Hike the Upper Peninsula in Michigan

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is one of the most underrated beautiful areas to explore. Hiking Michigan’s Upper Peninsula trails are something that the entire family can partake in. With the abundance of spectacular hiking trails, waterfalls, and hidden gems that can be found, you will have a fabulous weekend exploring Mother Nature’s playground. Here are some of my favorite hidden gems on trails to discover in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

My favorite accessible waterfalls are in one of Michigan’s 103 State Parks, Tahquamenon Falls State Park. A little over an hour from Mackinac Bridge, you can find fantastic hiking trails and some of the most beautiful waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. The North Country Trail travels 16 miles within the park, including a 4-mile trail between the Upper and Lower Falls. Part of the trail along the river is a boardwalk near the Lower Tahquamenon Falls, a series of five smaller cascading waterfalls around an island that can be reached by rowboat and a newly constructed bridge on the south side of the island.

The Upper Tahquamenon Falls is almost 50 feet tall and over 200 feet across, with over 50,000 gallons of water cascading over the edge of the ancient sandstone. The coppery-colored water is from the natural tannins leached from vegetation near the river, which you can see up close after following a short-paved trail to the 90+ steps to get down to the edge. Watch out; you might get wet from the mist rising around you.

Pictured Rocks Bed & Breakfast

The Tahquamenon Falls State Park has a campground where you can stay, but there is more to see in the U.P., and staying in the heart of it would put you in Munising. Munising is where you will find breathtaking scenery while enjoying fabulous hiking trails, waterfalls upon waterfalls, and spectacular sights of the colorful Pictured Rocks. The best place to stay overnight in Munising is the Pictured Rocks Bed & Breakfast, providing views that make you think you are directly on Lake Superior’s Munising Bay. Pictured Rocks B&B makes a great jumping-off point for day hikes due to three amazing waterfalls within walking distance and being close to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Sandstone cliffs, beaches, waterfalls, and a magnificent shoreline are a few things you will find at the Pictured Rocks National

By Heather Raulerson

Lakeshore, along with over 100 miles of hiking trails. One trail, in particular, is Lakeshore North Country National Scenic Trail, a 42.4-mile trail between Munising and Grand Marais. This trail is one that I recommend but on a much shorter distance. The hiking trail from Munising Falls is wellmarked with a 3-mile wooded path that will take you to Miners Castle, the most famous landmark in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

This path is one of pure splendor, waterfalls flowing down sandstone cliffs and glimpses of turquoise waters 200 feet below will have you temporarily thinking you are in the Caribbean. This is the magnificent beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Pro Tip: It is recommended that you use a shuttle service, Altran Alger County Transit, at the beginning of your trip, where you park your car at Miners Castle, take a shuttle to Munising Falls and hike back to your vehicle.

After a full day of hiking, head to the Dogpatch in Munising, home of the Legendary Vittles. They offer a huge food selection, including soup and salad Bar, country breakfasts, seafood, steaks, and sandwiches. You can’t go wrong ordering anything in this restaurant, the fish dinners are tasty, and the burgers will fill you up. Don’t be surprised if you have to wait for a table as this place gets busy in the evening as the Pictured Rocks sunset cruises dock.

It takes about two hours to reach Canyon Falls in L’Anse from Munising. Canyon Falls Roadside Park is 15 miles south of L’Anse on US 41. There is plenty of park-

ing at the roadside park. The scenic trail starts at the parking lot with a boardwalk leading into the woods. It is an easy trail for a family, but be careful of the tree roots, boulders, and uneven boardwalk planks.

In approximately half a mile, you reach a gorgeous view of a series of rapids and small waterfalls on the Sturgeon River. Most people turn back here, but if you have the time go further on the trail, which becomes more naturalistic. As you follow the river deeper into the woods, you will eventually come across Canyon Falls. Canyon Falls is considered the ‘Grand Canyon of the U.P.’ with the fast-moving river flowing over a 30-foot large chute of smooth black slate going directly into a 300-foot-deep box canyon. This magnificent trek is a 3.9-mile round trip and takes almost an hour and a half to complete.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a nature adventure waiting for you once you drive over the Mackinac Bridge. Whether you discover the trails that lead you to see amazing sights like Miners Castle at the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, rapids in Canyon Gorge, or the largest waterfall east of the Mississippi (besides Niagara Falls), Tahquamenon Falls, there is something for the entire family. Just remember, up here, we “Take Nothing but Pictures, Leave Nothing but Footprints.”

BOONVILLE - The Ford tractor and farm equipment will receive the honors at the 59th Annual Back to the Farm Reunion when it takes place in September. Ford tractors, cars, trucks, and Fordson tractors will be featured.

The Ford-Fordson Collectors Association, Inc. has scheduled their national show in conjunction with the event. These events will take place Sept. 8-11 at the Brady Farmstead Showgrounds. They are being hosted and organized by the Missouri River Valley Steam Engine Association. Families who attend may learn more about the equipment with various ongoing demonstrations. There will be blacksmithing, threshing and rock crushing with steam, straw baling, lumber sawing, and historical life skills. The children can enjoy a train ride and petting zoo. Don’t miss out on the themed tractor games Saturday.

The parades of power occur each day at 1 p.m. You won’t want to miss the tractor cruise on Friday at 8 a.m. This cruise will travel approimately 39 miles and lunch will be provided. Thre is a separate entry fee of $30 due before Aug. 31 which will include a show button and wrist band for admission to the show. For more information, contact Marty or Paula James at 660-838-6000.

Any of the three truck and tractor pulls are also popular events. There will also be a garden tractor pull Thursday evening at 7 p.m. and a kiddie pedal pull on Sunday at the Brady Faramouse.

The historical Brady home was built on the farmstead in 1870. Atlas and Liz Brady purchased the farmstead in 1917 and it remained in the Brady family until it was graciously donated to the MRSEAVFood concessions will be on hand to keep your appetite in check. It has been fully restored to demonstrate the ways of farmlife in the early 1900s. New this year is a lovely handmade quilt exhibit at the Brady Farmhouse.

Plan to come and stay as camping is available. It’s not too early to start planning for this great extended weekend getaway now. For more information, visit the https:// mrvsea.com/

Boonville’s River, Rails, & Trails Museum & Visitor’s Center is located in the heart of the historic Depot District, right next to the Boonville Katy Trail head at 100 East Spring St. Thismuseum features exhibits on Boonville’s rich transportation history.

Some exhibits include: a half scale replica Keel Boat, wagons, steamboat artifacts, model train displays and lots of train memorabilia and much more! The location offers easy access to many exciting attractions, restaurants, and shops! Located just across the street you can find the beautiful Katy Depot, Katy Caboose, Champion Bicycle, the Isle of Capri Casino, and the iconic Katy Bridge!

When you visit, notice you are also within walking distance to the Antique Mitchell Motor Car Museum and historic downtown. From maps, tours, and visitor guides to driving directions and restaurant suggestions, the staff at the Visitor Center will help you plan your stay!

The visitors center side features lots of brochures and information for the area and some great souvenirs for the Katy trail and Boonville. For those traveling on the trail there are snacks, and beverages for sale to recharge and a seating area to rest or wait for rest of your party.

Hours the museum is open areMonday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m .year round, and 10 am – 2 p.m. Saturday and Sundays April through October. For more, see https://goboonville.com/rivers-rails-trails-museum/

Experience beauty and versatility! Bring your bike, your horse or your buddy on the Katy.

Welcome to Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed railtrail in the country. Katy Trail State Park attracts people of all ages and interests. Whether you are a bicyclist, walker, equestrian, nature lover or history buff, the trail offers opportunities for recreation, a place to enjoy nature and an avenue to discover the past.

The park, built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT or Katy), is 240 miles long and runs between Clinton and Machens with 26 trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way. The section of trail between Cooper County and St. Charles County has been designated as an official segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Katy Trail is also part of the American Discovery Trail, has been designated as a Millennium Legacy Trail and was added to the Railsto-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame in 2008.

Trail users have the opportunity to wind through some of the most scenic areas of the state with the majority of the trail closely following the Missouri River. The park also takes users through a slice of rural history as it meanders through the small towns that once thrived along the railroad corridor and reflect the rich heritage of Missouri. Information at the trailheads makes a ride or walk on the Katy not only a healthy adventure, but also an educational one.

Photos by John Arnwine

CLAY CENTER - Among all the scheduled activities of the Old Trusty Antique and Collectors Show, a favorite organized by Larry Overy is the annual trail ride on authentic farm wagons pulled by horses.

“It gives the kids a true idea of what it was like to be on a farm back in the day and it brings back a lot of good memories for the older folks,” said Larry.

As a rule, there are usually 1012 owners of horses and wagons The rides are free other than the overall regular $7 show admission. However, it is best if those wishing to join in the fun should call ahead and make reservations. Larry asks that you call 402-7712585 to reserve your spot.

Paying tribute to the Allis-Chalmers tractors and equipment as well as scale model engines, the organzation is also hosting the Gathering of the Orange.

You can experience and learn about other farm activities like threshing, plowing, a sawmill in motion, the work of blacksmiths, and more. Join in the fun of the kids pedal pull, a draft horse and mule show, as well as adult stock antique tractor pull. Tractors for this event must be 1959 models or older.

Now you won’t go away hungry because a country BBQ dinner will be available on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Multiple food vendors will be available.

The planned live musical entertainment selected is second to none this year. Saturday night at 7 p.m. the Bobby Lane Orchestra will perform. Justin Kane takes the stage Sunday at 11 a.m. Country music hits recently hitting the playlist are Cowgirl Crazy, Our Flag is for the Fallen, and Match I Want A Light.

For more information, call Kevin Roback at 402-984-2897 or visit https://www.oldtrusty.org/