Colonial Michilimackinac

Treasures from the past come to life at this 18th-century fort and fur trading village. As you walk through the site, you are stepping back in time to 1776, as the American Revolution spread. Reconstructed based on historic maps and more than 60 years of archaeological excavations that continue today, Colonial Michilimackinac offers a one-of-a-kind experience from cannon and musket firings to hearth cooking and crafts.

Located on the shore of the Straits of Mackinac, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the Mackinac Bridge, the straits, and the Upper Peninsula.

https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/colonial-michilimackinac/

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Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park

Witness the power of the creek harnessed to cut timber into lumber at one of the oldest industrial sites on the Upper Great Lakes. On the Adventure Tour, explore the treetops on the Forest Canopy Bridge, soar like an eagle on the 425′ Eagle’s Flight Zip Line, and experience the layers of the forest on the five-story Treetop Discovery Tower. 

Afterward, take time to explore the natural beauty of Mill Creek State Park, which has more than three miles of groomed hiking trails. 

https://www.mackinacparks.com/parks-and-attractions/historic-mill-creek-discovery-park/

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Dark Sky Park Telescope

Headlands Dark Sky Park and Beach

Journey to the northern tip of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula to find the amazing International Dark Sky Park. Featuring spectacular views of the amazing Milky Way and countless stars above, the Headlands east of Mackinaw City offers frequent education and entertainment on site.

Harbor Springs

Harbor Springs Michigan is a jewel of North America, a small quaint town nestled in a protected harbor filled with magnificent sailboats and yachts from around the world, Harbor Springs offers a wide array of dining, shopping and adventure experiences. Harbor Springs beauty is second to none. Whether on the piers or along the shore, up the bluff, in the woods, or skydiving from above, the views are magnificent.

Harbor Springs has beaches in town (Zorn Park Beach), a dog beach (Zoll Street Beach), and by boat or paddle board you can beach at Harbor Point.

At night, Harbor Springs comes alive with bands and street life. Shop the di$tinctive downtown stores for the finest livery anywhere, as well as more casual shops and galleries for those of more modest means. Restaurants offer fine dining and cocktail atmospheres. Sandwich and pizza shops line the streets and the local movie theater hosts first run films.

The harbor offers complete marine services, repair, storage, and maintenance. Weekly sailboat races, sailing classes, resort sportsmen and grand yachts worthy of Monaco Harbor make the vista from shore a splendor unequaled. Harbor Springs host racers and crews for the Mackinac races as well as the local Ugotta Regatta. The namesake beach is a lovely summer spot to catch some rays and dip in Lake Michigan where you can feel the ice cold springs cool your feet as you swim.

Harbor Springs presents an Art Fair and one of the most spectacular Fourth of July Celebration events in the country. Weekly Shopper’s Nights include lining the streets with buskers and bands so music mixes with the wafting smells of fresh sweets and magnificent treats of the ice cream and specialty stores.

For bikes, classic vehicles, and family rides, Harbor Springs in the jump off point for the fabulous Tunnel of Trees Tour, or spend the day in the inland villages for the Antique Treasure Hunt Tour. Harbor Springs is a stones throw from golf, frisbee golf, nature trails, zip lines and mountain parks. With boat rentals, skate park, a small airport and skydiving, Harbor Springs offers something for everyone.

Start (or end) in Harbor Springs to take a beautiful ride along the Sacred Coast north, home of the famous Spirit Cove and Tunnel of Trees.

https://www.cityofharborsprings.com

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Pellston History

See the Pellston Village Hall page for village services.

At the end of the 19th century Pellston was a Metropolitan center of a railroad and logging empire that spanned from Cincinnati to the Upper Peninsula. Vast lumberyards processed mountains of logs, which were shipped back to lower Michigan and to rebuild after the great Chicago fire.

Eventually, the trees in the area were scoured to the ground, so much so that the University of Michigan established a camp for engineers where they could learn surveying easily because there was clear line site between the barren hills.  When the trees came back, the survey camp became a biological station.

In the 1930’s a series of fires destroyed the mills and most of the town of Pellston. Today the surviving downtown buildings house Antiques Art & Collectibles, one of the most beautiful antiques stores in the world, which provides an anchor for five other antique stores in town.  Other businesses cater to travelers and locals looking for provisions, food and supplies.

When the log mill dam was removed in the 1940’s the beautiful Maple River could flow naturally.  The river trails in Pellston now provide a beautiful walk through the woods alongside the stream and tannin color red falls.  A haven for fishermen and nature lovers, with “walk around town” access to groceries, bank, hardware store, post office, and provisions,  Pellston is a beautiful and convinient place to live, work, shop and play.  

Businesses looking to locate in Northern Michigan will find in Pellston offers robust local economy not only as Northern Michigan’s premier antique-hunting destination, but also with customers from the busy US-31  (6000+ car a day) corridor, from the seasonal cottage owners and visitors,  from the airport and manufacturing operations, and from sport and leisure seekers from far and wide.

Home to the Pellston Airport and industrial enterprise zone, featuring automotive manufacturing; Beef Jerky, Sauces, and Spices;  Jet Service, and Industrial Farming. Pellston is one of the fastest growing communities in Northern Michigan.  

Pellston hosts a regional K-12 school facility featuring an award-winning art department, vibrant sports, robot lab, flight school, trade skills workshops, and programs for academic excellence.

Pellston is a bicycle and snowmobile trailhead for five trails that span three Great Lakes. Featuring paved and gravel trails, which are groomed to perfection for snowmobiles in the winter, Pellston is the perfect place to load up on provisions and embarking on a local or cross-Michigan trek.

Pellston offers several restaurants including the Small Town Grill, Dam Site Inn, and Douglas Lake Steakhouse, and is not far from the Maple River Pub, Hidden River Golf Club, Larks Lake Bar, Hoppies Landing at the Airport, and the Crash Landing across airport.