Heading north along Michigan’s west side and into the Upper Peninsula which offers a stunning mix of shoreline, small towns, forests, and historic sites.
Hiking the shore trail in Hoffman State park where we are staying
Nice bike ride around Lake Muskegon.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore spans 35 miles (60 km) along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan, offering a breathtaking mix of towering sand dunes, dense forests, pristine beaches, and striking remnants of ancient glaciers. This protected area also includes North and South Manitou Islands, and was established to preserve its remarkable natural beauty and unique geological features.
Nice art work in the visitor center
Collett playing with her dog
The gang is all here
Some visitors can’t resist the thrill of sliding down the massive 400-foot dune. But those unfamiliar with the area often face a grueling climb back up. Savvy adventurers, however, know to walk about half a mile down the beach to reach a convenient parking lot—and skip the steep uphill trek.
Amy
The dunes may appear to be all sand, but they actually conceal a rocky foundation. As glaciers advanced southward during the last Ice Age, they pushed rocks and debris ahead of them. When the glaciers eventually melted, these rocky piles—known as moraines—were left behind and later covered by windblown sand, forming the towering dunes we see today.
So cute
Opened in 1885, the Northern Michigan Asylum pioneered a progressive humanistic approach to mental health care. Led by Dr. James Decker Munson, the institution embraced the philosophies of “beauty is therapy” and “work is therapy,” rejecting the harsh restraints and confinement common in other asylums of the era. Instead, it sought to create a calming, dignified environment for healing. The grounds were beautifully landscaped with gardens, trees, and flowers, while the architecture prioritized natural light and scenic views. Inside, hallways featured uplifting messages and artwork, reinforcing the belief that beauty and purposeful activity could nurture mental well-being.
What a gorgeous building
The large turret structures acted like chimneys
drawing fresh air up through the building
One of the patient cottages on the grounds.
We entered through the dark basement using our cell phones
There have been break-ins
A common area where patients gathered
Every patient room had a window
Electricity was generated on site and distributed
through our knob and tube wiring.
An underground fire suppression system
Next we went into one of the old service tunnels
All of the buildings on site were heated with steam.
Originally there were 5 steam pipes in the tunnel.
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