Each week, we ask a member of the College of Education grad student community to share three picks related to one of their passions.
Ashley Mcpeek, Ph.D. student in Kinesiology and Graduate Career Advisor, shares 3 favorite outdoor destinations:
I’ve always enjoyed time spent outdoors with my husband and our dog, Otis. Since we came to Michigan from the east coast, we were used to spending a lot of outdoor time near the ocean. We quickly learned just how great Lake Michigan was and have found our favorite spots to visit:
- Muskegon State Park. Although it’s not too far for a day trip, the state park is great for a 1-2 night adventure. The campground isn’t massive (and it’s definitely not rustic) but the beaches are beautiful and the park/beach is super dog-friendly! We even have a favorite restaurant that we stop at on our way out of town (Bear Lake Tavern).
- Saugatuck. I know this is isn’t a hidden gem, but just a 1.5-hour drive away from Lansing, Saugatuck has been our go-to day-trip spot. Saugatuck is the most friendly and the biggest beach we’ve been too! Hiking the dunes and swimming in Lake Michigan must be followed by a stroll through town to admire the galleries and shops.
- Beaver Island. Although this place is much more than a road trip away (you need to drive up to Charlevoix and then take a 2.5-hour ferry or a small airplane to get to the island), it is well worth the trip. We spent a Memorial Day weekend in Beaver Island. The east-side beach was the best, while the quiet evenings and night star gazing could not be beat.
“COE in 3” spotlights the College of Education grad student community—students, faculty and staff. Read MAET student Ben Zaleski‘s picks from our last issue on the Grad Link website.