While on a whirlwind tour of Northern Michigan, we stopped at the Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, Michigan. The White Pines, which once covered all of the state, have been protected within the 49 acres of the park. It is one of the last stands of old growth trees in the USA. Walking along the 1.5 miles of paths which meander among the towering trees it is easy to understand how logging became such an important part of Michigan history.
Nestled in the center of the forest is a replicated logging camp, now turned museum. Built in the 1930’s the replicated logging camp represents life from the 1890’s. Here we were able to view the equipment, tools, a bunkhouse, food preparation area and an old sawmill.
The State Park is open year round. The logging museum is open
- April 30 – May 27: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- May 28 – September 4: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- September 5 – October 30: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hartwick Pines State Park 4175 Hartwick Road Grayling, MI 49738