Explore Whaleback Natural Area
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine|July 2020
Climb this gentle slope to a ridge-top view of Good Harbor Bay, Pyramid Point and beyond.
JEFF SMITH
Explore Whaleback Natural Area

When Jeff Smith joined the magazine in 1981—and when he wrote this piece as the Editorial Director in 2005—the view from one of his favorite Northern Michigan spots was the same as it is today, thanks to the Leelanau Conservancy. Jeff is now the Communications Director for Groundwork Center for Resilient Communities.

To best appreciate Whaleback, first make a quick stop at another magical place for a brief geography lesson. Aim your car to Good Harbor Beach (corner of C-651 and M-22) and make your way to the water. Look north to see Whaleback from a distance and study the outline of this sloping promontory. You’ll understand why people—sailors, perhaps—named this local icon for its resemblance to those giants of the sea.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the {{IssueName}} edition of {{MagazineName}}.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM TRAVERSE, NORTHERN MICHIGAN'S MAGAZINEView all
Camping With Your Dog
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

Camping With Your Dog

Bringing your dog on your next outdoor overnight excursion? Oh, yes! With a little planning, your canine companion will enjoy camping just as much as you. These Northern Michigan spots are perfectly pet-friendly.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2021
SWEET ON THE BETSIE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

SWEET ON THE BETSIE

JENA MATZEN AND GREGG TRAHEY WEREN’T LOOKING FOR A BIG HOME UP NORTH. BUT THEY DID WANT STYLE.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2021
REFRESH IN BLUE AND WHITE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

REFRESH IN BLUE AND WHITE

ASKED TO MOVE A HARBOR SPRINGS HOME FROM TRADITIONAL TO TRANSITIONAL STYLE, INTERIOR DESIGNER GEMMA PARKER BUILT ON THE FRESH, TIMELESS ALLURE OF BLUE AND WHITE.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2021
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Explore Emmet and Cheboygan counties by foot, bike or hoof, thanks to this scenic trail.

time-read
1 min  |
April 2021
Please, eat the violets.
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

Please, eat the violets.

The wild violets that dot our forest floors are pretty enough to eat. Go ahead—let our six simple recipes fuel your culinary imagination.

time-read
3 mins  |
April 2021
OASIS ON ELK LAKE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

OASIS ON ELK LAKE

ARCHITECT KEN RICHMOND DESIGNS A HOME THAT CAPTURES THE CARIBBEAN COLORS OF ELK LAKE WHILE FEELING COMPLETELY ORGANIC TO THE NORTHWOODS.

time-read
4 mins  |
April 2021
LOSS AND NATURE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

LOSS AND NATURE

Leelanau's Cedar River Preserve provides peace and perspective.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2021
GO WITH THE FLOW
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

GO WITH THE FLOW

Celebrating an unconventional trout opener among friends.

time-read
5 mins  |
April 2021
CHAMPION OF TREES
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

CHAMPION OF TREES

Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is the “most hopeful project on the planet,” says David Milarch.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2021
DINING OUT NEAPOLITAN, BUT WITH STYLE
Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine

DINING OUT NEAPOLITAN, BUT WITH STYLE

American House—the Siren Hall spinoff—is making darn good pizza.

time-read
2 mins  |
April 2021