Lighthouse Archives - A Trip Around The Mitten

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Negwegon State Park: A Wild, Untouched Escape on Lake Huron

by Andrea Tripicchio

January 9, 2026

Tucked between Alpena and Harrisville on the sunrise side of Michigan, Negwegon State Park is one of the most peaceful and untouched stretches of shoreline in the entire state. With quiet forests, hidden beaches, and miles of rustic trails, this 4,000‑acre wilderness feels like a secret — the kind of place you visit when you want to hear nothing but wind, waves, and your own footsteps. If you’re craving solitude, stargazing, or a true back‑to‑nature adventure, Negwegon is one of Michigan’s most magical escapes. 🌲State Park Snapshot Date Established: 1962 (then known as Alpena State Park. Park was renamed in 1970.) Size: 4,118 acres Natural Features: Jack pine forests, mixed hardwoods and aspen trees, coastal dunes and beaches, wetlands, meadows and Lake Huron shoreline. Recreational Activities: Rustic camping, cross-country skiing, hiking, hunting, paddling, snowshoeing, stargazing, rockhounding, swimming, bird/wildlife watching. Camping: Rustic Hike-in/Paddle-in Campground Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible parking lot and vault toliet, but requires hiking to beach and campsites. Access road requires a 4WD vehicle. Why Negwegon State Park should be on your Trip List?: The park was designated as a Dark Sky Preserve in 2016, quiet Lake Huron beaches, wildlife viewing and remote hiking. Negwegon State Park guide 📍 LOCATION & […]

Michigan’s Ultimate Winter Hikes and Lantern-Lit Trails

by Andrea Tripicchio

December 12, 2025

Winter hikes in Michigan provide an enchanting experience, turning the state’s diverse landscapes into a serene, snow-draped wonderland. With numerous trails accommodating various skill levels, hikers can discover the tranquil beauty of Michigan’s forests, dunes, and lakeshores. Among the most popular winter hiking activities are the lantern-lit trail events held in state and community parks. These glowing trails offer a magical way to explore Michigan’s Winter Wonderland under the stars, creating an unforgettable experience for families and friends. The softly illuminated paths guide adventurers through the tranquil, snow-blanketed scenery, providing a unique opportunity to connect with nature while creating lasting memories in the crisp, winter air. Table of Contents SEARCH BY LOCATION SEARCH BY DATE WINTER HIKING AT MICHIGAN STATE PARKS KNOW BEFORE YOU GO MICHIGAN RECREATION PASSPORT A Michigan Recreation Passport is required for motorized vehicles to enter into state parks, recreation areas, state forest campgrounds and the many miles of trails across Michigan. Cost: For Residents: Vehicles $14 and Motorcycle/Mopeds $ 7 (when purchased at the time of license plate renewal. An additional $5 convenience fee is added (except at Belle Isle Park) when purchase after license plate renewal. For Non-Residents: Annual passes $41, Daily passes $11. Recreation Passport expires […]

The Best Apple Orchards and Cider Mills in Michigan!

by Andrea Tripicchio

September 2, 2025

If you are looking for the best apple orchards and cider mills in Michigan, you’re in luck! Check out our guide to find local apple orchards and cider mills near you! Michigan is renowned for its sprawling apple orchards and charming cider mills. The state’s ideal climate, with its warm days and cool nights, creates the perfect conditions for apple cultivation. Table of Contents Michigan Apple Varieties Michigan’s apple orchards grow a wide range of apple varieties, each with its unique flavor and texture. Some popular varieties include: Honeycrisp: Known for its crisp texture and sweet-tart flavor, perfect for snacking. Gala: Sweet and aromatic, ideal for eating fresh or baking. Fuji: A sweet apple with a dense texture, great for salads and cooking. Jonagold: A blend of tartness and sweetness, excellent for pies and sauces. McIntosh: With its tart flavor, it’s ideal for baking and applesauce. Tips for Visiting the orchard Timing: The apple harvesting season in Michigan typically runs from late August to October, with the peak in September. Dress Comfortably: Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for walking through orchards. Bring Bags: Many orchards encourage visitors to bring their own bags or baskets for picking apples. Check for […]

Let’s Take a Trip to the Ironton Ferry!

by Andrea Tripicchio

March 24, 2024

The Ironton Ferry is a great way to travel from Charlevoix or East Jordan across Lake Charlevoix to Boyne City. This hidden gem is especially convenient during the busy festival weekends. The ferry ride across the lake is approximately 5 minutes and only 4 vehicles can travel at a time. The ferry is a great way enjoy the view of the lake, and ride one of Michigan’s oldest car ferries still in service. The Ironton ferry is located off M-66, about 6 miles south of Charlevoix or 9 miles north of East Jordan and 9 miles west of Boyne City off Ferry Road. The ferry is in operation from Mid-April through Mid-November making about 100 trips daily. A trip across the lake costs $4 a car. An important note: credit cards are not accepted. Click here for current rates and ferry info. History of the Ironton Ferry The ferry service across the lake started around 1883. The original ferry vessel started as a small cable guided scow with the capacity for one wagon and a team of horses. The vessel required the help of the captain and passengers to guide the ferry across the narrows. The current ferry vessel the […]

Let’s Take a Trip to the Cut River Bridge!

by Andrea Tripicchio

October 10, 2023

The Heath M. Robinson Memorial Cut River Bridge (also known as the Cut River Bridge) is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula along US 2 Highway, just 26 miles west of St. Ignace. Located next to the bridge is a scenic MDOT Roadside Park, making it a great stop for a hike, picnic and photos as you travel across the Upper Peninsula’s Lake Michigan shoreline. What makes the Cut River Bridge so special? The bridge’s green steel structure is picturesque against the autumn-colored leaves as its backdrop, making the bridge a popular stop on Fall color drives in the U.P. The Cut River Bridge is one of only two cantilevered deck truss bridges in Michigan, according to UPTravel.com. With about 400 acres to explore, visitors will find a peaceful place to stop, stretch their legs and enjoy nature. Roadside Park Amenities: Visitors will find 2 parking lots located on the East and West ends of the bridge. A small parking area is also located southeast of the bridge (Lake Michigan side). Most visitors may choose the East Parking lot as it has men/women vault toilets, water hand pump, picnic tables, charcoal grills and a few hiking trails to take in the […]