Free Things to Do While Visiting Indian River, Michigan

With today's economy, everyone is looking for somewhere to vacation where there are good deals on places to stay and visit. Indian River, Michigan is one of the best deals for a Michigan vacation. With a little planning, and a sense of adventure you can enjoy a northern Michigan vacation in this little town free with the exception of gas and food.

Free Camping

For those of you who don't mind roughing it a little there are a couple of places near Indian River that offers no frills no amenities camping. This means no showers, no games rooms, and no bathrooms. If you are up for the challenge this can be a fun way to spend a few days or even a week. All you need to do is pick up a registration form from the local DNR.

Roberts Lake is located east of Indian River just off old Onaway road. It is a small lake, known for its excellent blue gill and large mouth bass fishing. There are several rustic campsites scattered throughout the woods along the lake where you can enjoy camping.

Osmun Lake in The Pigeon River Country state forest also has free camping available. Located between Indian River and tower Osmun road is a gravel road that will take you directly into the forest. As soon you pass the forest sign you will see a small dirt road to the left, turn down that road and go passed the boat launch and the campsite is right there.

The nice thing about camping at these free campsites is the fact that you can stay up as late as you wish, have sing a longs, and see beautiful sunrises and sunsets without disturbing anyone at a cost that fits any one's pocket book.

To get a permit and clear directions to either of these camping areas contact the Indian River DNR at 6984 Wilson Rd. Indian River, Mi

Swimming, sunbathing

Devoe beach downtown Indian River is a public beach open until 10pm daily. You can enjoy the clean waters and the sandy beach of Burt lake at this park or even take a stroll along the Indian River.

There are picnic tables, grills and plenty of shade trees to enjoy as well and a nice little grassy expanse where young children can run and play.

Cooperation Park

Cooperation park is a public park built by the community of Indian River. It is free for public use and has picnic tables, two children's play areas, tennis courts, a basketball court, soccer fields, and baseball diamonds. Local teams use the baseball diamonds and the soccer fields but they are open to the public when not in use as are all the other facilities.

Hiking and Biking

Right across from the Burger King on club road is a hiking and biking trail known as the Rails to Trails. This trail connects the city of Gaylord to Mackinac City. You can bike any part of this trail or hike along it for as far as you would like.

The Pigeon River Country State forest off Osmun road also has many hiking and biking trails you can take advantage of free of charge. This is a 100,000 acre forest though so it is wise to bring a compass with you when venturing out on the trails.

Elk Viewing

Pigeon River Country also offers some great elk viewing especially in the fall and early spring. If you follow Osmun road through the forest to inspiration point there is a nice Elk viewing post there where Elk often gather to eat the grasses planted by the DNR. The elk herd in this forest is the largest elk population East of the Mississippi River.

Visit the Crucifix

Indian River, Michigan is the home of the cross in the woods, one of the world's largest Crucifixes. Located just south of downtown Indian River On M-68 this is one of Northern Michigan's largest tourist attractions and like all the other activities listed here it is absolutely free to see.

Thursday Concerts in Cheboygan

Twenty miles north of Indian River on M-27 is the city of Cheboygan. Every Thursday evening starting at 7pm. Cheboygan's Washington Park hosts a free concert through the last Thursday in August.. All you have to do is bring your lawn chair and enjoy an evening of entertainment.

Washington park is located right down town Cheboygan so you can't miss it!

Camping, exciting wildlife, music, spectacular sunsets, clean beaches, and plenty of places to play sums up the free activities here in Indian River waiting for you to enjoy When you stop to consider all the free activities in and around Indian River, Michigan you know that vacationing here is one way to enjoy a wonderful vacation that won't strain your budget.