Visiting Williamston

The Williamston Theatre is just one part of a wonderful little town. Williamston is walkable, friendly and full of fun. Click on the links below for more information on specific restaurants and shops. Come for the Theatre, return for the rest!

Directions

Williamston is located just two miles north of Exit 117 off I-96. It’s super easy to get here. Click here to get to our “Directions” page. There’s even a map!

Parking

Parking is plentiful and free. There is a good deal of street parking both on Putnam Street and Grand River Avenue. There are several municipal parking lots in the downtown area all within one to two blocks of the Theatre (see map below, click on it to enlarge it). These are located north of Grand River Avenue, just behind the blue building on the Northwest corner of the intersection of Grand River and Putnam; north of Grand River Avenue at High Street and Putnam Street; and south of Grand River Avenue.

Dining

Williamston has a plethora of dining choices!

Within Walking Distance

The Bistro: 151 S. Putnam Street. ½ block south of the Theatre, east side of Putnam Street
Tavern 109: 115 E. Grand River Ave. ½ block north of the Theater, north side of Grand River Avenue
Williamston Pub and Grill: 132 W. Grand River Ave. ½ block west of the Theatre, north side of Grand River Avenue
Ellie’s Country Kitchen: 130 E. Grand River Ave. ½ block east of the Theatre, south side of Grand River Avenue

Short Drive

RiverHouse Inn (.27 miles): 310 W. Grand River Ave. West of Theatre, North side of Grand River Avenue
Spag’s (1.57 miles): 1286 E. Grand River Ave. West of Theatre, Southeast corner of Grand River Road and Zimmer Road
Thai Nation Bistro (.62 miles): 725 W. Grand River Ave. West of Theatre, south side of Grand River Avenue
Sunnyside Café (.62 miles): 725 W. Grand River Ave. West of Theatre, south side of Grand River Avenue
Brookshire Golf Club (.48 miles): 205 W. Church Street. Go North on Putnam Street, head west on Church Street
Old Nation Brewing Co. (.57 miles): 1500 Grand River Avenue. Head west on Grand River Avenue, on the south side of the street.

There are also many fast food options throughout town, as well as coffee shops, specialty food stores, and D&W Fresh Market Grocery Store.

Shop

Williamston’s history includes a time when it was THE center of the antiques market in Michigan. The town still boasts two antiques malls – the Antiques Market of Williamston just south of town off the highway, and Red Cedar Antiques on the West end of town – as well as several wonderful antique stores in the downtown area. The Commons of Williamston, located in the renovated old Community School building, also has antiques and a number of other businesses. Now the downtown area is filled with many owner-operated specialty stores as well as the Sun Theatre, a single screen movie house, offering family friendly fare at affordable prices. Visit the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce for a complete list of area businesses.

Community Events

Williamston has community events throughout the year, including the annual Light Parade in December and free concerts at the band shell in McCormick Park all summer long. The town Farmer’s Market is open on Sundays, May through October, also in the park. Visit the Williamston Area Chamber of Commerce for a complete list of community events.

Stay the Night!

The Williamston Inn, a nostalgic motor lodge from the days when M-43 was the main route from Detroit to Lansing, is the official lodger of Williamston Theatre artists. Located at 1133 East Grand River Avenue, just west of downtown. The Willowicke Inn, located just south of town at 251 Nobel Road, is a full service Bed and Breakfast, complete with a Llama Farm! Make a weekend of it and stay at the Williamston Inn or the Willowicke Inn for a wonderful small town experience.

Getting Around

Williamston’s downtown is two to three blocks in each direction from the center intersection of Putnam Street and Grand River Avenue. It is a very walkable city, with wide sidewalks and many park benches. In the warm months, come early, take a stroll to McCormick Park (just north of Grand River Avenue), and then pop over to catch a show at the Theatre.