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Camper
Perspectives
Anglers
Late spring is prime time to catch a Michigan bluegill, when the fish spawn in shallow waters near sand and gravel. In the summertime, move to clear, mid-depth water or near drop-
offs or fallen trees. Some of the best lakes in the southwest region include Austin Lake in Kalamazoo County near Portage. The lake is relatively shallow, 11 feet at most, and muddy, but you’ll find plenty of crappie, largemouth bass, pike, and perch to catch from your fishing boat.
The piers in St. Joseph are very popular and for good reason. You can park at either Silver Beach County Park or Tiscornia Park. You can easily cast a line into Lake Michigan and find yourself reeling in a perch, rainbow trout, brown trout, Chinook salmon, whitefish, or catfish for dinner. Plus, the view is spectacular.
Flora and Fauna
The Children’s Garden in Lansing is a well-loved spot for those who enjoy flowers. There are nearly 100 themed gardens that are sure to delight young and old alike, including Crayon Color Garden, Imagination Arbor, Train Garden, Pot of Gold, Pizza Garden, Monet Bridge, and more. As if that isn’t enough, the whole garden is laid out to visually enchant you, to make you feel like you’ve stepped in another world. There’s a maze, a Monet pond (complete with the iconic green bridge Monet used in some of his works), a tree house, and dance chimes. Visit 4hgarden.msu.edu.
Also maintained by Michigan State University is the W.J. Beal Botanical Garden, which covers five acres on the east campus of the university. It’s beautiful and functional, as it’s utilized as an outdoor laboratory for the study and appreciation of plants. With towering trees, peaceful ponds, and 2,000 types of flowers, it’s easy to relax and a joy to learn about the flora that naturally thrive in Michigan. The W.J. Beal Botanical Garden also ranked among the “50 Most Amazing University Botanical Gardens and Arboretums in the U.S.” according to Best Colleges Online. Visit: cpa.msu.edu/beal/.
Young Brood
Silver Beach Carousel in picturesque St. Joseph is open year-round and full of fanciful horses adorned in ornate bridles and gilded chariots and other creatures (you may even
notice a sea serpent). Create a magical moment with the kids by joining them for the ride. Afterwards, depending on the season, walk or swim at Silver Beach, one of the top 10 family beaches according to Parents magazine. The fresh water of Lake Michigan laps against the shore, offering a refreshing respite in the summertime. The beach is very wide, but it’s a very popular destination.
You can choose to make a day of it and stay beachside, taking a break to ride the enchanting carousel or even visit the Whirlpool Compass Fountain. Support local business – and get brownie points with the kids – by walking a couple blocks to the Chocolate
Café for ice cream.
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