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“ ”20 Great Lakes Logging • Expo Edition 2025
While sharing the history of the white
On the grounds, there are several pieces of large
logging equipment.
pine logging era in Michigan, we are
“This equipment includes a set of Michigan
big wheels, a bunk sled, a log jammer (crane),
often able to correct assumptions about
and winter road equipment like a snow roller and
present-day logging practices.
sprinkler sled. We also have a sawmill enclosure
that was constructed in the 1980s. It houses a
1914 Port Huron steam engine and a sawmill,”
Pine said.
Hillary Pine
Hartwick Pines Museum historian
Hartwick Pines Park Interpreter Craig Kasmer
spoke about the nature around the park, including
However, the park is still open and welcoming
the various plants and flowers.
“Hartwick Pines has over a score of tree species,
both deciduous and coniferous,” Kasmer said.
“Due to the predominant sandy soil types, the
park should be limited in plant species (forbs,
ferns, etc.); however, there are a variety of land-
forms within the park that lend themselves to a
great diversity in plant species.”
He shared that the grounds have a bog where
guests can find pitcher plants and sundew, wet-
lands with cattails and other water-loving plants,
northern hardwood forests, mixed forests, aspen
forests, and the last remaining stand of old-growth
white pine in the Northern Lower Peninsula.
The park is also a great spot for bird enthusiasts,
as visitors flock from around the world to see
the evening grosbeak, pileated woodpecker, and
other species at the Hartwick Pines Visitor Center
bird feeders.
The visitor center is currently closed for renova-
tions and is expected to open in early 2026.
patrons.
“These improvements, among others, are sup-
ported by a proposed $3.25 million in federal
relief funding from Governor Whitmer’s Build-
ing Michigan Together Plan,” according to the
DNR.
Once complete, the center will feature restroom
facilities, an exhibit hall, a gift shop, and a com-
fortable place to sit and watch the birds.
Pine said the majority of visitors come for the
paved 1.25-mile Old Growth Trail.
“They enjoy a shady walk beneath the old-
growth eastern hemlocks, red pines, and white
pines that make up the 49 acres of old-growth
forest. For many visitors, this is the first time
they’ve experienced walking through a forest like
this,” Pine said.
After walking through the forest, visitors are
encouraged to come into the museum and attend
a program led by one of the museum’s natural and
cultural interpreters.
“Programming includes guided tours of the
Old Growth Trail, 1890s logging camp cooking
demonstrations, trying your hand at historic toys
and games, exploring Michigan mammal pelts,
and much more,” Pine said.
The site also has a picnic area with various
amenities such as restrooms, a playground, grills,
and picnic tables.
Bikers and hikers can rejoice as the site has
great, bike-friendly trails for visitors to explore.
“In the winter, visitors enjoy snowshoeing off-
trail into the old growth forest and cross-country
skiing,” Pine said.
She added that some visitors stay longer and use
the Hartwick Pines 100-site campground.
The grounds have full hook-up sites with elec-
tricity and a modern bathroom/shower building.
“The campground is very popular and fills up
quickly in the summer months,” Pine said.
To learn more about Hartwick Pines State
Park, visit www.michigan.gov/recsearch/parks/
hartwick.
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