Why You Should Visit Dickinson County, Michigan

As the days get cooler and nights even cooler, and we watch the leaves start turning into beautiful bursts of colors, we start thinking what fall festivals and other activities we'd like to see and do in the next few weeks.

You might consider visiting Dickinson County in upper Michigan. They have several festivals along with some must-do fall activities.

The Lief Erickson Day Fall Festival is held in Norway every year and has become the kickoff to many seasonal activities in the region. Here you'll find a terrific Farmer's Market with fruits, veggies, gourds, cornstalks and other items you'll want to pick up for your own fall activities. There will also be pony rides, hayrides, a petting zoo, craft booths, and food to sample.

Dickinson County Upper Michigan is home to many creative people and artists. And, many art and craft shows are often held throughout the entire area, especially in the months preceding the holidays. Any place that has space is frequently found hosting a group of crafters and/or artists. Be sure to stop as you find these because you'll discover a wealth of beautiful hand-crafted items such as holiday items, metalwork, stained glass, quilts, woven and spun items and ___.

Tours to see the fall colors are very popular and the entire U.P. region is know for the various leaf colors at different times throughout the entire fall season. Check before you travel to this region so you can pinpoint when and where the best-colored foliage is expected. Fill a picnic basket with some cheese and wine and desserts, tuck in a blanket and head off for a drive to admire the beautiful scenery. (Visit uptravel.com for more details.)

This is a great area for hunting and fishing. There are several lakes for fishing, the Ford River and its tributaries. You'll find bass, bluegill, crappie and other species of fish here. In addition to lodges, motels and cabins, there are numerous campgrounds throughout the area. (Visit ironmountain.org for more information.) In addition to hunting for small game, you can also hunt elk, white tailed deer, bear, wild turkeys and game birds. (Check out Michigan.gov for additional information.)

If golfing is your bag, there are about 12 golf courses nearby. Each is in a unique natural setting and provides challenges for golfers of all abilities. If you prefer canoeing and kayaking there are lots of rivers and lakes in the area. White water rafting is available also during the season. One of the most challenging sections of whitewater in the Midwest is Piers Gorge - Norway where the Menominee River plummets down a 10-foot waterfall and tumbles wildly through canyon walls forming huge standing waves. (ironmountain.org has details on this.)

You'll also find many trails for hiking and biking throughout Dickinson County, Michigan. The Fumee Lake Natural Area has trails ranging in length from a mile and a half to over seven miles. A new bike trail almost three miles in length was recently completed. This trail is also open in winter for cross-country skiing. You can use ATV's on many of these trails also. (Visit dickinsonchamber.com for more information.)

The Pine Mountain Resort is a good choice for accommodations. It's located in Iron Mountain and is only three miles from the Ford airport. They have both hotel rooms and condominiums. There is also a golf course, an indoor pool, sauna, and hot tub. There is also a 5-Star Golf course (as rated by Golf Magazine) on the property along with a lounge, restaurant, meeting and banquet rooms. This is also a popular venue for a wedding or a destination wedding where your guests can join you in various seasonal activities located near the resort. (Visit them at pinemountainresort.com for more information.)

Another option is to stay at a B & B such as the Mill Town Bed & Breakfast Guest House in Foster City, Michigan. They have two elegant suites with each with a queen bed, private bathroom with a whirlpool tub, sitting room and fireplace. They recently completed a bunkhouse for additional guests. (Visit milltownin.com for details.)

There are many other motels in the area including an America's Best Value Inn, a Comfort Inn and others. Cabins for rent and other B & B's dot the region also. Fall is a very busy time so be sure to make reservations before you go.

Have a great time visiting Dickinson Country, Michigan.