West Michigan Lighthouses
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Photos by the North Country Trail Association
It’s the longest hiking trail in the United States, stretching over seven states from New York to North Dakota. It’s the 4,600 mile North Country Trail. Created in 1980, the trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan. The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club is responsible for maintaining the 78-mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail which passes through the Huron-Manistee National Forest. This chapter regularly holds hikes and work sessions to maintain the trail.
As the trail exits Ohio and enters southeastern Michigan, it veers toward the western side of the state. Entering the Manistee National Forest between Big Rapids and New Era, it continues its northerly path west of Baldwin, east of Manistee and south of Traverse City. It continues up past Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Mackinaw City and traverses the entire Upper Peninsula before crossing into Wisconsin.
The North Country Trail is primarily for hikers, where you can experience the beauty of the Manistee National Forest. Here you’re surrounded by pine hardwood trees and are treated to great views along the Manistee River Trail. Spring, summer, and fall are when hikers and bikers populate the trail. During the winter, you’ll find cold weather sports enthusiasts who use the trail for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
North Country Trail Association, Headquarters and Trail Shop
229 E. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331
(616) 897-5987 | (866) 445-3628 (toll free)
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Standing tall and proud along the shores of Lake Michigan, Point Betsie marks the southern entrance to the Manitou Passage.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
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The Pere Marquette River area is rich with wildlife, offering great outdoors hunting and fishing opportunities.
The historical Vogue Theatre in Manistee, renovated as a modern-day movie theater, shows current movies, classic films, and family movies.
The Grand Traverse Lighthouse is situated at the end of the Leelanau Peninsula within, about eight miles north of the town of Northport.
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!
The Manistee Riverwalk follows the Manistee River from Jones Street, under the US-31 bridge, behind downtown, and ends at First Street beach.
Pere Marquette River, with it’s moderately fast current and clear water, is an extremely popular river for canoeists and kayakers.
West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.
Michigan has a public ORV trail system for four different riding opportunities–motorcycles, ATVs, ORVs, and scramble areas.