Kathryn Houghton - Michigan Day Trips by Theme

Safety Notice Michigan has natural hazards such as bluffs and drop-offs, as well as potentially dangerous animals including black bears and, less commonly, rattlesnakes. Always heed posted safety warnings, take commonsense safety precautions, and remain aware of your surroundings. Youre responsible for your own safety.

For the latest information about destinations in this book that have been affected by the coronavirus, please check the phone numbers and websites in the trip profiles. For news and updates about the coronavirus in Michigan, see michigan.gov/coronavirus.

For additional Michigan Day Trips, visit Ron Rademachers excellent website, www.michiganbackroads.com

Editors: Brett Ortler and Ritchey Halphen

Cover and book design by Jonathan Norberg

Front cover photo: Big Sable Point Lighthouse, Ludington, MI: Jack R Perry Photography/ shutterstock.com map: Globe Turner/ shutterstock.com

Back cover photo: Lattasit Laohasiriwong/ shutterstock.com

Interior photos by Mike Link except:

Page 215 by Kathryn Houghton

Photos used under license from Shutterstock.com:

Agami Photo Agency:

This image is licensed under the Attribution 2.0 Generic (CC BY 2.0) license, which is available at

This image is licensed under the CC0 1.0 Universal (CC0 1.0) Public Domain Dedication license, which is available at

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Michigan Day Trips by Theme

Third Edition

Copyright 2021 by Kathryn Houghton; copyright 2013 and 2016 by Mike Link and Kate Crowley

Adventure Publications

An imprint of AdventureKEEN

310 Garfield Street South

Cambridge, Minnesota 55008

(800) 678-7006

www.adventurepublications.net

All rights reserved

Printed in the United States of America

ISBN 978-1-59193-975-7 (pbk.); ISBN. 978-1-59193-976-4 (ebook)

Disclaimer Please note that travel information changes under the impact of many factors that influence the travel industry. We therefore suggest that you call ahead for confirmation when making your travel plans. Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information throughout this book, and the contents of this publication are believed to be correct at the time of printing. Nevertheless, the publishers cannot accept responsibility for errors or omissions, for changes in details given in this guide, or for the consequences of any reliance on the information provided by the same. Assessments of attractions and so forth are based upon the authors own experiences; therefore, descriptions given in this guide necessarily contain an element of subjective opinion, which may not reflect the publishers opinion or dictate a readers own experience on another occasion.

Table of Contents

Dedication

To all the people who, like me, call this wonderful state home.

Kathryn Houghton

To Kate, who makes all my travel better.

Mike Link

Acknowledgments

Thanks to all the business owners, workers, and customers who took time out of their pandemic quarantine to answer my questions.

K. H.

I would like to thank Pure Michigan for the great work they do in publicizing the assets of Michigan. I am also thankful for the great hospitality of the people who live along the shore of Lake Superior and greeted Kate and me as we walked by. Finally, Id like to thank the Great Lakes themselves, which give Michigan so much of its beauty and deserve better care and protection.

M. L.

Authors Note

Some day trips in this book require buying the Michigan Recreation Passport, a parking/day-use pass. Check michigan.gov/recreationpassport for more information, including details on pricing.

Whitefish Point Light Station

Traverse City Trail

MICHIGAN IS A MAGNIFICENT place for the outdoor adventurer. Four of the Great Lakes touch the states borders, so there are unlimited opportunities for sailing, boating, kayaking, canoeing, or fishing. But Michigans outdoor opportunities are not restricted to the Great Lakes, as endless inland adventures await as well. Michigan is ideal for hiking, backpacking, and biking. Whatever adventure you choose, Michigan is a state where staying fit is as easy as stepping outside and into nature.

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

A float through history and naturesolitude and wildlife rewards await.

Some experience is required along this historic water route.

What a unique way to explore a cityby floating and observing.

The tip of the peninsula is also the tip of adventure cycling.

Melting snow dripping off a cliff forms these incredible ice structures.

Try to pay attention while you pedal and are distracted by wildflowers and dragonflies.

Rolling hills and rural landscapes connect two cities.

The Hart-Montague was Michigans first rail-to-trail conversion.

The dark skies in this park create an ideal atmosphere for stargazing.

The big lake demands skill and alertness, but the rocks and beaches are fitting rewards.

Theres no hurry when youre on the Huron River.

Paddle and explore the least publicized of the Great Lakes and see how beautiful it is.

No national park is more wild and remote, so what are you waiting for?

The first river in Michigans state river system awaits you.

With 10 small towns, plus forests, farmland, and streams, this trail has plenty to explore.

Lake Michigan shoreline, dunes and natural areas make this trail seem too short!

If this wonderful trail is not enough, you can also stop at the nearby zoo or Oldsmobile museum.

Bike and sip: explore the vineyards and get exercise, too.

M-185 is a road, not a trail, but bikes are allowed and cars arentbicycle heaven.

The Manistee and Au Sable combine to cut the L.P. In half.

Classic red brick buildings, a lighthouse and iron ore docks, plus Lake Superior!

A walkabout of historic proportions, this is our version of the Appalachian Trail.

A fine ride along Michigans rail-trail conversions.

Float or fish your way down the first Wild and Scenic River in Michigan.

Try the Tridgeyoull have to bike this trail to find out what in the world it is.

Natures own artwork, an abstract design painted on a magnificent rock canvas.

From city to country, from skyscraper to open skyscape.

A tree-mendous park with views of the clouds, Lake Superior, ancient rocks, and old-growth leafy elders.

A giant among dunes, a wilderness of sand and waves.

The largest state park in Michigan challenges you to learn all its secrets.

A naturalists paradise, with biking with biking, hiking, birding, horses, and rod and reel.

Presque Isle River, Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park