Pierce Cedar Creek Institute — Attraction in Baltimore Township

This is a beautiful educational and retreat venue. No televisions, but the awesomeness of Michigan nature can be seen, heard & felt, all around you. There are comfortable lodges for overnight visits with an outdoor firepit. A wonderful, Frank Lloyd Wright like facility for meetings, dining hall for meals, cute gift shop, indoor circular fireplace and welcome center is built into a hill with an awesome wrap around balcony overlooking majestic hills, valleys and hiking trails for enjoying Michigan's beauty...and critters. We heard rattle snakes while there. There is a childrens exploration playscape, teachers that live on campus for visitor education and staff to coordinate it all. The facilty is also...

If you really want to see nature at its most pristine, you need to visit. The hiking trails are nothing fancy, but you get a glimpse and taste of what early indigenous and European settlers found in their travels here. There are places to picnic and even a playground at the visitor center. Geocaching is available. There are hiking maps and age appropriate workbooks for children, along with a gift shop at the main center. Various public classes on natural world topics are offered regularly as well. Check out the website for more information. A trip worth taking off the...

So beautiful and peaceful here! With over 12 trails, you can choose between forest, wetland, and prairie trails. Most of the trails here are under a mile, but some trails are out of the way and can only be reached by taking others, which can add up in mileage. If you're a somewhat more experienced hiker, try the Beech Maple Ridge Trail which is absolutely stunning! If you're hiking with your little ones, take the Black Walnut Trail, it's short and filled with facts along the way so your kids will develop a deep respect and passion for nature as...