If you don't have a state park pass, it will cost $11 for a Michigan played vehicle. The museum's aimed to educate on history of logging (thorough), native trees, threats to them, birds, and animals (kids thought the display on the dozen plus types of scat was both funny and cool). The have various pelts kids can touch, Bird sounds, and a couple other "hands"items kids will play with. Now there is 2 separate parts to the museum. The main one is the first right past the gate and then up the stairs in the parking lot you come to (1/4 mile from the right turn?). It has some logging info but covers a myriad of info. The 2nd one has some hands on displays, full size mock up of The equipment used to move logs and build winter paths and a small display mill.The 2nd one you can drive to but it is quicker and a nice walk down a paved path through the woods. Just go out the back door of the museum, immediately turn left, go about 20', and turn right. The path is the same as a typical golf cart path. Turn left a at sign for log museum. 3/8 of a mile. They have a guided tour (not scheduled. .. look for the guy in RED).
We've spent many summers in Hartwick Pines campground. We've often walked the trails through the woods and visited the visitor center. Its always interesting and fun for the kids. Beautiful scenery :)
My friend was married in the chapel on the hill, it was a beautiful day. Came back the next day to explore more of the trails and loved it. I would definitely recommend visiting here...
Very nice park with miles and miles of varied hiking trails. The electric sites from about 30 - 48 are nicely spaced and wooded. The others are for RVs and are kind of wide open and stacked together. We were in a tent in a site in the 40's and it was perfect. The electrical hookup was very close and water wasn't too far. The park has miles of hiking trails both right at the campsite and across the road along the East Branch of the Ausable River. The river trail is beautiful with pamphlets describing things to see. The river is beautiful but a little to small for fishing. There are also two crystal clear lakes in the park, very small but perfect for a canoe and one has a dock for fishing. I saw a nice big bass under the dock in the "trout" lake. The camp had lots of large showers and a clean main restrooom. One hint, don't buy firewood at the gas stations in Grayling. Very wet. We found firewood on the M72 near Burton's Landing road for $3.50 a bunch and it was perfect. They also apparently sell wood in the park but II didn't see any.
Great place to visit in Grayling. Lots of hiking/biking trails that are used for cross country skiing in the winter. Good visitor center that tells the history of logging in the area. Very nice campground with hookups and large sites. Paved bike trail into town.
Stopped to do some hiking and was able to catch a Guided hike by Craig of the old growth forest. He was very informative and interacted well with all age groups on the walk. Once at the logging camp, one of the guides -Ken B. Showed us around and answered all of our many questions. The guides have much information. The visitor center was very nice but for some reason had no working bathrooms and only porta potties. We will try to be back for snowshoeing or cross country skiing by latern light this winter.
Offers many trails and the great Northern Michigan beauty! There is a play area for children, and many picnic tables with grills to use.
These old growth white pines will bring a Pacific Northwest rainforest feeling in the middle of a hot bright Midwest summer day! Quite a unique and unexpected feeling in Michigan, and it is so close from the interstate that there is no reason to not make a detour while on a long road trip and take a relaxing walk under the big trees! The logging museum is definitely worth a visit, and so is the beautiful chapel.
My husband visited as a child & wanted to share it with me. Neither of us was disappointed: The magnificence of the pines, the perfect displays that truly capture life at the lumbering camps. The incredible equipment is displayed outdoors.The pathways wind through the beauty, pointing out in modest signage the trees you see. There is a perfect log church hidden in the pines. The indoor displays are informative & well done. A rare family outing without commercialism.
Easy, fun, for all ages from 5-50 was our group. You can pick many hiking, kayaking events and the Welcome center was very nice! We would go back to see what we missed.