National Lands: Michigan

Empire Bluffs Trail view of Sleeping Bear Dunes. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Isle Royale National Park is an island in Lake Superior. Visitors can access the park only by ferry or seaplane unless they have their own watercraft. The island is remote so travelers should be well prepared with plenty of supplies. They should also be aware of weather conditions. Interstate 75 will take drivers to northern Michigan, but that is it. Pictured Rocks National Seashore is also in Northern Michigan. The area is located on the shore of Lake Superior. The area has cliffs, sand dunes, waterfalls and forests. The lakeshore is 40 miles long. Once again, Interstate 75 will take visitors to the northern part of the state, but it is not close to this area. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is on Lake Michigan in the northwest corner of Lower Michigan. Interstate 75 is to the east, but not close. Miles of beach with hiking and biking trails are available and dunes are waiting to be climbed. The area has amazing scenery and is well worth the drive.

Keweekaw National Historic Park is in the very northwest tip of the state of Michigan. The visitor center is in Calumet. No interstate gets close to this area which features information about mining copper in the area. Hiking, biking, kayaking and winter snow sports are available. The North Country National Scenic Trail covers seven states. In Michigan the trail runs along the western side of Lower Michigan and across Upper Michigan. River Raisin National Battlefield is in the southeastern corner of the state on Lake Erie. The area is just north of Toledo, Ohio. Interstate 75 provides direct access. The 1813 battle here ended with an Indian victory. Museum displays and biking and hiking trails are available. The Motor Cities National Heritage Area is in Detroit. This area consists of many sites, so advance planning is necessary. The area, which covers over 10,000 miles, celebrates the history of the automobile and its impact on history.