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

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1 Sep 2014

Fall Traveling Ideas

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

A great article about how to celebrate the new fall season. “Seasonal musts” include ghost hunting, with tips on where the best frights can be found. Locations to observe the fall foliage are highlighted, along with recommendations for weekend getaway and enjoying nature warming up at the fire pit.