| Day Trips |
| Mackinac Isalnd The sights and sounds of a bygone era. Unforgettable natural and historic treasures |
| Romance is in the air! Treat yourself to a quiet tour of the island. A horse drawn carriage is a fun time! |
| Torch Lake Clear waters - Great times |
| Mackinac Island Visit Mackinac Island and experience the sites and sounds of a bygone era. Located between Michigan's upper and lower peninsulas, the Island offers you unforgettable natural and historical treasures surrounded by the sparkling blue waters of Lake Huron. Mackinac Island is the truly "all natural" theme park of America. Limited to transportation of horse and buggy, bicycle or foot., surrounded by water, it has escaped the vast changes of time. It's real Victorian image is preserved and enhanced by a small population of 500 permanent residents and scores of summer residents, maintaining bluff cottages in original state. Families, especially children, love their relatively new found "mobility", exploring the historic, natural beauty of Mackinac Island State Park, honored by National Geographic as one of the ten finest in America. From romantic weekend getaways to fun filled days with the family, Mackinac Island has something for everyone. Ride a bicycle around the 8- mile lakeshore path, or enjoy the quaint Victorian architecture as you take a leisurely ride in a horse drawn carriage. Discover for yourself why millions have traveled to Mackinac Island……plan your trip today! The Grand Hotel here was actually the subject of a Hollywood movie. No motorized vehicles here, except for fire trucks and an ambulance. Be sure to purchase a tour of the island on horse-drawn wagons. Or rent a bike. Or both. Worth a tour: colonial Fort Michilimackinac. Plenty of shops to poke through. Do not fail to purchase large quantities of fudge before you leave. (We like Rybas fudge the best.) Now, you are a true fudgie. For more information on Mackinac Island, copy and paste the links below: www.mackinac.com www.mackinacisland.org |
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and Sand Dunes
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. No visit to the northwest part of the Lower Peninsula would be complete without seeing Sleeping Bear.
One hour west of Traverse City, we begin at the Visitors' Center. Then on to Pierce Stocking Drive for scenic views, including one of Lake
Michigan from a high bluff. The next stop is for those who never got enough sandbox time when young: a chance to climb the giant sand dune.
Be sure to stop in the gift shop before leaving.
The 460-foot Sleeping Bear Dunes tower over the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan like shifting pyramids of sand. The dunes stretch for
seven of the thirty-four miles of national lakeshore. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are the world's largest perched dunes, so named because the
dunes sit atop high, limestone bluffs. The dunes are slowly migrating eastward and inland, where forest remnants of bleached pine, white
birch, and cedar swamps persist.
The lakeshore includes North and South Manitou Island, which play a role in the Chippewa Indian legend used to name the dunes. On the
shores of what is now Wisconsin, a forest fire forced a mother bear and her two cubs into Lake Michigan. The mother swam to the opposite
shore and climbed to the top of a high bluff to watch and wait for her cubs. The cubs could not keep up and drowned within sight of the
shore. The Great Spirit Manitou created two islands to mark the spot where the cubs slipped beneath the water. Manitou created a solitary
dune on the mainland to represent the faithful mother bear.
Thousands of visitors experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes every year. From the highly trafficked Dune Climb to remote beaches, there is
something for everyone. the Lakeshore has many trails with wildflowers, animals, birds and great scenic beauty. Beachcombing, canoeing,
fishing, biking and cross-county skiing are just a few of the outdoor pursuits available.
After visiting the Sand Dunes, it is on to the historic fishing port of Leland. Some people come here to go out into Lake Michigan on a charter
boat for salmon fishing. Us? We like to poke around the quaint shops, wander through "fish town" and then eat broiled whitefish at the
Bluebird Café. On the way back to the cabin, you can stop at the light house on the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula or check out the
shops in Northport.
For more information on the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and Sand Dunes,
copy and paste the links below:
www.nps.gov/slbe
www.leelanau.com/dunes
Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. No visit to the northwest part of the Lower Peninsula would be complete without seeing Sleeping Bear.
One hour west of Traverse City, we begin at the Visitors' Center. Then on to Pierce Stocking Drive for scenic views, including one of Lake
Michigan from a high bluff. The next stop is for those who never got enough sandbox time when young: a chance to climb the giant sand dune.
Be sure to stop in the gift shop before leaving.
The 460-foot Sleeping Bear Dunes tower over the northeastern shore of Lake Michigan like shifting pyramids of sand. The dunes stretch for
seven of the thirty-four miles of national lakeshore. The Sleeping Bear Dunes are the world's largest perched dunes, so named because the
dunes sit atop high, limestone bluffs. The dunes are slowly migrating eastward and inland, where forest remnants of bleached pine, white
birch, and cedar swamps persist.
The lakeshore includes North and South Manitou Island, which play a role in the Chippewa Indian legend used to name the dunes. On the
shores of what is now Wisconsin, a forest fire forced a mother bear and her two cubs into Lake Michigan. The mother swam to the opposite
shore and climbed to the top of a high bluff to watch and wait for her cubs. The cubs could not keep up and drowned within sight of the
shore. The Great Spirit Manitou created two islands to mark the spot where the cubs slipped beneath the water. Manitou created a solitary
dune on the mainland to represent the faithful mother bear.
Thousands of visitors experience the Sleeping Bear Dunes every year. From the highly trafficked Dune Climb to remote beaches, there is
something for everyone. the Lakeshore has many trails with wildflowers, animals, birds and great scenic beauty. Beachcombing, canoeing,
fishing, biking and cross-county skiing are just a few of the outdoor pursuits available.
After visiting the Sand Dunes, it is on to the historic fishing port of Leland. Some people come here to go out into Lake Michigan on a charter
boat for salmon fishing. Us? We like to poke around the quaint shops, wander through "fish town" and then eat broiled whitefish at the
Bluebird Café. On the way back to the cabin, you can stop at the light house on the northern tip of the Leelanau Peninsula or check out the
shops in Northport.
For more information on the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore and Sand Dunes,
copy and paste the links below:
www.nps.gov/slbe
www.leelanau.com/dunes
| Pyramid Point from the shore taken in July of 2004. |
| Pyramid Point As seen from the Mishe-Mokwa on a sunset cruise on Lake Michigan's Good Harbor Bay. |
Charlevoix
We like to frequently visit this small town 17 miles north of the cabin. We show visitors the unusual homes in Boulder Village, some of the
Victorian homes built by resorters early in the 20th century, and the picturesque harbor. A highlight of any visit is watching the drawbridge
do its thing every thirty minutes as sailboats pass beneath. After some heavy-duty shopping on Bridge Street, shall we try some fish and
chips at the Villager Inn?
Charlevoix, a city on three lakes, is a small town combining its resort-tourism tradition with a growing industrial, year-round employment
base. The city and surrounding townships have a total population of approximately 8,500 year-round residents and swells to an estimated
30,000 people in the summer. Charlevoix's natural resources make it a recreational paradise for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors
either on land or on the water. In addition to Charlevoix's natural attractions, there are other attractions such as shopping, dining and a wide
variety of special events which take place each year in the northern Michigan community known as Charlevoix the Beautiful.
Shopping along the harbor in beautiful Charlevoix is a relaxing, enjoyable experience. You may be tempted to linger at a café until sunset. One
of the more unique shopping stops in Charlevoix is the Bullfrog Light Company candle factory outlet. Located 1 mile east of town on M-66,
the candlemaker's shop is nestled in a beautiful wooded glade. You'll love the factory discounts on their seconds!
Day trip information courtesy of www.shintangle.com
We like to frequently visit this small town 17 miles north of the cabin. We show visitors the unusual homes in Boulder Village, some of the
Victorian homes built by resorters early in the 20th century, and the picturesque harbor. A highlight of any visit is watching the drawbridge
do its thing every thirty minutes as sailboats pass beneath. After some heavy-duty shopping on Bridge Street, shall we try some fish and
chips at the Villager Inn?
Charlevoix, a city on three lakes, is a small town combining its resort-tourism tradition with a growing industrial, year-round employment
base. The city and surrounding townships have a total population of approximately 8,500 year-round residents and swells to an estimated
30,000 people in the summer. Charlevoix's natural resources make it a recreational paradise for anyone who enjoys spending time outdoors
either on land or on the water. In addition to Charlevoix's natural attractions, there are other attractions such as shopping, dining and a wide
variety of special events which take place each year in the northern Michigan community known as Charlevoix the Beautiful.
Shopping along the harbor in beautiful Charlevoix is a relaxing, enjoyable experience. You may be tempted to linger at a café until sunset. One
of the more unique shopping stops in Charlevoix is the Bullfrog Light Company candle factory outlet. Located 1 mile east of town on M-66,
the candlemaker's shop is nestled in a beautiful wooded glade. You'll love the factory discounts on their seconds!
Day trip information courtesy of www.shintangle.com
| Charlevoix A recreational paradise and a shoppers dream. |
| Lighthouse A beautiful view can be had when you visit the lighthouse. |
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