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 July 2020 edition of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
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This story is from the July 2020 edition of Traverse, Northern Michigan's Magazine.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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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.
SWEET ON THE BETSIE
JENA MATZEN AND GREGG TRAHEY WEREN’T LOOKING FOR A BIG HOME UP NORTH. BUT THEY DID WANT STYLE.
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.
MAKING CONNECTIONS
Explore Emmet and Cheboygan counties by foot, bike or hoof, thanks to this scenic trail.
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.
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.
LOSS AND NATURE
Leelanau's Cedar River Preserve provides peace and perspective.
GO WITH THE FLOW
Celebrating an unconventional trout opener among friends.
CHAMPION OF TREES
Archangel Ancient Tree Archive is the “most hopeful project on the planet,” says David Milarch.
DINING OUT NEAPOLITAN, BUT WITH STYLE
American House—the Siren Hall spinoff—is making darn good pizza.
