There is something other-worldly like about visiting one of Michigan’s great lakes in the winter time. The ice in particular creates these beautiful formations. Wind swept, weather eroded and fractured iced. Mountains line the beaches, and chunks float in the water, growing and shrinking as they collide with other sheets of ice. It’s a spectacular view.
first encountered Manganese Falls in winter of 2012 when we ventured to Copper Harbor for the first time. We couldn’t see the waterfall very well but we taken aback by the beauty of the gorge below. Where everything outside the gorge was covered in white snow, inside the gorge greenery thrived and the only sign of winter was the massive icicles.
When Steve and I discovered the San Juan Skyway, we were immediately interested. When we discovered the section called the Million Dollar Highway, we knew we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to drive it.
Utah is a strange and wondrous world. Out of all the states (29) that I’ve been to, this one is the most interesting. From the Salt Flats (out of this world strange) in the North to the rocky formations and aspen forests in the South. Scenic Byway 12 cuts through many of Utah’s most amazing …
Horseshoe Bend gets it’s name from the horseshoe shape the Colorado River makes as it heads south to the Grand Canyon. It is quite the sight to peer over the 1,000 foot edge and see tiny boats floating in the river. Located a half mile south of the Glen Canyon Dam in the town of …
This was my first trip to the Grand Canyon, Steve’s second. Honestly, I wasn’t very impressed. I’m not sure what it was exactly but it lacked the appeal of other National Parks that we had been to.
350 stairs are all that stands between you and the top of Moro Rock. Three hundred feet of elevation change over a quarter of a mile. The trail, though easily accessed and short, isn’t for everyone.
When I read about this 5 start, 1,200 foot waterfall within a 3.4 mile hike, I had to check it out. Located in Sequoia National Park, Tokpah Falls is a well known and frequently visited waterfall. The trailhead is located within the Lodgepole Campground.
Located in the small town of Alto, Michigan, Boulder Ridge Wild Animal Park is an 80 acre gem. It is an unique, fun little place that has a wide range of exotic animals and reptiles. The owners, Dave and Dawn, started the park as a hobby farm, raising White-tailed deer, elk and eventually buffalo. At …
Growing up Steve visited Kitch-iti-kipi with his family. It made such an impression on him that he wanted to revist and share the experience with me. I didn’t know what to expect from a giant spring with a raft suspended on a wire and propelled by human power. A bit of history When the European …
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The Black River Scenic Byway is a 14-mile stretch of road that follows the Black River. There are 5 major waterfalls along this route with ample hiking opportunities available. Great Conglomerate Falls The first waterfall is the Great Conglomerate Falls. Thirty feet in height, it surges over a wide conglomerate rock formation. From the parking …
In 1971 Lauri Leskinen published an article in the Houghton Daily Mining Gazette called The Last Stand. It addressed protecting “one of the last stands of virgin pines in the Midwest” from the lumber industry.
Silver Falls isn’t the most impressive waterfall in the U.P. but still has beauty and charm.
Yellow Dog Falls is located on the Yellow Dog River in Marquette County. This river runs wild throughout the county, untouched by human development. Many of the waterfalls are not very easily accessible. Yellow Dog Falls is one of the larger falls, nearly 20 feet in height and is the most accessible.
Located 20 miles north-west of Marquette, Michigan, Alder Falls is a beautiful, multi-leveled waterfall. The lowest drop is the most impressive at around 30 feet in height. This cascading falls is surrounded by pure beauty and is one of my favorite places to visit.
Munising is becoming one popular town. Not only does it have the quaint, small town appeal, but it is also located next to some of the most beautiful scenery in all of Michigan; Pictured Rocks National Lake Shore. Aside from these extremely impressive rock formations, Munising also has some pretty fantastic waterfalls that are also …
Eben Junction is a small city about 30 minutes outside of Munising. Every year visitors from all over come to this city to see one spectacular piece of nature. Hidden about half a mile within the Rock River Wilderness area is something known as the “Eben Ice Caves.” The caves aren’t really caves but rather …
First discovered in the 1870 Washburn Expedition, Old Faithful was the first geyser in Yellowstone National Park to be named. I can’t imagine how the explorers felt when they came across something as magnificent as Old Faithful. Built in the winter of 1903 and 1904 by Robert C. Reamer, the Old Faithful Inn is just …
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I’m not sure if it’s a Michigan thing but whenever we go anywhere, we have to find the best place to see a sunset. Preferably, that place needs to have water. That’s how we stumbled across this little gem; Lake Butte Overlook. Lake Butte Overlook, located in Eastern Yellowstone, offers sweeping views of Yellowstone Lake. …
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To really experience Yellowstone, one must visit the Geysers and Springs. Scalding water, emerald pools and the most potent rotten egg smell ever. How could we pass up that?
One of my favorite places to visit in all of Yellowstone was The Grand Canyon. Not the famous Grand Canyon of Arizona, but the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. This stunning canyon has a little bit of everything.
Lewis Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls in the park. Reaching only 30 feet in height, Lewis Falls is a scenic roadside waterfall.
When we decided to head out west to visit Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks, we received some great advice on what we might want to see. One friend suggested we take this beautiful and historical scenic drive, just north of Yellowstone called the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway. Starting 17 miles north of Cody, Wyoming …
There’s no arguing that Yellowstone National Park is full of beautiful and unique waterfalls. From massive 300+ foot tall Lower Falls to the 130+ foot single tower falls. But Mystic Falls, for me, is certainly a favorite.
A short paved walk leads you to Gibbon Falls. This waterfall drops 84 feet over the remnants of the Yellowstone caldera rim. Easy to access, it is worth the stop.