Indian Lake State Park
Address: 8970 Co Rd 442, Manistique, MI 49854
Phone:(906) 341-2355

Useful links for this area:
Indian Lake State Park
Thompson State Fish Hatchery
Palms Book State Park
Fayette Historic State Park
This fall, we ventured north late in the season for some fall color. I knew it was late October, but was still optimistic about seeing some color on the trees. We were happily surprised at the beauty we came upon.
Indian Lake State Park is a gem. This campground is just outside of Manistique, MI in the beautiful upper peninsula of Michigan. It’s about an hour past the Mackinaw bridge heading west.

 

IMG_3428
We arrived late in the dark and went straight to sleep. When we awoke, we were greeted by beauty all around. Great color on the trees, and Indian Lake right behind us! It was just beautiful. This is the morning view from just down the steps to the water:
IMG_2858
We ventured around the campground, which was fun, as there were only 3 other people camping at the time so we had it pretty much to ourselves. But first, coffee.

IMG_3356

This is a trail we found just behind some of the campsites:

IMG_3388
We had some fun exploring the woods here.
IMG_3407

IMG_3412

IMG_3419

IMG_3010

IMG_3006

IMG_2994

IMG_2960

IMG_2956

IMG_2947

IMG_2943

IMG_3014
After exploring the woods, we ventured outside of the campground. We’ve explored the Big Spring Kitch-iti-kipi once before, last year, but thought we’d check it out again since it was so close to our campground.
On the way to the spring, we found the Thompson State Fish Hatchery. It started down pouring while there, but it was still fun to duck inside the building, check out the videos, and then walk around and look for fish.

IMG_2573

IMG_2575

If you’ve never checked out the Big Spring Kitch-iti-kipi, it’s a really unique stop in the UP. I’ve never seen anything like it. The route to the spring is not well marked, so watch out for signs that are small, and use your GPS wisely. The spring is located within Palms Book State Park.

 

IMG_3179

IMG_3091

IMG_3120

The view here was pretty spectacular this particular day when the skies cleared up and the sun was shining. The water was clear and we could see hundreds of thousands of tiny fish. This was a treat, as the last time we visited we only saw large fish in the water. It was pretty amazing to see.

The boys enjoyed rowing the boat out:

IMG_3154

IMG_3139

IMG_3137 

The colors made for a breathtaking view as well.

IMG_3141

While out exploring, we headed south to Fayette Historic State Park. This is one of those places that just transports you to another time. I didnt know this place even existed. What an interesting place. Fayette Historic State Park is just what it says, a historic park, which represents the town as it once was as an industrial community. There is a nice rocky beach front and beautiful rock formations here as well to check out.
IMG_2690

IMG_2745

IMG_2844

IMG_2723

IMG_2768

IMG_2720

IMG_2832

IMG_2834

At the entrance to the park we even met a new friend:

IMG_2677

Last but not least, there are a lot of roadside scenes on the drive between Mackinaw and Manistique. Plenty of places to waste hours just driving and taking in the beauty of the UP.

IMG_2591-Edit

IMG_2599

Cut River Bridge is a must stop on the way home.

IMG_3479
We sure did have fun exploring here.

IMG_2681