Your Adventure Playground Around The Great Lakes
One In Hiawatha National Forest And The Other Bordering Lake Michigan, Grand Island & Bong State Rec. Areas Should Be On Every Adventurer's Bucket List
It really depends on what a person wants. On one, there is remote, completely undeveloped islands, with Grand Island being about the size as New York's Manhattan Island. The other, there is a getaway feel, being close to major cities, and provides a very welcome respite from daily life. The two places are Grand Island National Recreation Area in Munising, Michigan and Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville, Wisconsin and both have features that display the best of the upper midwest. Both are considered recreation areas, which are a bit different than a park. In a nutshell, a recreation area has less limitations on it than a state park. A park, especially a National Park, is meant to preserve the nature that is there for generations, whereas a Recreation area can function in a similar way, however the land can be used by businesses in coordination with the government, as well as there are less limitations on activities.
Origins of the Campgrounds
Sometimes things turn out differently than planned. From a Native American hunting ground, then a farmers paradise, to a planned jet fighter base, Richard Bong State Recreation Area has been many things. After World War 2, the land that became the recreation area was to be developed into an airbase to protect Milwaukee and Chicago from potential attack. In 1959, Congress authorized $16.5 million to make a runway and housing for airmen. After stripping topsoil, putting in fuel storage tanks, storm sewers, and more the Defense Department had criticism of the base, as well as budget problems, so the construction stopped right before paving the runway. The land was stripped of topsoil, so farming was not an option anymore, so the land was in limbo. Fifteen years later, after going through state/federal politics, the land was to be designated a recreation area and since then it has been used by the citizens of Wisconsin as a place of respite.
The Grand Island area has been occupied for about 4,000 years. The Ojibwe used the area for fishing and hunting for thousands of years until the 18th century, when contact with Euro-Americans began. The primary reason for contact was the fur trade, where French traders would work with the Native peoples to supply furs to the European market. The local chief of the area invited Abraham Williams to live on the island in 1841, which he did with his family. Eventually, recognizing its beauty, as well as natural significance, it was used as a quiet tourism getaway. In the 1990s, Grand Island became a National Recreation Area.
Things to Do
1) Bong has two very attractive aspects for the right type of person. First, it is close to a huge population. In addition, the campground is not too far from the shores of Lake Michigan, around 30 minutes. It is a little over an hour from Chicago and about 45 minutes to Milwaukee, making it an easy day trip from these locations. Second, it has many acres devoted to intensive trails. "There are 4,515 acres considered Special Uses Zone - for ATV/Dirt Bikes, dog training and trailing, hunting, model airplane flying and things like that," says Beth Goppinger, naturalist at the recreation area. The rest of the park has picnicking, fishing, hunting, biking, boating and activities like that associated with most state properties. But what's cool about Bong is the OHM trails. There are nearly 8 miles of off-highway motorcycle (OHM) trails at the property. OHMs need to be registered before arriving at the property and availability is determined on a daily basis (*Always call 262-878-5600 before you come to ride). The park has something for everyone - from ice fishing and hiking in the winter to swimming and camping during the summer.
2) Grand Island is a far trek into the forest, but its scenic beauty is unparalleled in the Midwest. Apart of Hiawatha National Forest, the island is primitive and allows visitors to camp, mountain bike and kayak around it (sea kayaks only - Lake Superior is like an ocean). In the winter time, it is a quarter mile walk on the lake (frozen over) to see the ice caves that form on the 200 feet sandstone cliffs. One can also snowmobile over to it. It is a much more rugged experience than Bong, both because of its activities that are featured and remoteness. The nearest decent size city (Green Bay) is about 150 miles away. As Brian Hinch, Ranger at Grand Island NRA says, "By their very nature, islands have a remoteness. And this means that once you find your way there, there is a sense of stepping away from the buzz of the modern world." Hinch says that there is a ferry that takes visitors over to the island, but people can go via kayak or personal watercraft, also. Access and views of Lake Superior is moments away. There is primitive camping there in Michigan, in which you are offered the rustic forest environment at your own risk. Amenities are limited for dispersed camping, but that's the challenge and ruggedness that may excite you. There is a 16-day maximum primitive camping stay at Grand Island in one particular spot. Furthermore, the area has its own bus tour, half-marathon, and so much more to enjoy throughout the summer. Check out all the recreational opportunities here.
Which Recreation Area is for you?
Camping in Michigan or camping in Wisconsin? It's more than choosing based on your favorite football team. This takes experience. If the idea of a remote, rugged adventure with crystal clear waters and dramatic cliffs are a visitors cup of tea, than a trip up to Grand Island National Recreation Area is perfect. If someone is looking for more of a day trip, with plenty to do for every type of nature lover without too much of a hassle to get to, then Richard Bong State Recreation Area is a great way to go. Either way, nature and history shine throughout these jewels of the upper Midwest and should be on every RVers bucket list.
Andrew Malo
A graduate of Northeastern Illinois University in Education, Andrew has taught for the past decade in Chicago, New Mexico, and Japan. He enjoys tinkering with trucks and motorcycles, woodworking, reading and computer programming.
Make Sure To Stay At:
Bong State Recreation Area, with two modern family campgrounds with a total of 217 campsites and 54 with electric hookups. Six group campsites can accommodate 225 campers. There is also a cabin designed specifically for people with disabilities.