231-624-3485
Erie Canal

Erie Canal

1826 completion of the Erie Canal linked the eastern seaboard with middle America and brought rapid development and growth to the Sleeping Bear area. It was a water highway and docks were built to serve as cord wooding stations for steamers, homesteading immigrants,...
Michigan Black Bears

Michigan Black Bears

Approximately 15,000-19,000 black bear roam Michigan forests. 90% of these bear are found in the upper peninsula with the remaining 10% found in the northern portion of lower Michigan. This includes Leelanau, Antrim, Grand Traverse and Benzie counties. Of course the...
Is that a Mute Swan or a Trumpeter Swan?

Is that a Mute Swan or a Trumpeter Swan?

Michigan has two native swan species, the tundra swan and trumpeter swan. The mute swan, native to Europe and Asia, was introduced to north America in the mid 1800’s and to Michigan in 1919. Here’s how to tell the difference. Native adult male swans, the...
Why is Michigan the Wolverine State?

Why is Michigan the Wolverine State?

In 2004, the DNR confirmed a sighting of a wolverine in Michigan. The first sighting in nearly 200 years. The female was spotted in the farming region just south of Bad Axe. The wolverine remained elusive to the public yet for one local outdoorsman named Jeff Ford who...
The Rouse Simmons-The Christmas Tree Ship

The Rouse Simmons-The Christmas Tree Ship

This year in November, will mark the 108 year anniversary of the shipwreck of the Christmas Tree Ship; Rouse Simmons. Back in the mid 1800’s, the Great lakes were the super highway of the region. Schooners and steamships carried cargo and people all across the...