20 Attractions to Explore Near Burt Lake State Park

The Cross in the Woods, is a sculpture that honors Christian martyrs. This 10-foot-tall steel cross was commissioned by the Rev. Paul Mittermaier in 1972 and created by local sculptor Marshall M. Fredericks. It displays a bronze figure of Jesus on its front side and was designed to evoke a sense of peace and pilgrimage for visitors. Behind the statue are 8 wood sculptures symbolizing Beatitudes of Jesus on its backside making it an ideal spot for reflection to many people.

Burt Lake, is one of the most picturesque bodies of water in the entire Great Lakes region. Boasting crystal clear turquoise waters and surrounded by forests. Despite its reputation for being a popular fishing and recreation spot, Burt Lake remains protected from large-scale development due to its location within the boundaries of the state park. From exploring miles of trails to kayaking or fishing to find abundant wildlife, there are plenty of outdoor activities.

Pickerel Lake is a scenic spot that offers plenty of outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The beautiful circular lake is ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. Just beyond the lake's edge lies a vast forest full of trails, perfect for hiking and mountain biking. Many people also come here to observe the stunning array of wildflowers that bloom during the spring months. Nearby boat launches allow easy access to the lake, while campgrounds provide a comfortable stay.

Mullett Lake, is a beautiful tourist destination. The lake is well known for its incredible depth and length which span 4.5 miles from end to end and 125 feet deep throughout. The surrounding forests provide the ideal environment for visitors to hike, camp or enjoy one of the local beaches. Boating on the lake is also incredibly popular with locals and tourists alike taking part in everything from paddling to sailing and fishing.

Crooked Lake is a beautiful and inviting body of water that offers excellent swimming and boating within its crystal clear, spring-fed waters, making it an ideal spot for families or friends looking to spend a relaxing day. In addition to the activities that can be enjoyed on the lake, there is also great fishing as well - northern pike, walleye and large-mouth bass are all plentiful in these waters. Numerous hiking trails also envelope Crooked Lake.

Aloha State Park is a popular destination for campers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. Its 200 acres span the shoreline of Burt Lake, offering beautiful views and plenty of boats to launch. Guests can stay at the campground to fully experience the park's tranquil atmosphere, complete with modern amenities such as pit toilets, showers and water hydrants. There is also a playground and baseball field to keep kids busy while adults join in on any number of hiking or biking trails.

Wildwood Lake, is a beautiful expanse of nature that attracts visitors from near and far. The lake offers lush landscapes of deciduous trees mixed with pines, creating a vibrant atmosphere and colors during each season. The calm waters are ideal for fishing, boating and swimming, while there's also a designated swim area with a beach. Additionally, Birding enthusiasts can take advantage of the abundance of different species around Wildwood Lake.

Douglas Lake, is a natural gem for tourists and locals alike. Sitting on 25,000 acres of crystal clear waters, the lake offers endless beauty and activities such as fishing and boating. The summer months are especially popular for visitors hoping to soak up some sunshine while relaxing at one of the many beaches. With its idyllic setting, Douglas Lake has emerged as an ideal destination for anyone looking to escape into nature without having to travel too far from home.

Round Lake offers scenic views and plenty of outdoor activities for those looking to enjoy nature. The lake covers approximately 195 acres, providing ample opportunity for swimming, fishing, and boating. There is an excellent public beach located on its northwest shore that allows sunbathers to enjoy a day at the lake. Other nearby attractions include a variety of local parks and nature preserves, making it easy to find outdoor recreation for everyone in the family.

Petoskey State Park, is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. With a stunning lakeside vista along Lake Michigan, the park provides miles of shoreline trails perfect for hiking and biking during the temperate seasons. Picnic tables are available for groups and families to bathe in the sun’s rays and breathe in the fresh air provided by acres of woodlands and hillsides. From winter cross-country skiing across snow-covered fields to camping around beautifully landscaped grounds.

Nubs Nob Ski Resort is the perfect spot for a winter getaway. Boasting 52 slopes and trails of all difficulty levels, this resort offers endless wintertime excitement for skiers, snowboarders and snowshoers alike. In addition to downhill skiing, visitors can also enjoy snow tubing, Nordic skiing, and scenic chairlift rides that wrap up with a cozy ride down on an old-fashioned toboggan run. With its small-town ambiance, lovely mountain views and excellent lodging and dining options nearby.

Black Lake is a stunningly beautiful lake that offers visitors gorgeous views and plenty of recreation options. It is the third largest inland lake of all the Great Lakes, covering nearly 11,000 acres and spanning 32 miles long. The lake itself is well known for its smallmouth bass fishing, along with perch, walleye and muskie fishing areas. Swimming and boating activities are also popular on the lake due to its clear waters and protected shores.

Thumb Lake is a stunning lake that all nature lovers should visit. Located on the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, It and has recreational sites located along its shoreline. The area around Thumb Lake also has stunning landscapes with gentle rolling hills, lush vegetation and abundant wildlife which makes it a great spot for wilderness enthusiasts as well.

Bayfront Park is a must-see attraction for those visiting the area. This stunning park is located on the shores of Little Traverse Bay and offers a wide variety of activities for tourists. Visitors can take a walk along the waterfront or take part in fishing and other outdoor sports such as kayaking, canoeing and sailing. There are also two boat launches in the park that allow visitors to explore the waters around them. Visitors may also want to check out some of the local history exhibits.

The Little Traverse Historical Museum, is a great destination for history buffs. With its extensive collections, the museum offers detailed insights into life in the area over hundreds of years. Visitors can view interesting photographs, artifacts, and documents related to Indigenous people and early settlers. The museum also tells visitors about the region's growing maritime industry with a wealth of interactive displays depicting commercial fishing and lumber production.

It is a beautiful destination for both outdoor enthusiasts and those in search of peace and relaxation. Visitors to the area can enjoy activities such as hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and hunting. The recreation area also offers a playground for kids and an interpretative center where visitors can learn more about the history of the area. Throughout the year there are special events held such as bird-watching weekends and an annual winterfest with ice skating and snowshoeing.

The Little Traverse Lighthouse is a remarkable beacon of Michigan's maritime history. Located in Emmet County on the shores of Lake Michigan, it was originally built in 1867 and has been a treasured landmark ever since. This unique structure still stands tall as a testament to traditional lighthouse-keeping craftsmanship and skill. Standing at 65 feet tall, its light can be seen some 23 miles away, making it an essential navigational tool for local ships and boats.

The Andrew J Blackbird Museum is a fascinating tribute to the important role played by Native Americans in the area's history. Its displays offer a wealth of information about local tribes, as well as artifacts from times past. Exhibits include weapons, tools and traditional dress made or used by Native Americans over time. Guests can also explore historic photographs and detailed maps that display the ways this region has been shaped by Indigenous peoples.

The Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre puts on some of the most spectacular musicals and plays in the region. This charming wood-panelled theatre seats nearly 500 patrons per performance and provides incredible entertainment for all ages. From classic Broadway shows to modern takes on popular tropes, there is always something new and exciting at Harbor Springs Lyric Theatre. The cast and crew are all local talent who bring each production to life with remarkable authenticity.

Walloon Lake is an iconic body of water situated in Charlevoix County, Michigan. Home to over 500 acres of clear blue waters accessorized with white pines and hardwoods, this picturesque lake has been providing locals and visitors alike a peaceful retreat for many generations. Located at a higher elevation than the rest of the area and surrounded by rolling hills, Walloon Lake makes for stunning scenery that radiates tranquility.