Cool spot on a scenic route that runs along the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Harbor Springs…read more The majority of this drive passes in front of private residences so there aren't many places to really stop and take a break. So someone came along and designated this spot to be available to the public. Very cool. Nice view, enough space to park your car near it, and a pretty good view. If you're in the area, find it and take a rest for a moment! No services, no gift shop, no fees, no worries. Just a spot to take a seat and soak in a nice view of the lake.

we have stopped many times at the red bench, it is almost magical,…read morerelaxing a place to sit and think about life. view of lake michigan is the best on the tunnel of trees and sunsets are amazing. we love it and will continue to make it a must stop every time we are up there. dave deacon

This spot isn't even a secret but it feels like one when you are there. Easily one of my favorite…read morespots in Charlevoix. You are basically driving through a neighborhood and just come up to the dirt road path and it feels like you're not supposed to be driving on it but there is a little dirt parking lot with signs where you park. Then you take a quick 5-10 minute walk down the path and it opens into the beach! It's basically a sand dune so be aware that it may be kind of a journey to get back up. But definitely do-able. There isn't buoys or anything for swimming boundaries but you can definitely swim here. The beach is so sandy and nice. And there is very rarely crowds here. There has never been no more than 15 people here when I've been on the beach. There is tons of room to spread out too. A beautiful spot to watch the sunset as well.

BAD management, awesome little hill with a cool progression terrain park for any skill. Sadly Bo…read moreBoss the manager discourages any progression on this park. I did a front flip 180 (misty 540) and all the local kids loved it and filmed me until Bo Boss said that it wasn't safe and also wasn't allowed on any hill in Michigan. This is not true as I have done flips in many competitions and during free-riding in Michigan at Boyne, Pine Knob, Mt. Holly, Alpine Valley, and Nubs Knob just to name a few. Also after politely agreeing to Bo Boss' skewed rules of how a ski hill is supposed to be run, I attempted to shake his hand but he disrespectfully did not want to take part. Great Hill but unfortunately since Bo Boss is stuck in the 1970's and discourages any modern progression of the skiing sport I would not recommend this hill until Bo Boss gets with the time or until management changes.

This rustic state park is one of our favorites. The scenery is gorgeous, with miles of sandy and…read morerocky beachfront, walking trails, 5-mile road for biking and spacious wooded lots and a prized few water front lots. There is firewood and ice at the check-in station which is very convenient. T h e grounds are well maintained and the vault toilet stalls are mostly clean (though can become odiferous when the park is full). It is usually the case that visitors to the rustic parks are more respectful of the quiet. We are bird watchers and always love spying the eagles and variety of other birds in the area. Close to the town of Charlevoix, there are plenty of options for sight seeing, eating and finding supplies. Beautiful area of our state.

If you love collecting Michigan rocks, come to this lovely state park. You can take the short trail…read moredown to the water, where you will find rocks om the sand. The park is secluded, and we only saw about 5 others there during the duration of our stay. It appears that because this location is not so heabily populated, you can find some Charlevoix and Petoskey rocks in the water as wel as on the rock bed. You just have to know what to look for. I suggest finding a walking stick for the water. It helps guide you, and it helps you move some rocks. The next time I come here I definitely want to bring a sifter because I saw so many cute tiny ones with the rock pile. My twchnique was to pull the ones near the water down, and I found quite a bit this way. James used the stick to look in the water, where you will find medium to large rocks. Overall the secluded atmosphere is soothing and relaxing.

Happened upon this little city park while waiting for the sunset. Such a cute town .. the park had…read morea shelter for picnics and we walked along the river a bit .. there was rushing water that had a relaxing sound. few bridges that i thought were worth taking photos of.

We had an awesome time rafting with Big Bear. The staff was friendly, organized, and made the whole…read moreexperience easy and enjoyable. The rafting itself was the perfect mix of excitement, beautiful scenery, and laughs (and adventure!). We'll be back and telling my family and friends.

We had a group of 14 do a rafting trip this weekend, aged 8-74. We did the 2-hour rafting trip…read more Based on the website description, this seemed to be ok. It was the most chaotic, stressful, dangerous thing we've done as a group. Do not do a rafting trip if you think you're going to have any time to enjoy the scenery, talk, or enjoy a family activity. The river was extra fast due to high water levels and there are constant obstacles to avoid. We are all lucky to have made it with only minor injuries. Way too many close calls. It was not just us that were not enjoying our time on the river. Every kayaker and tuber we encountered felt exactly the same way. Several said they'd been crying at times, it was so chaotic.

BrassWind Landing is THE BOMB!…read more Lincoln took me and my friend on three different adventures over the course of three days--a sunset paddle on Burt Lake, a sunrise paddle on Mullet Lake, and an eco-tour of Indian River. My friend is an experienced kayaker, but I had never been before. Lincoln patiently (and expertly) instructed me in the basics, then let me enjoy my sunset paddle. The next day, at the sunrise paddle, he added in a few more pointers here and there (not too intrusively--just little bits to help improve my technique, my control and my experience of the lake). Then he added a few more pointers on my eco-tour (I discovered that river kayaking is different than lake kayaking, and requires mastery of a few distinct techniques). Two zen-like floats, and an engaging and informative eco-paddle. And here I was, a rank beginner! If you know that you love getting out on the water, or if you're a nervous beginner and want to give it a try, call Brasswind Landing. Lincoln and Sherrie will hook you up. They accommodated our schedule, our transportation issues, and our different skill levels. Super friendly service. "They's just good folks", as my mamaw used to say. You won't find a better water buddy than Lincoln. All the waters in Indian River are exceptional, and you will want an outfitter that's no less exceptional. Brasswind Landing is the way to go!

Lincoln and his brother set our group of four up for a great trip. The Liquid Logic kayaks they…read moreprovided were a step up from most other rentals. We took the trip from Wolverine to Burt Lake (approx. 5 1/2 hours). The river was flowing fast, but the obstacles/hazards were far less than some other reviews make them out to be (although this river is not for beginners) . Plenty of tubers/rafts to steer around for the last hour. We will be back.

The NICEST marina I have ever seen! I have completed the great loop and have been to over 100…read moremarinas. The Duncan Bay Boat Club is undoubtedly the nicest, cleanest, and best staffed marina I have ever been to. Their facilities are beautiful and perfect. They have brand new docks and great WiFi (for a marina). They have a charming young staff who are very polite and professional. I will be going back every year, even considering buying a slip! The prices are very fair. You get way more than you pay for! It's truly a must if you're a boater. It's also very great for the whole family, they have kayaks, a pool, play area and many more amenities for everyone to enjoy. Don't waste anymore time if you haven't been there before, try it out!

Duncan Bay Boat Club is a rare place in boating. It has direct access to northern Lake St Clair…read more Adding to the up north feeling, there's a State Park across the bay from it with 2 amazing beaches. It is located in a protect bay inside the Straits of Mackinaw. It's close to everything that is amazing to travel to by boat: Straits of Mackinaw, Mackinaw Island, St Ignace, Les Cheneaux Islands, North Channel, St Mary's River and more. Inside the Club is a beautiful club house, 85 degree swimming pool, and the best bathrooms in all of the Great Lakes. Duncan Bay is open to owners, renters and transients.

My Boyne River Rafting trip was fantastic. The beauty of the area and comfort of the raft is second…read moreto none. Gow is the owner and captain of the raft and took care of all of our needs for the 2 hour trip. We were provided personal flotation vests, and the new raft was extremely comfortable for the journey. Great weather, great scenery, and a great trip await you with Boyne River Rafting.