Michigan is a beautiful state with huge lakes and lush forests. It’s only natural that it’s national parks and lakeshores are a great way to take a view into what the Great Lakes state has to offer. Here are Michigan’s three most visited national parks, and what makes each of them so special.
Surrounded by Lake Superior, Isle Royale is the largest National park in Michigan. Not only that, it is quite literally an isolated island full of hiking trails and viewing opportunities. Be cautioned to bring your own water, though, as lakes are currently experiencing an algae bloom that may be harmful to inject.
Pictured Rocks is a national lakeshore, also running along Lake Superior. It boasts colored rocks with beautiful patterns, rightfully earning it its name. The surrounding area has 20 unique waterfalls open to the public, several of them being in the park, and other surrounding the nearby town of Munising.
Sleeping Bear Dunes carries the history of a story treasured in Michigan. A mother bear and her two cubs set out to cross a lake to escape from a forest fire. However, both of the cubs were unable to make it across the lake, and the mother sat waiting at the shore. The great spirit created two islands to represent the two cubs, and a dune where the mother sat waiting for her children. These landmarks can still be seen while hiking through impressive trails.
This article was written by Jessica Bradke from the Live in Michigan Club in Troy High School