Exploring the Western Coast of Lake Michigan: Wildlife Adventures and Historical Discoveries
After leaving the Upper Peninsula, we found ourselves staying just outside Menominee, on the beautiful western coast of Lake Michigan. Our time here was filled with exciting adventures, from animal encounters to historical discoveries, making it a memorable stop along our journey.
DeYoung Family Zoo: A Family-Owned Animal Wonderland
One of the highlights of our visit was a trip to the DeYoung Family Zoo. This family-owned zoo offers a wonderful collection of animals, with something for everyone to enjoy. Upon entering, we were greeted by two brown bears happily munching on fruits and veggies—a fun start to the day! As we made our way through the zoo, we were passed by a gaggle of geese, adding to the charm of the place.
We had a blast exploring deeper into the zoo, meeting goats, alpacas, and cows. But our favorite moment was with the Highland cows, whose friendly personalities stole our hearts. One of the cows had learned to open her mouth wide and stick her tongue out to ask for a treat—something that had us all laughing every time her slimy black tongue emerged for a nibble. The boys even got up the courage to hand-feed her, which was a highlight of the day.
The zoo also featured hyenas, monkeys, birds, and even a hippo, rounding out an exciting animal adventure that we’ll always remember.
The Peshtigo Fire Museum: A Tragic but Fascinating Piece of History
Another unexpected gem was the Peshtigo Fire Museum. Most people have heard of the great Chicago Fire, but few know that on the same day in 1871, the largest fire ever recorded in U.S. history ravaged the town of Peshtigo. The fire, fueled by high winds and dry conditions, spread with terrifying speed, partly due to the wood dust used for local roads and the sawdust from nearby lumber mills.
Here are five interesting facts about the Peshtigo Fire:
It occurred on October 8, 1871, the same day as the Great Chicago Fire.
The fire burned for several hours, reaching temperatures so high that even the river was boiling.
Over 1,500 people were killed, making it the deadliest wildfire in U.S. history.
The town was completely destroyed, with buildings, homes, and forests turned to ash.
The cause of the fire is still uncertain, though high winds and dry conditions played a significant role.
Among the museum’s fascinating exhibits was a white Bible, which was found miraculously untouched by flames. It had been floating down the river amidst the smoldering debris—an eerie and powerful symbol of survival. Our docent provided an excellent tour, and the boys enjoyed looking at the many historical artifacts, making it an engaging experience for everyone.
John Hanes Park: Reflecting by the Shoreline
As our time in Michigan came to a close, we made a stop at John Hanes Park, just outside Menominee. This tranquil park was the perfect place to unwind after a long day of travel and reflect on the experiences we had so far. The gentle waves of Lake Michigan lapping against the shore created a peaceful atmosphere, offering me a chance to clear my mind and enjoy some quiet time.
A Multigenerational Adventure: Nana Joins the Fun
By this point, we were ready for a little relaxation and recovery from the busy travel schedule. Just in time, we had a special visit from David’s mom, the boys’ Nana, who flew in for a multigenerational adventure. We rented an RV for our time together, and this was our first experience with multigenerational travel. It turned out to be fantastic! Traveling with Nana added a new dynamic to our trip, and we all enjoyed the opportunity to bond in such a unique way.
Stay tuned for more about our multigenerational travel adventures in the next post!
