By Robin Hewitt
Sites to See & Things to Do in Atlanta, Michigan
is known as The Elk Capital of Michigan for good reason: It's home to the largest elk herd in Michigan. Situated in the middle of 135,000 acres of state land, it is an idyllic small town where leisure, festivals and sports revolve around nature and the outdoors. Atlanta is located in the northern area of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, 3 1/2 hours from
Detroit, Lansing and Grand Rapids.
Commune with Nature
Waterfalls
Atlanta has several state parks that accommodate campers, including the Mackinac State Forest. In the northern area of the forest is the Tomahawk Creek Flooding, a preserve where you can watch loons and osprey play in the shallow water or spy on the elk and deer as they come to water. The area is renowned for the abundance of Morel mushrooms that grow in the forests, and it is an annual event for mushroom harvesters to converge on the town.
Outdoor Sports
Elk
The outdoors rules in Atlanta, and you can while away the hours swimming in the numerous lakes or hiking the hills and trails. At Jackson Lake State Park and the Thunder Bay River you can rent a canoe or kayak and spend hours on the water. Atlanta has two 18-hole golf courses, but its biggest bragging feature is more than 1,000 miles of snowmobile trails that range from Cheboygan to Mackinac City.
Festivals
Snowmobile Trail
In January Atlanta, Michigan hosts a sled dog race that is much anticipated as a midwinter entertainment. August brings not only the County Fair but a Bluegrass in the Park Festival. Of course, the premier festival in Atlanta is The Elk Festival, held the last weekend of September. Besides watching the parade, you can participate in a pie eating contest and take part in the annual rubber chicken toss, among other festivities.
About the Author:
Robin Hewitt began freelance writing full time in 2008. She has coauthored books, including the book, "The Joyous Gift of Grandparenting," in which she addresses the nutritional and fitness needs of both grandchildren and grandparents.
Photo Credits:
Morguefile
