Porcupine Mountains Wilderness
I spent time exploring the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park — one of the Midwest’s last true wilderness areas. From hiking the rugged trails down to Mirror Lake and spotting wild mushrooms along the way, to scrambling down rocks for a closer look at Nawadaha Falls, it was a day full of solitude, damp forest air, and quiet moments deep in the woods.
Quincy Copper Mine — Houghton, Michigan
I spent the late afternoon exploring the fascinating Quincy Mine above Hancock, Michigan — a place known as “Old Reliable” for its rich copper deposits and long history. From a quiet morning by Portage Lake to descending deep into Level 7 of the mine, I learned how miners once carved out a life in this dangerous industry, working by candlelight and fighting for better conditions. The old hoist houses, rusted ore cars, and wildflowers tell the story of a bygone boomtown — one you can still feel echoing through the dark tunnels today.
Canyon Falls, Cinnamon Rolls
A quiet morning hiking through Canyon Falls — a short, lush trail along the Sturgeon River, with mossy rocks, twisting roots, and the rush of water dropping into Michigan’s hidden ‘Grand Canyon.
Pictured Rocks Kayaking Adventure
I spent the day paddling right up against the towering cliffs of Pictured Rocks, slipping into hidden caves, watching cormorants lift off in flocks, and feeling just how alive and ever-changing these ancient sandstone walls really are. There’s no better way to experience Lake Superior’s wild shoreline than from the seat of a kayak.
Waterfalls, Shipwrecks, and Wandering the Shores of Munising
Waterfalls, hidden shipwrecks, and a quiet hike along Lake Superior made my day in Munising feel like an unexpected treasure. I ended the night camped in the Hiawatha National Forest, full of fresh air, good photos, and that feeling of peaceful exhaustion that comes after a long day exploring.
Kitch-iti-kipi and Manistique, Michigan
After a morning exploring an unusual siphon bridge and an old waterworks in Manistique, I stumbled into a peaceful detour that led to hours of unexpected macro photography with electric-blue damselflies. Eventually, I made it to Kitch-iti-kipi, where crystal-clear waters and lazy trout made for one of the most magical moments of the trip. I finished the day camped by Indian Lake with Starlink streaming under a canopy of trees.
Cut River Bridge and Trails
A quiet morning drive led me to the Cut River Bridge — a hidden Michigan gem where I wandered the scenic foot trail, captured a few photos, and soaked in the view of the gorge and Lake Michigan far below.
Tunnel of Trees, a Hot Dog, and Michigan 4th of July
Driving Michigan’s Tunnel of Trees on the 4th of July felt like slipping into a green tunnel where Lake Michigan peeks through the leaves. I explored the historic Saint Ignatius Church and its old Odawa graves, stood at the foot of the Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and caught the Mackinac Bridge glowing at dusk. I wrapped up the day with a simple hot dog in town — a small tribute to family and summer traditions.
Traverse City: A Trail Day
I spent the whole day exploring Traverse City on two wheels—cruising scenic bike paths, wandering lakefront neighborhoods, sampling good coffee, helping a kid fix his bike chain, and soaking up the vibe of the Cherry Festival (with surprisingly few cherries). Sometimes the simplest days on the trail turn out to be the best.
Point Betsie and Drive to Cherry Festival
Stocking up at Meijer(super market), wandering Point Betsie Lighthouse with my camera, and settling in for the Traverse City Cherry Festival — one stop at a time.
A Day in Huron-Manistee: Adjusting Screws
Tucked among the perfectly straight pines in the cool hush of Huron-Manistee, I spent a quiet day tightening loose screws, cleaning up the van, and soaking in the shade. No big adventures, just the simple satisfaction of small tasks, good coffee, and the peaceful company of the forest.
Idlewild, Jones Ice Cream, and a Quiet Forest Night
A day of wandering backroads led me through Idlewild’s historic roots, a stop for the richest ice cream at Jones in Baldwin, and finally a calm night alone under the pines of the Huron-Manistee National Forest.