Hi! We'd like to show you some of our special places in Michigan. There are many wonderful things to see in our state. We know we'll never be able to show them all to you. So we will show you some of our favorites from our travels around the state.
Hidden Lake Gardens, is a place we visit several times a year. It's a beautiful, quiet place, to go for a day.
Harry Fee bought 226 acres in 1926. He wanted to farm the land, but found that it was to hilly. So instead he turned it into a beautiful garden. He turned it over to the Michigan State University in 1945. The University has since bought adjoining land and now there are 755 acres.
In spring, the flowering trees and shrubs are gorgeous. The Rhododendrons and Azaleas put on quite a show. They have a tropics conservatory, which you may walk through. There's a pond where you can sit and watch the swans. If you're into hiking, there are, five miles of hiking trails. They also have a picnic area for outings. There's more than 6 miles of paved drives, that connects the areas of interest.
In the fall it's really pretty. When the leaves are in full color, or even after they're on the ground. It's a great drive no matter what time of year you go.
There's a visitor center and library. Where you can get all the information you will need. Hidden Lake Gardens are located in Lenawee County in the Irish Hills area on M - 50. It's a great way to spend the day.
6280 West Munger Road
Tipton, Mi. 49287
Greenfield Village
Located in Dearborn, Michigan is Henry Ford Museum. We go there often, since we only live a short drive away. There are many things of interest there for us. The museum is 12 acres of anything and everything. Antique train engines and cars. They also have a 1948 Tucker Torpedo, which we have a special interest in. Preston Tucker lived and built the prototype for his Torpedo in Ypsilanti, Michigan. Our hometown! They have some presidential cars and a 1946 diner called Lamy's Diner, I like this because it has a menu, with some very cheap prices. To bad it isn't operational! They have actual working steam engines and gas engines that powered Henry Ford's factories. Doll collections and antique toys of all kinds. They also have a very nice display on Motown Records! It will take several hours to see it all!
If you visit Henry Ford Museum, you should try and see Greenfield Village,which is right next door. We actually prefer the Village. They have 81 acres of historic buildings that you may go through. Some of these buildings include: Henry Ford's Birthplace, Noah Webster's House, Thomas Edison's House and the Menlo Park Laboratory, The Wright Bros. Home and Cycle Shop, a working windmill, and many more things to see, and do! Many of the homes have people in them, dressed in period costumes, and act the part. We talked to Noah Websters wife one day! They have a carousel that you may ride, and a steamboat that you can also ride. There are many demonstrations going on all the time. Glass blowing, gardening, black smithshops, etc. They also have special events such as antique car shows, Fourth of July celebrations, concerts and more. It's really worth your time to visit Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
If you are traveling in the western side of our state, stop in and visit Holland! They have lots of interesting shops and things to see, and of course, the tulips! Some of the shops sell wooden shoes, and you can actually watch them being made. There is also an actual dutch windmill on Windmill Island, and tulips are everywhere! You can buy the Holland tulip bulbs and various other varieties of bulbs, in different shops, in the area. A short drive south will take you to South Haven. There they have more shops to browse thru, where you can find antiques and nautical items.
We'd like to begin
our journey to perhaps
one of our favorite areas of the state. The northeast
area of the lower peninsula! This is known as the
Sunrise side. We have spent a lot of
time camping in this area. Recently we were camping
in a town named Ossineke just south of Alpena. While
there we were visiting the Sturgeon Point Lighthouse
in Harrisville. We arrived shortly before closing
time. The lady working there that day was about to
close so she could get to her other job. She told us
that we could go in and look around if we would turn
off all the lights and lock up on the way out. What
an honor that was. We just wanted to stay there all
night, but probably would have been arrested!Around Alpena, Rogers City and neighboring towns. There is so much to see. If you travel Old US 23 you will follow the shores of Lake Huron. If you enjoy sandy beaches, beautiful sunrises, beautiful landscapes, and friendly people, then this area is a must see!!
Located on M33 between Comins and Fairview is the Michigan Magazine Museum. The grand opening was July 4, 1998. For those of you who don't know, Michigan Magazine is a television show broadcast on PBS in our area. On the show, Dell Vaughan and Barry Stutesman travel the roads of Michigan to find folks that do a variety of things such as woodworking, painting, ceramics, just anything and everything! On the show, they have two 15 minute segments, each featuring the talents of a person or business. We went to see the museum shortly after it opened. When we arrived we found Dell Vaughan coming down the front steps. What a surprise! He's a very nice down to earth person. We also met Barry's wife who was hosting the museum that day. She's a very nice lady! The museum showcases pieces from the folks that have been on the show. The museum also has a large back porch where they will have concerts from the talented people of Michigan. Also they built in a kitchen where they will feature cooking specials on the show. If you are ever in the area, stop by and check it out. It's well worth a look!
We've been to the Cross in the Woods, many times on our trips to the North country. It's a nice place to visit. The gardens are beauitful. It's quiet and serene. Makes for a nice afternoon. They have outdoor Mass, when the weather permits. It's only minutes off of I-75 exit 310, (Indian River, Michigan).
Kateri Tekakwitha, also known as, Lily of the Mohawks. Put crosses on the trees in the forest, symbolizing places to pray. This inspired Reverend Charles D. Brophy to make the 55 foot high cross. It is made from one Oregon redwood. It was put up in 1954. The bronze crucified Jesus was done by, Marshall M. Fredericks. It is seven tons of bronze and was put in place in 1959.
Whether you are a Christian or not, the sense of peace you get by just being there is great!
My parents bought property in the UP in 1953. I was only 3 then, so I grew up crossing the straits. Before the Big Mac and after. I remember waiting in lines of cars, for the ferries to come and take us across. As a kid I thought it was great. I can't imagine crossing that way now. I think I would like to do it for fun. But I would hate to think, it was the only way to get to the UP.
There was what I called "fish men" who would walk up and down the lines of cars selling smoked fish. We always got some and it was great to eat, while waiting for the ferries.
We watched them build the bridge and when it opened November 1, 1957, we couldn't wait to see it. My husband and I still cross it and camp in the beautiful UP. The Big Mac is a wonderful thing to see.
Big Mac crosses the 5 miles of the straits. Makes getting from lower to upper peninsula much nicer! It only takes minutes instead hours.
It took 42 months to build and it has two main towers that stands 552 feet above the straits. A good video for information is "Building the Mighty Mac" It's a good documentary.
Linda Franks & Paint Shop Pro 5
We'd love to know you were here.
