Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary: Where Tranquility and Adventure meet
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Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary: Where Tranquility and Adventure meet

Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary is 45 acres of woods, wetlands, mudflats, and shoreline along the eastern coast of the Michigan thumb. The sanctuary is a little hidden gem not far off the beaten path, but it feels like a secret garden leading to a private beach. Where to find Kernan Memorial Nature Sanctuary The nature…

sign alongside the road that says Metamora-Hadley State Recreation Area

Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area: Wooded Terrain for All Your Outdoor Plans

Metamora-Hadley Recreation Area in Metamora, Michigan, is full of beautiful wooded terrain for hiking, camping, and much more. This 723-acre park encompasses Lake Minnawanna. We have walked here many times over the past several years and have even used the park for senior photos. It’s one of our photographer’s favorite places. If you enjoy wooded…

fieldstone, mortar, and cement ruins covered in graffiti in the woods

Ortonville State Recreation Area: Pinnacle Point and Other Hills of Interest.

Ortonville State Recreation Area in Ortonville, Michigan, is nestled among what is known to locals as the “Hadley Hills.” This park spans over 5000 acres, with numerous activities within its boundaries. Every season fills this park with visitors enjoying a variety of outdoor sports. The DNR website has a map that indicates which activities are…

Tent, table, two chairs, hammock and string lights all set up in forested campsite

Port Crescent State Park: Sunsets, Stars, and Sand.

Port Crescent State Park near Port Austin, Michigan, sits near the tip of the thumb. Even though this State Park is on the “sunrise side” of the state, due to its location, you find stunning SUNSETS instead of sunrises here. Port Crescent State Park is also a designated Dark Sky Preserve and nestles right up…

looking up at a tree with white bark and yellow leaves against a blue sky

For-Mar Nature Preserve: Always something to experience here!

Our family discovered For-Mar Nature Preserve and Arboretum about 15 years ago. It quickly became one of our favorite places. Even after we moved farther away, we made trips to walk the trails, stop in at the Visitor Center, and experience the fun things happening at this outstanding park. Finding For-Mar For-Mar Nature Preserve is…

Viewing Dock on pond

Good for Mind and Body: Rowden Park Lapeer, Michigan

Rowden Park sits at the north end of Lapeer, Michigan, on M24. At first glance, there doesn’t seem to be much here, but there is plenty to nurture both mind and body. Tucked behind the Water Tower RV Park is a little gem, and we encourage you to stop by. Rowden Park is for Everyone…

row of large windows overlooking a forest and bird feeders. bench and upholstered arm chairs facing window

7 Ponds Nature Center is the Perfect Nature Exploration Place

7 Ponds Nature Center is tucked away near the village of Dryden in Lapeer County, Michigan. The nature center has much to offer for all ages and abilities. You can choose indoor and outdoor activities, long or short walks, woods or prairies, and more. Take a short drive south off Dryden Rd between M24 and…

dirt road with sides and canopy of bright yellow leaves on trees and shrubs

Fall Color is right here in Southeast Michigan

Fall Colors draw many people out for walks and drives from Southeast Michigan. The towns and scenes from Up North call like sirens to come and travel to see the fall colors. You may not have the opportunity to get away, but you don’t have to miss out on the beauty of fall in Michigan….

large sign in foreground. behind is a pavilion with picnic tables and a dirt driveway surrounded by forest. The sign says Sutherland Nature Sanctuary Hadley 3960 Diehl Rd. Trails Ponds

Venture into the Trees at Sutherland Nature Sanctuary

The 75 acres of Sutherland Nature Sanctuary in Metamora began as a private project to restore forested and farmed land to its natural beauty. There are multiple habitats in this relatively small space with over 2 miles of walking trails. Once we discovered this place, we couldn’t stay away and have even volunteered with some…

dirt pathway through dense forest of tall large trees. A man stands next to a tree that is twice his width and very tall off the photograph

Immerse yourself in the Serene Beauty of Baker Woodlot on the MSU Campus

Baker Woodlot & Rajendra Neotropical Migrant Bird Sanctuary is a natural area on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing, Michigan. It has been added to the Old Growth Forest Network (OGFN), a national network of protected old-growth forests. If large trees capture your eye and your heart, you don’t want to miss…