Goblin Valley State Park Utah USA

Unearthly landscapes, weirdly shaped rocks, and echoes of the past are not science fiction here in Goblin Valley State Park (Utah USA).  It is located 50 miles southwest of Green River about 12 miles off State Highway 24.   

Originally referred to as Mushroom Valley, Goblin Valley was officially designated a state park on August 24, 1964.  The park is about one mile across and two miles long (3,654 acres).  

Goblin Valley State Park is worth taking the time to visit.  It took millions of years for wind and water to create these strangely-shaped hoodoos but you can spend as much or as little time here as you wish.  

Our visit to Goblin Valley was an impromptu decision by my Hubby.  I had never seen any pictures or even heard of this State Park.  While we are driving west on Goblin Valley Road, I can't help but wonder, "What’s a goblin and what makes this State Park so special?" 

Bryce is Nice

If you ever get the chance to spend some time in southern Utah ... go for it.  There is so much to see and do.  National Parks offer scenic driving tours from the comfort of your car or get out of the car and take a hike for even more awesome landscape views and photo opportunities.  Among these spectacular parks is Bryce Canyon National Park.  

Bryce Canyon is not really a canyon but a collection of amphitheaters.  So, what’s the difference?  

A Capitol Good Idea - Visit Capitol Reef National Park

I love visiting southern Utah.  One of the main attractions is called the Grand Circle Tour.  Part of that tour includes Capitol Reef National Park.  The Park is located near the town of Torrey in south-central Utah in Wayne County (USA).  

The park was established in 1971 to preserve and protect the cultural history and rugged geological wonders of the area.  Originally called “Wayne Wonderland”, the name Capitol Reef came from two impressions: The first impression came from early settlers who thought the large white sandstone domes resembled the U.S. Capitol building.  The second impression also came from early travelers who faced the formidable barrier “reef” created by the sheer cliffs of the Waterpocket Fold (a long ridge in the Earth’s crust).  

We spend the night in Hanksville.  In the morning, we drive UT-24 to Capitol Reef National Park. 

The first historic building we see is the Behunin Cabin (built 1882).  The only thing here is the cabin and its history.  Elijah Behunin, his wife Tabitha, and 11 of their 13 children lived here in the 1890s.   We walk around this slightly larger than a postage-stamp size structure and wonder how so many people could live in this tiny cabin.  A little research reveals the answer.

Behunin Cabin

An All American Road - Scenic UT 12

Utah’s Highway 12 is a scenic drive between US-89 (near Panguitch) and Torrey (ending at UT 24).  The paved road passes through Dixie National Forest, scenic overlooks, state parks, small towns, and the Red Canyon area.  The road offers easy access to Capitol Reef National Park (near Torrey, Utah) and Bryce Canyon National Park (near US-89).  In 2002, this 124 mile stretch of road was designated an “All-American Road”.   So I asked myself, “What is an All-American Road?”

Burr-Raving the Burr Trail

Before we begin any trip we make sure our gas tank is full, our camera batteries are charged, and we have plenty of water and food.  We have a four-wheel drive jeep and my Hubby is anxious to explore some of Utah's back roads.  So, we check with the Visitor Center in Capitol Reef National Park for current road and weather conditions*. We learn the Cathedral Valley Road is impassable due to recent rains. However, both the Burr Trail and the Notom Road are passable and the weather forecast is sunny and dry.  

Our plan for today is to drive a loop route starting in Torrey at the intersection of UT-24 and UT-12 and drive south to the town of Boulder where we will turn east onto the Burr Trail and then north on the Notom-Bullfrog Road and finally west on UT-24 where we will return to Torrey.

**Map of Loop Drive

The Burr Trail was originally a rough cattle trail with elevations ranging between 3,900 to 6,675 feet. Today, the first 31 miles are paved and then it becomes a primitive dirt road for the next 22 miles and returns to a paved road for the remainder of the drive.  The ride might be bumpy in spots.  So, buckle up those seat belts because it's time to hit the trail ...

Whitefish Point - Light, Lodging, & Lake Superior

Whitefish Point Light is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula at 18335 North Whitefish Point Road, Paradise, Michigan (USA).  

Telephone:  (888) 492-3747

Since we love lighthouses, we have been to Whitefish Point numerous times – usually in April.  Spring in the Upper Peninsula (U.P. for short – because it is “UP” north from us) is unpredictable.  We have experienced a potpourri of weather from snow to fog to sunny blue skies … but that is part of the beauty of the “UP” north experience.  

Sometimes I can't help but wonder how things get their names.  So why Whitefish Point?  A quick research on the Internet provided the answer ...

The Phenomenon of Tahquamenon Falls

The 50,000 acre Tahquamenon Falls State Park is open year round and offers many recreational opportunities including camping, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and (for me) photography. 

Entrance Sign to Upper Falls

I think the Upper Tahquamenon Falls is the iconic symbol for the waterfalls in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.  They are over 200 feet across and drop nearly 50 feet making the upper falls the second largest waterfall east of the Mississippi River.  Side Note:  Niagara Falls is the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River. 

There is a large parking lot with restrooms and picnic tables.  The paved trail to an overlook is an easy quarter mile walk.  For a better view of the falls you need to continue down the trail to the stairs.

During one of our mid-April visits, it is still winter here.  The snow conditions are perfect for making snowballs  ...  I can't resist the temptation to throw one at my hubby!  

  

The snow on the trail is mushy and our feet slip-slide along the paved trail to the first overlook.  

View from the first overlook during a summer visit

We walk a little farther down the trail to a long stretch of metal steps.  I don't know why but whenever we climb stairs I count them (there are 94 of them).  They take us down to the brink of the Upper Falls.  Thankfully a work crew is just about done clearing the snow off the stairs.  So, we only have a short stretch of snow-laden steps to tackle.

Tahquamenon Falls are famous for its amber-gold color giving it the nick-name “Root Beer Falls”.  This color is caused by tannins that seeped from the cedar swamps drained by the river.   Is anyone in the mood for a root beer float?

View of the Upper Falls from the bottom of the stairs

During a summer visit, we walk to another set of steps (about 115 of them by my count) taking us down into the gorge to the river level offering a slightly different view of the falls. 

 

We return to the car and drive to the Lower Falls.  They are located four miles downstream.  

At the Lower Falls, there is a large parking lot, restrooms, and Tahquamenon Treasures (a seasonal gift shop, snack shop, and ice cream shop).

.Have some family fun with the wacky wildlife of Tahquamenon!

The Lower Falls are actually several small drops clustered along a short stretch of river that curve around an island.  During one of our mid-April visits, we are not surprised to discover the trail to them is not accessible yet.  However, during the summer, the Lower Falls can be viewed from the main trail overlook or from the island. 

Lower Falls Main Trail Overlook 

If you have the time during a summer visit, I recommend visiting the island.  Proceed down the trail and descend the stairs to the river level.  Here, you can rent row boars from the park concessionaire. We did this in 2009.  It is an easy trip across the river to the island.  We beach the boat and walk the trail around the perimeter of the island.  It is a shaded and pleasant walk with nice views of the Lower Falls in the south channel.  It's a fun family thing to do on a warm day.

During our 2018 Fourth of July visit, we took an early evening walk on the River Trail to an overlook of the Lower Falls.  The day was unseasonably warm (90F) with high humidity.  Michigan's state insect (the mosquito) was also present - we were prepared and used plenty of insect repellent.  The boardwalk trail leads us through a forest and is an easy nature walk..  

        

The view point is shaped like the letter "Y" allowing for two overlooks and two slightly different views of the falls.

We walk the trail back to the parking lot stopping for one last look at the Lower Falls before we leave.

 Main Trail to Parking Lot

We don’t get to this area very often but when we do, Tahquamenon Falls State Park is always a “must do” stop for us.  It is a phenomenal place of beauty and inspiration.  Bring your camera because every season offers a different perspective on the landscape – wildflowers blossom in the spring, summertime invites water activities, autumn is a patchwork quilt of harvest colors, and the beauty of the frozen falls in the winter is not to be missed.

Frozen Upper Falls 

Water Lily on River

Row Boat on the River

LOCATION & CONTACT INFORMATION:  Tahquamenon Falls State Park, 41382 W M-123, Paradise, Michigan (USA)   

Telephone:  (906) 492-3415

A Michigan Recreational Park Pass is required to enter this park.

Although I have never been there, I am told there is a campground.  I’ve done my share of camping in the past.  Now, I enjoy the comforts of a hotel or B&B.  The small town of Paradise does offer limited lodging and dining options.  The town of Newberry (about 21 miles south via M-123) has a broader range of options from national chain restaurants and hotels to local dining and bed & breakfast establishments.

Whitefish Point makes a good side trip to see one of Michigan's many lighthouses and a maritime museum featuring the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.  Looking for a unique place to stay?  The Crews Quarters at Whitefish Point has four guest rooms.  For more photos and information on Whitefish Point, please click on the following link:
Whitefish Point - Light, Lodging & Lake Superior

Since opinions, budgets, and preferences vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews on food and lodging.

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To start planning your memorable trip to Tahquamenon Falls State Park, please click on the following link:

Plan Your Visit - Tahquamenon Falls SP

Having a Royally Good Time - Wish You Were Here at Castle Farms

LOCATION:  5052 M-66 North, Charlevoix, Michigan (USA)

(about 3 miles south of downtown Charlevoix)

Phone:  (231) 237-0884  

This French Renaissance-style castle was built in 1918 by Albert Loeb. It was a dairy farm but it was also something more ...

Castle Farms

Fun at the Fair - Allegan County Fair

During our constant search to find Michigan’s one-room schoolhouses, we find ourselves traveling off-the-beaten path, driving country roads, and through small towns.

Today, we are headed to the Allegan County Fair.  The fairgrounds are on private property and accessible to the public only on certain dates.  The County Fair Week in September is one of those times.  There is a one-room school in the historical village located on the fairgrounds.  So, we are off to the fair!

We arrive at the fairgrounds located at 150 Douglas Street in the town of Allegan, Michigan (USA).  We stop at the entrance gate.  Today is Discount Day so we got a break in price - $2 to park and $7 per person to enter the Fairgrounds.  Once inside, we park the car and begin walking to the John Pahl Historical Village. 

We begin our self-guided tour.  There are about a dozen buildings within the Historical Village.  While the schoolhouse is not the first building we see, it is the first building we visit.  The Historical Village was founded in 1972 and the Jewett School was the first building in the Village.  The Jewett (aka Brownell) School represents education in the early 1900’s. 

 Jewett School - Exterior & Interior

When we go inside the school, we discover students from an Allegan school are having morning classes here.  I don’t want to disturb their lessons, so I quietly take a picture of the vacant row of desks and leave.

If you would like to see more one room schoolhouses, please visit my Blog on Michigan One Room Schools by clicking on the following link:

Denice's Michigan One Room Schools Blog

I also have an interest in historic churches.  Next to the schoolhouse is the “Little Log Church” that was relocated here from Carlshend in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Log Church next to Schoolhouse

Interior of Log Church

The old time Doctor’s Office was Dr. Rigterink’s place of business.  I thought I heard the building was originally located in the nearby town of Hamilton.  Inside the office is a display case filled with antique medical tools.  They look more like tools of torture to me.

Doctor's Office - Exterior & Interior

The Log Cabin represents a typical dwelling in the mid-1800’s.  It was moved to the Village in 1986.

Log Cabin - Exterior & Interior

The Born House was built in 1840.  It was originally located on Cook Street and was moved to the Fairgrounds in 1984.  One of the volunteers is dressed in her Victorian finest – including a hat and white gloves.  We walk through the house.  Tucked in the corner of the living room is a piano … or so I thought.  I was fooled until I read the sign indicating this was an organ built to look like a piano. 

Bone House - Exterior & Interior

Organ - not a Piano

Every community needed a Blacksmith Shop.  The “Village Smithie” made and repaired items for the local residents. 

In front of the Fire Barn is an antique fire truck.  Inside this building, we see antique apparatus used to fight fires (clothes and tools).

Fire Barn - Exterior & Interior

1929 Fire Truck

The yellow Caboose and Train Depot building are small but interesting to see.

Train Depot Building

Caboose - Exterior & Interior

For a little nostalgic trip, stop by the Cook Oil Gasoline Station. During our visit, it had an antique Model-T car parked in front of it.  The scene was made complete by the presence of a uniformed gas station attendant.  Inside the gas station building I can hear an old radio show being “aired” over an antique radio.

Old Gas Station

There is an 1849 Carriage House and a barn museum with old carriages and a large variety of antiques from household items to farming equipment on display.

Carriage House & Horse-Drawn Mail Wagon

The Allegan Township Hall is the last building we see.  Inside is a “mock” Post Office and historical information.

Allegan Township Hall

If you are interested in seeing the village but didn’t get a chance to come to the County Fair, there is another option.  Private tours of the Historical Village can be arranged by calling (269) 673-8292.

There is more to see and do at the Allegan County Fair.  The Grand Stand hosts celebrity performers like Carrie Underwood (2015), Kid Rock (2014), Tim McGraw (2013), Kiss and Motley Crue (2012) to name a few..  There are horse races, carnival rides, commercial vendors, lots of food options ... and, of course, the animals.  

There are public restrooms, covered eating areas, and a tram to/from certain parking areas.. The Board of Directors is constantly working and planning to make the Allegan County Fair Michigan's best fair.