Michigan's Lower Penninsula

Hello From Michigan! The Cook Family is off on another great summer adventure. This time to the Upper Mid-West starting in Michigan. We will be gone for 5 weeks visiting 4 National Parks plus another 11 Units of the NPS, a return trip to Badlands NP, and visits to Mackinac Island and Chicago! So, let the fun begin!!

Sleep Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, est. Oct 21, 1970

We were really looking forward to viting this park because it has a huge Dune Climb, hiking, and miles of beaches. This 72,000 acre park is small but mighty. It really didn't disappoint. I would allow a minimum of 2 days to enjoy the area, more if you want to enjoy the crystal clear water and sandy pebble beaches of Lake Michigan, kayaking miles of the Platte River, or hiking through pine forests.

To learn more about this park visit Sleep Bear Dunes NLS NPS

We arrived on day two of our travels and set up camp at the Platte River Campground within the park. This put us within minutes of the Platte Point beach and within 10 miles of everything else the park had to offer.

Esch Beach

The first night we headed to Esch Beach just a short drive from our camp. We walked the beach, played with the dogs, and enjoyed a relaxing evening seeing Lake Michigan for our first time. We could see Empire Bluff from the beach.

The Story of Sleeping Bear Dunes

The interesting story about this park, passed down through Native American ancestors, is that a Mama Bear and her 2 cubs were starving in what is now Wisconsin so decided to swim across Lake Michigan to find food. They almost made it when the 2 baby bears drowned from exhaustion. The Mama Bear made it to the shore and looked back to the lake mourning her cubs when 2 islands, North Manitou Island and South Manitou Island, emerged from the water from the remains of her cubs. The Mama Bear laid down and the dunes covered her and she is forever facing her cubs.

Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive

Day two was a full day and we started at the Empire Visitor Center then onto the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive. This is a 7.4 mile loop that gives some of the best view of Glen Lake and Lake Michigan. There are many pull outs with amazing views. One of the pull outs is the trail head for the Cottonwood Trail, a 1.5 mile loop through sand to the top of the Dune Climb. We could "feel the burn" on this one but the views were worth it. We had a beautiful, low humidty, 70 degree day to enjoy this hike. It wasn't an overall long hike but hiking over dunes and through sand made it a challenge. Pups weren't allowed on this trail so didn't get to join us on this one. Brodey had fun launching himself into the sand.

I'm Spiderman!

It's all about the hair!

Senior Picture Worthy!

We then continued on the Scenic Drive to the Lake Michigan overlook. The views were awesome, watching other visitors climb this dune was pure entertainment! I would have bet money Brodey would have attempted it but he decided against it after watching others for about 15 min.

Platte River Point

Our last evening here we took a short drive from our camp ground to Platte River Point to enjoy a short walk, take some Senior Pictures for Brodey and watch the sunset at 9:32PM.

Mackinaw City and Mackinac Island

Mackinaw City

A short 2.5 hr drive from Sleeping Bear, we arrived ready to site see in Mackinaw City. The highlight of this area is the Mackinac Bridge (same pronunciation, different spelling). Also known as "The Mighty Mac," this bridge separates Michigan's Lower and Upper Penninsulas. It is also the defining point for the separation of Lake Michigan from Lake Huron.

This bridge is the 5th largest suspension bridge in the world and makes a great back ground for some awesome family photos...and a few senior pictures for Brodey.

We spent the evening doing some shopping and having dinner in Mackinaw City. Definately a "beach town," that made it feel like summer vacation for us.

25 Years Married and we've still got it!

Bucky and Loki love the beach!

Mackinac Island

The day started on the Star Line Ferry to Makinac Island, a short 20 min trip from Mackinaw City. Our mode of transportation for the day was bikes to tour the 8 mile perimeter of the island. There are no motorized vehicles on the island and was a really relaxing ride to see the shore line and quaint town.

The "things" here are Fudge and horse drawn carriages/taxis. So, one minute all you smell is chocolate and the next is horse poop. But they do have wagons that come around and clean up after the horses.

The town was very busy when we visited so we got our fill in about 5 hrs total, including the ferry rides. There are plenty of places to stay on the island if you want to make it a longer visit, including the Grand Hotel, made famous (according to my mom) by the movie, Somewhere in Time.

Views from the Ferry