Washtenaw Voice Files
By Kevin Gerych
Staff Writer
U.S.S. SILVERSIDES MUSEUM
A real piece of military history afloat in a canal outside of Muskegon, the U.S.S Silversides is truly an interactive museum, as one is able to set foot on a submarine that was used in battle during the Pacific Campaign of World War II. For an additional price, groups of over 20 can even spend the night aboard the submarine. Admission is $15 for the general public and $12.50 for seniors and veterans.
1346 Bluff St., Muskegon
Open Sunday – Thursday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Friday and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
CRISP POINT LIGHTHOUSE
One of the most remote and isolated lighthouses in all of North America, the Crisp Point lighthouse, closest to Newberry has seen its share of tragedies (including the wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank 17 miles from Crisp Point) and triumphs since it was built in 1875. The station was abandoned and automated by the U.S Coast Guard. The lighthouse was rediscovered in 1988, and efforts have been undertaken since to restore the property. The long and rugged drive down various trails and two-track roads is well worth the effort to marvel in the natural beauty of the Lake Superior shore.
1944 Co Hwy 412, Newberry
Summer (June to October) Lighthouse and Visitor Center hours vary depending on volunteer availability.
SPIKE’S KEG-O-NAILS
Spike’s Keg-O-Nails in Grayling is a great stop for food on any road trip heading north. Spike’s offers traditional bar fare on their menu and specializes in their famous burgers, the largest of which weighs in at a hefty half pound, sans toppings. Take it from the fat guy who likes food…
301 N James St. Grayling
Open Monday – Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 a.m.
Sunday 12 p.m. to 1:30 a.m.
WEST PIER DRIVE-IN
Originally starting off life as a little neighborhood food stand on the westernmost edge of Sault Ste. Marie, the West Pier Drive-In is one of the area’s most unique spots to eat. The West Pier was named #2 in MLive’s search for Michigan’s best burgers.
601 W. Portage Ave., Sault Ste. Marie
Open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday-Saturday
DETOUR STATE FOREST CAMPGROUND
Looking for a quiet, secluded place to spend the night? DeTour State Forest Campground, located about 5 miles outside of DeTour Village, is nestled on the picturesque beaches of Lake Huron and is a prime spot for anyone looking to pitch a tent. Sites (21 in total) are on a first-come, first-serve basis and no reservations are taken.
10786 M-134, DeTour Village, Chippewa County
ISLE ROYALE NATIONAL PARK
Isle Royale is Michigan’s only National Park and is truly an experience to behold. The island’s rugged wilderness is host to a wide variety of wildlife, including 20-30 wolves that were recently re-homed to Isle Royale.
Park Headquarters, 800 East Lakeshore Drive, Houghton
U.S 12 GARAGE SALE
Garage sales are a classic summer staple, and the garage sale that runs along U.S 12 (Michigan Ave.) from August 9 to 11 is the biggest that Michigan has to offer. The sale runs from Detroit to New Buffalo (over 180 miles), so the possibilities of what one might find are seemingly endless.
SAULT STE. MARIE
Michigan’s oldest city is also one of the most unique in the entire state. The city has rich history related to Native American tribes, military history (it was once home to Fort Brady, which housed troops defending the Soo Locks, now repurposed for the campus of Lake Superior State University), Great Lakes maritime history and more.
