VENTURE NORTHWEST
SPRING SUMMER 2026 &
Summer Festivals
MICHIGAN BEER & BRAT FESTIVAL, THOMPSONVILLE, MAY 23
BETSIE BAY FOURTH OF JULY CELEBRATION, FRANKFORT AND ELBERTA, JULY 1-4
BEULAH ART FAIR, BEULAH, JULY 11
CONGREGATIONAL SUMMER ASSEMBLY ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR, FRANKFORT, JULY 22
PICKLE FEST: THE SEQUEL, CHERRY BOWL DRIVE-IN, HONOR, JULY 24-25
FRANKFORT ART FAIR, FRANKFORT, AUG. 14–15
NATIONAL COHO SALMON FESTIVAL, HONOR, AUG. 22-23
Only in Benzie County
MICHIGAN LEGACY ART PARK, THOMPSONVILLE
OLIVER ART CENTER, FRANKFORT
CHERRY BOWL DRIVE-IN, HONOR
CRYSTAL SHORES CASINO, BENZONIA
GWEN FROSTIC PRINTS AND STUDIO, BENZONIA
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES NATIONAL PARK LOCATED PARTIALLY IN BENZIE AND LEELANAU COUNTIES
COGNITION SCIENCE AND DISCOVERY CENTER, BEULAH
BENZIE AREA HISTORICAL SOCIETY AND MUSEUM, BENZONIA
CRYSTAL LAKE ALPACA FARM AND BOUTIQUE, FRANKFORT
PARKS
❖ A.B. Maley Park on U.S. 31 in Honor
❖ Inland Township on Park Lake Ann Road in Inland Township
❖ Burnett Park, between Maple and First streets in downtown Lake Ann
❖ Almira Township Lakefront Park on Maple Street the shores of Lake Ann
❖ Almira Township Park, 7276 Ole White Drive in Almira Township
❖ Beulah Park, between Lake Street and Crystal Avenue in Beulah
❖ Academy Park, between M-115 and Traverse Avenue in Benzonia
❖ Memorial Park, entrances on South Street and Graze Road in Benzonia (includes a dog park)
❖ Open Space Park, 800 Main St. in Frankfort
❖ Platte River Park, entrance on Indian Hill Road in Honor
❖ Penfold Park, 1098 Lakeside Blvd. in Elberta
❖ Waterfront Park, on Furnace Avenue on Betsie Bay in Elberta
❖ Market Square Park, 517 Main St. in Frankfort
❖ Tank Hill, accessible from Park Avenue and Sixth Street in Frankfort
❖ Cannon Park, end of Main Street in Frankfort
❖ Father Marquette Park, on Second Street in Frankfort
❖ Pocket Park, between L’ Chayim Delicatessen and Crystal Lake Adventure Sports on Main Street in Frankfort
❖ Rotary Park, next to city hall on Main Street in Frankfort
❖ Mineral Springs Park, on Main Street in Frankfort
IN SE ASON Alway a s Always
f r a n k f o r t d o w n t o w n . c o m m
LIGHTHOUSES
❖ Point Betsie Lighthouse, Frankfort
❖ Frankfort North Pier Lighthouse, Frankfort
LAKE MICHIGAN BEACHES
❖ Bellows Park (7th Street Beach), intersection of Bellows Avenue and Thomas Road in Frankfort
❖ Beulah Beach, on Lake Street in Beulah (Crystal Lake)
FARMERS MARKETS
❖ Frankfort Farmers Market, open 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays in Open Space Park in Frankfort
❖ Elberta Farmers Market, 8 a.m. to noon on Thursdays in Penfold Park in Elberta
❖ Honor Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays at Maley Park in Honor
BENZIE
TRAILS
❖ Crystal Mountain Resort in Thompsonville
❖ Michigan Legacy Art Park located adjacent to Crystal Mountain Resort
❖ Elberta Dunes South Nature Area located in Elberta
❖ Green Point Dunes, located at 11998 Green Point Road
❖ Betsie River Pathway, located off M-115
❖ Sleeping Bear Dunes on M-22
❖ Betsie Valley Trails located in Thompsonville
❖ Arcadia Dunes C.S. Mott, south of Frankfort/Elberta on M-22
❖ Upper Herring Lake Nature Preserve
BENZIE COUNTY CAMPGROUNDS
❖ Timberline Campground, Benzonia
❖ Betsie River Campsite, Frankfort
❖ Turtle Lake Campground, Beulah
❖ Winding River Campground, Benzonia
❖ Betsie River Canoes & Campground, Thompsonville
❖ Platte River State Forest Campground, Beulah
❖ Platte River Campground, Honor
❖ Llovely Meadows Campground, Benzonia
❖ Grass Lake State Forest Campground, Thompsonville
❖ Veterans Memorial State Forest Campground, Beulah
❖ Camp Squid Off the Grid, Benzonia
❖ Sunnywoods Resort & Campground, Beulah
❖ Frankfort Crystal Lake RV Resort, Frankfort
❖ Lake Ann State Forest Campground, Lake Ann
❖ Betsie Riverside Resort, Benzonia
❖ Mountain Valley Lodge & Campground, Thompsonville
❖ White Pines Backcountry Campground, Honor
❖ Crystal Mountain – Mountain Ridge Course or Betsie Valley Course, located at 12500 Crystal Mountain Drive in Thompsonville
❖ Champion Hill Golf Course, located at 501 N. Marshall Road in Beulah
❖ Pinecroft Golf course, located at 8260 Henry Road in Beulah
❖ Mistwood Golf Course, located at 7568 Ole White Drive in Lake Ann
❖ Crystal Lake Golf Course, located at 8493 Fairway Drive in Beulah
A perfect day in Benzie County looks something like this
BY ARIELLE BREEN
When I imagine my perfect day in Benzie County, I think about time spent outdoors, some downtime enjoying coffee, water from the springs, lunch, loading my fridge with fresh goods from local farmers market vendors and looking at some artwork.
the coffee is stellar too.
The first time I visited in December, the full-sized skeleton seated at a table made me do a double-take.
I’d like to start the day with a sunrise walk at the Misty Acres Trail, Ransom Lake Natural Area or Lower Woodcock Lake Nature Preserve.
Afterward, a coffee shop visit for a cortado with soy milk would be a cozy hug in a mug. Bella’s Cafe in Frankfort has a great atmosphere and, of course,
The next location is best reached by foot. From Bella’s, walk east on Main Street for about five minutes and stop at the famed Frankfort Mineral Springs to reload the water bottle.
I finally visited the Oliver Art Center recently.
It definitely deserves a time slot during my perfect day in Benzie County. I could explore the featured exhibits or commit to one of those ceramics or abstract watercolor classes I have been holding back on signing up for.
I’d follow this with lunch from L’Chayim Delicatessen in Beulah. My standard order used to be bagel and lox followed by a soft Danish pastry and a chicken curry deli cup to go.
But these days, I am embracing those olives. So, I order the Mt. of Olives on a bagel dish that comes with cucumbers lettuce and tomatoes, and follow it up with a crisp Leelanau tea to go.
I can take that mountain of olives up to the Elberta Bluffs Lake Michigan Overlook. There, I can have my lunch high up, seated on a bench. What better spot to eat and take in the vista that is the Frankfort Harbor and panorama of Lake Michigan?
Assuming it’s a Thursday
after Memorial Day, I’d have to stop at the Elberta Community Farmers Market at Penfold Park. Of course, I will have come prepared with an insulated bag to keep the produce from wilting on the drive home.
My favorites from last year’s market are the Heart of Gold tea from Bear Earth Herbals, Two Thunder Gardens’ hand salves and literally anything grown by Z&N Farm — I’m your No. 1 fan!
Because it’s getting warm outside, I can’t leave the veggies in the vehicle for too long, so I better get back home and start prepping dinner. A perfect end to my ideal day in Benzie County.
BENZIE COUNTY
BY COLIN MERRY
Benzie County offers visitors a broad mix of summer destinations, from Lake Michigan beaches and river floats to hiking trails, fishing spots and smalltown downtowns along the county’s shoreline and inland lakes.
VISIT BENZIE COUNTY BEACHES
From Frankfort’s busy shoreline to more secluded stretches along Sleeping Bear Bay, Benzie County offers a range of beach experiences.
Frankfort Beach on Lake Michigan includes a wide sandy shoreline and amenities such as bathrooms and volleyball nets, as well as a view of the Frankfort Lighthouse, all within walking distance of downtown Frankfort.
For a quieter beach experience, Elberta Beach is just south of Frankfort.
A summer guide to Benzie County
Farther north, Point Betsie Beach and Peterson Beach in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore offer more remote settings, with room to spread out.
There are several public beaches on Crystal Lake as well, including Beulah Beach and Bellows Park.
POINT BETSIE LIGHTHOUSE
The Point Betsie Lighthouse offers a look at Lake Michigan’s maritime history, with tours focused on the daily life of a 19th-century lighthouse keeper.
The original 1858 lighthouse, along with the keeper’s residence, fog signal building and boathouse museum, is open for tours.
A gift shop is also on-site.
RIVER FLOAT TRIPS
Benzie County offers several ways to spend a day on the Betsie and Platte rivers, with options suited to families,
beginners and more experienced paddlers.
The Platte River is a common choice, especially for families. Its gentle current and shallow stretches make it a lowerintensity option.
Several local outfitters offer canoe and kayak rentals, along with shuttle services for half-day and full-day trips.
Stretches of the Betsie River offer a more secluded setting. Winding through forests and wetlands, the river provides a quieter paddle with fewer crowds.
CATCH THAT FISH
Fishing options in Benzie County range from inland lakes with panfish, bass and pike to charter trips on Lake Michigan for salmon and lake trout.
Shore fishing and public docks are available on both the Frankfort and Elberta sides of Betsie Bay, as well
as along the shoreline in between. The village of Beulah also maintains a public fishing dock on Crystal Lake.
Sleeping Bear Dunes
National Lakeshore has more remote options, including Otter and Bass lakes, both of which are well suited for shore fishing or access by paddlecraft.
Many of Benzie County’s inland lakes have public boat launches.
For those looking to head
offshore, Frankfort and Elberta offer charter fishing options targeting larger species.
THE DOWNTOWN EXPERIENCE
Frankfort and Beulah offer compact downtown shopping districts where visitors can browse a mix of local shops and boutiques. Both communities are within walking distance of beaches and lakes, making it easy to move between the shoreline, marina and shops. Shops sell clothing, books, gifts, home décor,
antiques, toys, art and sporting goods.
The downtown areas also include restaurants, specialty food markets and ice cream shops.
HIT THE TRAILS
Benzie County offers a range of nature preserves with trails that highlight the area’s forests, dunes and shoreline.
Many are managed by the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy, which has protected thousands of acres and maintains miles of trails open to the public.
BENZIE COUNTY
Preserves such as Arcadia Dunes have trail networks through wooded terrain and along Lake Michigan bluffs, with options suited to a variety of hiking skill levels.
The 22-mile Betsie Valley Trail, built on a former railroad corridor, passes through a mix of wooded stretches, wetlands and open farmland, with occasional river crossings and views near Crystal Lake as it connects Elberta, Frankfort, Beulah and Thompsonville.
The Pere Marquette State Forest also extends into Benzie County and includes additional hiking opportunities.
CRAFT BREWS AND SPIRITS
Benzie County has several breweries, distilleries and meaderies.
In Frankfort, Stormcloud Brewing Co. has two locations serving Belgianinspired beers, while the downtown pub also offers flatbread pizzas, soups and salads.
In Elberta, Furnace Street Distillery serves cocktails made with small-batch whisky, vodka, gin and rum.
In Beulah, Five Shores Brewing pours craft beer and serves sandwiches near Crystal Lake.
Elsewhere in the county, St. Ambrose Cellars produces mead using honey from Sleeping Bear Farms, and Iron Fish Distillery makes vodka, gin and whisky from grain grown on-site.
CHERRY BOWL DRIVE-IN
The Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theater is one of Benzie County’s longtime summer attractions.
Built in the 1950s, the Cherry Bowl always plays a double feature and primarily shows family-friendly films, usually with a more kidfriendly film as the first feature and a broaderaudience film as the second.
It features drive-up speaker booths and a concession stand serving pizza, hot dogs, fried snacks and other movie theater fare.
Summer Festivals
OLD TOWN ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR, JUNE 13
100TH NATIONAL CHERRY FESTIVAL, TRAVERSE CITY, JULY 4-11
CEDAR POLKA FEST, AUG. 27-30
NORTHWEST MICHIGAN FAIR, AUG. 9-15
Only in TraverseGrandCounty
GREAT WOLF LODGE, TRAVERSE CITY
OLD MISSION PENINSULA WINERIES AND CHERRY ORCHARDS
INTERLOCHEN CENTER FOR THE ARTS
GREAT LAKES EQUESTRIAN FESTIVAL
❖ GT Butterfly House and Bug Zoo
❖ Boardman River Nature Center
❖ Botanic Garden at Historic Barns Park
❖ Interlochen State Park, Interlochen
❖ Old Mission State Park, Traverse City
❖ Keith J. Charters Traverse City State Park
HIKING
TRAILS NATURE CENTERS STATE PARKS
❖ Tart Trail, Traverse City
❖ Mall Trail, Traverse City
❖ Boardman Lake Loop Trail — Traverse City / Garfield Township
❖ Boardman River Nature Area Trails — Traverse City
❖ Boardman River Trail — Traverse City
❖ Cedar Run Loop — Traverse City
❖ DeYoung Natural Area — Traverse City
❖ Green Lake Township Trails — Interlochen
❖ Lost Lake Pathway — Interlochen area
❖ Maple Bay Natural Area Trails — Traverse City
❖ Medalie Park Trails — Traverse City
❖ Miller Creek Nature Preserve — Traverse City
❖ Mt. Holiday Trails — Traverse City
❖ Pelizzari Natural Area Loop — Traverse City
❖ Sand Lakes Quiet Area — Williamsburg
❖ TART Trail — Traverse City (regional, includes Grand Traverse County segment)
❖ Timbers Recreation Area Trails — Traverse City
❖ VASA Pathway — Williamsburg / East Traverse City
❖ Village at Grand Traverse Commons Trails — Traverse City
Meg Bowen Photography
Meg Bowen Photography
Meg Bowen Photography
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY MUSEUMS
❖ Dennos Museum Center, Traverse City
❖ Great Lakes Children’s Museum, Traverse City
❖ Music House Museum, Williamsburg
❖ The Curiosity Place, Traverse City
❖ Fife Lake Historical Fire Barn, Fife Lake
❖ Fife Lake Historical Schoolhouse, Fife Lake
❖ Fife Lake Historical Museum, Fife Lake
❖ Samel’s Farm, Williamsburg
❖ Dougherty Mission House, Traverse City
ART CENTERS
❖ Crooked Tree Arts Center, Traverse City
❖ Courtyard Fine Art, Traverse City
❖ Long Lake Artisans Gallery & Gifts, Traverse City
❖ Art on Union, Traverse City
❖ Laughing Fish Gallery, Traverse City
❖ Higher Art Gallery, Traverse City
❖ Art & Soul Gallery, Traverse City
Meg Bowen Photography
Megan Renae Studios
Traverse City Tourism
LAKE MICHIGAN BEACHES
❖
❖
❖ Bayside Park, Acme
❖
❖ Sayler Park, Yuba
Megan Renae Studios
LAKE COUNTY
Only in Lake County
COUNTY SEAT: BALDWIN
MARQUETTE TRAILS GOLF CLUB
WOLF LAKE RANCH
BALDWIN CANOE RENTAL
MOTORIZED TRAILS
❖ Lake County ORV Training Park 2374 S. M-37
❖ Little Manistee Motorcycle Trail (motorcycles only)
❖ Little Manistee ORV Route (all off-road vehicles)
❖ Tin Cup Motorcycle Trail (motorcycles only)
❖ Tin Cup ORV Route (all off-road vehicles)
❖ Lincoln Hills Motorcycle Trail (motorcycles only)
❖ Lincoln Hills Route (all off-road vehicles)
❖ Little “O” ORV Trail (ORVs less than 50 inches wide, motorcycles)
❖ Big “O” Motorcycle Trail (motorcycles only)
❖ Michigan Cross Country Cycle Trail (MCCCT): (motorcycles only)
NON-MOTORIZED
TRAILS
❖ Bowman Lake Foot Travel Area (hiking)
❖ North County Trail (hiking, biking)
❖ Pere Marquette Rail-Trail
❖ Silver Creek Pathway
❖ Pine Forest Pathway
❖ Pine Valley Pathway
❖ Sheep Ranch Pathway
SHRINE OF THE PINES
LAKE COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
UNCLE ED’S RECORDS
IDLEWILD HISTORIC & CULTURAL CENTER
CAMPGROUNDS & PARKS
❖ Ludington East / Pere Marquette River KOA
❖ Ivan’s Campground & Cabins
❖ Four Seasons Campground
❖ Camp Living Waters
❖ Leisure Time Campground
❖ Irons RV Park and Campground
❖ Silver Creek State Forest Campground
❖ Leverentz Lake State Forest Campground
❖ Bray Creek State Forest Campground
❖ Carrieville State Forest Campground
❖ Whispering Oaks Campground & Cabins
❖ Best Bear Lodge and Campground
❖ The Pines Campground at Camp Living Waters
❖ Mill Pond Park
❖ John Meeks Park, Martin Luther King Drive
❖ Brown Trout Sculpture Park
❖ Hollister Park
LAKE MICHIGAN BEACHES
❖ Van’s Beach, Leland
❖ Empire Beach, Empire
❖ Good Harbor Bay Beach, Cedar
❖ Bohemian Road Beach, Maple City
❖ Peterson Park Beach, Northport
❖ Leelanau State Park Beach, Northport
❖ Sleeping Bear Point, Glen Arbor
LIGHTHOUSES
❖ North Manitou Shoal Light
❖ South Manitou Island Lighthouse
❖ Grand Traverse Lighthouse
LEELANAU COUNTY
Only in
Leelanau County
SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNES
FISHTOWN
MAINITOU ISLANDS
CLAY CLIFFS NATURAL AREA
Meg Bowen Photography
Liam Kaiser
MUSEUMS
❖ Leelanau Historical Society Museum, Leland
❖ Empire Area Museum
❖ Port Oneida at Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes
❖ Sleeping Bear Point Coast Guard Station Maritime Museum, Glen Arbor
❖ Omena Historical Society, Omena
Meg Bowen Photography
Summer Festivals
LELAND WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL, LELAND, JUNE 13
GLEN ARBOR ART FAIR, JULY 15, GLEN ARBOR
PORT ONEIDA FAIR, SLEEPING BEAR SAND DUNES, AUG. 7-8
CEDAR POLKA FEST, CEDAR, AUG. 27-30
Megan Renae Studios
Megan Renae Studios
Megan Renae Studios
LAKE MICHIGAN BEACHES
❖ Magoon Creek, Filer Township
❖ Sundling Park, Filer Township
❖ First Street Beach, Manistee
❖ Fifth Avenue Beach, Manistee
❖ North Beach Access, Manistee
❖ Bar Lake Access, Manistee
❖ Portage Point Beach, Onekama
❖ Pierport Beach, Pierport
❖ Arcadia Beach Natural Area, Arcadia
LIGHTHOUSES
❖ Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse in Manistee
TRAILS
❖ Orchard Beach State Park trails, across from park on M-110
❖ Tippy Dam trails, located by Tippy Dam off M-55
❖ Arcadia Dunes Old Baldy Trail, located on M-22 near Arcadia
❖ Arcadia Marsh walkway, located just south of Arcadia
❖ City of Manistee Riverwalk, located on Manistee River Channel in downtown Manistee
❖ Magoon Creek Recreation Area, located off Red Apple Road in Filer Township
❖ Manistee River Trail, located by Red Bridge on High Bridge Road
❖ Manistee Non-Motorized Trail, located off M-55 just east of Manistee
❖ North Country Trail, traverses Manistee County with several trailheads
❖ Bear Lake School Forest trail, located by school forest off Lakeshore Drive
❖ Portage Point Trails, located off Portage Point Drive
❖ Big M Trailheads, located on Udell Hills Road off M-55
SUSPENSION
MANISTEE COUNTY
Summer Festivals
MANISTEE NATIONAL FOREST FESTIVAL, MANISTEE – JULY 1-5
BEAR LAKE DAYS, BEAR LAKE – JULY 10-12
KALEVA DAYS, KALEVA – JULY 18-19
ARCADIA DAZE, ARCADIA – JULY 24-26
MANISTEE COUNTY FAIR – JULY 28-AUG. 1
COPEMISH DAYS, COPEMISH – JULY 31-AUG. 2
ONEKAMA DAYS, ONEKAMA – AUG. 6-10
BRETHREN DAYS, BRETHREN – SEPT. 4-6
Summer Music Festivals
SPIRIT OF THE WOODS MUSIC FESTIVAL, BRETHREN – JUNE 20
DUNE JAM, MANISTEE – JUNE 20
FOREST TRAILS MUSIC FESTIVAL, FREE SOIL – AUG. 28-30
MINNEHAHA BREWHAHA, ARCADIA – SEPT. 5
LABORFEST, MANISTEE – SEPT. 5
ENTERTAINMENT FARMERS MARKETS MUSEUMS TO VISIT
❖ Vogue Theatre
❖ Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts
❖ Striketown
❖ Northern Falls Mini Golf
❖ Manistee County Historical Museum, located at 425 River St. in Manistee
❖ Marilla Museum and Pioneer Place, located at 9991 Marilla Road in Copemish
❖ Bottle House Museum, located at 14551 Wuoksi Ave. in Kaleva
❖ Bear Lake Museum, located at 7750 Main St. in Bear Lake
❖ Brethren Heritage Museum, located at 17955 Coates Hwy. in Brethren
❖ Old Kirke Museum, located at 300 Walnut St. in Manistee
❖ Manistee Farmers Market, 9 a.m. to noon on Saturdays (opening May 25) Wagoner Community Center, located at 260 Saint Mary’s Parkway in Manistee
PICKLEBALL COURTS
DISC GOLF
❖ Red Szymarek Park, Manistee
❖ Lighthouse Park, Manistee
❖ Acorn Hills Farm & Disc Golf Center, Manistee
❖ Udell Rollways Disc Golf, Stronach
❖ Armory Youth Project, Manistee
❖ Northern Natural Cider House & Winery, Kaleva
PLACES TO GOLF
❖ Arcadia Bluffs, located at 14710 Northwood Hwy. in Arcadia
❖ Manistee National, located at 4797 Grant Hwy. in Manistee
❖ Manistee Golf and Country Club, located at 500 Cherry Road in Manistee
❖ Fawn Crest Golf Course, located at 553 Seaman Road in Wellston
❖ Wolf River Golf Park, located at 11685 Chippewa Hwy. in Bear Lake
❖ Chestnut Hills Golf Course, 7700 Glovers Lake Road, Bear Lake
896
❖ Manistee Pickleball Association Courts, Manistee Township
❖ Armory Youth Project, Manistee
❖ Pleasant Valley Community Center, Arcadia
❖ Pleasanton Township Hall
❖ Cosier Park, Bear Lake
❖ The Woods, Wellston
❖ Onekama Consolidated Schools
Manistee County’s top spots for adventure, relaxation, alfresco dining
BY ARIELLE BREEN
From alfresco dining and art gallery visits to relaxing at beaches and outdoor adventures, here are the top spots to enjoy in Manistee County this season.
BIG LAKE BEACH ACCESS
The Bar Lake access area on Lakeshore Road has benches, an overlook deck and it gives quick access to a portion of a beach on Lake Michigan.
Magoon Creek Natural Area has areas for picnics, a water pump, vault toilets, giant sequoia saplings, trails and beach access at the 2925 Red Apple Road park in Filer Township.
Arcadia Beach Natural Area offers a walking path, benches and a lookout point on the shore of Lake Michigan, It is located at the west end of Lake Street in Arcadia.
Captain John Langland Park in Onekama is located at 1927 Second St. in Onekama. The park has dunes overlooking Lake Michigan, gazebo
seating, beach access and vault toilets.
Manistee’s First Street and Fifth Avenue beaches each have restrooms, access to Lake Michigan, a playground and seasonal concessions.
OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville offers bike rentals from April through October.
Rentals are first come,
first served and weather permitting. Anyone interested in learning more is encouraged to call the Park at Water’s Edge by dialing 231-3782238.
Download the RentFun app to access the selfserve kayak rental kiosk at 16966 First St. in Arcadia.
Rentals are $25 for the first two hours, and $15 per hour after two hours. Rentals include kayaks, paddles and life vests.
FAMILY FISHING SPOTS
The Michigan Department of Natural Resources interactive Family Friendly Fishing Waters map lists Arcadia’s Grebe Park as an accessible location with high chances of catching fish. Grebe Park is located at 16966 First St.
The park features a fishing dock that gives anglers access to catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pan fish, pike, walleye and yellow
perch on Arcadia Lake.
Another popular and accessible spot is the Stronach Township Boat Access Site’s floating fishing dock, located at the end of Second Avenue on Manistee Lake in Stronach Township.
DINING ‘OUT’
When you’re hungry in Manistee and the weather is too nice to stay indoors — but River Street has turned into a parallel parking test — try dining outside.
Two such options in Manistee are The Outsider and Lake Gulls Concessions and Rentals.
Since its inception in 2023, The Outsider’s owners have encouraged patrons to eat outside — either at the patio or picnicking at one of several scenic spots in Manistee which are displayed on a large map wall at the restaurant.
The restaurant proclaims
MANISTEE COUNTY
that it has the “best burgers in Manistee” and has an award-winning smash burger and a pinball arcade.
The Outsider is located at 457 River St. More information is available on The Outsider’s website, outsidermanistee.com.
Anyone heading to Fifth Avenue Beach in Manistee will likely take note of Lake Gulls Concessions and Rentals.
The concession stand is especially known for its monthly Lobster Mania days featuring lobster rolls and other meals that include lobster.
On non-lobster-themed days, the menu often includes a variety of sandwiches, wraps, salads, cold drinks, and vegan and vegetarian options.
Lake Gulls’ season goes from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. More details on the menu and rental items are available on Lake Gulls’ Facebook
ART GALLERIES
The Kaleva Art Gallery is located at 14449 Wuoksi Ave. in Kaleva. The gallery features a range of art such as quilts, weavings, mugs, wood carving, paintings and themed exhibits. Nearby, there are permanent sculptures installed on the Kaleva Centennial Walkway off of Nine Mile Road.
Art Ware is a pop-up art store showcasing local artists’ work at 87 Division St. in Manistee.
Ruddiblush is located at 321 River St. in Manistee. The gallery contains a variety of artwork like paintings, drawings, prints, pottery and sculptures.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts’ Hardy Hall is located at 101 Maple St., Manistee. Hardy Hall features themed art exhibits on a rotating basis throughout the year.
MANISTEE COUNTY
Find your perfect day in Manistee County
BY KYLE KOTECKI
With plenty of scenery, restaurants, shops and more, it’s not hard to have an enjoyable day in Manistee County.
But can you have a perfect day? I believe so!
patience can yield hours of entertainment as well as some fresh-caught fish for the freezer.
Here is how I would go about having a perfect day in Manistee County.
Late in the morning (because no perfect day requires waking up at the crack of dawn), I would gather up my fishing gear and head for one of the many local bodies of water.
Whether you’re fishing for salmon on Lake Michigan, trout in the Little Manistee River or Bear Creek, or bass and panfish on an inland lake, a fishing rod and a little
After catching my limit (it is a perfect day, after all), I would have plenty of options for my next move.
I could stroll down River Street in downtown Manistee for some shopping and to grab lunch.
If it were a warm and sunny day (and I was brave enough to take off my shirt in public), I could head to First Street Beach, named Best Beach in Michigan by USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards two years running, to work on my tan and go for a swim.
Next, I would take
advantage of one of Manistee County’s many hiking trails.
The Arcadia Marsh Nature Preserve is one of the last remaining Great Lakes coastal marshes along the Lake Michigan shoreline and has an assortment of plants and wildlife to investigate.
The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club in Brethren offers more than 43 acres of nature to explore. The club features various trails along Bear Creek, including Mickey’s Trail, a quarter-mile loop with a concrete surface for accessibility.
The Wellston Arboretum Trail, initially used as an extension of the Chittenden Nursery, has educational signs along the 0.84-mile loop.
I would surely work up an
appetite stomping through the woods, so my next order of business would be getting my hands on some food.
Depending on my mood, I might go with a stromboli from Big Al’s Pizza in Manistee, a burger from Three Sisters Tavern in Kaleva or the hefty King Kielbasa from Sweet Vibes in Onekama.
After such an actionpacked day and feasting to my heart’s content, I would likely want to spend my evening without partaking in much movement.
I can think of few ways better to cap a perfect day than a scenic cruise along M-22 to take in a Lake Michigan sunset at the Arcadia Scenic Turnout.
Get out there and have your perfect day!
❖ Ludington State Park
❖ Stearns Park Beach
❖ South Summit Beach
❖ Hamlin Lake Beach
BEACHES MUSEUMS
❖ White Pine Village, Ludington
❖ Port of Ludington Maritime Museum, Ludington
❖ Sandcastles Children’s Museum, Ludington
TRAILS
❖ Ludington State Park
❖ Nordhouse Dunes
❖ Lake Michigan Recreation Area
❖ North Country Trail trailhead
❖ Cartier Park
FARMERS MARKETS
❖ Ludington Farmers Market, Ludington
Mason County
PUMP STORAGE PLANT, LUDINGTON S.S. BADGER CAR FERRY, LUDINGTON
ELK RANCH, LUDINGTON LUDINGTON BREAKWATER PIER AND LIGHTHOUSE, LUDINGTON
SABLE POINT LIGHTHOUSE, LUDINGTON STATE PARK
Pure Ludington
CAMPGROUNDS
❖ Mason County Campground, Ludington
❖ Crystal Lake Campground, Scottville
❖ Kibby Creek Campground, Ludington
❖ Ludington State Park and Campgrounds, Ludington
❖ Buttersville Campground, Ludington
❖ Cartier Park Campground, Ludington
❖ Lakeview Campsite, Ludington
❖ Poncho’s Pond RV Park, Ludington
❖ Lake Michigan Recreation Area, Free Soil
❖ Henry’s Landing Campground & Canoe Rental, Scottville
❖ Ludington East/Pere Marquette River KOA Holiday, Branch Township
❖ Camp Douglas Smith, Free Soil
❖ Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area, Free Soil
❖ Vacation Station RV Resort, Ludington
❖ Timber Surf Camping Resort, Fountain
❖ Mason County Park Disc Golf Course, Ludington
❖ Ludington School Forest, Ludington
❖ The Tinder Box Disc Golf Course, Pere Marquette Charter Township
❖ Mason County Picnic Area, Ludington
❖ Labryinth Disc Golf Course, West Shore Community College, Scottville
❖ Leviathan, Ludington
❖ The Edge Disc Golf Course, Scottville
❖ Whiskey Hills Disc Golf Course, Custer
DISC GOLF PLACES TO GOLF
❖ Hemlock Golf Club, Ludington
❖ Lakeside Links Golf Course, Ludington
❖ Lincoln Hills Golf Club, Ludington
Pure Ludington
CAMPGROUNDS
❖ Haymarsh State Game Area Campground, Big Rapids
❖ Bluegill Lake Family Camping Resort, Mecosta
❖ Tubbs Lake Campground, Mecosta
❖ School Section Lake Veteran’s Park, Mecosta
❖ Brower Park Campground, Stanwood
❖ River Ridge RV Resort, Stanwood
❖ Cran-Hill Ranch, Rodney
❖ Sarns Resorts, Morley
❖ Mecosta Pines Campground, Morley
❖ Paris Park Campground, Paris
Visit a Farm
FOUR GREEN FIELDS FARM, 15693 WILSON ROAD, RODNEY
• CORN MAZE • HAUNTED MAZE • HAYRIDES • SLEIGH RIDES
• CARRIAGE RIDES • PUMPKIN PATCH • CHRISTMAS TREES
THE WINERY AT YOUNG FARM, 8396 70TH AVENUE, MECOSTA
• PRODUCE • LIVE MUSIC • WINE-TASTING • DESSERTS
• DINNERS • SEASONAL BLUEBERRIES • CIDER
MECOSTA COUNTY
GRANT FAMILY FARMS, 10636 14 MILE ROAD, RODNEY ~ OPEN EARLY MAY – HALLOWEEN + DECEMBER
• PRODUCE • U-PICK PUMPKIN PATCH
• CHRISTMAS TREES
HEARTY HARVEST, 5356 9 MILE ROAD, REMUS ~ OPEN EARLY MAY TO EARLY NOVEMBER
• PRODUCE • INCLUDING APPLES • SQUASH AND PUMPKINS
• CIDER • HOMEMADE JAMS • HONEY • MAPLE SYRUP
THE PURPLE PEPPER, 18700 20TH AVENUE, BARRYTON ~ OPEN MAY-OCTOBER
• PRODUCE • INCLUDING APPLES • SQUASH
• PUMPKINS • GOURDS • CIDER • PEPPERS
❖ Big Rapids Riverwalk
❖ Clay Cliffs Nature Park
❖ Hungerford Recreation Area
❖ Dragon Trail, along the Muskegon River from Stanwood to Newaygo
❖ Fred Meijer White Pine Trail, along U.S. 131 from Grand Rapids to Cadillac
❖ Pine Grove Trail
❖ White Pine Valley Recreation Area
MECOSTA COUNTY
HITTING THE LINKS
❖ Clear Lake Golf Club, Big Rapids
❖ Ferris State University Katke Golf Course
❖ Tullymore Golf Resorts (Tullymore Golf Course, St. Ives Golf Course), Stanwood
❖ Canadian Lakes Golf Courses (The Royal, The Highlands, The Pines)
❖ Mecosta Disc Golf, Big Rapids Township
❖ Northend Park Disc Golf, Big Rapids
❖ School Section Lake, Mecosta
❖ The Basch at Brower Park, Stanwood
MECOSTA COUNTY
Things to do in Mecosta County
BY DARREN IOZIA
Mecosta County, Michigan, is in the heart of west-central Michigan and offers a variety of things to do, from indoor activities, boating, hiking to taking trips down memory lane, especially with the Muskegon River running through the county.
If you are a foodie, then there are places like the Blue Cow, that offers steaks to seafood dishes, to Schubergs Bar & Grill, offering burgers, salads, sandwiches and more.
The following is list of other restaurants and bars to visit in Mecosta County:
• Sawmill Saloon, Big Rapids
• Gypsy Nickel Lounge, Big Rapids
• Szots Bar and Grill, Big Rapids
• Star Shooter’s Bar and Restaurant, Big Rapids
• The Rooster Saloon, Chippewa Lake
• The Buff Bar and Grill, Stanwood
• Antler’s Fireside Grill, Stanwood/ Canadian Lakes
• Murphy’s Bar, Barryton
• Remus Tavern, Remus
• Two Hats Ranch, Big Rapids
• Big Rapids Bowling Center, Big Rapids
• Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders, Big Rapids
• Crusted Creations 231, Big Rapids
• Pizza in Paris, Paris
• Mancino’s Pizza and Grinders, Stanwood
• CL Pizza Co., Canadian Lakes
• Nawal’s Mediterranean Grille, Big Rapids
• BR Lunch Box, Big Rapids
• Fatbelly Deli and Creamery, Stanwood
• Toppings Frozen Yogurt, Big Rapids
• Pioneer and Emporium Kilwins Big Rapids, Big Rapids,
• The Milkshake Spot v
• Toppings Frozen Yogurt
If you’re a fan of reading the newspaper and enjoying a morning coffee or tea, the following places are also places to visit:
• Three Girls Bakery, Big Rapids
• Bernie’s Place, Big Rapids
• The Backroom Coffee, Big Rapids
• Belle’s Coffeehouse, Big Rapids
• Conley’s Bakery, Mecosta
• Coffee & Cream, Mecosta
• The Corner Cup Coffeehouse, Remus
• Sugar Creek Restaurant, Big Rapids
• Ala Mode, Big Rapids
• Corner Café, Stanwood
• KJ’s Family Restaurant,
Mecosta
• Moe-Z-Inn, Morley
• Williams Café, Barryton
But, outside of food, there is plenty of other things to do across Mecosta County.
If you’re a fan of golf, during the warmer seasons, people can be seen out on the course trying to beat their last score. Some popular places to play a round in Mecosta County are Clear Lake Golf Club, Ferris State University’s Katke Golf Course to Tullymore Golf Resort.
One thing Michigan is home to with the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
“Spanning 92 miles, the paved Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park, Michigan’s second-longest rail-trail, links Comstock Park near Grand Rapids to Cadillac,” according to the state of Michigan’s website.
“Following the historic Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad bed, it traverses 15 towns and cities, rural farmland and offers scenic overlooks, picnic areas and
abundant wildlife viewing opportunities. The entire trail is now paved.”
There are four trailheads along the White Pine Trail, which starts at 6093 M-115 in Cadillac. The following are directions to each trailhead.
• Cadillac trailhead: Take US 131 to exit 177 for North Mitchell Business District and go north on Mitchell Street for two miles. Turn west on Chapin Street and follow for a quarter of a mile. The trailhead in on the north side of the road.
• Big Rapids trailhead: Take U.S. 131 to Big Rapids, exit 139. Take M-20 east through town, including the downtown, cross the Muskegon River and at the traffic light proceed straight for one-tenth of a mile to the depot staging area; turn south.
• Russel Road trailhead: Take U.S. 131 to the exit for M-57 and head east on M-57. Turn north on Summit Avenue and continue until Russel Road. The trailhead is just north of the Summit Avenue and Russel Road intersection.
• Rogue River Park /
Belmont trailhead: Take U.S. 131 to exit 95 (Post Drive). Take Post Drive east to Belmont Road. Take Belmont Road a quarter-mile south to Rogue River Park entrance; turn left.
But, if you’re looking for something to do inside, downtown Big Rapids in Mecosta County just became home to the recently reopened movie theater, located at 213 S. Michigan Ave., Big Rapids.
For more information about Mecosta County, visit the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau: bigrapids.org. Or, visit the newly formed Big Rapids Regional Chamber of Commerce to learn more about area business and shops: brregionalchamber. org.
“Welcome to Mecosta County. Where the pace slows down, the laughs come easy, and the river is always calling. Whether you’re planning a weekend escape, a family getaway, or just a really good excuse to get outside, you’ll find it here. We’ll help you plan it, enjoy it, and probably want to come back for more,” it reads on the Mecosta County Visitors Bureau’s website.
MECOSTA COUNTY
Why I live in Mecosta County
BY DARREN IOZIA
I have lived in Mecosta County for just over three years, and I have to say that the area offers a lot to do. As a cyclist, I feel like I’m in a mecca for two wheels and bike frames.
Having the Fred Meijer White Pine Trail run through the county, I am able to jump on and get a nice ride through the county and take in all the outdoor beauty that is offered – from riding over the Muskegon River into Hemlock Park or heading south into Stanwood, or north to Cadillac.
then being able to stop in for a meal either in Big Rapids or taking a quick, 15 minutes driver to the Canadian Lakes area where there are a handful of restaurants to visit.
I mentioned fishing. If you’re a fan of casting a line to see what bites, Mecosta County is the place for you. Whether from a boat or standing on the banks of the Muskegon River, you can catch largemouth bass, northern pike, bluegill, black crappie, yellow perch, and walleye.
The greatest part of the trail is that, as a cyclist, I don’t have to worry about cars the entire time.
But there are plenty of wonderful things to do outside of biking.
If you’re into boating, there are many lakes from which to see the county from the water. Clear Lake, for example, is just outside Big Rapids and offers a peaceful retreat. I often canoe on Clear Lake and see others on paddleboards or in small boats fishing.
For me, a perfect weekend in the spring is either being on my bike, or the water,
But these activities are just a blip on the radar compared with what the county has to offer.
There’s golfing, hiking, and museums. Downtown Big Rapids offers a variety of restaurants serving local food and drinks. If you like live music, the spring and summer months offer plenty of free shows for the family.
And the city is always open to closing down the downtown area for events like Summerfest and parades, to name a few.
So, if you’re looking for a family-oriented, restaurant heavy place for the family, then visit Mecosta County.
PARKS
❖ Eiffle Tower at Paris Park, Paris
❖ Artworks, Big Rapids
❖ Hemlock Park
❖ Brower Park
❖ School Section Lake Veterans Park
❖ Fred Meijer White Pine Trail
❖ The Dragon Trail
❖ White Pine Valley Recreation
❖ Clay Cliffs
❖ Northend Riverside Park
❖ Bromley Park
❖ Mecosta County Park Commission
❖ Davis Bridge Park
❖ Pocket Park
❖ Haymarsh Lake State Game Area
❖ Mosaic Park
❖ Richard Ulrich Park – Rogers Dam
❖ Rambadt Park
❖ Merrill-Gorrel County Park
❖ Linden Street Park
❖ Newaygo State Park
❖ Holland Park-Veterans & Homefront Heroes Memorial
❖ Mitchell Creek Park
❖ Swede Hill Park
❖ Davis Bridge Park
❖ Pine Tree Park
❖ Millet Park, Chippewa Lake
MECOSTA COUNTY
MONTCALM COUNTY
LOCAL TRAILS
❖ Fred Meier Flat River Valley Trail: A 21.7-milelong rails-to-trails path that starts in Jackson’s Landing Park, E. Washington St./SR 57, in Greenville, and ends in Lowell.
❖ Fred Meijer Heartland Trail: A paved 41.8-milelong rails-to-trails path that connects Greenville to Alma
❖ Kenneth J. Lehman Nature Trails: Four 4 miles of trails through more than 100 acres located on Montcalm Community College’s Sidney campus and the Stanton State Game Area.
❖ Fred Meijer White Pine Trail: A 92.6-mile rails-totrails path that runs north-south along Old 131, cutting through Howard City.
PLACES TO CAMP
❖ Belvidere Twp Park, Six Lakes
❖ Thunderhawk Resort, Pierson
❖ Family Campground, Edmore
❖ Lincoln Pines Campground/Resort, Gowen
❖ Natures Chain of Lakes Campground, Six Lakes
❖ Oak Grove Campground, Carson City
❖ Snows Lake Kampground, Fenwick
❖ South Shore Campgrounds, Crystal
❖ Three Season Family Campground, Greenville
PLACES TO GOLF
❖ Brookside Golf Course, Gowan
❖ GlenKerry Golf Course, Greenville
❖ Pilgrim’s Run Golf Course, Pierson
❖ The Links of Edmore, Edmore
❖ Whitefish Lake Golf Course, Pierson
Only in Montcalm County
ANDERSON & GIRLS ORCHARDS: 2985 N. SHERIDAN ROAD, STANTON, 989-831-4228. FEATURES PETTING ZOO, FRESH PRODUCE, CIDER, BAKERY, AND PICKYOUR-OWN PUMPKIN WITH WAGON RIDES TO THE PATCH ON WEEKENDS IN OCTOBER. OPEN THROUGH NOVEMBER.
FARM COUNTRY CHEESE HOUSE: 72363 WEST KENDAVILLE ROAD, LAKEVIEW, 989-352-7779. ARTISANAL CHEESE MAKER USING MILK FROM LOCAL AMISH FARMS. TOURS AVAILABLE.
MAGNUM SPORTS: A 20,000-SQUARE-FOOT, FULL-SERVICE SPORTING GOODS STORE IN GREENVILLE, WITH A 12-LANE INDOOR PISTOL/ RIFLE RANGE, 40-YARD INDOOR ARCHERY RANGE, DART SIMULATOR AND TECHNOHUNT. CONTACT: 616-712-6162.
HERITAGE VILLAGE: ALMOST 28 BUILDINGS
FEATURING HUNDREDS OF ARTIFACTS FROM MONTCALM COUNTY COMMUNITIES THAT DEPICT LIFE IN MICHIGAN DURING THE TURN OF THE 20TH CENTURY. LOCATED AT MONTCALM COMMUNITY COLLEGE, SIDNEY CAMPUS
MUSEUMS TO VISIT
❖ Flat River Historical Museum: 215 N. Franklin St. Greenville. (616) 754-5296. Twelve period rooms, portraying lifestyles of Greenville’s early settlers and founder John Green.
❖ Montcalm Heritage Village: 2800 College Drive, Sidney, (989) 328-2111. A collection of restored buildings and original duplications that depict life in earlier times.
❖ Lakeview Area Museum: 107 N. Lincoln Ave., Lakeview. Contains pictures, artifacts from Lakeview’s early days.
❖ Old Fence Rider Historical Center: 222 S. Sheldon St., Edmore, (989) 506-9562. A historical collection of Western heritage.
❖ The Fighting Falcon Military Museum: 516 W. Cass St., Greenville. Features the Fighting Falcon glider and World War 2 exhibits, housed inside a brick, four-room schoolhouse built in the 1902. Open Sundays from May to Veterans Day.
• BioSc ans: identifies potential deficiencies, toxicities, and imbalances contributing to root cause
• Therapeutic Coaching: addresses the mental emotional components and helps to clear them
• Full Spec trum Healing: addresses the spiritual component and re -aligns you with your purpose
• Past Life Regression: bridges past-life trauma to current life issues for healing
AS WELL AS:
• Massage Therapy
• CranioSacral Therapy
• Foot Detoxes
• InfraRed Sauna
• PEMF Mat
•
Only in Newaygo County
COUNTY SEAT: WHITE CLOUD
HERITAGE FARMS MARKET, FREMONT ~ THE FARM OFFERS FRESH APPLE CIDER AND DONUTS; A USA CORN MAZE; HAYRIDES; A PUMPKIN PATCH; AND MUCH MORE
NELSON’S FARM MARKET, GRANT ~ NELSON’S FARM MARKET IS OPEN YEAR-ROUND. IT’S A FAMILY-OWNED FARM AND RETAIL MARKET, GROWING A VARIETY OF FRUITS AND VEGETABLES
THE SHACK COUNTRY INN BED AND BREAKFAST, WHITE CLOUD ~ THE SHACK IS A COUNTRY INN WITH MORE THAN 40 GUEST ROOMS NESTLED IN 100 ACRES OF WOODS ON THE BANKS OF THE ROBINSON LAKE
WISNER RENTS CANOES, NEWAYGO ~ RENT CANOES, KAYAKS, RAFTS, BOATS OR TUBES AND EXPLORE THE MUSKEGON RIVER
LODA LAKE WILDFLOWER SANCTUARY ~ SELF-GUIDED WALKING TOUR TRAIL THROUGH A VARIETY OF HABITATS
HARDY AND CROTON DAMS ~ VISIT THE LARGEST DAMS FOR MASSIVE WATER VIEWS, BOATING, AND FISHING ON NEARLY 4,000 ACRES OF WATER
HERITAGE MUSEUM OF NEWAYGO COUNTY ~ A MUSEUM WITH MODERN, DRAMATIC ARCHITECTURE HIGHLIGHTING LOCAL LOGGING AND NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
S.F. WESSLING OBSERVATORY ~ ATTEND A “STAR PARTY” FOR ASTRONOMICAL VIEWING
WHITE CLOUD ALPACAS ~ A LOCAL ALPACA FARM
❖ Loda Lake Wildflower Sanctuary ❖ Coolbough Creeks
❖ Hardy Dam Rustic Nature Trail
❖ Huron Manistee National Forest
❖ White Cloud Connector Loop
❖ Hungerford Lake Trail
❖ North Country Trail
❖ Birch Grove Trail
❖ The Dragon Trail
❖ North Country Trail
❖ Coolbough Natural Areas
❖ Newaygo County Art Trail
❖ The Wildlife Center at Legends Ranch
GOLF
❖ Pilgrim’s Run Golf Course, Pierson
❖ Waters Edge Golf Course, Fremont
❖ Village Green Golf Club, Newaygo
❖ Northwood Golf Course, Fremont
❖ Summer Breeze Golf Course, Fremont
❖ Village Green Golf Club
PLACES TO CAMP
❖ Big Bend Park, White Cloud
❖ Oxbow Park, Newaygo
❖ White Cloud County Park, White Cloud
❖ Fremont Lake Campground, Fremont
❖ Croton Township Campground, Newaygo
❖ Ed. H Henning County Park, Newaygo
❖ Diamond Lake County Park, White Cloud
❖ Newaygo State Park, Newaygo
❖ Sandy Beach County Park, White Cloud
PARKS
❖ Oxbow Park, Newaygo
❖ Pettibone Lake, Bitely
❖ Fremont Lake, Fremont
❖ Nichols Lake, Bitely
❖ Diamond Lake, White Cloud
❖ Croton Pond, Newaygo
❖ Hardy Dam County Marina, White Cloud
OCEANA COUNTY
Only in Oceana County
COUNTY SEAT: HART
LEWIS ADVENTURE FARM & ZOO
SILVER LAKE STATE PARK
LITTLE SABLE POINT LIGHTHOUSE
MEARS STATE PARK
HART-MONTAGUE BICYCLE TRAIL
SILVER LAKE SAND DUNES
STONEY LAKE STABLES
OCEANA WINERY & VINEYARD
CHESTER STREET PARK
MAC WOOD’S DUNE RIDES
PENTWATER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
OCEANA COUNTY MUSEUM
HIKING
❖ Silver Lake State Park (Mears)
❖ Pentwater Pathways (Pentwater)
❖ Otto Nature Preserve (Shelby)
❖ William Field Memorial Hart-Montague Trail (Hart)
❖ Dumaw Woodland Nature Preserve (Pentwater)
❖ Gales Pond County Park (near Hart
❖ Doolittle County Park (Elbridge Township)
❖ Black Lake County Park
❖ Otto Nature Preserve Loop
❖ Gerber Blue Trail
❖ Hart Lake Loop
❖ Blue Trail Loop
CAMPING
❖ Black Lake County Park
❖ Cedar Point County Park
❖ Crystal Valley County Park
❖ Doolittle County Park
❖ Gales Pond County Park
❖ Marshville Dam County Park
❖ Mill Pond County Park
❖ Stony Lake County Park
PARKS
❖ Glass Pond County Park
❖ Oceana County Mill Pond Park
❖ Black Lake County Park
❖ Benona Township Park
❖ Otto Nature Preserve
❖ Cedar Point County Park
❖ Gold Township Park at Lake Michigan
CAMPGROUNDS
❖ Rambadt Park Campground
❖ Blodgett Landing Campground
❖ Rose Lake Park
❖ Sunrise Lake State Forest Campground
❖ Cadillac Woods Campground
❖ Hillside Campground
❖ Old Log Resort & Campground
❖ River Park West Campground
❖ Mud Lake State Forest Campground
❖ Silver Creek State Forest Campground
Only in Osceola County
COUNTY SEAT: REED CITY
REED CITY HERITAGE MUSEUM, REED CITY
EVART HISTORICAL MUSEUM, EVART
LITTLE MAC REPLICA BRIDGE, REED CITY
J&J’S RIVER RUN, EVART
OLD RUGGED CROSS HISTORICAL MUSEUM
PINE RIVER MUSEUM
CITY DEPOT
REED
❖
❖
❖
❖
VISIT A PARK
❖ Depot-Crossroads Park
❖ White Pine Valley Recreation Area
❖ Spring Hill Camps
❖ Rambadt Park
❖ Westerburg Park
❖ Rose Lake Park
❖ Riverside Park East-West
❖ Crittenden Park
❖ Mosaic Park
❖ White Pine Trail Culvert Lincoln Creek
❖ Haymarsh Lake State Game Area
❖ Merrill-Gorrel County Park
❖ Hersey Village Canoe Landing and Nature Trail
VISIT A TRAIL
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
❖
• Pere Marquette State Trail
• Fred Meijer White Pine Trail State Park
• Evart Motorcycle Trail (motorcycle only)
• PM Trail Scenic Rest Stop
• Purple Heart Trail
• Evart City Walking Trail
• Evart Motorcyle Trail
• Hungerford Recreation trail Head
• Moss Creek
HIKING
❖ Heritage Nature Trail
❖ Cadillac Pathway Trailhead
❖ Waldeck Island Nature Preserve
❖ Friends of the White Pine Trail
❖ Keith McKellop Walkway
❖ Caberfae Way Trailhead
❖ North County Trail/Manistee River Trail
❖ Huron-Manistee National Forests
❖ Suspension Bridge, Manistee River Trail
❖ Cart T. Johnson Nature Preserve
❖ Manistee River Trailhead
❖ Mitchell State Park
❖ Cadillac Pathway West Path
❖ Birds Beak Lookout
WEXFORD COUNTY
Only in Wexford County
COUNTY SEAT: CADILLAC
HARRIETTA FISH HATCHERY: TOUR THE STATE’S OLDEST OPERATING FISH HATCHERY (OPENED IN 1901), WHICH FEATURES160 ACRES OF LAND AND AN INTERPRETIVE TRAIL SYSTEM.
CADILLAC SOUND GARDEN: LOCATED IN CADILLAC COMMONS, THIS PARK ALLOWS VISITORS TO INTERACT WITH MUSICAL SCULPTURES, BLENDING ART WITH THE CITY’S LAKESIDE ATMOSPHERE.
MERRITT SPEEDWAY SKYVIEW: EXPERIENCE HIGH-SPEED RACING AT ONE OF MICHIGAN’S PREMIER DIRT TRACKS.
CARL T. JOHNSON HUNT & FISH CENTER: LOCATED IN MITCHELL STATE PARK, IT FEATURES A MARSH DIORAMA, AQUARIUM, AND CONNECTS TO THE HERITAGE NATURE TRAIL.
CADILLAC PATHWAY: HIKE, BIKE, OR SNOWSHOE OVER 200 MILES OF TRAILS IN THE NEARBY HURONMANISTEE NATIONAL FORESTS.
KISS MONUMENT: VISIT A UNIQUE, QUIRKY MONUMENT LOCATED IN THE CADILLAC AREA.
PARKS
❖ Kenwood Heritage Park
❖ Cadillac Lakefront Park
❖ Mitchell State Park
❖ Cadillac Sound Garden
❖ Long Lake (Wexford) Campground
❖ Friends of the White Pine Trail
❖ Veterans Memoria Community Park
❖ City Park
❖ Kiwanis Community Park
❖ Diggins Hill Community Park
❖ Rotary Memorial Park
❖ Veterans Serving Veterans Park
❖ Huron-Manistee National Forests
❖ Mesick Village Park
❖ Chris Blackburn Memorial Skate Park
❖ Kysor Memorial Ballfields
❖ William Mitchell State Park
CAMPING
❖ Long Lake Campground
❖ Cadillac Woods Campground
❖ The Campground Michigan
❖ Northern Exposure
❖ Lincoln Bridge State Forest Campground
❖ Fletcher Creek Rustic Campground
❖ Mitchell State Park
❖ Peterson Creek Campground
❖ Seaton Creek Campground
❖ Cadillac KOA Holiday
❖ Manton Trails RV Park, Hotel and Campground
BENZIE COUNTY
JAMMIN’ MONDAYS ON BETSIE BAY
All concerts are free and run from 7-9:15 p.m. on Mondays at the Waterfront Park Amphitheater in Elberta. More info: find the group on Facebook
MUSIC IN THE STREET
All concerts start at 7 p.m. on Thursdays in downtown Beulah. More info: clcba.org/event/music-in-the-street-2/ SUMMER SOUNDS
All concerts start at 7 p.m. on Thursdays from July 2 to Aug. 13 at the amphitheater at Michigan Legacy Art Park in Thompsonville. Tickets are $15 online or $20 at the door for adults. More info: michlegacyartpark.org/events
GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY
CONCERTS ON THE LAWN
All concerts start at 7 p.m. on Thursdays from June 18 to Aug. 20 at Grand Traverse Pavilions in Traverse City. More info: Find Grand Traverse Pavilions on Facebook
LAKE COUNTY
BALDWIN SUMMER CONCERTS: ECHO THROUGH THE TIMBER
All performances are held from 7–9:15 p.m. on Wednesdays at Wenger Pavilion in Baldwin.
BALDWIN SUMMER CONCERTS: SOUNDS FROM THE FOREST
Concerts are from 7–9:15 p.m. Saturdays at Wenger Pavilion in Baldwin.
FOLK FRIDAYS
Music is from 7-8:30 p.m. every Friday, from late July to mid-August, at Lake County Historical Museum, at 915 N. Michigan Ave. In Baldwin More info: lakecountymichigan.com
LEELANAU COUNTY
MUSIC IN THE AIR
All concerts are free and start at 6 p.m. on Thursdays from June 25 to Aug. 27 at the Old Art Building in Leland. More info: oldartbuilding.com/classes-and-events/
MUSIC IN THE PARK
All concerts are free and start at 7 p.m. on Fridays from June 26 to Aug. 28 at the Kent Holton Park at Marina Park in Northport. Donations accepted. More info: northportperformingarts.org/
MANISTEE COUNTY
ONEKAMA CONCERTS IN THE PARK
All concerts begin at 7 p.m., on Monday at Onekama Village park. Concerts are free, but donations are accepted. More info: honekama.info/concerts-in-the-park
MANISTEE SHORELINE SHOWCASE
All concerts begin at 7 p.m, on Tuesdays at Rotary gazebo at First Street Beach in Manistee. Concerts are free, but donations are accepted. More info: manisteeshorelineshowcase.com/
MANISTEE ROOTS ON THE RIVER
All concerts begin at 7 p.m. on Thursdays at the Jaycees Bandshell at Veterans Memorial Park. Concerts are free, but donations are accepted. More info: musicsparksmeaning.org/
KALEVA LOG CABIN SERIES
All concerts begin at 7 p.m., on Fridays at the Log Cabin Theater located at Walta and Panu Streets in Kaleva. Concerts are free, but donations are accepted. More info: https://www.kalevamichigan.com/log-cabin
MASON COUNTY
LACA SUMMER MUSIC SERIES
Music starts at 7 p.m. every Wednesday, from June 17 to Sept. 2, at Waterfront Park, at 391 S. William St. In Ludington. More info: ludingtonartscenter.org
SUMMER MUSIC - THURSDAYS
All performances are from 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays on the stage at Legacy Plaza, at 112 N. James St. in Ludington. More info: pureludington.com/livemusic/
SUMMER MUSIC - FRIDAYS
All performances are from 6-8 p.m. on Fridays on the stage at Legacy Plaza, at 112 N. James St. in Ludington. More info: pureludington.com/livemusic/
RHYTHM & DUNES CONCERT SERIES
For the 13th year, the series is hosted by West Shore Bank and donates proceeds to benefit local high school music programs. Music begins at 6 p.m. at Waterfront Park, located at 391 William St. In Ludington on July 25 and Aug. 1. Concerts are free, but donations are accepted. More info: westshorebank.com/rhythm-and-dunes
SUNSET
BEACH BONFIRE & MUSIC
The free concerts begin at 8 p.m. on the last Thursday in June, July and August at Stearns Park Beach in Ludington. More info: pureludington.com/events/pure-ludingtonsunset-beach-bonfire/
SCOTTVILLE CLOWN BAND
The Scottville Clown Band is known for its colorful attire and crazy antics. The band travels all over northern Michigan. More info: scottvilleclownband.com/
FRIENDS OF THE LUDINGTON STATE PARK CONCERT SERIES
All performances start at 7 p.m., most are held at the amphitheater at Ludington State Park from early July to mid-August.
MECOSTA COUNTY
REUTHER MUSIC PAVILION CONCERTS
7–9 p.m. on Saturdays at Reuther Music Pavilion, 10690 Pierce Road, Canadian Lakes
POCKET PARK MUSIC SERIES
Free concerts from noon to 2 p.m. Fridays, June through September, at Pocket Park in downtown Big Rapids.
FERRIS COMMUNITY SUMMER BAND & HEMLOCK PARK BANDSHELL SERIES
Free concerts 7–9 p.m. Wednesdays at various Big Rapids locations, then at Hemlock Park Bandshell (Riverwalk behind Big Rapids Middle School).
MECOSTA MUSIC BY THE RIVER
Free concerts 6:30 p.m. Fridays, July through August at Bromley Park in Mecosta. Kicks off Fourth of July weekend.
NEWAYGO COUNTY
FREMONT SUMMER CONCERTS
Concerts are held from 7–9 p.m. Thursdays in June and July at Veterans Memorial Park in Fremont.
More info: Fremont Chamber of Commerce, 231-924-0770
OCEANA COUNTY
MUSIC AT THE MARINA
Performances are from 2-4 p.m. on Mondays from early July to late August at the Pentwater Municipal Marina, at 519 S. Hancock St. In Pentwater.
FARMERS MARKET CONCERTS
Performances are from 5-7 p.m. on the second and fourth Tuesday from June through September at the New Era Farmers Market, at 1820 Ray Ave. In New Era.
SILVER LAKE COMMUNITY CONCERT SERIES
Concerts are from 6:30-8 p.m. on Tuesdays at Golden Township Park, at 8453 W. Silver Lake Road in Silver Lake.
NIGHT AT THE LIGHTS CONCERT SERIES
Music starts at 7 p.m. Every other Wednesday, from June 17 to Aug. 26, at Little Sable Lighthouse, at 287 N. Lighthouse Drive in Mears. More info: lakeshorekeepers.org
MUSIC ON THE COMMONS
Music is from 7-9 p.m. every Thursday, from June 25 to Aug. 27, at Hart Commons, at 206 E. Main St. In Hart. More info: takemetohart.org
PENTWATER CIVIC BAND
Music is from 7:30-8:30 p.m. every Thursday, from June 25 to Aug. 27, at the Village Green, at 327 S. Hancock St. In Pentwater.
CONCERT DIRECTORY
FRIDAYS IN HART CONCERTS
Music starts at 7 p.m. every Friday, from mid-July to early August, at Hart Historic District, at 501 Lincoln St. In Hart. More info: harthistoricdistrict.com
SUMMER CONCERTS AT WHITE RIVER LIGHT
Music is from 7-8:30 p.m. every Friday, from mid-July to late August, at White River Light at 6199 Murray Road in Whitehall. More info: lakeshorekeepers.org
OSCEOLA COUNTY
THURSDAY NIGHT MUSIC AT THE DEPOT
Performances are from 7–9 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays from May through September at Reed City Depot.
WEXFORD COUNTY
UPBEAT CADILLAC & THE AFTER HOURS MARKET
All performances are at 7 p.m. on Thursdays at the Rotary Pavilion, located at 100 S. Lake St. in Cadillac. There is no charge for performances. More info: facebook.com/UpBeatCadillac/
Mini golf is understandably characterized as a familyfriendly recreational activity. But a round of mini golf might be able to help novice golfers young and old fine-tune some important skills that can be applied on traditional courses. While a round of mini golf won’t help golfers sharpen their long games and add distance to their drives, it might help them bolster their short games.
Mini golf courses can help golfers learn to analyze the slope and speed of a green and can help them
work on their grip and touch, both of which are very important for players’ short games. Mini golf also might help golfers learn to work around obstacles. While golfers are unlikely to encounter any clowns or windmills on a traditional course, learning to strategize when confronting such obstacles on a mini golf course may teach novice golfers the importance of playing patiently and strategizing when confronting obstacles like trees and bunkers at their local courses.
A guide to golf etiquette
Golf is often referred to as a gentleman’s game. That descriptor is not meant to slight the millions of women golfers who love the game as much as men, but rather serves as an allusion to the decorum golfers are expected to embrace when stepping onto a course.
According to the R&A 2025 Global Participation Report, golf’s reach has expanded to around 108 million people worldwide. This surge is driven by the traditional appeal of the game, but also growing interest in alternative formats, including virtual golf, and entertainment centers like Topgolf® where golf is the main focus.
As more and more people turn to golf, it is key to know the rules of play, but also the unwritten rules of the game. Golf etiquette is essential to ensuring a pleasant experience for all on the course.
KEEP THE PACE
According to TPC Danzante Bay, slow play is a grievance of seasoned golfers. To keep the game moving, many groups now embrace hitting when you are ready rather than waiting for the person furthest from the hole to arrive. It’s also proper etiquette to consider others around you. If your group falls more than one hole behind the players in front, or if a faster group approaches from behind, Hideaway Hills Golf Club says to let them play through.
RESPECT THE COURSE
Golfers should remain stewards on the course during their rounds. That means replacing divots on the fairway, repairing ball marks on the green, and raking the bunkers to smooth out footprints. Leaving a clean surface for the next player is respectful.
EMPHASIZE SAFETY
Safety is essential on the course. It’s important never
to swing until you are certain the group ahead is well out of range. If a ball does veer close to another player, it is customary to shout, “Fore!” That is the universal indicator to take cover. Also, it’s key to respect any quiet zones by avoiding talking or standing in a player’s line of sight while they are working on a shot, advises Sunday Golf.
Golf etiquette is part of the game. Adhering to established etiquette shows mutual respect and contributes to the growing number of participants who enjoy the game.
Projects to consider before moving into a home
The day homeowners move into a new home is a unique experience. First-time home buyers may see such a day as the culmination of years of hard work, while those who are not new to the experience may find their new home is where they’ll spend the rest of their lives.
Move-in day is indeed a notable milestone, but there’s much homeowners can do between closing on a home and backing the moving truck into the driveway. In fact, it may be best for homeowners to complete several home interior projects while the residence is still empty.
PAINTING
Painting home interiors is among the more logical projects to consider before moving into a home. Simply put, an empty home is far easier to paint than one filled with furniture and other
items. Professional painters may even discount a project if they know they won’t have to cover and/or move any furniture before and after applying paint. Painting before anyone has moved in also saves residents the discomfort of living in a home overcome by the lingering aroma of drying paint. Simply open the windows and let the home air out throughout each painting session.
FLOORING
Flooring projects are another undertaking to consider before moving in. Whether you’re tearing up old carpet and replacing it with new carpet, refinishing wood floors, or installing a wholly new floor, each task is considerably easier if there is nothing on the floor. Flooring projects are best left to the professionals, and labor costs may drop considerably if contractors
don’t have to pause to move furnishings or work around other items.
DEEP CLEANING
A professional cleaning service should be among the first calls homeowners make after closing on a new home. A deep cleaning when the home is empty and all lingering dust and debris is visible to the naked eye can ensure no spots are missed before move-in day. Request that the cleaning service clean the interior of kitchen drawers and cabinets, which have a tendency to accumulate grime over the years.
ELECTRICAL WORK
Modern homes are plugged in, so addressing electrical issues prior to move-in day can ensure there are no interruptions to internet connectivity when everyone begins to settle into the home. This is also a great time to install additional electrical outlets, and homeowners are urged to take the time to draw up plans for how each room will look once all of their furniture is in the house. Doing so can identify where additional outlets should be installed. Homeowners also can visit their new home at night and turn on the lights to see if existing fixtures provide ample illumination. If not, installing new fixtures
prior to moving in makes cleanup easier and ensures there are no dark nights once everyone is in the home.
CEILINGS
Replacing ceilings prior to moving in is another savvy move. If the ceilings are dated or unsightly, removing, repainting or replacing them before anything is beneath them is a great way to protect valuables from damage. And contractors may not need as much time to complete such a project in empty rooms as they would in spaces where they need to negotiate their way around furniture and other valuables.
Various renovation projects can be conducted prior to moving into a new home. Such an approach can save both money and effort.
Tips for the gardening beginner
Gardening is a popular hobby all over the world. Ruby Home Luxury Real Estate estimates there are 71.5 million gardening households in the United States alone. That translates to around 185.9 million people engaged in some form of gardening, which places the U.S. among other countries where gardening is wildly popular, including Australia and China.
A greater number of people are showing interest in gardening, which is a rewarding hobby that’s good for the mind and the body. Those who are new to gardening may need a crash course to get started. These pointers can help anyone foster a newfound passion for gardening.
CHOOSE THE BEST LOCATION
Spend time in the yard and decide where to house a garden. A far-off corner may get the most sun, but will you forget about the garden if it is too far away? Ideally, the garden should be located where it will get at least six to eight hours of sun each day. There also should be a water source nearby. The spot also should be convenient so that it is easy to go and pick vegetables or prune flowers.
START SMALL
If you’re new to gardening, begin with a small garden
footprint so that you can get your feet wet. A raised garden bed can be a good starting point because it is contained and easy to maintain. As your experience (and garden) grows, you can add to the garden size the next time around.
AMEND THE SOIL
It’s possible but unlikely that the soil in the backyard is the perfect mix to grow healthy plants. It’s more likely that the garden will need some soil modification. You can test the soil makeup with do-it-yourself kits or work with a garden center. A garden typically requires a mix of compost to add nutrients to the dirt; peat moss or coconut coir to help with water retention and to make the soil lighter; and vermiculite that helps to retain water. A compost bin set up at the same time as the garden allows gardeners to continually produce nutrientrich food to add to the garden.
PLANT STARTER GUIDE
It’s best to keep a few things in mind when planning the garden. Think about what will grow well in your climate. Consider how big the garden will be and the size of mature plants. A small garden will not be able to accommodate corn, for example. Also, how would you like the space to look and what will be its function? Is this a purely
aesthetic garden or one that will be food-bearing?
START SEEDS INSIDE
If you’ll be starting a garden from seeds, it’s best to start indoors before your region’s frost-free date. This way the delicate plants will get the needed care and can establish before they go outdoors in the ground. Keep them humid by covering the seedlings in plastic wrap. You can start the seeds in different containers, even empty egg cartons. Transplant to larger containers
after the seedlings grow a second set of leaves. Once you’re free from overnight frost, you can place the established, strong seedlings in the ground.
An automatic watering system, such as a timer hooked up to the sprinkler, can keep the garden well watered, which increases the chances of success. Then it will only be a matter of weeks before the garden can be enjoyed throughout the season.
MONDAY - THURSDAY
11 AM–10 PM
FRIDAY& SATURDA
TURDAY
11 AM–10:30 PM
SUNDAY
11 AM–9 PM
