Hey all, I'm headed this weekend for the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to spend almost a week in the area photographing. Anyone have a current update on status of wildflower blooms (especially interested in trillium status and good places for those lovely carpets of flowers I've seen photographed) or other flowers of interest? How are the trees looking? Any other locations in the area worth visiting? I'm thinking of trying to get to Leelanau State Park, and maybe South Manitou Island if I can - what else?
Christopher...the Trilliums may be nearing the end or be done by this weekend. I took a drive from Muskegon to Point Betsie this past Sunday and saw the woods along M22 absolutely loaded with gazillions of Trilliums! They seem to be about a week early this year, from my experience. With any kind of luck, they may still be blooming around Empire ( I didn't get quite that far).
The trees along the drive on M22 were looking good with close to full size leaves on most trees. Cherry and Apple trees were in full blossom.
Anywhere in the Leelanau Pen is great...there's a good mix of farm country and woods. Some of the small lakes will have Loons, if they have migrated back north by now. Check out the heritage farm area at Port Oneida, Glen Haven...both within SBDNP. Manitou would be also be a good choice if you have the chance to go.
I was there a couple of years ago in the fall, so I can't speak to the wildflowers at this time of year. However, I would encourage you to make the hikes to Pyramid Point and to Empire Bluff; you'll have excellent views (I hope/believe) at both places. And, if you have the time, I'd encourage you consider visiting Traverse City and the peninsula to the north of it for some possible pictures and Old Mission Lighthouse. I also seem to recall that Glen Haven was a pleasant little town with some nice possibilities for photos...
I'll second Tim on his suggestions. I've not had the pleasure of going to Pyramid Point but have seen the hang gliders taking off from Empire Bluff. Glen Haven is more or less a tiny ghost town on the shores of Lake Michigan with numerous photo ops of wildlife and plant life. Traverse City has nature trails along the Boardman River, and Brown Bridge Pond Natural Area southeast of Traverse is also a great place.
I also forgot to mention that at least in SW MI, phlox are growing as prolific as the Trillium are right now.
You guys are awesome - thanks for the info. I'll check here once more before I leave very early Sunday morning, so any other info still welcome. I'll post a brief report on the trip when I get back!
Toni - great from a family perspective, not much photography got done though. I took maybe 3 images the whole weekend that were targeted for the "business", but I got several nice shots of my family so that was good. We had more fun in the woods than we did at Tulip Time! Thanks for asking!
Discussion
8 repliesThanks in advance!
Christopher
The trees along the drive on M22 were looking good with close to full size leaves on most trees. Cherry and Apple trees were in full blossom.
Anywhere in the Leelanau Pen is great...there's a good mix of farm country and woods. Some of the small lakes will have Loons, if they have migrated back north by now. Check out the heritage farm area at Port Oneida, Glen Haven...both within SBDNP. Manitou would be also be a good choice if you have the chance to go.
I was there a couple of years ago in the fall, so I can't speak to the wildflowers at this time of year. However, I would encourage you to make the hikes to Pyramid Point and to Empire Bluff; you'll have excellent views (I hope/believe) at both places. And, if you have the time, I'd encourage you consider visiting Traverse City and the peninsula to the north of it for some possible pictures and Old Mission Lighthouse. I also seem to recall that Glen Haven was a pleasant little town with some nice possibilities for photos...
Tim!
I also forgot to mention that at least in SW MI, phlox are growing as prolific as the Trillium are right now.
CJ
CJ