Hidden Gems Michigan made 12 outdoor walks around Michigan in January of 2024. The year started snowless and frosty, with a few dustings. Later in the month, we got a good snowstorm that left us with nice snow cover toward the end of the month. The walk posts will be photo-heavy with short descriptions of…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Oakwood Lake Township Park in Oxford, Michigan, is a 300-acre park, owned and operated by the local Parks & Rec department. The park is free to the public, and open dawn to dusk year-round. It’s got great trails and a fun disc golf course. Read on to learn more about this tucked-away hidden gem. Where…