Category Archives: Nature

Peach Mountain Observatory

Posted on by Posted in Nature .

Stinchfield Woods, a ten-mile northwest trek from Ann Arbor, is a serene natural haven owned by the University of Michigan. Open to the public, the woods invite hikers to immerse themselves in nature’s beauty.

Intrigued by the prospect of seeing the University of Michigan’s observatory, I ventured up Peach Mountain Road. Established in 1955, this observatory has served as a hub for research, instruction, and amateur astronomy, housing both optical and radio telescopes. However, the McMath-Hulbert telescope, once a centerpiece, ceased operations in 1979, transferring control to the University Lowbrow Astronomers.

As I delved deeper into the woods, the distinctive domed structures of the observatory emerged through the trees, roughly half a mile in. Unfortunately, a chained-off road and a “No Admittance” sign halted my progress, preventing a closer look. While disappointed, I was surprised I was able to get a close as I did. Oh well, from here I went to Hell, but that’s a post for another day.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, if you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

Rainbow Jim’s Place

Posted on by Posted in Nature, people .

Southeast of Fife Lake, along the scenic Manistee River, you’ll find a spot marked as “Rainbow Jim” on Google Maps. This is a popular boat access point off Coster Road.

Not far from the launch was an old cabin, once home to Jim Coster III, a legendary fishing guide affectionately known as “Rainbow Jim.” Standing tall at 6’4″ and weighing 250 pounds, Jim was a larger-than-life figure who welcomed fisherman from far and wide to his cabin. He would take them on thrilling fishing expeditions for trout on the Manistee River, using flat bottom boats he had built himself. A fun-loving soul with a penchant for a good drink, it’s said he hid bottles of whiskey along the riverbank to enjoy with his customers during their fishing trips.

Sadly, Rainbow Jim passed away from a heart attack in 1967 at the age of 72. However, his legacy lives on, as the Michigan DNR honored him by naming the boat launch after him.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, if you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

The Beautiful Spring at the bottom of the Stairs

Posted on by Posted in Artesian Springs, autumn, Nature .

Located along the River Road National Scenic Byway in the Huron National Forest, just west of Oscoda, Iargo Springs presents a stunning view of the Au Sable River. This site has served as an essential drinking water source long before European settlers arrived, with early loggers creating dams to channel water to their nearby camps. Back then, much of what is now Cooke Pond was actually dry land. Since the 1920s, visitors from Europe have been drawn to the springs for leisure activities.

In 1934, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) built a trail and dams on the spring.  Unfortunately, these structures were lost in 1981 due to a severe storm. A major renovation took place in 1991, which added steps, boardwalks along the springs, and rebuilt the dams. Reaching Iargo Springs requires the daunting task of descending 300 steep steps, but the effort is well worth it. The climb back up may leave your legs burning and your heart racing, but the breathtaking views from the shoreline make it all worthwhile.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, if you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

Deadman’s Hill

Posted on by Posted in autumn, Nature .

Deadman’s Hill overlooks the Jordan River Valley and is located between Boyne Falls and Mancelona. While dead men tell no tales the sign next to the overlook tells the story of how the hill got its name and reads:

The period of early logging in the Hills of the Jordan River Valley was marred by several fatal accidents. The last known and best recalled tragedy took the life of 21 year old Stanley (Big Sam) Graczyk, a fun loving lumberjack soon to be married.  He became legend on May 20, 1910 when he was killed while driving a team and big wheels loaded with logs down a steep slope near here. Anthony (Tony) Wojciechowski who was with Big Sam when he died is responsible for the accurate recounting of this legend.  This high point, with its commanding view of the valley, has ever since been known as “Deadman’s Hill.”

The overlook is amazing any time of year but it is spectacular in the fall when the leaves hit their peak color. It’s impossible to capture the beauty in a photos so you need to stop by and see it for yourself.

P.S. If you are in the Mancelona area be sure to visit my friends at Rooted. They carry all of my Lost In Michigan books. The Iron Skillet restaurant next door is an excellent place to stop for a meal too.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, if you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

 

The Narnia Trail

Posted on by Posted in Nature, upper peninsula .

The Bush Bay Trail is a scenic hiking path that winds along the stunning Lake Huron shoreline. It’s commonly known as the Narnia Trail due to its enchanting natural beauty and impressive boulders lining the coast. You can find the parking area just off M-134, east of Hessel. If you’re seeking a lovely hike in the southeastern part of the Upper Peninsula, the Bush Bay Trail is an excellent choice.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, if you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

 

Ogemaw Springs

Posted on by Posted in Artesian Springs, Nature .

Ogemaw Springs sits next to the railroad tracks northwest of West Branch. It was the main source of water for the town that is named after it. The spring was also used as a source of water for the steam trains that were used during the lumbering era of the late 1800s. In 1875 Ogemaw Springs nearly became the county seat, losing to West Branch by only one vote. In the 1890s the depletion of timber in the area led to the town’s decline. Only a few houses and a cemetery remain in the once booming town. It is a neat place to stop and look into the clear waters of the spring. Its not as big as Kitch iti kipi in the Upper Peninsula but it is still neat.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

Udell Fire Tower

Posted on by Posted in Forgotten Places, Nature .

At one time Michigan had several lookout towers for rangers to watch the forests for fires. The Udell Lookout Tower is the only remining lookout tower still standing in the Lower Peninsula. It reaches 100 feet into the sky and was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in 1936. It was used until the 1960s when airplanes were used to spot forest fires. The first set of stairs has been removed and no one is allowed to climb the tower but it is nifty to look up at it and wonder what it must have been like to sit up there all day looking for signs of smoke. You can get to the tower from M-55 down Fire Tower Rd.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did.

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

Seven Bridges

Posted on by Posted in Bridges, Nature .

Seven Bridges Nature Area is located between Kalkaska and Rapid City. Its hiking paths and bridges meander across streams and creeks in a lush green forest. The times I have visited there are few people in this little piece of wilderness. It seems like a hidden gem that I think few people know about. If you are looking for someplace to connect with nature be sure to check out the Seven Bridges Nature Area on Valley Road.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did. 

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

Pigeon River Foot Bridge

Posted on by Posted in Bridges, Nature .

This foot bridge crosses over the Pigeon River in the Agnes S. Andreae Nature Preserve near Indian River. The preserve has five miles of hiking trails that wind their way along the river. It is also home to the Nature Megaphone that you can read about in my post HERE

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did. 

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read

The Chimney in the Woods

Posted on by Posted in Nature .

This chimney stands along the shores of Wagner Lake between Rose City and Mio. I am not sure what its story is but it sits in a group campsite. I am thinking it was built for the campsite but I am not sure. It is a beautiful looking stone chimney.

Thank you for Subscribing to Lost In Michigan, If you have not subscribed yet, It would mean a lot to me if you did. 

enter your email address, I promise I won't send you any spam, it's just an automated email that lets you know there is a new post to read