Picturesque Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore stretches 42 miles along the shoreline of Lake Superior from Grand Marais to Munising in Michigan's Upper Peninsula (USA). 

*NPS Park Map

This 73,326-acre park was established on October 15, 1966 as this country’s first national lake shore.  It was created to preserve the shoreline, cliffs, beaches, and dunes that offer year-round recreational opportunities.  For us, that means hiking the trails, communing with nature, and photographing its scenic landscape. 

Welcome to Pictures Rocks National Lakeshore

Our first stop is at the Visitor Center where we get current information on the Park, roads, and trails.   For your own safety, visitors should stay clear of the cliff edges, and stay on the designated trails.  The Park has about 100 miles of trials ranging from easy and accessible (like the Marsh Trail at Sand Point) to more challenging trails found in the back country areas. 

The back country was one of my first experiences at Pictured Rocks NLS.  In the early 1990’s, we donned our backpacks and hiked into the back country and camped a few nights.  The trail follows the lake shore for some outstanding views.  There are 15 miles of sandstone cliffs that can rise 200 feet above the lake shore.  The colors in the cliffs are created by the large amounts of minerals in the rock.  During this trip, we see Mosquito Falls and one of the Park’s well-known landmarks – Grand Portal.  Not into hiking the back country?  Many features like Grand Portal can be seen by taking a boat tour.

Grand Portal

Sandstone Cliffs

Sunlight colors the rocky sandstone cliff

I do recommend taking a boat tour.  During our scenic cruise we were awestruck by the size and beauty of the sandstone cliffs, rock formations, and waterfalls.  A link to the boat tour is available at the end of the post.

East Channel Light

Grand Portal

Sandstone Cliffs

Chapel Falls

The Park has seven named waterfalls that are popular to visit.  They are: Munising, Bridalveil, Miners, Mosquito, Chapel, Spray, and Sable Falls. These waterfalls are the result of the sandstone outcroppings along the Pictured Rocks escarpment.

A leisurely stroll down an 800’ long paved trail leads us through a shaded sandstone canyon with footbridges over Munising Creek to the base of Munising Falls.  This area has stairs you can climb to get a different view of the falls.  It's a cool place to be on a hot day ... or a wintry day!

Munising Falls (50' drop)

Stairway to Upper Level Deck

Footbridge over Munising Creek

A lesser-known waterfall is the area’s best kept secret – Tannery Falls.

Tannery Falls

For more information on Tannery Falls, please refer to my bog post by clicking on the following link:

Tannery Falls - PRNLS

If you are looking to stroll through the woods a little longer, there is a connecting trail that will lead you to Memorial Falls (aka Twin Falls).  I'm guessing the alternate name represents the similarity between Tannery Falls and Memorial Falls.

We drove to the Memorial Falls trail by heading east on H-58 and turning right on Nestor Street.  Near the end of the dead-end street is a trail sign on the right side of the road.  Toward the beginning of the quarter mile long trail is a short wooden bridge.  This bridge crosses the creek just above the falls but we can't see the falls yet.

It is a pleasant walk through the forest along the top of the ridge.  Soon, we see the connector trail leading to Tannery Falls veering off to our left through the forest.  We keep walking straight ahead until the trail makes a right turn.   Now, the trail begins a short but steep descent down the hillside.  At the bottom of the hill, the trail curves to the right hugging the sandstone wall until we reach the falls.

Memorial Falls

The popular hike to Miners Falls is 1.2 miles (round trip) and the parking lot may fill fast.  We find a parking spot and begin walking the trail which winds through the forest.

Trail to Miners Flls

At the end of the trail are two viewing platforms.  The upper deck offers a slightly distant view of the falls.  The second platform requires going down 70+/- steps.   I think it is worth the effort for a better view of the falls.

Upper Deck View of Miners Falls

Stairway from ridge to Miners Falls

Close Up View of Miners Falls

During a winter visit we are the first to walk the unspoiled snowy forest trail to the falls.  I can’t help but marvel at the beautiful scenes that a fresh layer of snow can create on the winter landscape.

Snow-covered Trail to Miners Falls

Miners Falls (50' drop) - View from 2nd Platform

About one mile west of Grand Marais is the Sable Falls parking area.  From the trail here, you get to see four of the Park’s popular features – Sable Falls, the Log Slide, a distant view of the 1874 AuSable Light, and the Grand Sable Banks and Dunes. 

Birch Trees near Sable Falls Parking Lot

The walk to Sable Falls is a short half mile (round trip) trail that includes about 169 steps down to the first viewing platform.  We spray ourselves liberally with insect repellent and hike the forest trail to the base of the tiered falls. 

Stairs to Sable Falls

Sable Falls

After we photograph the falls, we continue hiking the half-mile trail that parallels the river to a beach at Lake Superior.  From here we get a nice view of the Grand Sable Dunes.  We sit on a fallen log for a little while enjoying the view before returning to the parking lot. 

Grand Sable Dunes

Before leaving the Sable Falls parking lot, we walk to a sandy overlook.  From this vantage point, we can see the 300-foot high Grand Sable Banks and Grand Sable Dunes to the east of us. 

Grand Sable Banks & Dunes

The Log Slide is directly in front of us.  “Legend has it that logs sent down the dry log chute would generate enough friction to cause the chute to catch fire.”  

The log chute may be gone but the steep sandy slope that remains has become a challenge for energetic visitors.  The run down may be fun and fast but the return climb back to the top is an exhausting workout (allow an hour for the return climb up the slope).  Anyone attempting to do this should exercise extreme caution.  As for me … I admired the view from the top. 

Log Slide

Log Slide - Another View - Going Up or Down?

Pictured Rocked NLS is a magical and majestic place.  It even has a castle.  Miners Castle is probably the most recognizable and famous of all rock formations within the Park.  It is accessible by vehicle and short trails.  Over the years, this sandstone castle has been under attack by wind, water, and weather.  Sadly, in 2006, this icon of the Park lost one of its turrets in its battle with erosion.  So, while its appearance has been altered slightly, Miners Castle still stands strong and proud along the Lake Superior shoreline.  

Miners Castle - after 2006

Miners Castle - before 2006

Miners Beach is a stone's throw from here.  The sandy-based parking area is small but there was plenty of room when we arrived.  On the left side of the parking lot is a short trail leading to the beach which was bustling with activity.  A group of kayakers were preparing to begin their water excursion.  We watched one of the Pictured Rocks boat tours cruise by the scenic shoreline.  A group of backpackers were passing through on their their three mile hike to Mosquito Falls.  Oh yeah, did I mention there is a waterfall here?  Elliot Falls (aka Miners Beach falls) cascades right into Lake Superior.

 Lake Superior

Elliot Falls

On the right side of the parking lot is the trail to Potato Patch Falls.  It is a short but very steep hike up the dirt trail to the top of the ridge.  The shallow trough-like trail reminds me of an intermittent creek bed.  At the top of the ridge is a narrow side trail going to the left.  From this trail, we see an obstructed view of the upper portion of the falls.

For a better look at Potato Patch Falls, we go back down the ridge a few yards and find another narrow side trail.  This trail continues to descend for a short distance and then levels out following a sandstone wall.  The trail ends at a small wooden deck.  We find Potato Patch Falls in a "u"-shaped gorge much like Munising, Tannery, and Memorial Falls.  Generally, this is a seasonal falls or more obvious after a rain.  During our visit, we see some water flowing over the lip of the sandstone ridge and falling into a small pool of water at its base.

Potato Patch Falls

We drive to Sand Point and hike the easy half mile, handicap accessible Marsh Trail.

 Map of Marsh Trail

This is a wetland area – prime mosquito territory. While the Apple Blossom is Michigan’s State Flower and the White Pine is our State Tree, the mosquito would probably be Michigan’s State Insect.  We are prepared and spray insect repellent on us before hitting the trail.

Marsh Trail

Dwarf Iris along the Marsh Trail

The end of Winter ... no bugs now!

Wetlands along the Marsh Trail

Sometimes my hubby likes to get away from the crowds and find a quieter place to hike.  During our fall 2017 trip, we drive east on H-58 to Little Beaver Road.  It's a three mile drive down the hilly dirt road winding its way through a maple forest to the parking lot.

Next to the restrooms is the beginning of the one mile White Pines Nature Loop Trail.  We begin hiking this trail.

 Trail Sign

Trail

Soon, we encounter a fork in the trail.  Going to the left follows the nature trail while the trail to the right will go to Lake Superior.  We decide to take the trail to Lake Superior.  We cross a short wooden foot bridge and continue hiking the dirt trail.

Footbridge

Along the trail are some large rock walls with overhangs and shallow caves.

 Textured Rock Walls

Shallow Caves

The trail continues into the Beaver Basin Wilderness.

The trail ends at Lake Superior but the view is obstructed by a row of trees.  There is a steep sandy path down to the lake shore.  We don't go to the beach because it's getting late.  According to the trail information this was a three mile (round trip) hike.

View of Lake Superior

Within the Park there are campgrounds and picnic areas.  Any other type of food or lodging would be available in the “gateway” communities of Munising or Grand Marais.  They are about 49 miles apart via H-58 and about 60 miles apart via M-28E and M-77N.

Munising (population 2,327 as of 2013) offers several national chain hotels and some locally operated lodgings.  You will find a few national chain fast food restaurants and some locally operated restaurants. 

Grand Marais (population 387 as of 2014) has limited lodging – all locally owned.  There are very few dining options. 

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

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  To begin planning your memorable trip to Pictured Rocks NLS, please click on the following link

Plan Your Visit to PRNLS

For information on the Pictured Rocks Scenic Cruise tours, please click on the following link:

Pictured Rocks Cruises

Good Times at Laughing Whitefish Falls

Within the Marquette/Munising area in Michigan's Upper Peninsula there are many waterfalls.  A visit to Laughing Whitefish Falls should be included on your “to do” waterfalls list. 

Laughing Whitefish Falls Scenic Site (established in 1965) is a 360-acre park located in northwestern Alger County.  They are about 28 miles southeast of Marquette, Michigan and about 32 miles southwest of Munising, Michigan (USA).   Simply put, they are about three miles north of Sundell (off of M-94)..

We arrive at the parking lot.  There is a picnic area with a water pump and, if I recall right, there is an outhouse.  We begin our 1.2 mile (round trip) hike through a beech/maple forest.  The shady forest floor is a green carpet of feathery-looking ostrich ferns.  The hard, dirt trail is part of the North Country Trail System.   Listen … is that the song of the Black Capped Chickadee? 

Trail to Falls

Soon, we arrive at a wooden platform offering us a view at the top of the falls.  Here we watch the water slide down the rocky slope through the picturesque gorge.   

1st Platform - Top of Falls

For an aerobic workout, there are 150 +/- wooden steps down to the base of the falls.  Just remember – whoever goes down the stairs must climb back up them.

Stairs at Falls

At the bottom is a small wooden platform offering a view of the falls.  The falls flow in lacy rivulets as they slide down a slanted slab of limestone dropping a total of 100 feet into a small pool at the bottom.

2nd Platform

3rd Platform - Base of Falls

The above photos were taken during one of our May visits.  In a late summer visit, we found Laughing Whitefish Falls to be a delicate veil of water. 

Summer Visit - Decreased Water flow

During a mid-April visit to the Upper Peninsula, we decided to see if we could reach Laughing Whitefish Falls.  Unfortunately, the paved County Road ends and the seasonal dirt road to the falls is not plowed.  After a short distance, our anti-skid brake alarm sounds.  Since we do not have a 4-wheel drive vehicle, we take the hint and return to the County Road without seeing the falls.   It wasn’t until we got home that I confirmed the only way to see these falls in snow/winter conditions is by snowmobile and snowshoe.  

April - County Road to Falls

May - County Road to Falls

This is a Michigan State Park and requires a “Recreation Passport”.  For information on obtaining an annual or daily pass please click on the following link:

Recreation Passport

There will be some lodging and dining options in Munising (the west end of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore).  Marquette is a college town offering a wide variety of lodging and dining options.  Since opinions, preferences, and budgets vary, I recommend checking a trusted travel source for current reviews for eating and lodging options.    

Family vacations created some of my favorite memories.  Start planning your memorable trip today.

Family Fun at Ludington's Waterfront Park

Location:  Waterfront Park, 250 S William Street, Ludington, Michigan (USA)  

Entrance Sign

This five-acre, family-friendly park is a special place.  Created in 1999, the Waterfront Park has a large playground area for the kids.  It is a great place to enjoy a family picnic, relax in the gazebo, view the sunset, or watch the boats sail by the park.  

Playground

Pavilion/Gazebo

The park has restrooms and the extra bonus of having wi-fi available.  But for me, there is still something else that makes this park special …

Ohio's Historic Schools

By now, it should be obvious that finding and photographing one-room schools is a passion of mine.  Sometimes I have a map to help locate these historic treasures and sometimes we come across them by sheer luck while driving the back country roads.  This blog post offers a small sampling of some of Ohio’s historic (but not always one-room) schools I have seen ... so far. 

HURON COUNTY:

St Joseph School (circa 1861)

LOCATION:  43 Broad St, Monroeville, OH

Current Use:  School/Social Center

LORAIN COUNTY:

Belden School (1883)

LOCATION:  35930 SR 303, in Grafton Township 

(corner of State Rte 303 and 83)

Current Use:  Museum operated by the Belden Historical Society

MAHONING COUNTY:

Green Township District No. 4 (1908)

LOCATION:  9738 W South Range Rd (aka OH 165W) 

in Green Township

Current Use:  Private Residence

District No. 5 School

LOCATION:  8436 W South Range Rd (aka OH 165W) 

in Green Township

Current use:  Private Residence

If you know of any schoolhouses not included in this post, please share it with me in the COMMENT section following this post.   Good directions or an exact address are always appreciated.   During a future visit, I hope to locate more one-room schools and add them to this blog post. 

Interested in seeing more one-room schools?  I invite you to view my other blog posts by clicking on the following links:

Utah's Historic Schools

Pennsylvania's Historic Schools

Michigan One Room Schools

 “An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” 

– Benjamin Franklin

Pennsylvania's Historic Schools

By now, you probably know that I love finding and photographing historic/one-room schools.  My hubby and I drive the back country roads in search of these hidden treasures.  This blog post offers a sampling of some of Pennsylvania’s historic (but not always one-room) schools that we found.

In Memory of One Room Schools ...

Utah's Historic Schoolhouses

During our most recent visit to Utah, we went “off the beaten path” in search of one-room schools.  I have a soft-spot in my heart for one-room schools because I went to one.  It was demolished a long time ago.  One day I decided to see if I could find a picture of it.  I searched the Internet and found nothing.  I inquired with my local County Historical Society and found nothing.  The school no longer exists. That got me thinking and I wondered how many of these old schools are left?  So, I have made it my mission to find and photograph these historic schools before they all vanish from the landscape.  This blog post offers a glimpse into some of Utah’s historic (but not necessarily one-room) schools that we found. 

Schoolhouse Window

Reflecting the Past & Preserving for the Future

GARFIELD COUNTY, UTAH:

On our way to Bryce Canyon National Park, we drive through Henrieville (UT-12), I photograph the Senior Center because it looks like a historic building.  Later when I get home and research it, I discover it was a school.  “The old town school, constructed in 1881 of rough-cut timber harvested on a nearby mountain, functions today as a senior citizen center and town hall.”  

Old Town School - Henrieville

GRAND COUNTY, UTAH:

On our way to the Island in the Sky district of Canyonlands National Park (about 32 miles from Moab), we stop to photograph an old schoolhouse at the "T" intersection of Highway 191 and Highway 313.  It is located on the Arch View Resort property (13701 N Hwy 191, Moab).   There is not a sign or plaque to identify it.  The inside of the building is empty.  The windows look new and the back of the building has some new wood siding.  The bell is still in the bell tower.  

If you know anything about this school, please leave a message in the COMMENT section following this post.

Old Schoolhouse near Moab

KANE COUNTY, UTAH:

In the town of Mount Carmel, we photograph what locals call the "Old Rock Canyon Church" (Historic Rock Church)  It has a bell tower on it and was used as a church and school from 1880-1919.  A little research indicates that the original log structure was built in 1880.  In 1890, the log building was replaced by a stone building and a little later a lumber wing was added making it a two-room school.  That building burned in 1919.  In 1923, the present building was constructed and used primarily as a church.  Currently, it is in the process of being restored.  In 1987, the building was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Old Rock Canyon Church/School - Mount Carmel

PIUTE COUNTY, UTAH:

The Marysvale High School (20 N Main St – aka US-89) was built around 1906 and probably closed in the late 1950's or early 1960's. It remained vacant for many years but now houses a craft shop.   During our visit, the lady who runs the craft shop happened to be there and told us this information.

Marysvale High School

She also told us of a one-room school in Koosharem on Highway 62.  So, off we go.  While driving through the little community of Greenwich (on Highway 62), we see a one-room school.  Nearby, some locals are dropping-off their recycling items.  I ask them about the school.  They tell me they always called it the “little red school”. They thought it was built in the early 1900's and closed in 1914. It had been used for wedding receptions and special events but not so much in recent years.

Greenwich "Little Red" School

A little farther down the road is Koosharem.  We see a couple of schools but not a one-room school.  We stop and talk with an older man who is walking his dog.   He tells us he thought the small building on the Main Street (aka Hwy 62) might have been a school.  After I got home, I did some research on the Internet but I could not find any information on this building. 

If you know anything about a one-room school in Koosharem, please leave a message in the COMMENT section following this post.

Koosharem Building - Is this an old School?

SEVIER COUNTY, UTAH:

The Elsinore White Rock Schoolhouse (1875-1899) is located at 35 E 200 North, in Elisnore.  In 1978, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.   It is now a Community Center.

Elisnore White Rock Schoolhouse

The Salina Presbyterian Church/School (historical significance between 1875-1879) is located at 204 S 1^st East in Salina.  It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.  

Salina Presbyterian Church/School

SUMMIT COUNTY, UTAH:

The Echo Canyon School is a two-room school located at 3441 S Echo Road in Echo.  This historic schoolhouse/dance hall was built in 1914 and closed in the 1940’s.  In 1997, it was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 

Echo Canyon School

The School is part of the Summit County Historic Driving Tour.  To view and print a PDF copy of the driving tour, please click on the following link:

Historic Summit County UT Driving Tour

Next to the Echo School is the Echo Post Office.  It is a postage-stamp size (pardon the pun) building.  It has been in continuous use since 1928.  We are running short on time and need to continue our trip.  Regrettably, we do not have time to look for the old church/school and cemetery on Temple Lane.  The town appears to be deserted – we can't find anyone to ask.  So, we continue on our journey.  

WASHINGTON COUNTY, UTAH:

On our way to Zion National Park, we turn off UT-9 in Rockville to find the Grafton School (1886). The one-room adobe school house also served as a church.  It is part of the Grafton Historic District.  In 1999, the Grafton Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.  Grafton is reputed to be the most photographed “ghost town” in the western United States. 

Grafton School

For more information and photos on Grafton, please click on the following link to view my blog post on “Grafton, Utah - A Boo-tiful Spot for a Ghost Town”:

Grafton Ghost Town

WAYNE COUNTY, UTAH:

We have a reservation to stay at the Torrey Schoolhouse B&B and we don’t want to be tardy.  The original two-story building was built by a Stock Company in 1914.  After negotiations, the building became the Torrey School (1917-1954). The first floor had three class rooms and the second floor was used as an Amusement Room with a stage.  

 Torrey Schoolhouse

For more information and photos on the Torrey Schoolhouse B&B, please click on the following link to view my blog post on unique lodgings.

Unique Places to Stay

While touring through the town of Torrey, we stop at 49 East Main Street at the Torrey Log School/Church (1898-1917).  It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1993. 

Historic Mormon Log School/Church

During our visit to Capitol Reef National Park, we stop at the Fruita (Prairie) Schoolhouse (1896-1941).  It is located on the Park’s main road (UT-24). The schoolhouse was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1972.  While you are here, stop and listen to the informative recorded message about the school, teachers, and students who came here.

Fruita School

From Utah’s Scenic Highway 12, we turn at mile 7.6 where the small farming community of Grover is located. Here we talk with an elderly couple who tell us where to find the Grover School (1935-1941).  We turn east onto Center Street (dirt road) and go about one-tenth of a mile to W 100 North St (dirt road) and another tenth of a mile to the Grover School (right side of road).  It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

Grover School

I may not get to certain U.S. States very often.  So, when I do visit a State, I like to come prepared with a list of schoolhouses that might be near our destinations.  If you know of any schoolhouses, please share it with me in the COMMENT section following this post.  Good directions or an exact address is always appreciated. 

If you would like to see more information and photos on historic/one-room schools, I invite you to view my blog posts by clicking on the following links:

Denice's Blog on Michigan One Room Schoolhouses
Pennsylvania's Historic Schools
Ohio's Historic Schools

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest” – Benjamin Franklin

Unique Places to Stay in the USA

Over the years we’ve had various vacation accommodations that ranged from a small tent while backpacking into the wilderness in our U.S. National Parks, to a fifth-wheel trailer in State Park campgrounds, to cruise ship cabins while sailing on the high seas.  Each has its own special memory for me.  But my favorite lodgings have something unique about them.  Okay, I’m a bit of a wimp here because I am not talking about extreme lodgings (like an ice hotel somewhere in the Arctic north or an underwater room in an exotic location – although I think it would be fascinating to tour them).  So what am I taking about?  I’m referring to a place that offers an unexpected and unique atmosphere different from the traditional hotel room; yet has the comforts and conveniences for a relaxing stay.

I have perused through my photo file on “Lodgings” and picked some of my favorite unique places to stay.   My number one place will knock your socks off!