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Thursday, December 29, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #20- North Point Light- Milwaukee, WI


Milwaukee’s North Point Lighthouse is a historic, maritime treasure, standing tall overlooking Lake Michigan since 1855. One of the oldest structures still standing in what is now Lake Park, the North Point Light Station consists of a 74-foot lighthouse tower and a two-story wood-frame Keeper’s Quarters. Located on a two-acre semi-wooded parcel nestled between two ravines extending to Lake Michigan, this iconic structure played an important role in the region's maritime trade and economic growth for more than 120 years, where it remained in use until being decommissioned in 1994.

Each year, visitors are drawn to the beauty and historical significance of Lake Park and Milwaukee's East Side vintage neighborhoods. Public tours are available Saturdays and Sundays from 1 – 4 p.m. year round.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #19- Old Port Washington- Port Washington, WI


Nothing remains of Port Washington's first lighthouse that was constructed atop St. Mary's Hill, just north of the harbor in 1849. The tower was poorly constructed and was replaced with the current lighthouse in 1860, the year set in brick on the front of the building. The light was discontinued in 1903, as the pierhead light that had been added to the harbor in 1889 was deemed sufficient for navigational needs. The Port Washington Lighthouse still continued to house the keepers who maintained the pierhead light and later served as housing for the Coast Guard. The original tower was removed from the dwelling around 1934 when the new pierhead light was added. In 1992, the old lighthouse was leased to the Port Washington Historical Lighthouse, and the group obtained ownership of the property in 1998. Painted white and without its tower, the original purpose of the structure was masked. The historical society began a restoration in 2000, which included the addition of a tower and the removal of the exterior paint. A dedication ceremony was held on June 16, 2002.

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #17- Rawley Point Lighthouse, Two Rivers, WI


About five miles north of the city of Two Rivers, Rawley Point has seen its share of shipwrecks, even though it boasts the second tallest lighthouse in Wisconsin. The treacherous shoals around the point have long been a danger to Great Lakes vessels. Although a lighthouse has stood at this location since the 1850s, the current 113-foot tall iron tower is a lighthouse built for the 1893 Chicago World's Fair and afterward moved to Rawley Point.

An active aid to navigation, the lighthouse and keeper's quarters are utilized by the Coast Guard and are not open to visitors. The light can be viewed from the beach and dune area that is part of Point Beach State Forest., which includes 2,900 acres of forest land, bordered on the east by some six miles of sand-ridged beach on Lake Michigan.

Monday, December 26, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #17- Cana Island Lighthouse, Door County, WI


Cana Island Lighthouse is one of the most illustrated and visited lighthouses in Door County. The majestic white tower is attached to the brick keepers dwelling and closely resembles the mental image visitors have of a lighthouse. The Lighthouse Board began looking for a new location for a lighthouse along Door County’s Lake Michigan shore once it decided that the original Baileys Harbor Light was not in a proper location to serve as both a coast and harbor light.
Cana Island Lighthouse is situated northeast of Baileys Harbor on a peninsula separating Moonlight Bay and North Bay, both prime locations for anchoring ships. A three hundred foot long natural causeway links Cana Island to the mainland and is a convenient way for visitors and workers to travel to the light, but it can at times be flooded due to the constantly fluctuating level of Lake Michigan.

Saturday, December 24, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #16- Manistique East Breakwater Light


Established in 1915, the picturesque red Manistique East Breakwater Light is located on the end of a concrete breakwater on the east side of the harbor where the Manistique River flows into Lake Michigan in the Upper Peninsula. The tower was constructed of prefabricated steel plates which were bolted together and lagged to the foundation. 

Square in plan, the tower stood approximately 38 feet tall, and was surmounted by a square gallery upon which a decagonal cast iron lantern housed an electrically powered fixed red Fourth Order Fresnel lens. Within the body of the structure, duplicate electrically powered compressors fed a pair of diaphone fog signals. The work on the station was completed in 1916, and the light exhibited for the first time on August 17, 1916. 

The Manistique light was automated in 1969, and the keeper's dwelling sold into private ownership. As part of automation, the Fourth Order Fresnel lens was removed and replaced by a 300 mm Tidelands Signal acrylic optic.

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #15- Whitefish Point Light Tower


The year 2011 marked the 150th anniversary of the Whitefish Point Light Tower. This lighthouse has become one of Michigan’s icons, saving countless Lake Superior mariners with its powerful beacon. It is the big lake’s oldest operating lighthouse- in continuous official operation since 1861- and is still a major aid to navigation on the U.S. Coast Guard Light List.
                       
The tower is called an “iron-pile” style due to its skeletal frame, using structural members that are solid iron piles and rods. Built during President Abraham Lincoln’s administration, it was constructed to assure safe transport of iron ore necessary for defense of the Union.

The Great Lakes Shipwreck Historical Society has just completed Phase 2 of a major three-phase restoration project of this historic lighthouse. Tower tours for a small fee are now available and all proceeds benefit ongoing restoration.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #14- Old Mackinac Point

The increase in size and volume of vessel traffic almost immediately caused a need for a light on Mackinac Point. The brick two-story keeper’s dwelling with attached brick tower was completed in 1892. The tower is 6-feet in diameter and 40-feet tall.

The light from the Fourth Order lens was visible for 16 miles, but was taken out of service in December 1957 as the lights on the new Mackinac Bridge served as navigation aids.


The property was acquired by the Mackinac Island State Park Commission in 1960 and
  had been converted to a maritime museum that operated for a number of years, but was closed in 1987. Restoration of the property to its circa 1910 appearance started in 2000 and now the lighthouse has been reopened to the public.

Located next to the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinaw City, Michigan. The park surrounding the lighthouse is a great place to view the bridge, enjoy lunch and watch the boat traffic.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #13- Old Mission Point




The picturesque Old Mission Point Lighthouse was built in 1870 to warn ships away from the dangerous shoals at the tip of the Old Mission Peninsula in Grand Traverse Bay, but was replaced by an offshore beacon in 1933. Perched atop a low bluff overlooking the rocky shore, the lighthouse is open for tours daily during spring, summer and fall, and it is the centerpiece of an attractive park with popular beaches, historical exhibits and extensive hiking and skiing trails and is a popular stop for sightseers exploring the Peninsula’s many wineries. Like the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, it has a volunteer lighthouse keeper program, providing opportunities for lighthouse-lovers to live and work in the facility. 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #12- Grand Traverse Lighthouse

The best-known of the Traverse City area’s lighthouses is the Grand Traverse Lighthouse. Located at the tip of the Leelanau Peninsula on Cathead Bay, near the village of Northport, it is one of the oldest lighthouses on the Great Lakes, guiding ships through the northern entrance to the Manitou Passage for 150 years. Today it is a museum surrounde...d by a picturesque state park where visitors can envision the once-isolated life of lighthouse keepers and their families, with extensive exhibits and period furnishings from the 1920s and 1930s. Its popular “volunteer lighthouse keeper” program also provides opportunities for enthusiasts to spend several weeks living in the lighthouse, carrying on routine maintenance and answering the questions of its frequent visitors.

Friday, December 16, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #11- Robert Manning Memorial Lighthouse- Empire


The Robert Manning Memorial Lighthouse, on the public beach in the village of Empire, is not an official nautical lighthouse, and no tours are available, but people love to have their pictures taken with it. Robert H. Manning was a life-long resident of Empire who spent as much time as possible indulging his passion for fishing on Lake Michigan, and longed to see a lighthouse built at Empire for returning fishermen. After his death in 1989, Manning’s family and friends raised money to build this tiny lighthouse in his honor. Directions: From the intersection of M72 and M22, go west on Front street, Travel toward Lake Michigan until the intersection with Lake Street. Take Lake street North into the Empire Beach park. The memorial lighthouse is located at the northernmost end of the park.
 

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #10- Frankfort North Breakwater Light





This 67-foot tower was built in 1932 and is mounted at the end of a pier just north of Betsie Lake. It replaced an earlier light that was constructed in 1873, which sat along a wooden pier and had an elevated catwalk. The original pyramid style lighthouse was increased in size with a two-story, 25-foot addition.  A door located halfway up the current steel tower suggests that at one time an elevated catwalk may have been proposed to connect the lighthouse to shore, but was never actually built. Frankfort's light still shines from its cast iron lantern room with a fourth order Fresnel lens, with a focal plane of 72 feet, visible for 16 miles in clear weather.

Although the lighthouse is not accessible to the public, it is still a great lighthouse to snap a picture of from land or sea.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #9- Manistee North Pier Head

 

Built in 1927, the Manistee North Pierhead Lighthouse and Catwalk is listed on the National Register of Historic Places; the catwalk is one of only four remaining on Lake Michigan. The Lighthouse is owned by the City of Manistee and is undergoing restoration by the Manistee
County Historical Museum.

The Manistee Harbor has been served by four lighthouses in the last 142 years. The first lighthouses were dwellings with lights atop. Pierhead lights were added in 1875, and eventually included fog signals, range lights, and a catwalk.

The current 39-foot steel tower was built in 1927 and was transferred to the City and Museum in 2011. The light still shines over Lake Michigan from the ten-sided lantern atop the steel tower. When restoration is completed in several years, the Lighthouse will be open to the public on select summer days.

Tuesday, December 13, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #8- Big Sable Point Lighthouse


Nestled among jack pines down a two mile walk along a breathtaking trail stands Big Sable’s noble black and white tower. This historic beacon, (1867) is located within Ludington State Park and is operated by SPLKA, a non-profit which proudly manages historic lighthouses along Lake Michigan’s shoreline, offering a Volunteer Keepers program which allows its members the opportunity to live and work for free within the lighthouses, May-October. Visitors are welcome to tour the original Keeper’s Quarters and Gift Shop, stroll along the sand dunes or climb the 112 foot tower. In 2012, SPLKA begins the first phase on the Seawall Reconstruction Project. Along with restoration efforts, special entertainment and transportation are provided every summer month- June 5, July 3 and August 7 from 7-8 p.m

Monday, December 12, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #7- Little Sable Point Lighthouse


Featured Lighthouse #7- Mears/Silver Lake is home to the 107 - foot tall Little Sable Point Lighthouse. Built in 1872, it is the tallest light on Lake Michigan's eastern coastline. It features the original fixed Third-Order Fresnel Lens. The keeper's dwelling was destroyed in 1954 when the station was automated. Its brick tower was left standing in the sandy dunes. Tours are provided on Wednesday - Sunday 10 AM - 6 PM May - September.

Directions: Exit US-31 at the Hart/Mears exit, take Polk Road west to 56th, south on Fox, west to 34th (B-15), south through Silver Lake past the state park campgrounds, then follow the lighthouse signs.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #6- White River Light Station



The White River Light station was built in 1875, just four years after the Great Chicago fire. A channel was dug in 1870 between Lake Michigan and White Lake to facilitate the access of lumber schooners. The ship captains were headed to the sawmills which were located on White Lake, a tributary of the White River and adjacent to the majestic pine forests. Eventually passengers traveled on steamships from Chicago to enjoy the summer resort activities in the area.

The stately old building still reverberates with the character and stories of such prominent residents as the first keeper. Captain William Robinson came from England and served 47 years with his wife Sarah and their large family. Many significant keepers followed, including a woman offering years of brave and dedicated service.

The light station was decommissioned in 1960 and opened its doors as a museum in 1970 under the ownership and management of Fruitland Township.

Thursday, December 8, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #5- Muskegon South Pier and Breakwater Lights


Muskegon South Pier and Breakwater Lights

The first light was constructed on the shore in Muskegon in 1851 and included a keeper's dwelling. With completion of the harbor pier in 1902, the shore light was replaced with a new light at the end of the pier. The pier juts out into Lake Michigan between two breakwaters at the mouth of Muskegon Lake. The 53-foot red conical stee...l tower, equipped with a fourth order Fresnel lens, was erected in 1903. The Fresnel lens has been replaced by a modern 300mm acrylic optic.

The 70-foot South Breakwater Square Tower was built in 1930. The red square tapered steel tower sits on the south breakwater, also along the Lake Michigan shore at the mouth of Muskegon Lake.

Wednesday, December 7, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #4- Grand Haven South Pier and Pierhead Inner Lights



Established as a federal lighthouse in 1839, the Grand Haven light was first constructed at the south side of the mouth of the Grand River. In 1855, a new lighthouse was built on a high bluff located east of the shore. In 1875, the original fog signal building was reconstructed at the end of the South Pier. In 1905, the South Pier was extended and the fog signal building was moved to its end. At that time, the current 52-foot high conical South Pierhead inner tower light was constructed.

The tower and fog building, each with their own light, are connected along the pier and to the shore by a long catwalk. The Grand Haven South Pier Lighthouse is an operating lighthouse at the end of the pier, an extension of the Grand Haven boardwalk. The pier is open to the public year round, but weather conditions can make the pier unsafe for pedestrians during winter months, storm conditions and high winds. The lighthouse is not open inside because it is an operating lighthouse, but the public can walk up and around the lighthouse.

Tuesday, December 6, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #3- Holland Harbor Lighthouse

Holland Harbor Lighthouse

One of Michigan’s most-photographed lighthouses sits along the breakwater of Holland Harbor. “Big Red,” as it is affectingly known, has welcomed boaters and visitors to Holland for over 135 years. The first Holland Harbor lighthouse was erected in 1872; however the structure as we now know it became a reality in 1936.

It was originally painted pale yellow, but in 1956,... its color was changed to satisfy a Coast Guard mandate that all structures or lights on the right side of any harbor entrance must be red. Fifteen years later, the Coast Guard declared Big Red to be surplus. Local townsfolk united and formed the Holland Harbor Lighthouse Historical Commission, taking ownership of Big Red in 1974 and installing a new light that shines for 20 miles.

Monday, December 5, 2011

Featured Lighthouse #2- South Haven South Pierhead Lighthouse


The original 37-foot wooden tower was two stories tall. The lower level was used for storage. The upper level housed the lens and a fifth order lamp which ran on mineral oil. The current tower was reconstructed of steel in 1903. It now measures 12' in diameter at the base and stands 35' tall. The ship, Hyacinth, transported the steel structure and U.S. Lighthouse Establishment workers built the light. It eventually was electrified in 1923, utilizing a 200 watt bulb.

The pier itself has undergone several transformations over the years. The originally wood structure measured 300 feet in length. The pier was rebuilt twice, once in 1888 and again in 1889. In 1913, it was extended 425 feet, making the wooden structure more than 700 feet in length. In 1925, 800 feet of steel elevated walkway was taken from the Calumet station, brought to South Haven and reinstalled on the pier. Then in 1940, today's 1200-foot concrete pier was constructed. 

Together, the lighthouse and its pier have taken the concept of aging gracefully to new heights.No one knows when the first fog signal was used in South Haven. A 1900 account cites the use of a bellows-style operated by hand. In 1913, the fog signal was replaced by a 1600-pound electrified fog bell. It remained in use until 1937 when a drone-type fog horn was installed. It could be heard seven to 15 miles away, depending on the weather.
The South Pierhead lighthouse is open for public tours one weekend each year, during the annual Harborfest -- always the third weekend in June. There is no cost to tour the lighthouse.


To pre-order your very own copy of the 2011-2012 Lake Michigan Circle Tour and Lighthouse Map- Follow this link!

Friday, December 2, 2011

It's Back!

It is that time of year again! The famous Lake Michigan Circle Tour and Lighthouse Map is off to press and will be available FREE to you on January 2, 2012 (pre-order here). We are so excited to show of the design of this years map. It is in honor of our 95th anniversary and has some incredible detail! But alas, you must wait just a few more weeks.
Until then, each day we will be giving you a sneak peek at one of the 22 featured lighthouses! Make sure to check back each weekday to see if your favorite Lake Michigan Lighthouse made it! 
 Today we will introduce you to the St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouse.  
The St. Joseph historic lighthouse and catwalk, located on the city’s North Pier, was erected at the mouth of the St. Joseph River in 1832. In 1859, a replacement lighthouse was built on the bluff. The tower and the beacon were constructed first and the keeper’s house was built at a later time. Range lights replaced the beacon after the north and south piers were built in 1907 and 1919, respectively. In 1938, the U.S. Coast Guard assumed responsibilities for navigation warning signals and marine safety, absorbing the lighthouse services. The original St. Joseph lighthouse with tower and beacon was torn down in 1955. The current lighthouse replica was constructed later on the North Pier. Both the North Pier and the South Pier, which house the range lights, are publicly accessible

Thursday, November 24, 2011

Happy Thanksgiving!

To all of our wonderful readers that we are so thankful for, we have written a special poem just for you. 

Ahem..

Thanksgiving is a traditional time for gathering
Eating food, having fun and blabbering.
It all started one day at Plymouth rock
A tradition 400 years later we still mock.

Though now it is sometimes overlooked
With Christmas shopping and getting trips booked.
It is still a blissfully wonderful time of the year
When we can all spend time together and be near.

As you enjoy time with family and friends
Be thankful for those at all table ends.
Enjoy the harvest you get to share
And make sure you handle the pie with care!

From West Michigan we would like to say
We hope you have a very happy Thanksgiving day!

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Wine Winners!

Thank you so much to everyone who participated in our wine-lib challenge! Our winners are Lisa Beesa,Cheryl Marenda, Lydia Vierson, Marie Vierson, JLV821, Corky, GR antiques market, Jillian, and Tiffany. If you are a winner and you have not heard from us yet, please send Kelly and email at kelly@wmta.org so she knows what name to hold your tickets under! 

We have filled in all of the blanks with everyone's answers-- you can read them below!

Lisa-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it scoots across your elbow.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 12  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your corks may possibly get sexy. Luckily you can find all the Michigan palates at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to boogie Michigan wines. Your will be so flirty with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout BLAM!

Cheryl-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it presses across your hand.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 18  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your grapes may possibly get soft. Luckily you can find all the Michigan bottles at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to taste Michigan wines. You will be so great with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout splash!

Lydia-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it tears across your knee.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 4  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your goats may possibly get hairy. Luckily you can find all the Michigan kites at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to kick Michigan wines. You will be so jeweled with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout PLOP!

Marie-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it bends across your knuckle.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 56  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your pillowsripped. Luckily you can find all the Michigan stars at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to hop Michigan wines. You will be so dewy with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout BUZZ! may possibly get

Hanna-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it shines across your nose.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 44  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your deer may possibly get sparkly. Luckily you can find all the Michigan moose at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to capture Michigan wines. Yor will be so sloppy with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout Yodel-eh-he-hoo!

JLV-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it jumps across your torso.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 24 wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your foods may possibly get brilliant. Luckily you can find all the Michigan cars at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to smell Michigan wines. You will be so beautiful with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout SPLAT!

Corky-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it launches across your forehead.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 42  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your banana splits may possibly get lime-green. Luckily you can find all the Michigan lemurs at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to burrow Michigan wines. You will be so bouncy with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout BOING!

GR Antique Market-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it pours across your arm.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 3  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your lemons may possibly get yummy. Luckily you can find all the Michigan seeds at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to move Michigan wines. You will be so swiftly with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout SPLAT!

Jillian-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it lifts across your nose.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 7  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your peanuts may possibly get talkative. Luckily you can find all the Michigan speakers at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to run Michigan wines. Your will be so dirty with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout HONK!

Tiffany DeLange-

There is nothing like a glass of Michigan wine, the way it runs across your head.   Known as the “Napa of the Midwest”, it is not hard to imagine there are 5  wineries in Michigan. When touring all these world-class establishments, you and all of your cats may possibly get crazy. Luckily you can find all the Michigan moms at the International Wine and Food Festival, a great place to skip Michigan wines. You will be so young with the quality and variety of the wines at the festival, you might just shout beeeeep!




Thursday, November 10, 2011

It's Wine-Lib Time!

Hey everyone!

We have some exciting news! As some of you may know, The Grand Rapids International Wine and Food Festival is taking place next week (November 17-19) at the DeVos Place, and we have 10 pairs of tickets to give away! This is a fantastic festival that not only features the incredible wines this state has to offer, but it also samples wines from all over the world!

To giveaway these tickets, we are doing something really fun! We have created a wine focused mad-lib that we want YOU to fill out. Right now we will give you the different types of words we need, and the first ten to comment with their words below will receive the tickets! We will announce the winners and also post the full mad-lib (with their words in it) on Wednesday!

The tickets are only good for Thursday, November 17 (5pm-10pm)!


Have fun with this- we can't wait to see your answers!

(verb)
(body part)
(number)
(plural noun)
(adjective)
(plural noun)
(verb)
(adjective)
(onomatopoeia)


Friday, November 4, 2011

Let The Hunt Begin!

Believe it or not, hunting season is here! With a few months of small game and bow hunting under some hunters belts and just under two weeks until firearm season kicks off, we are here to help you with all of your hunting questions. 

West Michigan has what can only be described as a smorgasbord for the outdoor enthusiast, and the fall season has two things going for it – fishing and hunting! The fall fishing opportunities are quite astounding as rivers from New Buffalo to the Mackinac Bridge witness the yearly salmon run, bringing travelers from around the country to tangle with these hard fighting salmon as they struggle upstream from Lake Michigan. If salmon are not your thing, the rivers and inland lakes are teaming with other sought-after species from perch and bluegill to walleye and northern trout. Autumn is a great time to wet a line up and down the gold coast.

The hunting seasons officially starts the first day of September with the early goose season, but small game season starts September 15. West Michigan’s upland hunting (Grouse and Woodcock) is literally unmatched and brings folks here to chase these high flying birds through the northern counties. In Michigan, few could deny that deer hunting is the bread and butter of the outdoor pursuits. Big deer can be found in many of southwestern counties like Berrien, Cass and Van Buren. The further north you travel, the numbers increase, and if you can make it to the Leelanau County you will find some of the best deer hunting West Michigan has to offer. Bow season starts on October 1 and firearm season starts November 15. West Michigan also has a very impressive waterfowl following with numerous waterways.

We have put together a comprehensive resource to help you answer any hunting questions you have! From licensing fees, to outfitter locations- you can find it all right here!

Happy Hunting!

Oh, and ladies- if sitting in a tree stand isn't really your style, that's okay! There are plenty of "deer widow" events happening around West Michigan for you to take part in. Find yourself the perfect getaway here.


--Kelly 

Friday, October 28, 2011

Halloween Weekend Events


Halloween weekend marks the start of cooler weather, questions of whether zombies really do exist, and last chances to carve the perfect pumpkin in West Michigan.

This is one weekend that rapidly approaches ever year and always goes by too fast. Here at the West Michigan Tourist Association, we know everyone likes to celebrate this holiday in different ways so we have complied a list of all the haunting, ghoulish, and of course fun events happening around West Michigan this weekend. Make sure to follow the links for dates and times!

For the Family

Coopersville Pumpkin Train
Grand Rapids Zoo Goes Boo
Battle Creek 2011 Great ZooBoo
Grand Rapids Hallowee-Ones

Haunted Places and Spaces

Thompsonville Haunted Forest
South Haven Haunted House

Festivals

Parties and Dinners

Hickory Corners Murder Mystery Dinner

Arts

Grand Rapids Dracula

Walks and Runs

Traverse City Zombie Run

Deals

Byron Center Baymont Goes Boo

Thursday, October 27, 2011

Fall Color Report- Thursday 10/27

Peak is just passing in most parts of West Michigan and for the most part, high winds and rain have dropped most of the leaves.
North:
Traverse City: Just past peak
Roscommon County-around Houghton Lake, lots of yellow mixed in with all the pines. Tamarack especially. Look close for the red berries of Michigan Holly.
Center:
Clinton County: over half of the trees are missing leaves around the area. Some pockets of color around rivers like the Looking Glass
Eaton County: It appears that we missed peak color! The storms and wind knocked off many of the colorful leaves, we are hoping to see some color on what trees still have leaves.
Clare County-good color north of Clare, lots of yellow on popples, oaks are holding leaves of reds-browns
Kent County: At peak
South:
Barry County: what trees have leaves are at peak, mostly oaks.
Calhoun County: recent storms have left many trees bare. What trees have leaves left are a mix of green, yellows. Nice colors on Old 27

Friday, October 21, 2011

The "S" Word

That's right, I'm about to say it.....SNOW! 

Whether you like to believe it or not, it is coming. Soon and fast. According to the Farmers Almanac, we here in West Michigan should be buckling down or gearing up for a wild winter (whichever you prefer)! For some of you, this is great news. For others, just the thought of this makes you want to run to the nearest tropical island.

Here in West Michigan, we are affected by what most locals refer to as "Lake Effect". We hear the phrase pretty much every day in the winter, and by the end of the season the only Lake Effect we want is the one where we get to dip our toes in the hot sand. 

So what is Lake Effect really? It's a weather phenomenon that is best known in the Great Lakes region, though it takes place world wide. In the early winter months, a large body of water, such as Lake Michigan, will take its sweet time cooling, leaving the water temperature much warmer than the air above. As cool winds cross, the lake evaporates rapidly, forming narrow bands of precipitation that certainly do not hold back upon reaching leeward shores. Perhaps surprisingly, it's not the shoreline that gets hit the hardest by the snow bands, but 15 miles inland where the terrain begins to rise.

Shannon, our wonderful Communications Director, used some of her precious time to create (if I do say so myself) an absolutely incredible "Lake Effect" map, where she charted average snowfalls of various West Michigan regions. It is fun to see what cities get the most snow and who is effected most by lake effect. Curious to see how much snow your favorite city gets? This is one map you won't want to miss.

If this post brings music to your ears because winter is your "thing", we wish you a happy and playful winter. Time to break out the skis, snowboards, snowmobiles and snowshoes. 

As for the rest of you, enjoy your hibernation! We will see you when the trees start budding again!

--Kelly

Wednesday, October 19, 2011

Fall Color Report- Wednesday 10/19

Due to the warm temperatures of last week and the high winds that blew through this week, the fall colors are certainly confused. The winds have blown quite a few leaves off of the trees, and there are some spots where trees are still completely green.
North:
Report from Traverse City: 75% to 100% Peak Color inland
50% to 75% Peak along the shoreline
Report from Manistee County: Along the Lakeshore the colors are at peak, about 1/3 of trees showing any green
Center:
Clinton County: Rain has caused some leaf off, mostly near peak color, about 50-75% of the trees showing color.
Report from Jackson County: conditions are past peak, winds knocked off a majority of the leaves that had color. About half the trees are missing leaves, of the remaining half, of those showing colors, what is still "green" shows strong undertones of yellow.
South:
Report from Muskegon County: Peak is here and due to recent winds, leaf off has begun. Of the trees remaining with leaves, 50% are showing color.
Report from VanBuren County: Due to winds along the lakeshore, most of the leaves have fallen. Inland, various trees are still at peak or just about there.

Wednesday, October 12, 2011

Fall Color Report- Wednesday 10/12

North:
Report from Traverse City: Colors are showing on 50-60% of trees.
Report from Otsego County: Around Gaylord, 50% color showing
Report from Wexford County: The area is at peak, possibly just past peak as leaves are starting to fall from trees. A great drive is US131 between Tustin and Cadillac.
Report from Manistee County: Colors along the lake are approaching peak, 40% of trees showing color
Center:
Report from Eaton County: Southern Eaton county showing 50% color, farm fields are crispy yellow!
Report from Jackson County: 60% color, nearing peak colors around the Waterloo State Recreation Area and Michigan Audubon Haehnle Sanctuary. Keep an eye open for Sandhill Cranes in the area!
South:
Report from Muskegon County: This coming weekend will probably be peak color, they are at 50% color from north to south in the county. About 30% yellows, 15% oranges, 5% reds.
Report from Calhoun County: In the area between Marshall and Bellevue, color is approaching peak, 40-50% of the trees showing some color. The farm fields in Convis township make for a nice foreground for trees that are changing. Look for sandhill cranes foraging in the fields.
Report from Barry County: M78 between Hastings and Nashville 40-60% color, oranges and reds.

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Fall Color Report- Thursday 10/6

The cool nights and warm days are making for some quick color changes in West Michigan! Colors all over the region are starting to pop and at a rapid pace! Make sure to check back every week for an updated report. 

North:
Report from Traverse City: Colors around the lake are showing on 25-30% of trees, less inland.
Report from Otsego County: Around Gaylord, 40% color showing
Report from Wexford County: Around Tustin/Cadillac, colors are on 50% of the trees, many yellows and reds. The drive along US 131 is absolutely beautiful in this area.
Report from Manistee County: Trees are showing 15% color along the lakeshore, 20% inland. Lake Bluff Bird Sanctuary reports many birds moving through along the lakeshore.
Report from Mason County: Take in Mason county's glorious color at about 35%. Many of the trees are supporting shades of yellow, red and orange. The ash, as always, are simply beautiful and the maples are just starting to change.
Center:
Report from Clinton County: Soybeans and corn are mostly yellow. About 10% color in trees, more along the Looking Glass.
Report from Ingham County: Color increases east to west, about 50% showing undertones of color, especially small trees and shrubs
Report from Eaton County: Soybeans and corn are quite yellow, however, trees are mostly green. There is more color in the NW corner, about 15%. As you head towards Lansing, trees are mostly green.
Report from Jackson County: Area around Waterloo Recreation Area and Michigan Audubon Haehnle Sanctuary showing about 25% color in the upland forested areas. Marshy areas are at peak color, keep your eyes open for sandhill cranes foraging in fields.
South:
Report from Muskegon County: Colors have really come along in the past week! About 40% of trees showing, about 3/4 of them yellow, the rest orange/red.
Report from Calhoun County: About 30% of trees showing yellow undertones in the upland areas. In the wetland areas, swamps and marshes are a wide variety of yellows, browns, and reds. These areas are nearing peak. A nice color drive is I-69 between Marshall and the Bellevue exit. CraneFest is this Saturday at the Kiwanis Youth Recreation Area.
Report from Barry County: Areas around Gun Lake are showing undertones of yellow. Cruise some of the back roads in the swampy areas and the tamaracks are starting to show some yellow, many red maples have turned. Poison sumac and other shrubs are a spectrum of colors, from deep purples, to reds, yellows, oranges. Trees are still mostly green, probably 95%.
Report from Van Buren County: sumacs are red, maples are turning into golden yellow or red, look for osage oranges on the road. Walnut leaves are about done and few walnuts on the ground. Generally color is showing @30%
Report from Kalamazoo County: Colors are still mostly green, 5-10% of the trees are showing color, mostly small trees like sassafras.

Thursday, September 29, 2011

Niles Haunted House

'Tis now the very witching time of night
when churchyards yawn and hell itself breathes out
contagion to this world.
-Shakespeare's Hamlet
That most bewitching time of year draws nearer, casting a spell over thoughts and inclinations, causing otherwise sane and practical people to seek out creatures of the night. As the ancient celebration of Halloween falls upon us, thousands of terror-seeking souls make their annual pilgrimage to Niles, Michigan, resting place of haunts so scary, Kelly and I could only make it through with the lights on.

Death, our Tour Guide
On an overcast Friday afternoon, we arrived at Niles Haunted House Scream Park to meet Death, our tour guide for the evening. Dark robes, extreme pallor, unnatural white eyes: while unsettling in his appearance, he proved to be a wealth of knowledge. We were, after all, at no mere haunted house, so who better to provide insight to the planning and psychology that goes into a dark and deranged production than Death himself?

How big of a production are we talking about? Niles Haunted House features six haunted attractions over 44 acres. Building begins in January for its mid-September debut when, on an average night, 150-200 volunteers creep around and creep out up to 13,000 visitors.What's most impressive? Niles Haunted House is a non-profit that raises over $75,000 for local charities.

Niles Haunted House
Calling all Hogwarts fans! The haunted house's theme changes annually, and this year's is "Scarry Potter." As Ron would say, "Brilliant." Death led Kelly and me through the opening scenes outside of the haunted house, and I couldn't help but smile at the quidditch field and graveyard with wand wielding wizards. Our lights-on tour continued inside through notable settings from the Harry Potter series: the Forbidden Forest, Hogsmead, and the "Grand Staircase" with its portrait covered walls, serving as your starting point to a hundred different routes (you have to go through an estimated eight times to see every room).

Jumping spiders, moving floors and walls, and a famed elevator: nothing is really as it seems. Unique scares left our hearts racing even when Death gave us a heads up. An insiders tip? If you just experienced a crash, blast of air or unexpected pop of a prop, there's more than likely a ghoul nearby waiting to scare you too.

CarnEvil
Clowns. I hate clowns. What is it about these sadistically grinning, brightly colored devils that make our skin crawl? Perhaps it was Stephen King's 1986 novel It that forever demonized that which once represented cheerful children and cotton candy. Perhaps it's the creepy carnival music so often accompanying them. Either way, in CarnEvil, there's no escaping clowns nor the sounds of a calliope. As Kelly and I approached, still in broad daylight, with the lights still on, we hesitated at the door where wooden blocks merrily spelled "die." We turned around and walked out, only to regain the conviction of duty to you, dear blog readers, and reentered. We really need to reexamine our priorities.

I honestly can't give great depth of detail on CarnEvil, as I hurried through as quickly as possible while looking down or up but never really at anything. There were clowns. Everywhere. Big clowns and little clowns. Seemingly innocent clowns doing seemingly innocent things. Clowns who were obviously up to no good. No, never again. Stop with the clowns, West Michigan!
 
Field of Screams
We began our journey through Niles Haunted House's outdoor maze well before the sun began to set, which gave us the benefit of a well-lit day, and it was still mind boggling. Kelly and I walked in circles, backtracked along stark black walls, and stared at each other with baffled and, yes, fearful expressions. Mind you, we made our visit before the park was open, so we weren't waiting for creepers to jump out at us or lead us astray. The feeling of being lost was scary enough without the added fright.


Once we made our way through the opening labyrinth (which took us about twenty minutes), the maze continued on just as twisty and turny, only now it upped the ante: creepy baby dolls, grave yards, birch forests, a well-positioned hearse... We were lost. We were scared. The sun was beginning to set.

Eventually we found our way out (not without great effort) and moved on to the next attraction. We were told that in the dark of night, it can take hours to make it through.

Dark Terror-tory Haunted Hayride
Outdoor rides are often great spooks for the little ones (and Kelly), and this one proved no different. On a nice autumn night like the one we had, a trip through the woods pulled by tractor makes for the perfect night cap. This is the only attraction that Kelly agreed to go through while the park was open and fully staffed with spooks and ghouls. Death called her out on her cowardliness, but Kelly cared not.

The highlight of the hayride, themed Deadtime Stories, is the fire breathing dragon.Yes, actual flames burst from its reptilian mouth. Still it was calm, tame compared to the rest of the Scare Park, and sometimes the narration was hard to hear over the chatter of the passengers, but if you have young children, there's the perfect amount of startling-but-not-to-scary antics.

Midway of the Macabre
All of the attractions, which also include Underworld Unleashed, stem from the midway which has its own set of haunts to explore. You can send your friends to the electric chair, shoot corn cobs at unsuspecting maze-goers, or visit with the Monsters of the Midway (this is where Death hangs out nightly). Barbara the Gray Witch is available for tarot and palm readings, and she is absolutely charming and hilarious. She kept Kelly and I rolling with her puns. We also had time to chat with Zendor before his puppet show, which I volunteered for but was dragged off by Kelly before we could participate (sorry, Zendor!).

If you are after a good scare this Halloween season, you certainly cannot miss Niles Haunted House. It takes its claim of being one of the "scariest, creepiest, most blood-curdling attractions this side of the Continental Divide" dead seriously.

Niles Haunted House Scream Park is conveniently located between Detroit, Chicago, and just over the Indiana border. Before you go, creep over to WMTA.org for a $7 off coupon.

Haunted High Five,

-Shannon