Bear Lake, Michigan Getaway
The Bear Lake area is a favorite destination for nature lovers who want the quiet of a small town setting with access to a whole range of attractions and destinations. Bear Lake has the lake of course, but it has a whole lot more due to its proximity to the Manistee National Forest, Pere Marquette State Forest, Lake Michigan, the Manistee River and numerous historic and fun destinations.
Day 1 - On The Water – You are within walking distance of
Bear Lake itself. It is considered one of the best pan
fishing lakes in the entire area. The Betsie River to the
north is excellent for easy canoeing and kayaking. If you
are after Walleye, the nearby Manistee River flows over the
Hodenpyl Dam and forms another reservoir at Wellston. While
you are at it, the trail and foot bridge along the Hodenpyl
will lead to a hidden waterfall. If it is sunbathing you are
after, the inn has a pool and there is a marvelous tiny
hidden beach on Lake Michigan just a few miles away at
Pierport.
Day 2 - Historic Destinations – – This part of Michigan can
keep a history buff busy for weeks. Here are a couple of
places that might be overlooked. Bottle House Museum – The
house made of bottles is now the Historical Museum in nearby
Kaleva. It is the last of the 3 known structures in Michigan
that were constructed of bottles that is available for
visitors. This is a small town museum so you should plan
ahead to make sure they are open.
SS City of Milwaukee – Anchored just off the road side north
of Manistee, this car ferry makes for a most unique day trip
and tour. This stop is great fun since the tour guides are
very knowledgeable, making the history of the vessel and
life on the Great Lakes come alive. After the Grand Trunk
car ferry SS Milwaukee was lost with a crew of 52 men in an
October 1929 storm, it was replaced by the SS City of
Milwaukee. Now a museum ship and a National Historic
Landmark, the SS City of Milwaukee is the last unaltered
example of a Great Lakes railroad car ferry. The museum
includes a gift shop and a Coast Guard cutter that is also
open for tours.
Day 3 - Hiking and Biking – The North Country Trail passes
through the Manistee National Forest nearby. The Betsie
Valley Trail showcases Michigan's natural splendor during a
trip along the 22-miles created on the rails to trails
project. Stretching north and west from Thompsonville to
Frankfort, the crushed limestone and asphalt trail travels
through Pere Marquette State Forest. Another option is the
Big M Trail Rail that runs more than 18 miles with a surface
that varies from dirt to grass to sand making it a favorite
cross-country ski trail and a mountain bike trail. There are
actually four segments, each with varying levels of
difficulty, from easiest to most difficult.
The whole northwest of Michigan can be explored from this little traveled and pristine area. The Bear Lake Motel offers modern comfortable lodgings in a motel setting. There are 8 nice golf courses close by. Stay and play one course every day for another Michigan back roads getaway.
