[darstar]

Originally Posted by perfectwanda1

Traveled all over the U.P. this summer and I just gotta say.....Michigan is awesome! After watching all the news about the fires and drought across the country, I have a greater appreciation for the great lake state. We have such a bounty of fresh water and it is beautiful. We LOVE Munising. We bring lunch with us and sit at a picnic table along the beach of Lake Superior that is open and free to the public. You can walk the pier, walk along Lake Superior and watch the boats launching for the Picture Rocks Tour. Many times there have been street fairs and musicians playing along the strip that adds to the enjoyment. Again.....all free. There are clean public restrooms and anything else you may need or want is within walking distance. Just awesome! Oh....and another "must do" on a Michigan list is Presque Isle Park in Marquette. The park and natural beauty will take your breath away. Be sure to park as soon as you enter the park across from the harbor. Either walk or bike the path through the park (it is drivable but a very narrow lane that is one-way). The rock formations along with the beauty of Lake Superior will take your breath away. It also is free and PURE MICHIGAN!

Yes , Our Presque Isle City Park is or has been a best kept secret for many many years here in Marquette. The drive through the park to Sunset Point several evenings a week, can be breath taking. Reminds me of Key West some days, depending on the right cloud formation. The trails along the shore are a requirement at least once.No sand beach ( except in a local secret area),but the 50 foot high bluffs are a site to behold, as is all of the Park. You may see bear, Moose, deer, at anytime, and , you are in the city limits of the largest city in the UP. Our park shares the distinction as being designed by Fred Olmsted , who also did Central Park in NYCY, and the Biltmore in Asheville , NC. Fred was Americas first naturalist/ conservationist landscape forester .

[michigan83]

Originally Posted by darstar

Yes , Our Presque Isle City Park is or has been a best kept secret for many many years here in Marquette. The drive through the park to Sunset Point several evenings a week, can be breath taking. Reminds me of Key West some days, depending on the right cloud formation. The trails along the shore are a requirement at least once.No sand beach ( except in a local secret area),but the 50 foot high bluffs are a site to behold, as is all of the Park. You may see bear, Moose, deer, at anytime, and , you are in the city limits of the largest city in the UP. Our park shares the distinction as being designed by Fred Olmsted , who also did Central Park in NYCY, and the Biltmore in Asheville , NC. Fred was Americas first naturalist/ conservationist landscape forester .

Very cool info Darstar. I'm going to be in the UP in October. First time in a decade that I've been up there. I am really looking forward to it, hopefully I can check out Presque Isle Park.

[joemits]

Originally Posted by darstar

Our park shares the distinction as being designed by Fred Olmsted , who also did Central Park in NYCY, and the Biltmore in Asheville , NC. Fred was Americas first naturalist/ conservationist landscape forester .

Interesting enough Fred's advice was to "keep it in its natural state." The irony being that though the park was designed by the world famous landscape architect, he thankfully followed his own advice and did very little to the park

[xcalgal]

We ended up renting a place for 22 of us in the Leelenau penninsula in 2013. We are looking forward to it! We also will probably go to Mackinaw for a couple of days too. Thanks everyone.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by joemits

Interesting enough Fred's advice was to "keep it in its natural state." The irony being that though the park was designed by the world famous landscape architect, he thankfully followed his own advice and did very little to the park

Take a look at Central Park for an even greater example,considering that its surrounded by the largest City in the Country. If you have been to the Biltmore, much of the same apply , however much was wished by the landowner which resulted in greater man made landscaping, but only in a small part of several thousands of acres among the largest private house in the land.It was duty bound as seen by its famous residents, the Vanderbilt's for their summer home and the entertainment of hundreds of guests almost daily. hence, the Grove Park Inn , maybe Americas most dramatic lodging then and now as well.

[michmoldman]

Originally Posted by perfectwanda1

Traveled all over the U.P. this summer and I just gotta say.....Michigan is awesome! After watching all the news about the fires and drought across the country, I have a greater appreciation for the great lake state. We have such a bounty of fresh water and it is beautiful. We LOVE Munising. We bring lunch with us and sit at a picnic table along the beach of Lake Superior that is open and free to the public. You can walk the pier, walk along Lake Superior and watch the boats launching for the Picture Rocks Tour. Many times there have been street fairs and musicians playing along the strip that adds to the enjoyment. Again.....all free. There are clean public restrooms and anything else you may need or want is within walking distance. Just awesome! Oh....and another "must do" on a Michigan list is Presque Isle Park in Marquette. The park and natural beauty will take your breath away. Be sure to park as soon as you enter the park across from the harbor. Either walk or bike the path through the park (it is drivable but a very narrow lane that is one-way). The rock formations along with the beauty of Lake Superior will take your breath away. It also is free and PURE MICHIGAN!

You said it!!

[Luzette]

I've got a greater appreciation for Michigan as well after this summer of drought. I'd never survive mentally in a state with extreme drought year after year...not to mention wildfires all the time. I love all our fresh water both Great Lakes and smaller lakes.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by michmoldman

You said it!!

Nothing beats the UP , hands down !

[Perferator]

We spent our vacation in Paradise

It's where you go when you live in a vacationland.

[darstar]

Originally Posted by Perferator

We spent our vacation in Paradise

It's where you go when you live in a vacationland.

Every time I hear the word " Paradise" I am reminded of the song a few years ago by James House. His reference was a story of a couple moving west during hard times, yet, they never made it all the way,cause the "truck up and died", so , the finish of that liner was they were " a mile shy of paradise". I use that remark often these days..