Explore the Bog at West Lake Nature Preserve
West Lake Nature Preserve -420 S Shore Dr. Portage.
Entering the parking lot at Westlake Preserve there is a large open area with a playground, swings, picnic tables and a pavilion. Westlake Preserve is part of the Portage Bikeway Path that connects and includes; Eliason Nature Preserve, Bishops Bog and South Westnedge Park.
The main 2.5 mile loop trail is wide and covered in woodchips. There are floating boardwalks through the wetlands and the bog that leads you to several views of West Lake. Definitely wear boots when the water is high and watch out because the holes in the boardwalks are known to squirt up. Occasionally during wet season the boardwalks will have water over them and can be closed.
A large teepee on the edge of the path is a favorite spot for children to explore.
Jack-in-the-Pulpit
We will forever remember the first time we hiked here. About a mile into our hike, I pointed out a unique plant called Jack-in-the Pulpit. Without hesitation my 4 year old decided it would be a great idea to put the leaf in his mouth. Moments later his mouth and tongue began to tingle and burn. I immediately started picturing us rushing to the hospital for poison control. We quickly rinsed his mouth with water and immediately started back towards the parking lot. Thankfully he had not ingested the plant and by the time we had trekked back to our van, the sensation had dissipated. We later learned that the leaves, berries, and especially the roots are the most poisonous parts of this plant.
This was a valuable, alibeit scary, lesson for my children to never consume unknown plants. If you want to learn more about identifying plants bring along a field guide. We also love to use a free phone app called Seek by iNaturalist to help discover different plant names and facts. Simply take a picture with your phone and this app will identifying trees, flowers and bugs.
Go on a whimsical gnome hunt at Pond Hill Farm in Harbor Springs, Michigan. Here is your guide for taking the winding 1.5 mile trail to collect all 12 letters, located on the hand crafted gnome homes. Combine the letters to form a secret word, solve and win a sweet prize. Besides the hike, enjoy wine tasting, live bands, delicious food, plus tons of activities whether its fall, summer or winter for children and families. These outdoor activities for families will be a hit with kids as you spend the day on a northern Michigan Day Trip.