Ludington to Manistee, MI

What an incredible Day! We started with a 4 mile hike in Ludington State Park to the Big Sable Lighthouse and light keepers residence.  

The hike was wonderful.  We went through forest, along the beach, and beside a few marshes.  There were information boards all along the path telling you about what you were seeing and things to look for.  The lighthouse and keepers residence was very well preserved, and the view from the top was breathtaking.  The below photo just doesn’t do it justice. 

Our intent was to then do a few hikes in the park; but the lighthouse keepers suggested we go about 20 miles north to another lighthouse in Manistee, MI. We took their advice and had an incredible time.  We saw the Manistee Pierhead Light.

Some incredible flowers (Bearded Iris) in a little city park in downtown Manistee.  

And went to the Alpine Chocolat Haus for ice cream and chocolates. Yum!

The lighthouse keepers also told us about a few of their favorite spots in the Upper Peninsula and showed us pictures of the Split Rock lighthouse in northern MN. It was so incredible, we’re trying to figure out how we can get there before coming home.  

We love talking to the locals and learning about their favorite spots.  They’re usually not the one’s in the guide books and are typically better. 

On the way back, we did a hike up to a Lake Michigan overlook point in the Manistee National forest.  230 stairs later…  you get to see the view, without the exercise. 😊

We plan to go back to the state park tomorrow and do the hikes we had planned today.  Hope everyone enjoyed their day.