Hartwick Pines State Park

 Hartwick Pines State Park

3612 State Park Dr, Grayling, MI 49738

Hartwick Pines State Park Michigan Website

Put on your easy walking shoes and check out the majestic forest at Hartwick Pines!

This location is perfect for a quick walk or a full day of exploration, complete with paved walking trails, handicap accessibility, a museum and more.  Easy location to enjoy with the kiddos. 

 

Along the trails you'll find this sweet little log church tucked quietly into the trees.  And yes, they still hold services here and it used to be a venue, though I'm not certain about that aspect.  Make sure you stop in and read the wall! 

The peacefulness of this forest is beyond explanation, what shocked me the most is how clearly you can see through the trees.  I've been in many woods but hadn't experienced anything such as this.  Did I mention how peaceful it is?  

Complete with camping, a bookstore, and museum, this little bite of logging history comes highly recommended by yours truly.  And as always... Never Stop Exploring!

National Park - Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore - Michigan

 Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Michigan

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (U.S. National Park Service)

This National Park is not one for the faint of heart, however the area is accessible should you not decide to brave the sand dunes.  I on the other hand died 5 times and my feet fell off.  Ok, so that’s not exactly true, but I did manage to get a pretty good sunburn on my fanny.  Bring water and sunscreen! 

The view from the top of the dunes is literally majestic, and I can’t express how amazing the smell of the great lakes is.  I grew up in Texas and had never seen anything like this!  Caution, you won’t want to go home… ok, maybe also just a me thing.  But honestly it is breathtaking.

Once you make it over the dunes, the reward is the rocky shoreline of Lake Michigan.  Yes, the water is chilly, yes, it is worth it!  I particularly enjoyed the rocks, and you can find all kinds of “treasures” to include Petoskey stones. 

My recommendation National Geographic Brand Rock Turner yes, I am an associate, don’t judge it helps me pay for my travel and if you happen to be interested simply comment below and I’ll tell you how.  Anyways, this is my rock tumbler that I received as a gift from my wonderful husband.  I am about to start step 2 on my gorgeous treasures, and I cannot wait to see what comes out of this machine.  I’ll share more on it later, rock turning come to find out, is not for the impatient… which I am so this will be a journey.  

As always.. Never Stop Exploring! 

Don’t Bug Me!

Yes, Adventure is out there, but so are the bugs! Let's talk repellent for a minute.

Don't Bug Me! My Favorite Products!

No, you're not likely to see the age that mosquitos don't exist, as they've been around since the Triassic period, you've likely seen Jurassic Park!  

Don't worry, it's just a frog and no one is using it for DNA to create some dinosaur, though it would prove pretty interesting to see one.  I'll pass on getting eaten though. These little dudes can only do so much for the mosquito population and if you're in for a fun video just search up frogs missing bugs.  Ok, I'm way off topic!  Back to mosquitos...

We all know that as soon as the sun goes down, no matter how beautiful the area is, if you're near water, the bugs are soon to follow.  And if you're like me, when it comes to mosquitos... you're delicious.  Another reason I don't recommend reintroducing dinosaurs to the environment, because I'm high risk for being delicious for them too.  Anyways, it's important to protect yourself from the little boogers and here are a couple ways to do that without dousing yourself in chemicals.  

No dinosaurs have not been reintroduced so it's not ok to spray yourself in order to taste bad, so it'll spit you out.  At least so I've been told.  Nor is it good to spray all this crap on the kiddos, as some new research information comes up that it's literally poison, as if you couldn't tell from the smell.  

So, here's some ideas on how to enjoy your beautiful outdoor excursion without getting eaten alive and enduring the weeks of itch afterwards: 

1. Mosquito Repellent Bands 

These are my go-to!  They don't smell particularly strong, and they are no irritant.  Most last several outings unless you swim with them.  You can get yours here: Mosquito Repellent Bracelet

Mosquito Spring Bracelet there are several brands available, these are just links to the ones I personally utilize.  

2. Mosquito Repellent Stickers

Warning!  Though I love these, they will leave tan lines! Not kidding, I had a circle for a month.  But as far as keeping bugs off you, they also work really well.  Sometimes I do get a little irritation from the glue, but I'm super sensitive as far a skin is concerned, and cool thing is you can wear these on your gear, your hat or other clothing. 

These are my pics: Mosquito Stickers or Mosquito Bands and Stickers

3.  Don't forget to keep something around for the campsite, make sure anything like this you NEVER burn indoors.  I prefer the candles but am not beyond the incense sticks or the incense cones.  Here are two that I find work particularly well: 

Skeeter Sticks and Mosquito Repellent Camp Candle

It's always possible that not only does this repel mosquitos but dinosaurs as well.  Maybe that's just an internet rumor I just started.  Hard to say! 

So, gear up and get outside!  Never stop exploring.  

Overland Park Arboretum & Gardens - Kansas

 Overland Park Arboretum & Gardens

The Overland Park Arboretum & Gardens is the perfect place to take a walk. Picturesque and full of floral beauty, even on the hottest day it is worth the walk. Paved paths and easy access to restrooms makes for an easy stroll and is convenient for all the family.

Bring your walking shoes and a bottle of water, there are plenty of trails to explore. This establishment is growing but already provides plenty of outdoor entertainment complete with waterfall and fountains.

The establishment also hosts a snack bar, gift shop, and event room. The area is clean and well-kept along with a delightful volunteer staff on site.

My only complaint is that there weren't any stickers or patches produced for the park and those are two things I love to collect for my albums.

Located at 8909 W. 179th Street

Overland Park, KS 66013

Overland Park Arboretum & Botanical Gardens - City of Overland Park, Kansas (opkansas.org)

Tickets are more than reasonably priced with adults entering for $5 each and children 6-17 only cost $2. Age 5 and under are free! Location is open daily.

For you parents out there, it is also part of the Sunflower Summer allowing eligible Kansas families free admission! Go to https://sunflowersummer.org/ for more information.

Kansas Road Trip Plan

 Kansas Road Trip Plan

https://maps.app.goo.gl/vzdzQJxdHb4GypQM8

1.      Old Prairie Town at Ward-Meade Historic Site and Botanical Garden

124 NW Fillmore St, Topeka, KS 66606

Buildings open 830-1630   Old Prairie Town - Topeka, Kansas (kansastravel.org)

Tours Adults $5 Children (6-12) $3

Potwin Drug Store – working soda fountain! open Tuesday - Saturday: 10AM - 4PM & Sunday: Noon - 4PM

2.      Rolling Hills Zoo

625 N Hedville Rd, Salina, KS 67401 https://www.rollinghillszoo.org/

Open 7 days a week.  9am-5pm

Museum and Zoo Admission Adults $15 Children (3-12) $9

3.      Mushroom Rock State Park

Ave K, Brookville, KS 67425 Mushroom Rock / Locations / State Parks / KDWP - KDWP (ksoutdoors.com)

Open 24 Hours – Picnic Area

4.      Monument Rocks Natural Landmark

671 County Road 16, Scott City, KS 67871 https://keystonegallery.com/#Brochure

Open 24 Hours

Rich source of fossils. Visit Keystone Gallery 401 US Highway 83, Scott City, KS 67871.

5.      The Old Farmstead

H684+RC, Marquette, KS 67456

Tourist Attraction – Photo Opportunity

6.      Coronado Heights Castle

Walking Trail, Falun, KS 67442

Hours 8am -10 pm 7 days a week.

7.      Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

2565 Pueblo Rd, Canton, KS 67428 Home - Maxwell Wildlife Refuge

Tram Tour Days Only Tues, Thurs, & Sat 9am-Noon, Drive around 24/7.

Adults 12 and up $15, Children 4-11 $7.50. Get tickets ahead of time.

8.      Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve

2480B KS-177, Strong City, KS 66869 Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve | The Nature Conservancy

Admission – National Parks Pass

Trails open 24 hours a day, year-round. Visitor Center & Historic Buildings May 1-October 31 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., daily November 1-April 30: 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., daily.

9.      Chase Lake Falls Trail (All Trails)

Lake Rd, Cottonwood Falls, KS 66845 Chase Lake Falls - Cottonwood Falls, Kansas (kansastravel.org)

Open 24 hours.

0.8-mile hike (Easy) – Trail has 3 waterfalls; middle is most impressive. Look for fossils.

Photos courtesy of ye ole Google! Look towards the actual trip and I'll share updates on all locations we visit, along with tips and reviews.