There are four excellent reasons to visit Schoolcraft County: Spring, summer, fall and winter.

With 46 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, 734 miles of rivers and streams, almost 100 lakes and ponds and more than a half-million acres of forest, parks and beaches set aside for public recreation, Schoolcraft County accommodates almost every outdoor activity.

The county truly blossoms in spring, and the Seney National Wildlife Refuge provides a front-row seat for nature's annual rebirth. The refuge encompasses more than 95,00 acres of marsh, field and forest. Its diversity of wildlife species includes over 200 birds, 26 fish and 50 mammals. The refuge is laced with miles of walking and hiking trails, and visitors can forge for morel mushrooms, berries and other wild foods. The Visitor's Center features a variety of exhibits and information about the refuge. Hiawatha Nation Forest and Lake Superior State Forest are also great places to see springtime extravaganzas such as the blooming of the trillium, the state flower.

Summer attracts the most visitors to the county. The Lake Michigan waterfront and rolling sand dune are the perfect place to spend a hot summer day. Manistique's two-mile long, wheelchair accessible beach boardwalk offers access to picnic areas, a fishing pier and the landmark East Breakwater Lighthouse. The Manistique Municipal Marina provides transient and seasonal dockage and complete services for all types of vessels. Manistique is also home port to the area's fishing fleet and charter captains.

Another popular summer destination is Indian Lake. Just a few miles west of Manistique, the six-by-three-mile like is the Upper Peninsula's fourth larges inland body of water. It offers great fishing, boating and swimming. Located on the south and west sides of the lakes Indian Lake State Park. The park is divided into two units: The South Shore campground features 143 modern campsites, and the West Shore Campground has 144 semi-modern sites.

At the northern end of Indian Lake is Palms Book State Park, home of Kitch-iti-kipi "The Mirror of Heaven" or Big Spring, Two hundred feet across and 40 feet deep, Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan's biggest spring, and one of the U.P.'s most poplar attractions. A self-operated observation raft takes visitors across the crystal-clear spring, providing them with a look at submerged ancient tree trunks, plump trout and 10,00 gallons of water gushing every minute from deep fissures in the limestone bottom.

For many visitors, summer isn't summer without golf. Indian Lake Golf and County Club, overlooking Indian Lake, is listed among the U.P.'s top five courses. The 18-hole, par 72 course challenges players with 6 ponds and 40 bunkers. Stony Point Golf Course on US-2 is a 9-hole, 3,055 yard, par 35 course winding through postcard-perfect views, rolling terrain, and sparkling waterways. And Garden Golf Estates in Garden, an 18-hole golf course is the Blue Heron located in Germfask.

Fall is Schoolcraft County's most colorful season. Visitors travel from throughout the Midwest to see the forests transform from verdant serenity into a riot of color. Whether you travel by car, motorcycle, off-road-vehicle, canoe, bike or foot, a fall foliage tour through Schoolcraft County is an unforgettable experience.

Fall also heralds the beginning of hunting season. The county's woods and wetlands are home to abundant wildlife, and bow and firearm enthusiast can stalk bear, deer, small game and wildfowl.

The fun only gets deeper when the snow falls in Schoolcraft County. The area's rolling hills are perfect for cross-country skiing and sledding. When the lakes freeze over, it's time for ice fishing. For those who prefer indoor skating, Little Bear West Arena provides an opportunity to learn to skate. It also offers open skating and local hockey team competition. Snowmobilers especially appreciate winter here. The county has more than 130 miles of groomed snowmobile trails, which are part of a 2,500-mile network of groomed trails zigzagging throughout the U.P.

Schoolcraft County is also home to several municipal and township parks which feature amenities ranging from playgrounds to boat launches. The county's communities also host many special events and festivals throughout the year. Highlights include the Schoolcraft County Fair, Folkfest, the Manistique Merchants' Car and Antique Snowmobile Show, and an annual Art Show.

Whatever your favorite outdoor activity, Schoolcraft County's sporting goods stores have the expertise and equipment you need. You'll also find a warm welcome at area restaurants, motels and resorts.

For every season, there are plenty of reasons to visit Schoolcraft County!