Spring is here at last! And where could the arrival of spring be more beautiful than in Cheboygan County? Crocuses bloom, seeds fall from trees and leaves open up, bringing back the beauty of our huge reforested areas. Lakes thaw and reflect the beauty of the clouds and the wooded banks. Birds flit everywhere building their nests and showing off their spring colors. The deer may have eaten all of my tulips except for two, but the daffodils, trilliums, trout lilies and lilacs and other flowers burst into bloom. Spring is here and most Cheboygan County residents are delighted to see it.

This spring has also brought fear and concern. The severe drought has brought a lightning-caused fire to the Cheboygan-Montmorency County’s area. Having written Cheboygan County’s devastation caused by forest fires in the past, we people have great reason to be deeply concerned and careful.

Before today’s column on our state parks, I would like to thank the lady who sent me an anonymous letter thanking me for the column and for history of her early ancestors. I love letters and emails from readers. They motivate and assist me in getting things right.

Cheboygan County has five state parks, as many or more than most other countys in Michigan. A gorgeous spring has arrived and the parks are opening, to display their beauty to our residents and visitors. These parks are managed by the Michigan State Park Commission, which was organized in 1919.

It is interesting to note that one of our state parks was established even before the state park commission. Emmet and Cheboygan County’s shared state park is the one located at Mackinaw City. The Michilimackinac State Park occupies 37 acres and it was established in 1904. It is located at the Straits of Mackinac. It contains the fort and a tremendous historical collection of early area and Indian history.

Within one year of its founding, the park commission established one more state park in Cheboygan County. The first is Burt Lake State Park. It is located at Indian River and it occupies 406 acres. It was established in 1920. It gives access to Burt Lake, a lake of great beauty and it is great for fishing. The state parks provide access to the beauties of nature to people who cannot afford to live on a lake or in a beautiful natural area. Fees were dropped during the pandemic, to enable all people to enjoy outdoor get-togethers, which were much safer than indoor activities.

Cheboygan State Park was established in 1962. It covers 1250 acres. It is on Lake Huron and it has trails, lake views, swimming and much natural beauty.

The Aloha State Park was established in 1923. It covers 107 acres. It is located on Mullett Lake and it has a very special location, for one can easily access the Inland Water Route that allows them to take a slow, very scenic boating trip almost to Lake Michigan or, going the other way, to Cheboygan. It is a trip of never ending beauty.

Our final state park is the Historical Mill Creek Park, located off highway 23, between Cheboygan and Mackinaw City. It is close to Lake Huron and it was established in 1970. It occupies 625 acres and has sawmill demonstrations, as done in the period of Cheboygan County’s lumbering era. It has hiking, picnicking, fabulous views of the lake and it is one of our greatest treasures.

So visit our state parks and enjoy the special rewards of seeing each one. They are ours!