the unusual punctuation mark of a name, yet that small dot on the Michigan map carries an outsized reputation in the world of magic. The United States Congress even recognizes Colon as the “Magic Capital of the World.”

The History Behind This Charming Town

Colon first appeared on the map in 1844 and was officially incorporated as a village in 1904. The real magic story began decades later when a few determined magicians turned the town into an international hub for illusionists.

The legendary stage magician Harry Blackstone Sr., known as “The Great Blackstone,” once lived here and now rests in Lakeside Cemetery. Fans of stage magic still visit his grave, which feels a little like a pilgrimage site for people who appreciate a well-timed disappearing act.

The real engine behind Colon’s magical reputation is Abbott’s Magic Company. Magician Percy Abbott, an Australian performer who traveled the world performing illusions, founded the company in 1934 with partner Recil Bordner. Their goal was simple and ambitious: manufacture and sell magic tricks to performers everywhere. The company grew into one of the largest producers of magic supplies and stage illusions in the world.

Today, the Abbott Magic Company continues to operate in Colon, with a showroom, a local shop, and a factory where magicians’ tools still come to life. The town also hosts other magic businesses, including FAB Magic Company and Sterlini Magic Manufacturing. During the summer, visitors can even watch live magic shows at Abbott’s showroom or at FAB Magic. Nothing beats watching a magician pull a signed card out of a lemon ten feet away from where you were standing.

Seasonal Events or Festivals in Colon, Michigan

Every August, Colon transforms into something that feels like a magician convention crossed with a small-town fair. Abbott’s Magic Get-Together, founded in 1934, brings more than 1,000 magicians and magic fans into town for four days of lectures, shows, contests, and performances.

The 88th Abbott’s Magic Get-Together runs August 5 through 8, 2026, and the schedule reads like a buffet of magical talent. Close-up shows happen during the afternoon at the Abbott showroom. Lectures from professional magicians teach everything from sleight-of-hand techniques to stage illusions. Each night ends with a full stage show at Colon High School, complete with live organ music and performers from around the world.

The event doubles the town’s population for a few days, and the energy feels contagious. Magicians practice tricks on sidewalks. Card decks appear at restaurant tables. Someone inevitably asks you to pick a card.

Colon even leans into the theme in everyday life. The local high school teams call themselves the Magi, and their mascot features a white rabbit wearing a top hat. A stroll through town reveals shop names and murals that nod toward the village’s magical heritage.

Visitors exploring the area often make time for a short road trip to nearby Marshall, about 40 miles away. The American Museum of Magic houses one of the largest collections of magic artifacts in the United States, including thousands of posters, programs, photographs, and illusions used by famous performers such as Harry Houdini and Howard Thurston.

Back in Colon, the experience stays wonderfully small-town. Breakfast at Dawn’s Cafe fuels a day of exploring. Lunch at Curly’s delivers classic comfort food. An afternoon walk through Lakeside Cemetery introduces you to a surprising collection of magician headstones, which might sound unusual until you remember where you are.

Travelers searching for small historic towns in Michigan often stumble upon Colon and feel the same curiosity I did. The place carries personality, history, and just enough wonder to make you smile. Visitors who want to linger can even book a cozy Airbnb nearby and spend a few days soaking up the town’s quirky magic.

So if you’re planning a Michigan road trip, consider adding Colon to the itinerary. Visit Michigan, explore Colon, watch a live magic show, and maybe learn a trick or two yourself. After all, I warned you at the beginning that I’m a giant magic fan. Now you know why. Discover more magic in Michigan, using our Travel Planner to organize your next Mitten State adventure!