We’re kicking off our spontaneous Michigan adventure in the city of Grayling at the W.J. Beal Tree Plantation. This little-known site happens to be home to the oldest documented tree plantation in North America. In 1888, Professor W.J. Beal planted 80 acres of land with more than 40 species of trees. This experiment aimed to showcase how trees and shrubs could successfully establish themselves in the dry, sandy soils of the area.

Only seven acres remain of the Professor’s initial experiment, making for a low-effort hike. Perfect for the starting point for your spontaneous Michigan road trip. Open year-round, the W.J. Beal Tree Plantation is handicap accessible. Plus, visitors will find benches in various locations on this short hike, making this a perfect place to start making some peaceful memories.

Less than two miles up the road, you’ll find our next stop in this spontaneous road trip in Michigan. At Ausable Artisan Village, you’ll be able to indulge your shopping side a bit. Featuring more than 40 Michigan artists, you’re sure to find something unique here.

Run almost completely by volunteers, this Grayling art center sells a variety of work in a variety of different mediums – from paintings to sculptures and everything in between. Plus – visitors report that the prices are reasonable in relation to the quality of the art.

Now, this next stop on our spontaneous road trip in Michigan is quite the swerve from the last one. Grayling Fish Hatchery is a non-profit organization that teaches visitors about the historic site, the trout that thrive in Michigan streams, the environmental issues facing our region, and why Michigan’s stream trout fisheries are so important.

Additional activities at Grayling Fish Hatchery include visiting the Bug Spot – where you can learn all about the insects that make the hatchery their home. Kids can also fish in the kid’s fishing pond! The thing I’m most excited about though? The pollinator garden!

For our fourth stop, we’ll be visiting Hartwick Pines State Park, home to 49 acres of old-growth forest. Rumors say it is some of the only old-growth forest left in the state.

If you’re just looking to end your Michigan road trip with a bite to eat, Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan is excellent for that as well. With seven different dining options, this is a wonderful spot to end your Michigan adventure!