Scenes from a Michigan Summer

We hope you have had some time to have some fun this summer. It's been hot and muggy for sure, but the mornings have been cool enough to get out for some good rides at Island Lake and Maybury. The evenings have been cool enough to enjoy ice cream and fireworks with family in Glennie, or sitting at the beach at Petoskey State Park marveling at the beauty of the sunset over the harbor. 

We have also enjoyed connecting with friends at outdoor concerts in downtown Farmington, including one of our favorites-Ralph's World. Ralph put on an amazing show engaging the entire crowd of toddlers to senior citizens with his witty, bouncy tunes and generous heart. A true delight. 

One of our favorite things to do is reflect on some of the memories we have been making and here are just a few we want to share with you. What are the  wonderful scenes from your Michigan Summer? 

Biking at Maybury State Park

If you are fortunate to have your bikes with you on your vacation, your family might enjoy heading over to Maybury State Park located in the western suburb of Northville. This former TB sanitorium is now a recreation wonderland with over 900 acres of play areas, trails, paths and woodlands. 

A recent Saturday morning we were up and out the door early for a ride at Maybury. There are two options for bikers-the Mountain Bike Trail and the paved bike path. 

The mountain bike trail is intermediate, according to the Mountain Bike Trail Project

For us, it it a bit on the challenging side and we were looking for something a bit more leisurely. There are only about 4 miles of paved trail, but you can loop back through either the entire path or smaller spurs to add length to the ride. Early in the morning it is usually not terribly crowded and this morning was no exception, even the though the weather was fantastic- low 80's and sunny, although a bit humid. 

There is one long hill on the Beck Road side that may require a bit of walking, depending on your fitness level. No problem, it will probably only be the last 50-75 meters that require disembarking and before you know it you'll be saddled up and ready to finish the ride. 

It is pleasant because there are several places along the way to stop for a rest break, maybe to sit in the shade and eat an apple. 

Families with young children might like to ride from the Eight Mile Parking lot down the path to the left of the comfort station and within 1 mile there is a nice little playground. 

If you are looking for a great way to stretch your legs and burn off some of the delicious dessert from the night before, check it out!

Michigan Springtime

Traveling in Michigan in the springtime is truly amazing. The weather has been sunny, mid 60's and blue skies dotted with gorgeous white clouds. 

Being able to get outside and enjoy recreation with the family has been a gift. 

The flowers are rising from their long slumber in places like Kensington Metro Park, Maybury State Park, and the Environmental Interpretive Center at the University of Michigan Dearborn. 

A touch of green-oh so welcome this spring in Michigan!

We had a delightful weekend  getting outside to ride at Kensington Metro Park. The air was cool in the shade and a bit windy, but we had a great time, seeing the sun reflecting off of Kent Lake, glimpsing a swan nesting just off the shore line. 

The weekend before we spent time at Greenfield Village and saw many more glimpses of spring, including lambs just a few hours old. Taking the time to see the sights in southeastern Michigan this time of year even for a long weekend or a day trip is truly family travel time at its most memorable. 

What do you love about springtime in Michigan?

Walking Maybury

On a delightfully sunny April morning in southeastern Michigan the best way to explore is on foot. The Metro Detroit region has an abundance of walking spots to suit many families needs and one of the finest is Maybury State Park located in suburban Northville, Michigan. 

It is 900 plus acres situated on a former TB Sanitorium. Remnants of its former purpose are subtly interwoven into the the landscape. There are informational signs that describe the past purpose of certain sections of pavement and open spaces, which the curious minded and history fans will find delightful. 

These are non-obtrusive and one might walk for quite a while and become lost in the beauty of the trees, hills and meadows. 

This is a multi-purpose area and has challenging mountain bike trails, horse trails, a paved walk/run trail and several miles of well-marked dirt paths. 

A simple out and back walk on the paved path leading from the comfort station off the Eight Mile Road entrance could take one 15-20 minutes. One could walk the entire unpaved path over the course of several hours and quite easily forget one is in the midst of a well-populated suburban locale, the distant road noise is usually quite diminished, especially towards the center of the park. Although, it is faintly audible during various points of the day, the road noise generally is quite unobtrusive. 

Many families with younger children enjoy the paved paths which are easier for strollers or smaller legs. There are a few simple playground structures within the park so children can play and parents can picnic and let the beauty of nature perform its healing wonders. 

The cost of admission to any of Michigan's state parks is approximately less than a meal for two at a fast food restaurant and affords a family a year's worth of access. 

Please note there is no camping here and one likely would not travel to this area simply to see it. Still, it provides a wonderful respite to many locals and families seeking nature and exercise in the western suburbs of Detroit might find it quite pleasing. 

There is a small farm that is no longer affiliated with the state park that is located adjacent to the grounds off of the Eight Mile exit that some young children may enjoy. There is a separate fee for the farm. More information can be found at the Northville Community Foundation website at http://www.northvillecommunityfoundation.org/

For more information please see the Maybury State Park link at the Michigan DNR site, or the Friends of Maybury at http://www.friendsofmaybury.org/