Last Updated on: 28th August 2021, 02:50 pm
Isle Royale National Park
According to a study on soundscapes, Isle Royale is one of America’s quietest national parks. This park is quite remote and it takes a long time to get there which in a way explains why it’s rarely visited. The island boasts dense forests, lakes, waterways, and animals like moose and wolves which makes it a perfect place for adventure. However, visitors often opt to go to the backcountry camping sites spread along the island.
Wildlife watching, backpacking, camping, and padding are some of the most fun ways to spend one’s time here. The island is also a popular site for hikers and scuba divers who want to explore shipwrecks. To stay overnight in Isle Royale National Park, you will need a permit so it’s best to plan ahead.
Keweenah National Historical Park
If you’re looking for an adventurous getaway, then consider planning your vacation to Keweenah National Historical Park. There are many things to do here: learn history at the Quincy Mine Hoist, visit the museums, and tour the mining facilities. You can also make a stop at the Calumet Visitors Center to explore films, museum pieces, exhibits, and informative displays. And if outdoor fun is your thing, Keweenah Park offers geological sights, hiking trails, mountains for biking, and lighthouse visits. The park also has a shop with items that showcase the history of the park and area.
Keeeenah National Park is popular for its copper; the Native Americans who lived there mined the copper for over 7,000 years before European investors took over the mines in 1800. One of the most popular things to do here is to explore and tour the abandoned mines.
North Country National Scenic Trail
If you love fun rides filled with adventures, pack up your things and get on the North Country National Scenic Trail. The 4600-mile trail is designated to showcase the American backcountry and spans 9 states: Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
The Michigan trail runs through about 1,150 miles; the longest of the 9 states. Here, you can hike and bike along Lake Superior while experiencing the beauty of the wilderness, the waterfalls, and the woodlands. Other super fun activities to explore here include skiing, snowshoeing, and observing the beautiful fauna and flora.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is America’s first national lakeshore and one of the most popular tourism sites in Michigan. Located along the edge of Lake Superior in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this park boasts seven waterfalls, forests, 100 miles of trails, dunes, sandstone cliffs, beaches, and more.
Pictured Rocks park is open all year round to visitors and offers hiking, camping, kayaking, sightseeing, and many other opportunities for fun activities. If you are planning a trip here, do not miss the most spectacular sections of the park: the sandstone cliffs with a magical color glow and the rock formations known as Chapel Rock and Miner’s Castle. The waterfalls are also a stunning site for visitors especially when it’s frozen and open for ice climbing during the Michigan Ice Fest.
River Raisin National Battlefield Park
Established in 2010, River Raisin is one of the newest parks in Michigan and the only park dedicated to the events from the War of 1812. This park is located in Monroe and commemorates the 1813 battles of Frenchtown and its aftermath in Monroe and Wayne.
The best way to start your adventure here is to make a stop at the Visitor Center which offers park orientation, orientation maps, a gift shop, and a theatre that shows a film about the history of the battles of 1812.
River Raisin offers opportunities for outdoor adventure ranging from walking/biking trails to exploring the exhibits and visiting workshops focused on the interpretation of the war in American history. The river is open all year round and visitors can enjoy traditional watersports and check out the interpretative Heritage Trails.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear got its name from Mother Bear because it was said the park once looked like a sleeping bear. This park is one of the most visited parks in Michigan seeing more than a million per year. This isn’t surprising, Sleeping Bear is stunning and has a transcendent appeal. There is the 71,000-acre Lake Michigan Oasis, a four-season playground with opportunities to camp, fish boats, beaches, historic villages, and about 100 miles of trails. The park also boasts beautiful scenery that features two islands, dunes, a shipwreck, and bucolic barns. Visitors can view the sweeping lakeshore from the 450-ft towering bluffs and also explore the four campgrounds.