Need Something in the Area?
Looking for Adventure? Events? Trails? Groceries? Supplies? Bait? Tackle? Beer?
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Adventures
Special Events
Mesick Annual Mushroom Festival - May 9-11, 2025
Events throughout the city of Mesick, MI
Map to Carnival & Flea Market ->
See https://mesick-mushroomfest.org/schedule.html for event schedule!
Manistee National Forest - HIKE-orama! 2025 - June 20, 2025
Manistee National Forest 3-Day Geocaching event
- Friday kickoff breakfast
- Saturday Community Celebration Event
- Sunday 15 mile hike/hunt!
4th of July Festivities & Fireworks - Wellston
Join the city of Wellston as we celebrate America’s Independence Day, July the 4th. Festivities continue throughout the day culminating in a spectacular fireworks display at Crystal Lake sponsored by many local businesses.
Wellston - Things to do!
Fawn Crest Golf Course
553 Seaman Rd, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 848-4174
It’s just next door!
For latest info go to: http://www.fawncrestgolf.com/
Pine River Paddlesport Center
9590 M-37, Wellston, MI
(231) 862-3471
Family-run outfitter offering canoe, kayak, and raft rentals. https://www.thepineriver.com/
Sportsman's Port
10487 W M-55 Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 862-3571
Option of renting canoes, kayaks or rafts servicing Pine River.
Area Trails (driving time to trailhead) LEAVE NO TRACE!
Wellston Arboretum Trail (3 minutes)
The Arboretum Trail is a short, easy-to-walk trail that provides an educational experience to visitors. The trail passes through a variety of trees planted in the 1940’s as part of a tree-growth experiment. These tree species come from Europe, Asia and all over the United States. Educational signage along the trail identify individual species. The Arboretum Trail highlights the history and importance of this area, dating back to the Civilian Conservation Corps and the Chittenden Nursery of the 1930’s and 40’s. The trail is scenic and secluded and offers a self- guided walk through history.
Big-M Trail System (10 minutes)
Enjoy 40+ miles of mountain biking trails carved out of the Manistee National Forest. This well-marked, loop trail system sweeps through canopied hardwoods, which connects with the North Country Trail system. The challenging terrain of this excellent biking and cross country skiing destination offers an adventure for many experience levels, as it is divided into 4 segments of varied difficulty. The varied elevations along rolling wooded trails makes this trail system a popular year round destination for outdoor adventurers.
North Country Trail (11 minutes)
Manistee River High Bridge Site:
Part of the Manistee River trail system. Enjoy this 11+ mile trail system along the high banks of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam. The beauty of the Manistee River Trail is that it really is a trail for all skill levels. Many parts are flat along the bluffs overlooking the Manistee River. When you do have elevation changes, they are short in distance so you can move at your own pace.
Manistee River Trail (15 minutes)
Red Bridge River Access:
Enjoy this 11+ mile trail system along the high banks of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and Hodenpyle Dam. The beauty of the Manistee River Trail is that it really is a trail for all skill levels. Many parts are flat along the bluffs overlooking the Manistee River. When you do have elevation changes, they are short in distance so you can move at your own pace.
Pine Valley Pathway 25 minutes)
Located in the state forest just north of Baldwin, the Pine Valley Pathway winds for 8.3 miles. The trail is composed of three interconnected loops that range in activities and length, for a “pick your distance” style trail. The northern loop is 6.1 miles long and is split into two trails, a route that is primarily used by snowmobilers and ORVs and another used by mountain bikers. The southern loop is 5.2 miles and winds through an aspen match stick forest. Hikers primarily navigate toward the middle loop, which provides a 4.1 mile hike to Lost Lake and back along a forested, nonmotorized pathway. The trail is well marked, and a map is available for reference at all trail intersections. The trailhead is located 15 miles northeast of Baldwin, MI via M-37 and Mile Road. The trailhead is located on the south side of the large parking area, which is shared with ORV and snowmobile users.
Silver Creek Pathway (28 minutes)
8984 N State Rd, Luther, MI 49656
Silver Creek Pathway is in the state forest along the Pine River near Luther, Michigan. One, 4.5-mile loop providing picturesque views of both sides of the Pine River. The trail is open to both hikers and mountain bikers as it passes through moderate, wooded ridge terrain. Anglers are also commonly found along the route, as the river provides a bounty of rainbow trout.
Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area (45 minutes)
Nurnberg Trailhead:
The 3,500 acre Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area is a beautiful and complex feature along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline, in the Huron-Manistee National Forest, located between Ludington and Manistee. It is popular for hiking, primitive and dispersed camping, beach combing, hunting, picnicking, nature study and wildlife viewing, also offering approximately 10-miles of trails accessed from two developed trailheads: Nurnberg Road and Lake Michigan Recreation Area. The designated Wilderness area is a protected natural space, an area where the earth and its community of life are untrammeled by man, where man himself is a visitor who does not remain.
Sleeping Bear Dunes (75 minutes)
Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive historic farm district.
You will find a wide variety of activities for every age available to you at the Lakeshore. Climb the Dunes, swim at one of the many beaches, or take a hike through the Maple/Beech forest to some beautiful overlooks. Maybe you will want to spend some time in the museums or tour Port Oneida to learn about the rich history and culture of the area. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail provides over 20 miles of accessible walking and biking trail, with a portion groomed for skiing when snow conditions allow.
Manistee, MI - (20 minutes W)
Manistee County Tourism Authority
1st Street Beach
West end of First Street on Lake Michigan, this is the largest City-owned recreation area. There is:
- Boat launch into the Manistee River near Lake Michigan with docks
- Fish cleaning station (fee required)
- Picnic area with pavilions overlooks Lake Michigan
- Fishing pier
- Play equipment
- Volleyball courts
- Restrooms
- Two children’s playgrounds
- Dog Park
- Lighted tennis courts
- Basketball court
- Volleyball court
- Two lighted softball fields
- Natural areas
- Parking is available throughout the park.
- A two mile Riverwalk from the downtown
- Concession Stand
River Street Shops and Dining
River Street – Urban Hiking!
Visit River Street and step back into the 19th century. Plenty of shops and eateries to explore. Start there and walk 1.75 miles to the 1st Street beach on Lake Michigan and back. River street is one way, so enter on Cypress Street heading west.
Mesick, MI - (24 minutes NE)
Mesick Annual Mushroom Festival - May 9-11, 2025
Events throughout the city of Mesick, MI
Map to Carnival & Flea Market ->
See https://mesick-mushroomfest.org/schedule.html for event schedule!
Traverse City, MI - (70 minutes N)
Mission Point Lighthouse
Mission Point Lighthouse has been a Traverse City and Old Mission Peninsula icon for decades. Located at the north end of a picturesque drive along M-37 through cherry orchards and vineyards, Mission Point Lighthouse stands as a classic piece of Michigan history. While it no longer guides mariners through West Grand Traverse Bay as it did from September 10, 1870 until it was decommissioned in 1933, Mission Point Lighthouse now offers visitors a peek into what life was like around the turn of the century for lighthouse keepers and for others who lived and worked in the area at the time.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 60 km (35 mi.) stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive historic farm district.
You will find a wide variety of activities for every age available to you at the Lakeshore. Climb the Dunes, swim at one of the many beaches, or take a hike through the Maple/Beech forest to some beautiful overlooks. Maybe you will want to spend some time in the museums or tour Port Oneida to learn about the rich history and culture of the area. The Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail provides over 20 miles of accessible walking and biking trail, with a portion groomed for skiing when snow conditions allow.
National Cherry Festival - June 28 - July 5
99th National Cherry Festival
We want to thank our growers, partners, vendors, sponsors, volunteers, and community leaders for their commitment to the National Cherry Festival. There is a lot of good happening throughout the Traverse City area and we are proud to be a part of this unique community that holds the title Cherry Capital of the World. We can’t wait to see you June 28 to July 5, 2025!
Groceries & Supplies
Whitetail Partymart
16954 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 848-4315
At the park entrance, Whitetail Party Mart offers a variety of essential supplies and conveniences. You can stock up on items such as ice, propane, firewood, ice cream treats, groceries, beverages (including beer, wine, and liquor), fuel, fishing licenses, trail permits, area maps, and more.
M-55 Market
17275 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 848-4579
Groceries and fresh cut meats. Wine and Beer.
Dollar General
16861 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 577-6016
Dublin General Store
18372 Hoxeyville Rd, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 859-4121
Fishing supplies, groceries, deli counter, exotic jerky, pharmacy, and Ace Hardware all rolled into one.
Fischer LP Gas
17254 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 729-9009
Need propane? Fischer LP is close & convenient.
Restaurants
Annie's Kozy Kitchen
16938 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 848-4632
Home cooking at it’s finest!
Billy Rae & Dani Lee’s Redneck Yacht Club
Traks Bar & Grill
5073 N High Bridge Rd, Brethren, MI 49619
(231) 477-5944
See website for menu, hours, and more! https://traksbarandgrill.com/
Chandler's Cafe
1950 S. M37, Harrietta, MI (231) 389-7045
Will deliver to Heart of the Forest Campground (bundle orders for single delivery fee) Daily specials.
Open 7am – 8pm, closed Wednesday
See full menu at: http://chandlers-cafe.com
Bait, Tackle, Hunting & Fishing Supplies
Pappy's Bait & Tackle
17092 Caberfae Hwy
(231) 848-4142
See Ron Eckerson at Pappy’s for the latest in fishing news, bait & tackle, rods, reels, and 24hr fish cleaning services when the salmon run.
Dublin General Store
18372 Hoxeyville Rd, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 859-4121
Fishing supplies, groceries, deli counter, exotic jerky, pharmacy, and Ace Hardware all rolled into one.
Beer!
Whitetail Partymart
16954 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 848-4315
At the park entrance, Whitetail Party Mart offers a variety of essential supplies and conveniences. You can stock up on items such as ice, propane, firewood, ice cream treats, groceries, beverages (including beer, wine, and liquor), fuel, fishing licenses, trail permits, area maps, and more.
Dollar General
16861 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 577-6016
M-55 Market
17275 Caberfae Hwy, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 848-4579
Groceries and fresh cut meats. Wine and Beer.
Dublin General Store
18372 Hoxeyville Rd, Wellston, MI 49689
(231) 859-4121
Fishing supplies, groceries, deli counter, exotic jerky, pharmacy, and Ace Hardware all rolled into one.