ミシガン湖の天然記念物・トップ11

The eastern terminus trailhead of the Ice Age Trail is situated near the old ski hill overlook in Potawatomi State Park. There is a small sign marking the official start (or end) of the 1,200-mile journey, tucked into a quiet, wooded area with nearby parking. From this point, the trail winds westward, with a 2.8-mile segment through beautiful forest and shoreline.

Great sand beach with dunes.

Technically this is 2 separate state parks, Terry Andrae State Park, established in 1927, and John Michael Kohler State Park, established in 1966. However, these days they are managed as one park, and together they cover nearly 1,000 acres along the shore of Lake Michigan. The main highlight of the park is the 2 miles of sand dunes and beaches along the shore. In addition to the beach, visitors can also enjoy hiking, biking, and camping in the summer and sledding, XC skiing, and snowshoeing in the winter.

This area was originally a landfill, but over time, nature has reclaimed it. The site now features a beach, foredune, and globally rare panne habitat, contributing to the presence of various plant species in the area. Additionally, there are scenic views of Lake Michigan in this vicinity.

The Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful haven for over 150 different species of birds. The sanctuary was saved from demolition in the 1960s, and it was restored and maintained by volunteers led by the passionate bird-watcher Bill Jarvis. While the sanctuary's core is protected by a fence, you can enjoy the shade of mature trees and the vibrant colors of native flowers along a path that circles the barrier, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful jog or stroll. There is a bird viewing platform on the east side of the sanctuary, which is a popular spot to observe these migratory birds during their nesting season in the summer.

Milton Lee Olive Park, a 10-acre sanctuary on a 61-acre peninsula, honors the first African American Medal of Honor recipient from Vietnam, Milton L. Olive III. Designed by Dan Kiley in 1965, the park boasts open lawns, tree-lined alées, and a waterfront deck framing city views. Five fountains dot the landscape, creating a serene setting near Navy Pier. A poignant monument, "Hymn to Water," pays tribute to Olive, offering visitors a tranquil escape with panoramic city vistas.

The Bill Jarvis Migratory Bird Sanctuary is a peaceful haven for over 150 different species of birds. The sanctuary was saved from demolition in the 1960s, and it was restored and maintained by volunteers led by the passionate bird-watcher Bill Jarvis. While the sanctuary's core is protected by a fence, you can enjoy the shade of mature trees and the vibrant colors of native flowers along a path that circles the barrier, making it an excellent spot for a peaceful jog or stroll. There is a bird viewing platform on the east side of the sanctuary, which is a popular spot to observe these migratory birds during their nesting season in the summer.

This area was originally a landfill, but over time, nature has reclaimed it. The site now features a beach, foredune, and globally rare panne habitat, contributing to the presence of various plant species in the area. Additionally, there are scenic views of Lake Michigan in this vicinity.