Lamenting tourists is a common theme in letters to the editor, both in the past Munising News and now in The Munising Beacon. In a recent letter, a resident begrudged the lack of free access to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore for locals.

I come to Munising multiple times a year each year to visit family, and with each visit, I check out natural areas that are new to me. From my in-laws’ house, there are at least a dozen natural spaces that are within a fifteen minute drive, and each is resplendent with hiking trails, beaches, waterfalls, rivers, and more. What a treasure trove! Personally, some of my favorite areas to recreate include Au Train Falls, Au Train Songbird Trail, Laughing Whitefish Falls State Park, and Wagner Falls.

One thing that makes Munising special is the incredible access to nature for hiking, birdwatching, biking, and more. Everyone reading this letter is just a stone’s throw away from someplace stunning. Most trails and waterfalls are absolutely free to visit, and these areas outside of the National Lakeshore are hardly ever busy.

There are many places to recreate besides the National Lakeshore, and these other locations don’t seem to get a lot of love or attention. I encourage everyone to visit a trail, beach, or waterfall that may be new to you or you haven’t been in a long time. Cherish all of the natural spaces around you. After all, these spaces are not hard to find!

Shelby Denhof Grand Rapids, Michigan