Can’t get enough of Michigan in the Autumn

Here we are already on the cusp of Autumn in Michigan. There’s nothing like the smell of the fresh air, possibly the aroma of a bonfire at night, the crunch of dried leaves under your feet as you walk through the woods and the colors that can be blinding on a sunny day. That’s what I remember of beautiful fall days. It has been about 5 years since we have been around here to enjoy this time of year. As we left the U.P. it seemed as though the leaves were changing colors right before our eyes.

We began our lower peninsula journey in Mackinaw City at the Mill Creek Landing. It’s always a wonderful sight to approach the “Mighty Mack” as we cross over.

Not wanting to let any of this beautiful weather go to waste we decide to head out on a road trip the next day. Destination Roger City. Not far away is the Cross in the Woods in Indian River. I have absolutely no idea why I had never visited here before. I thought I had but I definitely would have remembered. It is a very spiritual, moving experience as you walk through the gardens and view the statues. This is a “must” if you have not been here yet. 

The Cross in the Woods is a Catholic Shrine located on M-68 in Indian River, Michigan. It was declared a national shrine by the United States Conference of National Bishops on September 15, 2006. 

Another point of interest near by is the Ocqueoc Falls, the only true waterfalls in the lower peninsula. Since are in hot pursuit of all the falls we could find, this was another must. No matter how small the falls are, they are never a disappointment. This is another reason for you to make a road trip to northern Michigan. 

Mackinaw City is a busy tourist town with lots to see and do. We thought we would spend the day wandering around there but it seems when we hopped in the car and started driving around we found ourselves on the west side of the state in some places we had never been before. The west side of the states shoreline is the complete opposite of the east. It is null and void of rocks like we are so used to seeing..all sand! We couldn’t resist the sounds of the waves and the feel of sand between our toes so we got rid of the sandals and took a leisurely walk on the beach in the calm of the day. As the end of day was drawing near we headed back to Mackinaw City and relaxed over dinner at one of the old saloons in town before we called it quits for the day.

         

      

          

                    

As much as we have been enjoying this part of the state, we have reservations in Mio tomorrow so tonight we will pull up stakes and get ready to make our way a little more south for our last leg of our trip before we have that most important date to keep with our granddaughters. Get outdoors, breath that wonderful fresh air, let the leaves crunch under your feet and feel the sunshine on your face. And while you are enjoying nature remember to look up, it’s amazing out there.