Parks and Recreation

Outdoor enthusiasts will find several books geared toward exploring and camping amid the beaches, forests, and lakes of Michigan.

DuFresne, Jim. Backpacking in Michigan. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 2007. Written by a Michigan native and author of more than a dozen wilderness and travel guides, this book features 50 backpacking trails across both peninsulas. Loaded with photographs and detailed maps.

DuFresne, Jim. The Complete Guide to Michigan Sand Dunes. Ann Arbor: The University of Michigan Press, 2005. In addition to a comprehensive explanation of dune formation, this guide offers all the necessary information for swimmers, picnickers, hikers, and skiers to explore nearly 50 duneland areas, from the remote to the well known.

DuFresne, Jim. Isle Royale National Park: Foot Trails and Water Routes. 3rd ed. Seattle: The Mountaineers, 2002. The definitive guide to Isle Royale, filled with practical information about campsites, portages, fishing spots, and more. Small enough to carry along, and you should.

DuFresne, Jim. Michigan’s Best Campgrounds: A Guide to the Best 150 Public Campgrounds in the Great Lakes State. 3rd ed. Berkeley, CA: Thunder Bay Press, 2005. This expert outdoorsman and writer suggests the best campsites for anglers, canoeists, hikers, bikers, and bird-watchers during the state’s most popular season, May–October.

DuFresne, Jim. Michigan State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide. 2nd ed. Seattle: The Mountaineers, 1998. Michigan outdoor writer DuFresne worked with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources to compile this handy guide, which devotes a couple of pages to each of Michigan’s state parks, suggesting the ideal spots for boaters, anglers, hikers, and skiers.

Funke, Tom. 50 Hikes in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula: Walks, Hikes, and Backpacks from Ironwood to St. Ignace. Woodstock, VT: The Countryman Press, 2008. A new addition to the 50 Hikes series, this guide features daylong and overnight trips for hikers, backpackers, and other recreationists throughout the U.P. [1] Each hike description is accompanied by a detailed topographical map, a difficulty rating, directions to the trailhead, and commentary about any related natural and cultural history.

Hillstrom, Kevin, and Laurie Hillstrom. Paddling Michigan. Guilford, CT: The Globe Pequot Press, Inc., 2001. An invaluable survey of 70 of Michigan’s finest lakes, streams, and coastal waterways, whether known for amazing scenery, historical significance, or marine wildlife and activities. Ideal for canoeists and kayakers of all skill levels, this guide contains detailed maps, preparation advice, seasonal tips, and lists of local paddling organizations.

Sharp, Eric. Fishing Michigan. Detroit: Detroit Free Press, 2002. Written by a veteran reporter and outdoors writer for the Detroit Free Press, this guide describes the state’s major game fish, their frequent hangouts, and the best ways to snag them.