07/05/2026
This peaceful 50-acre preserve on the shores of Crooked Lake was officially dedicated as an old-growth forest in 2022 — and some of the towering maples, pines, and hemlocks here may date back to before Michigan’s massive 1800s logging boom.
https://www.awesomemitten.com/michigan-old-growth-forests/
Even better? You don’t need a long hike to experience it. The preserve has just over a half-mile of trails, making it an easy, quiet escape into a forest that feels worlds away from everyday life.
Open year-round from sunrise to sunset, it’s a perfect stop for a peaceful walk, fall colors, or simply standing beneath trees that have been here for generations. 🌿