Monday, June 17, 2013

My Favorite Places: Kensington Metro Park


 

There's nothing like a good park system in any community.  Fortunately, for those living accessible to Oakland County, MI we have a fabulous one!

Part of the Huron-Clinton Metroparks System, Kensington Metropark is located in the city of Milford, right off of I-96.

The park boast two beaches, over 20 miles of trails to hike, bike or blade; boating, fishing, a petting farm, nature center, golfing, disc golf, a water park and hayrides at the farm.  The park also hosts year-round fun with its winter sport activities available in the form of sledding, ice-skating, ice-fishing and cross-country skiing.

$25 for an annual vehicle pass makes year-round fun easily affordable. (Day passes also available for $5 per carload.)  The Metro-Park system is not included in the state park recreation pass on your vehicle's license plate, so be prepared to pay admission at the gate.  Additional fees are also required for boats and launch fees. Click here for all admission pricing information.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to spend a day here:


Boat rentals: There's a wide variety of options to choose from, ranging from paddle boats to canoes to rowboats to kayaks at very reasonable rates per hour. Click here for pricing information. Boaters are free to explore the lakes as well as any of the small islands scattered within them. My nephews love paddling to an island to collect shells, rocks and hatched turtle eggs. Just don't forget to bring cash! Boat rentals are cash only with a $20 deposit due per vessel. (Valid driver's license also required.)





Not in the mood to row?  The lake provides other fun too.

Take a relaxing pontoon ride around Kent Lake on the Island Queen. Allow 45-60 minutes per tour. For pricing information, click here.

Practice skipping rocks in the sun or shade on any of the several miles of bordering trails.  The trails provide several spots to sit, rest and take in some nature and boat-watching.

Take a swim...

...or a slide... 

...or a spray!  

Kensington has two beaches, Maple Beach and Martindale Beach. Note: Maple Beach is only open for the 4th of July holiday in 2013, but Martindale Beach and its Splash 'n' Blast zone are open summer-long. Beach access is free once you've entered the park; however, Splash 'n' Blast has an additional entrance fee of $5/adult and $4 for children and seniors.  Also note: Neither beach has lifeguards on duty at any time. You are responsible for your own children, so don't fall asleep in the sand without a second guardian close by (and conscious!)

Lake frozen over?  During safe conditions, feel free to skate (with or without blades!), start a pick-up hockey game or ice-fish.  Pay close attention to park signage to identify safe conditions.  And, heaven forbid, if needed there are several ice rescue stations within the shores of the park's lake system.  Take note of the nearest one before venturing out on any frozen water.


The park is home to several families of gorgeous sandhill cranes.
The Nature Center: The park's nature center has about 7 miles of its own hiking trails, winding through some of the park's most beautiful woodlands, wetlands and meadows.  The nature center  building itself is a fun stop for children of all ages. They'll love seeing the live turtle, snake and bee displays.  (Note: This is also good stop for clean restrooms!)  The nature center's trail offer what may be my favorite park feature. The wild songbirds who are more than willing to eat a snack right out of your hand!  Hand-feeding is allowed by the park (though note, only the small songbirds that land in your hand may be fed.) Bringing your own supply of seeds and nuts is up to you. Feed is not supplied by the park.
The birds are especially grateful to visitors' treats during the cold winter months.


The Petting Farm: To avoid having the backside of your seat kicked for the entire drive home, be sure to stop by the petting farm before leaving the park for the day.  Once a child lays eyes on any of the Farm Center signs and has learned of its existence, you will not be forgiven if you miss stopping in for a few minutes, at the very least.  The farm is located near the Milford Road park entrance and is home to several sheep, goats, cows, hogs, horses, ducks, geese and turkeys.  The baby barn is houses a constant rotation of the farm's newborns.  There is also a snack shop, open only during the peak season, providing your best chance to grab an ice cream, pop, hot dog, pizza slice, nacho or other such treat within the park.  The farm also provides horse and tractor-pulled hayrides throughout the better part of the year for additional cost.


There's plenty more to do and see at Kensington Metropark.  For a full list of park details, including  shelter and classroom rentals, visit the park's official website.  Michigan has alot of nature to love, and Kensington's a great introduction to anyone living in the metro area.  Hope to see you there!

Saturday, June 8, 2013

My Favorite Places: Frederik Meijer Gardens


When Michiganders think of "Meijer", we think of the discount chain that's the Mitten State's answer to Walmart.  But, take a day trip to Grand Rapids and you'll find a very classy twist to the discount name.

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is 132 acres of the most amazing horticultural and sculptural art displays that the region has to offer.  This is no red-tag sale art display either.  A meander through the outdoor park will find you encountering works from the likes of Rodin, Pomodor, Keith Haring to name a few.  

 Inside, turn a bend in the Victorian Greenhouse and you'll encounter a Degas and yet another Rodin, casually mixed amongst the flora.  In addition to the Victorian Greenhouse, indoor attractions include a tropical greenhouse (complete with waterfall), a carnivorous garden, ever-changing collections of international art displays, a delicious cafe (Try any menu item made with wheat berry bread.  You won't regret it!)  and gift shop that I just couldn't leave alone.



But, let's head back outdoors for awhile.  Hope you're wearing your comfiest walking shoes! There's so much to see (allow, at least, a full morning or afternoon for your visit.)  Every turn will lead you winding down another path you didn't realize existed. Sculptures, gardens, a waterfall that pours into the most gorgeous koi pond.




Not to mention the beautiful amphitheater that hosts an A-list concert series throughout the summer months.


Most importantly, don't forget to pack a camera!  There are too many priceless photo-ops to pass up.  You'll lose your inhibitions as you encounter troves of other visitors who refuse to miss out on the chance to drop their guard and allow life to mimic art for a day.



Mad Mom, by Tom Otterness. (Joined by mine.)



Light of the Moon, by Igor Mitoraj.  (He's a-pickin', I'm a grinnin'!)

Aria, by Alexander Liberman must be experienced from the inside out!

Louise Bourgeois created this Spider.  I'm the one who squished it!

More highlights from the Sculpture Park:

Espaliered Girl, by Laura Ford
Figure on a Trunk, by Madalena Abankanowicz
 I, You, He or She, by Jaume Plensa
 Eve, by Auguste Rodin
Tools in Their Places, by Jim Dine (I guess that's where they go!)
Large Parrot Screams Color, also by Dine
Small Dryfork Horse, by Deborah Butterfield
Julia, by Keith Haring (Bet you thought he only did t-shirts!)
Listening to History, by Bill Woodrow

Sculpture Park Tip: At the entrance of the outdoor park, near the amphitheater and across from the Children's Garden, you'll find the tram station.  Tram tours depart about every half hour and cost a mere $3 per guest.  The tram can't squeeze down every single nook and cranny, but the narrated tour is quite comprehensive and worth much more than the price of admission.  Tickets are first come-first serve, so get to the station well before your desired departure time.

Speaking of the Children's Garden:
The art collection found in the Children's Garden rivals the quality of the pieces found in the "grown up" areas of the park.  

(Click any photo to enlarge.)

  


Kids also won't want to miss the chance to sail a toy vessel around the garden's "Great Lakes".

I can't forget the biggest (and, I mean BIGGEST) attraction at the park:

The da Vinci designed American Horse
A photo op, not, to be miss by any visitor.  Learn more about this larger than life equine by clicking here and here.


Frederik Meijer Gardens is easily found right off of I-96 in Grand Rapids, and is well worth the drive for any art buff, horticultural fanatic or amateur photographer of any age. 

Bring the kids, bring the grandparents. The park is easily accessible to every age group and special need.  Hope to see your pictures next!