4 Oct 2014

Escanaba, MI Daytrip: Van Cleve Park in Gladstone, Michigan

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Just up the road from Escanaba is Gladstone, Michigan. Gladstone is a smaller town with the Van Cleve Park: a wonderful park on Lake Michigan. The park runs along Lake Michigan for almost a mile, and gives you a variety of experiences: picnic tables with great lake views, baseball fields, basketball courts, a skateboard area, and a huge kids playground - all along the long lake beach.

There is also a small light house you can visit (you can't go in, though), and you can meander up and down the pier next to the light house.

Be sure to look into the rocks next to the pier. When I was there, there was a family of mink scurrying all over these rocks. And, according to the locals, they appear to have permanent homes in the rocks. Unfortunately, I was not able to capture a picture — they are way too fast. I understand that they will eat out of your hand if you have a treat like a piece of fish. I don't know if I would try that - mink can bite.

Michigan Folk Art

Don't miss going to the north end of the park to look at the collection of mission folk art.

This is a collection of figures that were created around 1910. Each figure represents an actual Native American known by the people of the area at that time.

The Native American community around here believes that the figures continue to carry the very spirit of the people they portray. It is a very special feeling to just stand in front of them - they are amazing. More amazing is that they continue to be in good condition, even though they are in a public park.

All in all - the park makes for a wonderful way to see yet another face of Lake Michigan.

Destinations

Michigan

Escanaba, MI

Wandering While Working: Escanaba, MI

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Smaller towns are great to visit, as you can be a tourist without spending a lot of time driving from place to place, and you don't have to pay exorbitant parking fees.

5 Oct 2014

Escanaba, Michigan: Sunset Lodge

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

For great lodging in Escanaba, MI - skip the usual hotels and go to The Sunset Lodge. You wll find a comfortable room, a good location (just up the road from downtown Escanaba), and great owners - all at a decent price.

1 Oct 2014

Escanaba, Michigan: Swedish Pantry

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

If you have never had Swedish pancakes (and other Swedish foods) - you must go to the Swedish Pantry in Escanaba, MI. And, if you have had Swedish food, you won't be dissapointed with the wonderful Swedish food from the Swedish Pantry. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that all will enjoy - no matter what your heritage is..

1 Oct 2014

Escanaba, MI: Sand Point Lighthouse

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

This article talks about Sand Point Lighthouse, a lighthouse on Lake Michigan in Escanaba, Michigan. It talks about the history of the lighthouse, and gives details on how to get more information. In addition, it provides several pictures of the lighthouse.