Set between two contrasting peninsulas of Michigan, Mackinaw Island represented an opportunity to visit a part of the state that I had not yet experienced. I made the drive up during the summer to witness one of the state’s most splendid tourist attractions: the island itself. Closed to automobiles, Mackinaw Island recalled back to a time when life was simpler, when traveling involved a meander on manicured pavements, passing by brightly colored buildings, overflowing floral gardens and charming window displays.

 

But for the fall, I wanted to take in the wilds of upper Michigan and explore Pictured Rocks and some of the waterfalls in that region. I had pictured the upper peninsula as being a barren location, isolated and hilly.

 

Well, part of that was true.

 

I started my journey from the Queen City and headed north along Interstate 75, passing by the Gem City, Flag City, Glass City, Tree City and ending that night at Bay City, Michigan. Finding no use in being completely wiped for the day, I located a cheap motel in the quiet town along Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron, and awaited the next morning with anticipation. At dawn, I found myself near the Bay City State Recreation Area, located north of Bay City, and basked in the morning light. Walking over to the Tobico Lagoon, I was able to capture the light as it filtered over the freshwater, coastal wetland. The cattails and grasses wallowed in the amber rays and the clear waters shimmered back reflections of the picture-perfect sky.

 

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I decided to explore more of Tobico Marsh, designated a National Natural Landmark in 1976 due to its expanse size, its unspoiled essence and its assortment of plant life. The marsh encompasses nearly 2,000 acres of wetland woods, meadows, cattail marshlands and oak savannah prairies, and is one of the largest freshwater, coastal wetlands on the Great Lakes.

 

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With the sun rising and my itch to head further north, I departed Tobico Marsh for the interstate only to stop soon after to explore the small lakes around appropriately-named Waters. I hoped onto the Au Sable Trail and some other back routes before coming onto Lynn Lake. Unfortunately, most of the great vistas were not accessible due to private land ownership, but I reached, in a roundabout manner, Otsego Lake State Park. Established in 1920, Otsego features a half-mile of white, sandy beach, 62 acres of a natural playground shaded with large oak, maple and pine trees. As an added bonus, there are some original Civilian Conservation Corp (CCC) buildings on site dating to 1935!

 

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The air was crisp, the skies were a nice blue tinge and the sand was cozy – although the temperatures were still frosty that morning. I pictured myself taking a still catnap along the shoreline as the gentle motions of the lake softly lashed against the gentle sand piles.

 

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But alas, it was time to head on north. My next stop: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore!

 

Further Reading

a. Waking Up to a Michigan Sunrise: http://www.americanbyways.com/2011/11/28/waking-up-to-a-michigan-sunrise/

b. Tobico Marsh: http://www.americanbyways.com/recreation/tobico-marsh/

c. Otsego Lake State Park: http://www.americanbyways.com/recreation/otsego-lake-state-park/

Very nice.

I too stopped at Otsego Lake on my way back, and man, that was one hell of a nice beach for being on a little lake like that! That has got to be some great swimming in the summer.

wow very nice. i used to go up there sometimes too to get the heck out of bg. wonderful area.