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When you think of visiting the Great Lakes area, you might first think of Sleeping Bear Dunes in Michigan or Door County in Wisconsin. But while planning a weeklong road trip around Lake Michigan with my four-legged companion, Nori, we found a couple hidden gems along with some well-known areas. The best part? Limited cell service. 

 

George Mead Wildlife Area

Tucked into mid-Wisconsin on your way to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is 33,000 acres of wetlands, forests and grasslands that make up the George Mead Wildlife Area. On a rainy day, Nori and I walked around the inner trail spying on a wide array of wildlife from a Great Horned Owl and a raccoon to a plethora of birds and wildlife.  

Over 80 miles of internal roads and dikes, along with three easy walking trails around the visitor center, make this an immersive outdoor experience for people of all ages and abilities. 

 

The Upper Peninsula

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula boasts a wide range of wild areas to explore. From waterfalls and remote beaches to wildlife sightings, you can easily find yourself enjoying the rugged nature with ancient volcanic rocks, forests and rocky Lake Superior coastlines. 

The Keweenaw Peninsula, the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park and Tahquamenon Falls are three areas you don’t want to miss in your adventures. 

 

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore 

Nestled along the Lake Superior shoreline sits the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Known for its beautiful cliffs and vistas, there are approximately 100 miles worth of trails to explore and appreciate nature. 

Bringing your furry companion does limit your access to the backcountry trails, so we trekked from Miners Castle down along the small portion of the North Country Trail appreciating the sunlight filtered trees, views through the branches and crossing the Miners River before emerging from the woods to Miners Beach. 

 

Seney Wildlife Refuge

Tucked into the center of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula sits the Seney Wildlife Refuge. This was a highlight of my adventure as it is the summer home to the world’s two oldest documented Common Loons. 

Featuring a peaceful roadway between ponds, you can mosey your way through the refuge by foot, bike or car. I’d recommend driving as slow as possible or you risk missing out on spotting the local wildlife like migratory birds, beavers, turtles and resident osprey eagles. If you’re lucky, you may even spot some bears or otters. 

 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park 

Known for its towering sand dunes along Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park is a popular site for people from all over the world to visit. Aside from the miles of sandy beaches and scenic drive, you can take a leisurely walk along the Empire Bluff Trail for a scenic overlook of the famous sand dunes. 

 

What’s the biggest takeaway of doing a nature road trip? Slow down. Adventuring takes time and being in a hurry to check off that nature spot can leave you feeling rushed and missing out on fully appreciating nature. 

Places we didn’t get to explore, but would recommend: 

• Indiana Dunes National Park 

• Isle Royale National Park 

• Door County, Wisconsin 

• Nachusa Grasslands, Illinois 

• Apostle Islands, Wisconsin 

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Katie Fellows is assistant communication specialist for the Lake Union Conference.