Author: Amie
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100 Years of Michigan State Parks
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On May 12th, one hundred years ago, the Michigan State Park Commission set out to create wonderful recreational spaces that visitors could enjoy and be closer to the beauty of Michigan.
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Rustic Camping at Presque Isle Campground
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With mountains, old growth forests, and waterfalls to explore, Porcupine Mountain Wilderness State Park is a hiker’s paradise. It also offers a variety of camping options, including backpacking, rustic, and modern campgrounds.
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Pictured Rocks most Iconic View: Miners Castle
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One of the most iconic views of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Miners Castle offers visitors stunning views and a glimpse into the rich history of the area.
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Delicious Blueberry Muffins with a Punch of Protein
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Antioxidants, good whole grain, and high in protein, these muffins make a great snack or even a quick delicious breakfast when you’re out on the trail or camping out. What You Need 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries 1/2 cup cane sugar 2 1/2 cups einkorn flour or whole wheat…
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A Weekend Cabin Rental at Traverse City’s KOA
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Despite toting the name KOA, the Traverse City’s KOA is a cozy little campground, nestled 15 minutes south of Traverse City.
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Running the Blarney Stone
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Who doesn’t want to help rescue cats, train dogs, and save parks all while enjoying the thrills of race? The Blarney Stone just that!
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Banana Oat Energy Bars
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If you’re paying attention to the labels, finding a healthy snack bar can be a bit of challenge. The cheap proteins and additives can make them unappealing. However, it’s difficult to create a bar at home that lasts an entire week of hiking or camping. The struggle is real. While…
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The Rugged Hike to Pinnacle Falls
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There is nothing easy about Pinnacle Falls. Just getting to the parking area can be a challenge. Winding dirt roads with few to no signs marking the way. But for those with the spirit of adventure, Pinnacle Falls is well worth the trek.
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Why We Love Dispersed Camping in Manistee National Forest
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The isolation of dispersed camping is the perfect cure to the hustle of every day. It’s remote, quiet, and provides campers with the opportunity to reconnect with nature. From his previous years of backpacking, Steve was already hooked on dispersed camping but I had not experienced it until 2010. I…
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The Guiding Light of Frankfort
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There is nothing fancy about the Frankfort Light. It is a simple, pyramidal tower built in 1912. At 67 feet, its neither the tallest nor shortest lighthouse on the Great Lakes. There is nothing fancy about the town it resides in or the harbor it watches over. Yet for some…
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A Winter Stay at Ludington State Park
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Ludington State Park is a located north of the city of Ludington, Michigan. It contains 5,300 acres of diverse habitat, including hardwood forests, marshlands, and nearly 7 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Lake Michigan & Dunes The drive into the park twists through ever changing sand dunes with hints of…
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Running Trails at Woldumar Nature Center
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Mid-Michigan is not known for challenging terrain. Finding some trails to really push yourself as a runner or hiker can be difficult, but there is one hidden gem; Woldumar Nature Center. Woldumar Nature Center is located in Lansing, Michigan. It is a nonprofit organization, founded in 1963, with a mission…
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A Rewarding Hike to Bulldog Falls
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The Yellow Dog River is well known for it’s impressive Yellow Dog Falls. However, it is deep within the boundaries of the McCormick Wilderness Area that the river truly shines. Bulldog Falls is one of the many waterfalls along Yellow Dog River and one of the most impressive. With several…
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Fuel Your Adventure: Epic Bars
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When searching for a good protein bar, the first thing I do is check the ingredients. I was surprised at how many of the brands out there use soy protein as their primary protein source. Luckily for me, I discovered EPIC. Soy free, Gluten Free, Non-GMO, quality ingredients. The really…
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Running the Trails at Burchfield, and Riverbend
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Easy to Moderate The Burchfield Park Trail stretches across three Ingham County Parks; Burchfield Park, Riverbend Natural Area, and McNamara Canoe Landing. With 16 miles of trails, there is something to offer everyone, no matter where you are in your training. The trail system begins in the Burchfield Park and…
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Hiking to Horseshoe Harbor
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Nestled at the tip of Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is the small town of Copper Harbor. Copper Harbor is well known for its stunning vistas, beautiful hiking trails, and wild terrain. Horseshoe Harbor is all of these things accessed by one short hike. The Mary Mcdonald Preserve was originally established in…
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Sparrow Rapids: A Forgotten Campground
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Snug within the Ottawa National Forest, Sparrow Rapids Campground offers the perfect getaway for any outdoor enthusiast. Surrounded by roaring waters, rolling hills, and abundant wildlife, this campground is one of the best we have visited. There are no fees to camp at Sparrow Rapids. Considered a “limited service” campground,…
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Ocqueoc Falls: A Lower Peninsula Surprise
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Tucked away in farm country is a small but elegant waterfall known as Ocqueoc Falls. The falls are located 11 miles west of Roger City on the Ocqueoc River. It a provides the perfect place for an afternoon of hiking, swimming, and relaxation. Because of ease of access, it’s likely…
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Porcupine Mountains Summit Peak: Great Views and an Easy Hike
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When visiting the Porcupine Mountains highest point, Summit Peak, prepare yourself for beautiful vistas. At nearly 2,000 feet above sea level, on clear days, hikers can see the Apostle Islands to the northwest and Isle Royale to the northeast. It is well worth the easy, short hike. During our visit,…
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Trail Running at Fenner Nature Center
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Easy Fenner Nature Center is a unique location within the city of Lansing that provides people with the opportunity to experience nature. This environmental education center contains 134 acres of publicly accessible green space. This includes roughly 4 miles of trails that wind through maple groves and prairie lands. Wildlife is…
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A Great Stay at Cusino Lake State Forest Campground
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Scattered south of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are a handful of state forest campgrounds. Like most of these campgrounds, Cusino offers some peaceful views, recreational opportunities, and solitude. Cusino Lake State Forest Campground has 6 sites that are all first-come, first-serve. The sites are available for tents…
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Gear Review: Hennessy SnakeSkins
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I wasn’t looking for a new storage system when I came across Hennessy’s SnakeSkins. But after seeing them demonstrated, I wanted them. I have been using them for a full season now and am very happy with my decision to make them a part of my hammocking experience. The Specs Packed…
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Sable Falls
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Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is known for its stunning rock formations, massive cliffs, and elegant waterfalls. It is an outdoor adventurers dream paradise. Nature’s finest. Sable Falls is no exception. Located on the east side of the park near Grand Marais, Sable Falls drops over 75 feet over sandstone formations…
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Crossing the Snowy Range Scenic Byway
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We added the Snowy Range Scenic Byway to our itinerary to help break up the long drive from Michigan to California. Wyoming has quickly become one of our favorite states to visit, even if we are just passing through. There are many opportunities to explore and beauty can be found everywhere.…
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Camping & Touring Scout’s Rest Ranch
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In 1878 William Cody bought 4,000 acres near North Platte, Nebraska. He built ranch buildings, including a house and a barn. He raised cattle and purebred stallions. He lived here from 1886 to 1913 and called this place Scout’s Rest Ranch. Buffalo Bill Ranch State Historical Park The state of…