Back to School Educational Hikes in the Upper Peninsula
Just because school has started doesn’t mean you have to stop having fun outside. Summers are so short and now that the kids are heading back to school, here are some amazing, fun, family friendly AND educational hikes that will help get your kids get some fresh air and burn off some of that built up energy.
Presque Isle Bog Walk – Marquette
This short nature trail has a boardwalk through a natural bog, with plenty of interpretive signage detailing the wildlife, songbirds, and plants to look for in the area. Have you ever seen a meat eating Pitcher Plant? See if your child can identify this unique plant! After your hike you will want to stop by the Moosewood Nature Center, don’t forget to say hi to Salomon the Snapping turtle!
Nara Nature Trail Boardwalk – Houghton
The Nara Nature Trail Boardwalk is a 4,500 foot long elevated wood boardwalk running along both banks of the Pilgrim River. Your children will have fun on the boardwalk that “floats” on the soils within the wetland sections. See if they can spot or hear any of the amphibians that make their home in the bog! The Nara Nature Chalet is the perfect spot to stop in after your hike as it houses an interpretive display featuring the different plant species and wildlife within the park. The building also has a fireplace, restrooms with showers, and a concession area.
Sand Point Marsh Trail – Munising
This fun filled hike is located across from Sand Point Beach at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The boardwalk trail takes you through one of the park's most beautiful wetlands. Old beach ridges, a cattail marsh, small ponds, and white cedar and black spruce swamp communities dominate the scene. Be sure to pick up the Sand Point Marsh Trail Guide from the Park service headquarters before heading out as it is chuck full of fun educational information for the kids!
Exploring nature will instill a sense of adventure in children, assisting them in building their imagination. Kids who spend time hiking outside can learn about plants, birds, animals and bugs! The more they hike, the more comfortable they become and they more they learn! Having a sense of adventure at an early age means it is easier for them to try new things and continue their learning while having fun doing it!
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