Looking for the perfect family vacation destination?- Look no further! The Tahquamenon Scenic Byway hosts a wide variety of family fun activities. Take a photo with a bear cub at Oswald’s Bear Ranch, ride the Toonerville Trolley through an Upper Peninsula forest, or glide through glistening snow and quiet woods by dogsled at Nature’s Kennel. Don’t forget your camera! You’ll make memories that last a lifetime on a family trip to Tahquamenon.
Dog Sledding – Nature’s Kennel in McMillan, Michigan offers sled dog adventure rides in the heart of Tahquamenon Country. Choose from day trips, overnight adventures, or even train to race your own team, with Nature’s Kennel providing training, gear, and dogs for January’s Tahquamenon Country 13 mile sled dog race. Learn more about booking your adventure at the Nature’s Kennel website!
Oswald’s Bear Ranch – The largest bear only ranch in the United States! Located just 20 minutes from Tahquamenon Falls, Oswald’s Bear Ranch is a great addition to your trip itinerary. 30 rescued American Black Bears can be safely viewed in 4 large natural habitats ranging from ¼ to ½ miles in perimeter, each equipped with a photo taking platform. A trolley service is offered to large groups and carts are also available to assist those with disabilities. Be sure to bring your camera and get your picture taken with the adorable bear cubs! Open Memorial Day through the end of September, Oswald’s Bear Ranch features a unique wildlife viewing experience in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!
Visit www.oswaldsbearranch.com for additional information.
Horseback Riding – Open May 1st thru January 31st, Wildridge Riding Stables offers guided Horseback Riding tours suitable for individual riders or the entire family! Ride one of their 8 gentle horses and witness the beauty of the Paradise wilderness in the summertime, take in the changing colors of an Upper Peninsula autumn, or travel over freshly fallen snow in the winter. Whether you’re a beginning or expert rider, young or old, Wildridge Riding Stables invites you along for a truly unique adventure in Paradise! Located just west of Paradise on M-123.
For additional information on the Wildridge Riding Stables, or to book your guided tour, visit http://www.exploringthenorth.com/wildridge/stable.html
Row Boat Rentals at the Lower Tahquamenon Falls – A set of 5 drop-offs lying beneath the rushing water of the Tahquamenon River, the Lower Tahquamenon Falls, another of the many beautiful Michigan waterfalls, is found just 4 miles downstream from the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. A quarter mile pathway will lead you to a viewing platform of the falls.
An accessible island immediately downstream presents another unique view of the falls for onlookers and photographers. Rowboats can be rented from the park concession at the Lower Falls. Renters are invited to paddle for a closer look and to explore the island!
Toonerville Trolley – Since 1927, the Toonerville Trolley has brought visitors together with the beauty of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula through their nature tours. Two unique tour options are offered, each presenting a very special opportunity to discover the tranquility of an undisturbed wilderness.
Train and Riverboat Tour
Travel an authentic narrow gauge railroad 5 ½ miles into the wilderness of an ancient forest, and use the handout guide provided at the beginning of the trip to spot Birch, Maple, Pine, Spruce, and Tamarack trees. Keep your eyes peeled for deer, bear, moose, and gray wolf roaming about their natural habitats. When the line ends at the Tahquamenon River, a spacious double-decker boat awaits to take you on a 21 mile narrated cruise down the river, arriving safely at the rapids a half mile from the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. Food, beverages, and restrooms are available on board to provide a comfortable experience! The tour pauses at the falls for a little over an hour, where guests are led on a short hike along Upper Michigan hiking trails to a private viewing location of the Upper Tahquamenon Falls. The tour lasts about 6 ½ hours round trip.
Train Tour
The same full 5 ½ miles of rail line are traveled through the beautiful Upper Peninsula Wilderness. A short stopover is made at the Riverside Park, where restrooms and a snack bar are available to customers. The tour lasts about 1 ¾ hours round trip.
Both tours depart from the Soo Junction, Michigan, located just 50 minutes from Paradise and 1 hour from the Mackinac Bridge! These are the perfect excursions for birding enthusiasts, as more than 300 different species of birds have been documented migrating through this area!
Visit www.trainandboattours.com for pricing, tour schedules, and additional information, or call 1-888-77TRAIN to make your reservations today! Be sure to bring warm clothing and comfortable hiking shoes along with you for the journey!