The Pere Marquette River is a scenic river in Michigan that offers a variety of outdoor activities and breathtaking natural beauty. This travel guide will cover everything you need to know about the top attractions, hidden gems, food scene, budget-friendly tips, and more.
Top Attractions
Pere Marquette River Scenic Loop
The Pere Marquette River Scenic Loop is a 66-mile drive that takes you through beautiful forests, rolling hills, and along the Pere Marquette River. It’s a great way to see the natural beauty of the area while also getting some exercise.
Baldwin Canoe Rental
Baldwin Canoe Rental is the perfect place to rent a canoe or kayak and explore the Pere Marquette River. They offer a variety of rental options and are located right on the river, making it easy to get started on your adventure.
Lake Michigan Beaches
The Pere Marquette River flows into Lake Michigan, which means that there are plenty of beaches to explore along the coast. Some of the top beaches include Stearns Park Beach, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and Grand Haven State Park Beach.
Hidden Gems
Red Bridge
Red Bridge is a historic covered bridge that spans the Pere Marquette River. It’s a great place to take photos and learn about the history of the area.
Pere Marquette Rail-Trail
The Pere Marquette Rail-Trail is a 30-mile trail that runs through forests, wetlands, and fields. It’s a great way to see the natural beauty of the area while also getting some exercise.
Little Eden
Little Eden is a small park that’s located on the Pere Marquette River. It’s a great place to have a picnic and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Food Scene
Na-Tah-Ka
Na-Tah-Ka is a restaurant and bar that’s located in Irons, Michigan. They offer a variety of American-style dishes, including burgers, sandwiches, and seafood.
Creative Pig-Out
Creative Pig-Out is a food truck that’s located in Baldwin, Michigan. They offer a variety of BBQ dishes, including pulled pork, brisket, and ribs.
Iron Fish Distillery
Iron Fish Distillery is a craft distillery that’s located in Thompsonville, Michigan. They offer a variety of spirits, including vodka, gin, and whiskey, as well as a restaurant that serves farm-to-table dishes.
Budget-Friendly Tips
Camping
There are plenty of campgrounds in the area that offer affordable rates. Some of the top campgrounds include Baldwin Oaks Campground and Pere Marquette Oaks RV Resort.
Hiking
Hiking is a great way to see the natural beauty of the area without spending any money. Some of the top hiking trails include the North Country Trail and the Manistee River Trail.
Beaches
Visiting the beaches along Lake Michigan is a great way to spend a day without spending any money. Some of the top beaches include Stearns Park Beach, Silver Lake Sand Dunes, and Grand Haven State Park Beach.
Outdoor Adventures
Fishing
The Pere Marquette River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities. Some of the top fish to catch include steelhead, salmon, and trout.
Canoeing/Kayaking
The Pere Marquette River is a popular destination for canoeing and kayaking. There are plenty of rental options available, including Baldwin Canoe Rental.
Hiking
The area is home to a variety of hiking trails, including the North Country Trail and the Manistee River Trail. These trails offer beautiful views and a chance to see wildlife up close.
Family-Friendly Activities
Big Star Lake
Big Star Lake is a popular destination for families. It’s a great place to swim, fish, and enjoy the outdoors. There’s also a playground and picnic area.
Caberfae Peaks
Caberfae Peaks is a ski resort that offers a variety of winter activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing. In the summer, they offer golf and mountain biking.
Michigan’s Adventure
Michigan’s Adventure is an amusement park that offers a variety of rides and attractions for all ages. It’s a great place to spend a day with the family.
Off-the-Beaten-Path Experiences
Ghost Towns
The area is home to several ghost towns, including Idlewild and Luther. These towns offer a glimpse into the past and are great for history buffs.
Long Lake
Long Lake is a small lake that’s located in the Manistee National Forest. It’s a great place to fish, swim, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Old Baldy
Old Baldy is a sand dune that’s located in the Ludington State Park. It offers beautiful views of Lake Michigan and is a great place to watch the sunset.
Natural Wonders
Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan is the third largest of the Great Lakes and offers beautiful views and plenty of recreational opportunities.
Manistee National Forest
The Manistee National Forest covers over 500,000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Pere Marquette River
The Pere Marquette River is a scenic river that offers excellent opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and kayaking.
Vibrant Nightlife
Club Escape
Club Escape is a nightclub that’s located in Ludington, Michigan. They offer a variety of music and dancing, as well as a full bar.
Stoney’s Bar & Grill
Stoney’s Bar & Grill is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. They offer a variety of food and drinks, as well as live music on the weekends.
The Mitten Bar
The Mitten Bar is a craft beer bar that’s located in Ludington, Michigan. They offer a variety of Michigan-made beers, as well as a full bar.
Local Markets
Baldwin Farmers Market
The Baldwin Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce and handmade goods. It’s open on Saturdays from May to October.
Scottville Farmers Market
The Scottville Farmers Market is another great option for fresh produce and handmade goods. It’s open on Wednesdays from June to October.
Ludington Farmers Market
The Ludington Farmers Market is a larger market that offers a variety of vendors. It’s open on Fridays from June to October.
Beaches and Mountains
Silver Lake Sand Dunes
The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. They offer a variety of activities, including hiking, ATV riding, and dune buggies.
Grand Haven State Park Beach
Grand Haven State Park Beach is a beautiful beach that offers plenty of recreational opportunities. It’s a great place to swim, fish, and enjoy the sun.
Huron-Manistee National Forest
The Huron-Manistee National Forest covers over 978,000 acres and offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, camping, and wildlife watching.
Cultural Immersion
Port City Princess
The Port City Princess is a paddlewheel riverboat that offers dinner cruises and sightseeing tours. It’s a great way to see Ludington from a different perspective.
S.S. Badger
The S.S. Badger is a car ferry that crosses Lake Michigan between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowoc, Wisconsin. It’s a great way to see the lake and experience a unique form of transportation.
Historic White Pine Village
The Historic White Pine Village is a living history museum that showcases life in the 19th century. It’s a great place to learn about local history and culture.
Art and Music Scene
Ludington Area Center for the Arts
The Ludington Area Center for the Arts is a community arts center that offers a variety of classes and events. It’s a great place to see local artwork and performances.
Ramsdell Theatre
The Ramsdell Theatre is a historic theater that offers a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and movies.
Butters
Big South Branch Pere Marquette River Fishing Report Fishing report from www.pinterest.com
