If there is ever a time to visit the Dead River in Illinois Beach State Park it is a dreary spring day. Illinois Beach State Park is known primarily for its beach and Lake Michigan shoreline; however, there are a few inland trails worth a look as well. The Dead River is one of these [...]
Tag Archives | Lake Michigan
Escape the heat wave on a Sleeping Bear Dune beach
Earlier this year in late May, I enjoyed a couple of days hiking the trails of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The Platte Plains Trail ended up on this secluded beach. After a three mile walk through swampy lowlands walking fast to escape the mosquitoes, it was a pleasure to find this refreshing stop along [...]
Hike to view the Sleeping Bear Point Trail
The Sleeping Bear Point Trail, pointed out by Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Superintendent Dusty Shultz in the park Visitor Guide, was named the best hike-to-view trail in the National Geographic book The 10 Best of Everything National Parks. I guess I was saving the best for last as this was to be my last [...]
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Scenic Drive
When checking in at the Platte River Campground in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, the ranger asked if it was my first time in the park. I mentioned that it was, and she gave me the national park map and mentioned the scenic drive was a must for first time visitors. After a morning hike [...]
Hiking the Empire Dunes in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
After spending a day at a deserted beach in the Platte Plains, it was time to move north in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The next day hike that perked my interest was the Empire Dunes Trail adjacent to the little town of Empire, Michigan. The weather forecast warned of possible heavy showers in [...]
Sunset over Lake Michigan in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
After a satisfying day hiking through forests, swamps, and dunes, ending with a quick dip in Lake Michigan at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, it was time to relax. After a spaghetti dinner it was time for a beer and a camp chair. I opened a Leinenkugel’s and let out a satisfied sigh and reflected [...]
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore photo essay
At the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Visitor’s Center in Empire, Michigan, a sign welcomes visitors to the most beautiful place in America. Dusty Schultz, Park Superintendent, reiterates this message in the park newsletter. When I first read this, I kind of snickered. There is no way this off the radar National Lakeshore in Michigan [...]
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: my own private beach
I have just returned from two days in the gorgeous Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in northern Michigan. This spot has been on my radar for a couple of years as I have visited other dune parks, and I have heard this is the most spectacular. I definitely agree it is the most sensational of [...]
Indiana Dunes State Park and National Lakeshore photo essay
Indiana Dunes State Park and Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore are only 60 miles from Chicago. It is hard to believe a place so scenic is found so close to the big city. There are six separate bands to the dunes here along the Lake Michigan shoreline. The first is Lake Michigan itself. The next five [...]
Five awesome dunes to explore around Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is one of the most beautiful lakes in the world. One of the top attractions along the lakeshore is the many sand dune areas to explore in Indiana and Michigan. There is even actually dunes still found in Chicago at Montrose Harbor. Here is a list of five places to find gorgeous dunes [...]
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Life after dropping out of Nomadic Samuel’s top 100 travel blogs
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Anaconda envy in the Iwokrama Rainforest, Guyana
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Paddle the Wisconsin River for the best river camping in the Midwest
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A cruise along the Red River Gorge Scenic Byway
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A Quetico campfire on Lake Kawnipi
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Paddling with manatees on the Crystal River
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Rainforest trail through Bach Ma National Park
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The CN Tower in Toronto renamed
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Jenna: Very pretty! I miss this kind of woodsy nature her...
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Ted Nelson: A very rainy spring. I was supposed to go two week...
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Leigh: I think I'd need two days. When you get to countr...
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