Forest Adventures
The wilderness of the Upper Peninsula holds some remarkable adventures for you and your family.
Deer Ranch - Live whitetail deer with fawns in natural setting. See our albino deer! A unique gift shop featuring deerskin products. The areas largest selection of moccasins. Mail orders year-round. On US-2 just west of St. Ignace.
Mystery Spot - Voted Michigan's #1 unusual attraction! Enjoy guided tours through an area where gravity seems to have gone haywire! Also, mini-golf and maze in the woods. 5 miles west of St. Ignace on US-2.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch - See 28 bears! Have your picture taken with cubs! Walk about 4 natural habitats. 20 minutes south of Tahquamenon Falls, or 8 miles north of Newberry. Open Memorial Week - September 30, 10 am -6 pm.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park - The falls are the largest in the U.S. east of the Mississippi, not including (of course!) Niagara Falls. Set within a pristine wilderness, the Tahquamenon Falls is over 200' wide and 48' high. Over 50,000 gallons of water spill over this incredible falls per second! (Seasonal precipitation can increase or decrease this amount significantly.) A magnificent walk path will direct your way through the forest within the Tahquamenon Falls State Park. This wonderful park is one hour and fifteen minutes by car from St. Ignace.
Garlyn Park Zoo - Only 40 minutes west of St. Ignace and the Mackinac Bridge on US-2. Enjoy animals up close. See cougar, wolves, black bear, wallaby, ring-tailed lemur, alligator, camel and more! Feed the deer, goats, llama, and even the bear! Our gift shop is filled with wildlife related items for all ages. Kids love it!!! Fun for the whole family! Free parking for cars & RV's. Open 7 days a week from April 1st until September 30th, 10am until 6pm. In October, open 7 days a week, 10am until 5pm. Open weekends in November, 10am until 5pm.
North Country National Scenic Trail - this historic trail runs from the state of New York to North Dakota. 122 miles run through the eastern Upper Peninsula. The trailhead begins at Straits State Park, runs along Business Loop I-75 through downtown St. Ignace, then turns north-west running by Castle Rock. From here the trail enters the deep forests of the U.P. Hikers will be satisfied by finding accessibility and beautiful nature.
Hiawatha National Forest - It was from Longfellow's celebrated "Song of Hiawatha" that this Forest derived its name. Stretched across the eastern segment of Michigan's Upper Peninsula, the two units of the Hiawatha open onto Lakes Huron, Michigan, and Superior, the last of which was described by Longfellow as the "Shining Big-Sea-Waters." The Hiawatha is uniquely surrounded by 3 Great Lakes (Michigan, Superior, Huron) that afford it abundantly unique habitats for wildlife, plant species, recreation opportunities, and outstanding visuals, wildlife viewing, and scenic vegetation. This forest surrounds St. Ignace.
Kitch-iti-kipi (Big Spring) - Named the "Mirror of Heaven" by the early Indians. One of the Upper Peninsula's major attractions, Kitch-iti-Kipi is located 12 miles west of Manistique at Palms Book State Park. Young and old will enjoy riding the self-propelled observation raft to view the wonders of The Big Spring. The spring is 45 feet deep and 200 feet across. Water temperature remains constant at 45 degrees and is crystal clear. Visitors will thrill at the view of large brown trout, strange formations and the sight of 16,000 gallons of water per minute "erupting" from the depths. Modern facilities, ample parking, picnic tables and stoves are provided at the park. The park also maintains a concession with souvenirs, snacks, film, and picnic supplies. This site is one hour and forty-five minutes from St. Ignace. Manistique Area Tourist Council. Phone 800/342-4282.
Seney National Wildlife Refuge - 95,000 acres of protected habitat for wildlife. The Seney Visitor Center offers a slide show, exhibits, hands-on displays, and special events. Hike the Pine Ridge Nature Trail or take the Marshland Wildlife Drive. The drive from St. Ignace is one hour and fifteen minutes.