I discovered this unique barn driving on the backroads in Arcadia, MI.
It would be easy to pass by the Onekama / Arcadia, MI area – but that would be missing out big time. Online searches reveal very little about the place, perhaps that’s because being there feels like you are going back to a time when electronic devices took a back seat to nature and being a human at peace with the world. I took these photos driving around the back roads near Lake Michigan.

The landscape is dotted with historic barns, vineyards, and rolling hills. You’ll also discover golf courses and a beautiful. Here places to stay: Here are some place to check out when you visit.

Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course: This course is open to the public and resembles a seaside links course with rolling terrain and a windswept landscape with breathtaking views of Lake Michigan. Lodging and cottages are also available.

Artesian Wells: Some of the purest water in the country is located at these public wells, where folks have been known to travel for miles to bottle it up and take some home. Here are links Old Facefull (GPS 44.427615, -86.247132) Portage Point Well (GPS: 44.376511, -86.227881).

Portage Point Inn: I’ve never had a chance to stay here but have always wanted to. This historic inn was established in 1903, yet features a boutique gift shop, pub, fitness center, lake access, movie nights on the lawn, kayak and paddle board rentals, boating, fishing and much more.

Inspiration Point Scenic Overlook: This is one of the best overlooks I’ve been to in my entire life. It’s just off the Scenic Highway and you can see for miles and miles. Trust me, and be sure to lug your camera along with you for this one, all 120 steps to the top of the overlook!

Arcadia Marsh: This 273-acre marsh nature preserve has a short trail and is especially popular for birding.

Area Preserves and Trails: While I was researching this project, I found a link to this map with a bunch of preserves and trails that I didn’t even know existed in this region.

This is a great time to start planning your Michigan summer vacation. These are just a few of the great places to discover in the area.

 

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Red Barn on the horizon
I captured this shot of a peaceful red barn, just as the sun was going down.

I was looking for something to do with my friend Sandy and she was game to scope out potential places for photos. She mentioned her grandparents used to live near 10oth Street in the Byron Center area and thought that since it was on high ground, we might find something nice. She was right.

Old barns and farmhouses fascinate me and this one caught my eye. The farmhouse on the site was abandoned with a big “No Trespassing. Trespassers will be prosecuted” sign posted. Luckily, I got my shot anyway!

 

Driving along in the Michigan back country.

I took this photo driving through farmland in the Belmont, Michigan area. For those who think of Michigan as a washed up rust belt state, think again. The majority of the state sports lush farmland, lakes ripe for fishing and trees everywhere.

I just got back from visiting gorgeous Steamboat Springs. While I love the mountains and big, huge sky, I missed the variety of trees and “green” that Michigan offers.

Now for the favor… my son Paul is getting married on August 21. He’s having trouble finding a rustic cabin or cottage in the Upper Peninsula to rent from August 23 – August 30. Any suggestions or places you know of with availabilities? If so, could you please make a comment about it? I would greatly appreciate it!

Wandering through the Fields.
Wandering through the Fields.

I was wandering through the county and had to stop to take this photo of this little farm on a hillside, I love the little windmill peeking over the roof.

Hopefully this is the last shot I put up here this spring that doesn’t have LOTS of green in it. The trees are starting to bud, it’s warm and sunny and the air smells like life. Welcome back spring, I’m so glad to see you again.

HDR Photo of old farm in middle Michigan
I drove up to Synchronicity in Glen Arbor today to drop of my creative work for the summer season. Typically when I go on a trip, I take the most direct route home on the highway because I am notorious for getting lost.  I took the back roads and boy are you all in for a treat. I got some great shots of Mid-Michigan farmland. In one of my coming posts I’ll give you some ideas for a beautiful drive.

Old Michigan Farm
So I’m driving along on Sayles Avenue near Lowell (see previous post for Google link) and see this old, old farm. It almost looked abandoned, but I think someone still lives here. I had to walk through a field to get this angle and am always a little nervous when I do that in case the owners have a dog that hates intruders. Fortunately, I got my shot without a problem. The place kind of has a haunted feeling about it and after I took this photo, I noticed there is a glow over the white barn. I’m sure it’s just a lens flare but I think it’s cool.