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!