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!

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.