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The purpose of this guide is to help you enjoy your stay in the
Mancelona area.  Our residents enjoy a quality way of life that we hope
to share with you.

Nature and natural attractions predominate in Antrim County.  Mile thick
glaciers worked and reworked the local topography.  When the ice-age
activity subsided about ten thousand years ago, Antrim County was left
with long and high moraines that now provide breath-taking views,
outwashes, kames and drumlins, rivers that still deepen and enlarge
valleys, numerous kettle-hole* lakes, two extensive watersheds, a
generous supply of groundwater and a veneer of glacial debris.  It's a
rock-hound's dream of boulders and cobbles transported from Canada and
Upper Michigan plus numerous famous Petoskey stones and other fossils,
the remnants of life 350 million years ago.  The variety of trees,
plants and wildlife reflect the dramatic difference in climate and
growing conditions that exists within the county.

With Mancelona as your starting point numerous short-distance driving
trips are possible, exploring local natural wonders along well-kept back
roads.  Use the Antrim County road map to plan a route.  Stop
frequently, get out, walk, observe and enjoy.  This brief guide can give
only samples of the many sights to see.  Don't hesitate to ask
questions.  The local citizens are a friendly lot, and are proud and
eager to show-off their personal favorite haunts.  Pack a picnic lunch.
Bring along a jug of our delicious water.  Now you are ready for an
enjoyable, rewarding day in Antrim County!

*Kettle-holes mark the place where a block of ice was stranded by the
retreating glacier.  It was surrounded and buried by outwash gravel
deposited by meltwater from the ice.  When the ice eventually melted, a
depression was formed.  Many kettle-holes in Antrim County have become
small lakes with no outlet, replenished by underground springs.

A SAMPLE OF THINGS TO SEE AND DO IN THE MANCELONA AREA

GREEN LAKE
Green Lake is a beautiful lake in a spectacular setting.  Spend an hour
or two walking the shoreline of Green Lake and nearby Henry Lake.  A
wide variety of wildflowers, northern hardwood and coniferous trees can
be seen along the trails on this 80 acres of state land.  Birds and
wildlife abound.  Fishing permitted (see your Michigan license for
specific Green Lake regulations).  2 ½ miles southwest of Mancelona via
Elder Rd.  Bring your camera!

HAWK LAKE
Hawk Lake is another beautiful "kettle-hole" lake 6 1/2 miles east of
Mancelona via C-38.  It's an easy hike around Hawk Lake, with lots of
interesting things to observe, including signs of beaver activity.
Surrounded by miles of state and county land, the area is seldom used,
so often as not you will have the lake to yourself.  The trail to Hawk
Lake is not marked but it's just south of the curve on Highway C-38.

GRASS RIVER NATURAL AREA
The part of Antrim County west and north of Mancelona is in the Elk
River Watershed.  Because the direction of the glacial moraines is
northeast southwest, the watershed developed long circuitous detours as
the run-off found an outlet to Lake Michigan.  There are fourteen named
lakes connected by rivers in this watershed.  Two of these lakes, Lake
Bellaire and Clam Lake are connected by Grass River.  Much of the
adjacent land has been brought into public ownership.  This 1100 acre
project has been named the Grass River Natural Area.  The area features
a 1-1/2 mile handicap accessible boardwalk trail system that provides
easy access to the treasures of this unique wetland.  The trails begin
at and return to the parking lot with several lookout platforms
providing spectacular views of the Grass River along the way.

Four upland trails access forested land, including a 4-1/2 mile rail
corridor.  A one mile loop trail is groomed for cross country skiing,
weather permitting, and the rail trail is groomed as a link to nearby
resort trails.

Vehicle access to Grass River Natural Area is Grass River Natural Area
Road, turn north from Alden Highway (#618), ½ mile west of Comfort Rd.
A boat dock has been provided at the west end of the Grass Rive.

A professional study and inventory of the area has been concluded.
Educators, naturalists, or anyone interested should contact the Soil
Conservation Service office in Bellaire (phone 533-8709) for additional
information.

NATIONAL FISH HATCHERY ON THE JORDAN RIVER
This a must!  Visitor center is open 8:00 A.M. to 3:30 P.M daily all
year (until dusk during summer).  The hatchery plants 1.8 million lake
trout annually.  Visitors can see from 2 to 5 million fingerlings in
various stages of growth.  An outdoor display shows fish distribution
area, and other information.  Hatchery personnel are pleased to answer
questions.  The hatchery is an educational experience for kids and
grown-ups.  Turn west on Turner Rd. off Highway 131, about nine miles
northeast of Mancelona.  Note:  For those motoring the Jordan River
Scenic Drive through the Jordan Valley, parking is now permitted at the
rear gate of the Hatchery and a short hiking trail leads to the visitor
center.

DEADMAN'S HILL SCENIC OVERLOOK
The overlook gives a commanding view of thousands of acres near the
headwaters of the Jordan River Valley.  Deadman's Hill is one of the
highest overlooks in Lower Michigan.  The view is absolutely magnificent
on a sunny fall day.  Bring camera, binoculars.  There is a picnic area,
outdoor toilets, but no drinking water.  From Highway 131 turn west on
Deadman Hill Road (approximately 12 miles north of Mancelona).

JORDAN RIVER VALLEY SCENIC DRIVE
A visit to the Jordan River valley is  a must!  The best way to start is
to get an overview of the valley from Deadman's Hill.  (see above).
Notice the difference in the trees and vegetation that grow in the wet
areas along the river, compared to the higher ground.  The river below
Deadman's Hill flows south, then west to get around the glacial ridge
you see beyond the river.  Once past the south terminus of this ridge
the river flows north parallel to Highway #66 to eventually empty into
Lake Charlevoix at the town of East Jordan.

The Scenic Drive begins on US 131, one mile north of Deadman Hill Rd.
This 15 mile Scenic Road parallels the Jordan River from its headwaters
along its circuitous path through the valley to Pinney Bridge, at which
point the road continues west to exit at Highway M66.  The trip can take
anywhere from an hour to a day or more depending how often you stop, get
out and explore.
The scenic drive crosses the Jordan River four times plus all the major
tributaries of the Jordan upstream from Graves Crossing.  There are 43
different water crossings along the fifteen miles of the scenic drive!

Wildlife abounds in the Jordan valley, deer, rabbits, game birds, and a
variety of non-game species.  Beaver are especially active.  Their dams,
ponds, and the beaver themselves can often be seen from the road.  In
the fall huge Coho salmon can be viewed from Pinney Bridge swimming
upstream to spawn.

Check your Antrim County road map for the location of Marsh Rd., Cascade
Rd., and the Jordan River Rd. (at Alba), all of which intersect the
scenic drive in the valley and provide additional miles to explore.  Get
out and enjoy the waterfalls along Cascade Rd.  Another spectacular
Jordan Valley sight is Landslide Overlook at the end of Harvey Rd. now
only accessible from Highway 620, 1 mile west of Alba.

JOHNSON POND
After a pleasant evening meal at one of our local restaurants, you
should be ready for one more scenic highlight before turning in.
Johnson Pond is located at the south edge of town at the end of Danforth
Street in Mancelona.  As you leisurely stroll the trail around this
tranquil pond try to imagine the scene here many thousands of years
ago.  The glacier had retreated northwest leaving the moronic hills you
see towards the east.  By chance, a huge block of ice was left behind.
The ice block melted, after burial with glacial debris, creating the
amphitheatre-like depression about you.  To the west a torrent of water
flowed southwestward, producing the Mancelona outwash on which Highway
#131 is now located.  Now sit, watch and enjoy as daylight fades and
darkness descends peacefully once again on Johnson Pond.

CEDAR BEND

Picnics, Group Outings/Retreats, Family Vacations and Weekend Get-a-ways!
Any time of year - enjoy the outdoors as a family or group in a unique early-American farm setting! Cedar Bend Farm is a 112 acre farm nestled in the Cedar River valley of northern Michigan. The farm is surrounded by crystal clear streams, 40 acres of hardwood forest and 72 acres of fields. This awesome backdrop is home to12 early-American style buildings. From our Manor house with its "Grandma's woodstove kitchen" to our one-room schoolhouse, we have the perfect setting for your family, church or college group outing! Whether you're enjoying our woods, creek, blacksmith forge, weaving loom, cider making, one-room school house, old country chapel, game room, disc golf, ropes course, ice cream making, hayrides, or the many nearby family attractions, you will build memories of the heart that will last a life time. Call the Farm office at 231-587-8126 and we will help you plan just the right activities for your family or group.

Cedar Bend Farm - Spring/Summer/Winter/Fall
With our main emphasis being family, church, youth and college activities/ retreats, Cedar Bend is really the ideal setting for a wide variety of groups. We currently host activities and retreats for men, ladies, high schools, community groups, families, colleges, nature groups and youth groups. Some groups plan for their own food and speakers while others have Cedar Bend take care of all the planning. Winter really comes alive with great outdoor activities in the midst of our lake effect snow falls! Enjoy tubing, sledding, snow shoeing and cross country skiing on the premises or go 10 minutes down the road for great downhill skiing or snowmobiling. Cedar Bend is the ideal "base camp" for outdoor enthusiasts who want to take advantage of the area's great fishing, hunting, canoeing, hiking and numerous other outdoor activities. Hunters and outdoorsmen alike will find Cedar Bend Farm to be just the place for a memorable outdoor experience!

Educational Programs
Combine the beauty of nature with the Early American village feel of our facilities, and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable educational experience. Imagine teaching you group in an authentic replica of a one-room schoolhouse and then having them experience hands-on learning in blacksmithing, weaving, wood carving and old fashioned cider or ice-cream making. Our cedar swamp, stream and woods provide for outstanding nature studies showing the beauty of creation and the greatness of the creator! Animals both living and mounted bring the learning experience even closer as the students observe the wonders that are right in their own "back yard". The possibilities expand when you consider "camping out" with just what your group can carry. Learning skills in shelter building and outdoor pioneering provide a wonderful opportunity for building group strength and unity. Students also have time to reflect on the many in our world that live life with only what they can carry. Give us a call and we will help you plan a unique educational experience for your group 231-587-8126. The farm is located on Doerr Road three miles north of Mancelona.


MANCELONA BY THE SEASON

WINTER:  Downhill-skiing, cross-country skiing, snow shoeing,
snowmobiling, photography, ice fishing, quiet enjoyment of breath taking
scenery.

SPRING:  Fishing, nature walks, wildflowers, morel hunting, maple syrup,
bird watching.

SUMMER:  Boating, canoeing, swimming, fishing, golf, tennis,
sight-seeing, exploring, back-packing, camping, horse-back riding, rock
and fossil collecting.

FALL:  Berry-picking, fall "color- show", photography, fishing, hunting,
hiking.

ANYTIME: (and most anyplace) in the Mancelona area is ideal for just
plain relaxing - sitting a spell, enjoying nature-time for quiet
contemplating.

HINTS'-N-TIPS

Perhaps one or more of the following ideas will add some enjoyment to
your visit in the Mancelona area.  We hope so!

Make it a picnic.  Make it an entire day of sightseeing.  Several of our
local restaurants will pack a picnic lunch for you.  Place your order
the evening before.  Also, take long a jug of drinking water.

Don't be bashful - ask questions!  Our Chamber of Commerce Office on
Highway 131 is the center of town is a great source of information.  If
we don't have the answer, we will find someone who does.  If the office
is closed, call 587-5500.  Special maps, aerial photos, brochures and
other informative materials can be seen at the chamber office.  Some
items are available free or at minimal cost.

Get an Antrim County Plat Book.  Plat books show in great detail which
lands re public and which are private.  County and State lands are yours
to use and enjoy.  The plat book shows all roads and "two-tracks".
Passenger cars should have no trouble on graded back roads.  Park your
can and enjoy our "two-tracks" on foot.  Plat books are sold at several
locations in Mancelona and the county.

What is it?  It's interesting to learn the names of plants, shrubs,
trees, rocks, fossils, birds, animals, and insects, and how to interpret
the geological processes that produced the land formations, streams and
lakes we enjoy today.  There are numerous guidebooks and brochures that
can help you identify what you see and help you to understand why it
happens to be where it is at.

Especially on cloudy days it is easy to lose your sense of direction
walking in the woods.  If you decide to get off a trail it's a good idea
to have a compass with you and to know how to use it. Insect repellent
and a first aid kit are two other items that could come in handy.

RAINY-DAY SUGGESTIONS

Rain doesn't have to make your Mancelona vacation a washout.  There is a
lot of scenery to enjoy, even in the rain, from your car along our many
miles of paved and improved gravel roads.  Browse through our shops.
Some of the items offered in our local stores may be new and interesting
to you.  Don't be surprised if prices on merchandise, clothing and
locally grown food is less than you would pay at home.  Visit our town
library.  Go bowling.  Enjoy a leisurely meal at one of our several
restaurants.  Catch up on your guidebooks, study the county map, then
plan your itinerary for tomorrow.  Visit the Cooperative Extension
Office in the County Building in Bellaire.  They have a large display of
reading material covering numerous subjects - some free, some at minimal
cost.

Prepared By Allen Pecar