West Michigan Museums
West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.
Photos by the North Country Trail Association
It’s the longest hiking trail in the United States, stretching over seven states from New York to North Dakota. It’s the 4,600 mile North Country Trail. Created in 1980, the trail has 1,000 miles running through Michigan. The Spirit of the Woods Conservation Club is responsible for maintaining the 78-mile section of the North Country National Scenic Trail which passes through the Huron-Manistee National Forest. This chapter regularly holds hikes and work sessions to maintain the trail.
As the trail exits Ohio and enters southeastern Michigan, it veers toward the western side of the state. Entering the Manistee National Forest between Big Rapids and New Era, it continues its northerly path west of Baldwin, east of Manistee and south of Traverse City. It continues up past Harbor Springs, Petoskey, Mackinaw City and traverses the entire Upper Peninsula before crossing into Wisconsin.
The North Country Trail is primarily for hikers, where you can experience the beauty of the Manistee National Forest. Here you’re surrounded by pine hardwood trees and are treated to great views along the Manistee River Trail. Spring, summer, and fall are when hikers and bikers populate the trail. During the winter, you’ll find cold weather sports enthusiasts who use the trail for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
North Country Trail Association, Headquarters and Trail Shop
229 E. Main St., Lowell, MI 49331
(616) 897-5987 | (866) 445-3628 (toll free)
West Michigan boasts numerous museums to learn about the area’s rich history and to expand knowledge through activities and exhibits.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes has miles of sand trails and hills, where hikers are rewarded at the end with spectacular views of Lake Michigan.
A magnificent display of color; the Northern Lights can be viewed at the right time of year at the right place in West Michigan!
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The Traverse City area has several arts and crafts fairs scheduled throughout the year, offering many unique handcrafted items.
The Hart-Montague Bike Trail consists of 22.5 miles of paved paths for biking, snowmobiling, skating and more!
Before you make a splash in Lake Michigan, check out the water temperatures for beaches from Manistee, Ludington, Pentwater, and Silver Lake.
West Michigan is home to numerous artists with so many different talents. Groovy music, vivid paintings, gorgeous photography, and more!
Get some fresh air and exercise during those cold winter months when you hit the Pentwater Pathway for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
A site to behold along Lake Michigan, these structures with a rich history give both a sense of safety and a beautiful site.
Much of West Michigan is bicycle-friendly, and you’ll find many nice paths on which to ride. It’s great exercise with great scenery to enjoy.
The Ramsdell Regional Center for the Arts is a cultural center in West Michigan and plays an integral part in Manistee’s history.
Take one of the most scenic drives in the nation as you travel across M-22 in West Michigan. A long winding road of adventure awaits!
Find artifacts, photographs, and lots of information and stories about the rich history of Pentwater at this historic museum!