Grayling Visitors Bureau

Official site for tourism information for the Grayling, Michigan area

Grayling, MI
Sun, June 4, 2023, 10:45 PM
 

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You are here: Home / Special Places to Visit in Grayling MI / Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling MI

Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling MI

Hartwick Pines Challenge Trail Run
Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling MI – With nearly 10,000 acres, Hartwick Pines State Park is the largest state park in the lower peninsula and the fifth largest park in the entire state. The “Pines” is the location of the Michigan Forest Visitors Center, the official state interpretive center of the Michigan forest industry, from the rustic logging era of the late 1800s, to the modern high-tech forest product industries of today. A Recreation Passport is necessary to enter the park.

Enjoy a Visitors Center, paved and unpaved hiking trails, mountain biking trails, old-time logging camp and chapel and learn about part of Michigan’s forests and history.

Michigan’s Forest…its past, present and future, is the theme of the 1,500 square foot exhibit hall. Visitors find hands-on exhibits, dioramas and the talking “Living Tree”. Interpreted is the natural origin of the Michigan forest, the lumber era, forest products of yesterday and today and the development of forest management.
Within the Visitor Center is a 105 seat auditorium featuring a nine-projector multi-image slide program, “The Forest, Michigan’s Renewable Resource”. The 14 minute show orients visitors to the story of Forest Management from the logging era to the present. The Auditorium also hosts a variety of programs, videos and special presentations. Groups will find space for meetings and education opportunities in the conference style classroom. This room features a TV/VCR unit and a whiteboard. Seating capacity is approximately 35. The room is available by reservation. The Michigan Forest Visitor Center is open all year.

Visitors Center
Visitors Center

The principal feature of the park is the forest of old growth white pines. At one time totaling 85 acres, storm damage and age have reduced the mature forest to some 49 acres. Stretching skyward for 120 feet and more, the giant pines are the only remnants of what Michigan looked like before the arrival of men with axes.

By the 1860s the forests in the Eastern part of the country had been depleted, and Michigan became a source of supply. By 1869 the state had become the largest lumber producer in the country, and maintained that distinction until the turn of the century. Vast quantities of white pine went to re-build Chicago after the great fire, and to build the towns and villages popping up along the railroads in the treeless great plains.

Each year more than 250,000 visitors stroll through the pines, marveling at trees here before the Revolutionary War. Foot trails wind through the old growth forest area, with guided interpretive hikes and evening programs available from professional park interpreters. The park abounds in a multitude of ecosystems in addition to mature and immature pine forests, including lakes, streams, swamps and hardwood hills, which support thousands of bird, animal and plant species.

A replica old time logging camp shows how thousands of men lived and worked in the forests a century ago. During several weekends in the warm months the camp comes alive when the steam engine from the working sawmill is fired up to cut lumber. During these times men and women skilled in the old crafts, such as blacksmithing and carving, settle in as a living exhibit.

The Hartwick Pines Chapel, a favorite wedding place in the heart of the forest, is a secluded spot for a few minutes of peace and serenity. A brochure leads visitors on a self guided, one hour tour along the paved, handicapped-accessible Old Growth Forest Foot Trail. Several other hiking trails are available and Cross Country skiers and Mountain Bike enthusiasts share miles of rolling wilderness terrain in their own season.

Campers can enjoy a 100 site campground, including 36 full hook-up modern facilities. For those who want to stay, but not camp, a secluded Rustic Cabin, with sleeping capacity for six is available by reservation. Also in the park is a day use area, which provides a picnic area, playground and covered shelter. For reservations call 800-44PARKS.

Fishing is allowed along the East Branch of the AuSable River and from handicapped accessible piers at Bright and Glory Lakes. Outside the old growth forests and developed areas, the park is open to hunting during established seasons.

Bright Lake
Bright Lake

Established in the 20s, the park was donated to the state by Karen Hartwick in memory of her husband Edward E. Hartwick, a lumberman who was killed in World War I.

School groups can make a reservation for a guided experience by calling [989] 348-2537. For information write: Michigan Forest Visitor Center, Hartwick Pines State Park, Route 3, Box 3840, Grayling, Michigan 49738.

Volunteers from the Friends of Hartwick Pines State Park help at special events and sponsor several Summer festivals. The group is a non-profit organization, committed to the preservation of Michigan’s rich logging history. The Friends group also operates a bookstore at the Visitor Center. It features reference books, field guides, stationery, children’s items, and a variety of merchandise related to logging and Michigan’s natural history.

Big Wheel
Snow roller
Next to the Logging Museum
Chapel
Chapel
Paved walking trail
Logging Museum
An Evening in the Logging Camp
Logging Museum
Paved walking trail
Black Iron Days
Black Iron Days
Woodshaving Days 2022
Woodshaving Days
Chapel Interior
steam engine
irons
Chapel
Hartwick Pines State Park Chapel in the Woods
Hartwick Pines State Park Chapel in the Woods
Chapel
kids sawing during Forest Fest
Logging Museum Cook Shanty

 

 

 

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  • Downtown Grayling May Events
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Events Calendar

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  • June 2023

Calendar of Events

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M Mon

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S Sat

3 events, 28

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

Hartwick Pines State Park is hosting the Kirtland’s Warbler Tours in cooperation with Michigan Audubon. Tours are offered May 27th-June 30th at 7:00 am. There is an additional tour on […]

$15
12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Grayling Viking Band Carnival

May 28 @ 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Grayling Viking Band Carnival

May 25-29,at the Grayling Mini-mall!! Help support these wonderful kids! Thursday: opens at 4pm Friday: opens at 3pm High School band performs at 4pm Saturday & Sunday: opens at 12pm […]

3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

May 28 @ 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

Paddle Hard yard events

2 events, 29

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Event Series

Grayling Viking Band Carnival

May 29 @ 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Event Series

Grayling Viking Band Carnival

May 25-29,at the Grayling Mini-mall!! Help support these wonderful kids! Thursday: opens at 4pm Friday: opens at 3pm High School band performs at 4pm Saturday & Sunday: opens at 12pm […]

1 event, 30

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 31

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 1

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

2 events, 2

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

June 2 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

Paddle Hard yard events

4 events, 3

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

7:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Hanson Hills Challenge Trail Run

June 3 @ 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Hanson Hills Challenge Trail Run

Hanson Hills Courses: 3 mile-ish Trail Run features, 2 tracks trail, Relatively flat with one uphill climb. Custom Socks while supplies last. Walkers allowed. 5 mile Trail Run features, 2 […]

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Steam Day @ Wellington Farm CANCELLED

June 3 @ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Steam Day @ Wellington Farm CANCELLED

CANCELLED Wellington   Did you know that Wellington Farm USA is home to not one but two operating Steam engines? The 1912 Frick and 1914 Advance! We also have a […]

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

June 3 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

MI Brew calendar

1 event, 4

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 5

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 6

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 7

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 8

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

2 events, 9

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

June 9 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

Paddle Hard yard events

3 events, 10

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

June 10 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

MI Brew calendar

8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Bridge Between Band Live Performance

June 10 @ 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Bridge Between Band Live Performance

Tinker's Junction is hosting Bridge Between Band on June 10.With a raw, energetic sound that incorporates a unique mix of rock, blues, and folk influences, the Bridge Between has been […]

1 event, 11

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 12

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 13

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 14

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 15

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

2 events, 16

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

June 16 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

Paddle Hard yard events

4 events, 17

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Event Series

Story Time @ The Annis House

June 17 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Event Series

Story Time @ The Annis House

Gather around at the Annis House at Wellington Farm and enjoy story time! Between the hours of 11am – 11:30am and 2pm – 2:30pm Auntie Elsie will read a book […]

2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Event Series

Story Time @ The Annis House

June 17 @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Event Series

Story Time @ The Annis House

Gather around at the Annis House at Wellington Farm and enjoy story time! Between the hours of 11am – 11:30am and 2pm – 2:30pm Auntie Elsie will read a book […]

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

June 17 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

MI Brew calendar

1 event, 18

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 19

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 20

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 21

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 22

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

3 events, 23

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Event Series

Frederic Music Fest

June 23 @ 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Event Series

Frederic Music Fest

Come join us for the 8th annual Music Festival. $20 per person for the whole weekend. Friday night 4-11 and Saturday 1-11. 9 bands. Craft show and flea market. Food […]

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

June 23 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

Paddle Hard yard events

4 events, 24

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sticky Buns Day

June 24 @ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sticky Buns Day

Summer Kitchen @ Wellington Farm Watch and maybe even help the the ladies in the summer kitchen as they make sticky buns from scratch the way they did in 1932. […]

1:00 PM - 11:00 PM Event Series

Frederic Music Fest

June 24 @ 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM Event Series

Frederic Music Fest

Come join us for the 8th annual Music Festival. $20 per person for the whole weekend. Friday night 4-11 and Saturday 1-11. 9 bands. Craft show and flea market. Food […]

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

June 24 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

MI Brew calendar

1 event, 25

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 26

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 27

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 28

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

1 event, 29

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

2 events, 30

2023-05-27

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

June 30 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

Paddle Hard yard events

1 event, 1

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

July 1 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

MI Brew calendar

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 28 @ 12:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Grayling Viking Band Carnival

May 28 @ 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 29 @ 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM Event Series

Grayling Viking Band Carnival

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 2 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 3 @ 7:30 AM - 11:00 AM

Hanson Hills Challenge Trail Run

June 3 @ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Steam Day @ Wellington Farm CANCELLED

June 3 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 9
June 9 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

June 10
June 10 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

June 10 @ 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Bridge Between Band Live Performance

June 16
June 16 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

June 17
June 17 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Event Series

Story Time @ The Annis House

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 9 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 10 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

June 10 @ 8:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Bridge Between Band Live Performance

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 16 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 17 @ 11:00 AM - 11:30 AM Event Series

Story Time @ The Annis House

June 17 @ 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Event Series

Story Time @ The Annis House

June 17 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 23 @ 4:00 PM - 11:00 PM Event Series

Frederic Music Fest

June 23 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 24 @ 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Sticky Buns Day

June 24 @ 1:00 PM - 11:00 PM Event Series

Frederic Music Fest

June 24 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

May 27
May 27 @ 7:00 AM - June 30 @ 10:00 AM

Kirtland’s Warbler Tours

June 30 @ 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

Paddle Hard Yard Summer Concert Series

July 1
July 1 @ 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Event Series

MI Brew Live Music Saturdays

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