In 2016, we had the wonderful opportunity to backpack through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Since then, it has been a dream of mine to run the length of the park. While this trip was short, it gave me a taste of that experience and made me even more determined than ever to complete the dream.
Every year the Michigan landscape transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Embrace the cold and celebrate all that the state has to offer with some of my favorite bucket list activities for this time of year.
Visiting Proud Lake Recreation Area has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. With over 3,000 acres, including the scenic Huron River, this recreation area provides activities for all outdoor adventurers.
Take a magical hike in the woods on the Bush Bay Trail near Cedarville, Michigan. With beautiful views of Lake Huron, limestone and dolomite formations, and all the moss that would make a fairy garden jealous. This hike is well worth the stop.
The Bush Bay Trail has been nicknamed “the Narnia Trail” and for good reasons. There’s something whimsical about it.
Waterloo Recreation Area is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. With 20,000 acres of land, Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula. It includes diverse camping options, 11 inland lakes, and multiple systems.
On my visit, I decided to explore the extensive Waterloo-Pinckney Trail.
Maybury State Park boasts nearly 1,000 acres of rolling terrain, open meadows, and mature forest. Located in southeast Michigan near the town of Northville, this park provides an excellent escape from the city.
With trails to accommodate hikers of all experiences, horses, and bikers of all levels, Maybury State Park has something for everyone. This park has been on my bucket list for a long time and I’m happy I finally made it.
Take a short hike through an oasis of woods and wetland in Michigan’s tip of the Thumb. The Huron Nature Center is a beautiful, peaceful place with easy hiking for all ages.
There are few things more exciting than the first blooms of Spring. Life is beginning to awake from the long, cold winter. And with it, adventures are being planned and hikes are being taken.
Camp, hike, and explore all spring long with these bucket list items.
Winter has been lacking in these parts this year. So when a large snowstorm finally rolls through, you can find skiers and snowshoers alike out on the trails. Woldumar Nature Center is one of my favorite mid-Michigan destinations to do just that.
From the first time I heard about the Powell Township Recreation trails, I could not wait to step foot on them. Located in one of my favorite locations, Marquette County, this trail system has a lot to offer. As part of the Noquemanon Trail Network, it does not disappoint.
Fall in Michigan is a spectacular time of year to celebrate the great outdoors. Crisp cool days, no bugs trying to carry you away, and scenery unlike any other. So refuel your bucket list and get ready for another set of adventures.
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is a haven for all kinds of outdoor enthusiasts. It has rugged mountain views, wild rivers, and quaint historic towns sprinkled in between. There are plenty of adventures and waterfalls to keep one satisfied. So grab your hiking boots and get ready to visit these 5 waterfalls.
Like most of Michigan’s state parks, Ionia State Recreation Park is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. From forested campsites, sandy beaches, and miles of trails, it has adventure around every corner. This pretty park is a great option for a long hike or run.
Looking for a sandy adventure that leads to a dip in a Great Lake? Saugatuck Dunes State Park has got you covered. With over 10 miles of hiking trails, beautiful beaches, and access to Lake Michigan, this state park is an excellent place to enjoy the hot summer months.
Looking for a unique adventure? Mount Baldhead in Saugatuck, Michigan has exactly what you’re looking for. Climb the Stair-Climb From Hell for spectacular views of Saugatuck, Douglas, and a glimpse of Lake Michigan.
Tourists flock to Michigan in the summertime and for good reason. The outdoor opportunities are limitless. Michigan offers a wide variety of options for people with all sorts of interests. From water to trails, get outside this summer.
The L’Anse area is rich with hidden gems. From history and culture to waterfalls and mountain views, there’s something for every type of outdoor enthusiast. If waterfalls are your thing, here are 5 you don’t want to miss.
Marquette, Michigan is rich in wild rivers and waterfalls. From small, single-drops to massive, multi-tiered, Marquette has all sorts of waterfalls. It is one of my favorite places to jump on the trails and visit some of these gems.
When trail conditions are poor, either from extreme mud or deep snow, I prefer finding a more effective location to get my run in. Elsewhere, choices are typically limited to road or sidewalks, but here, the Lansing River Trail provides a third option.
Miners Falls is one Michigan waterfall that should be on everyone’s bucket list. Surrounded by the endless beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Miners Falls can hold its own.
I love birds and if you’re like me, the W.K. Kellogg Bird Sanctuary is one place you’ll want to visit. Located in Augusta, Michigan, this bird sanctuary gives visitors the opportunity to get close to some of Michigan’s most interesting residences.
There is a place in Michigan that is incredibly wild and remote. With miles of trails, scenic waterfalls, hardwood forests, and wild rivers, McCormick Wilderness Area is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream come true. However, the unmarked trails make this place a destination for experienced hikers.
Pigeon River State Forest (east of Gaylord, Michigan) is home to one of the largest herd of elk east of the Missippissi. This place is so special. There is nothing more magical than seeing a free-range elk in its natural habitat. However, most people don’t take the opportunity to go find these majestic and shy creatures. Instead, people can visit these animals at Gaylord’s Elk City Park.
Hidden within the Rock River Wilderness Area in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a beautiful, secluded waterfall. Narrow roads and a trail thick with mud make getting to Rock River Falls an adventure in itself. A journey that is well worth it.
Each year people travel north to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula in hopes of catching a glimpse of the mystical Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights). We were lucky enough to be in the right place, at the right time, with the right conditions.