Thursday, 2 October
The Drive
Leaving Bay City State Park on Saginaw Bay, we headed southwest toward Yankee Springs Recreation Area near Gun Lake, a trip of about 140 miles that takes roughly 2.5 to 3 hours. The first stretch followed I-75 south before connecting west onto I-69, and then I-69. We then took the M-37 exit south, to Cherry Valley Road, to Briggs Rd. This took us through land that grew hillier and more wooded, signaling the approach to southwest Michigan.
Yankee Springs Recreation Area
Yankee Springs Recreation Area spans about 5,200 acres in southwest Michigan and is known for its rolling hills, kettle lakes, marshes, and hardwood forests shaped by glaciers. The park has several camping options, including the Gun Lake Modern Campground with around 200 sites offering electricity, restrooms, and showers; the Deep Lake Rustic Campground with 78 more secluded sites served by vault toilets and hand pumps; an equestrian campground with about 25 rustic sites and horse facilities; group-use areas near Deep Lake; and the Chief Noonday Outdoor Center with four semi-rustic cabins. Amenities across the park include swim beaches, boat launches, picnic shelters, trails for hiking, biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing, along with a sanitation station and potable water access. Natural highlights include the Devil’s Soup Bowl, a deep glacial kettle, and miles of scenic trails winding through forest and wetland habitats. The nearest town is Middleville, with Allegan, Grand Rapids, and Lansing all within driving distance.
Our Site
At Yankee Springs, we stayed at Site 70 in the Gun Lake Modern Campground. The site offered electrical hookups, a picnic table, and a fire ring, and was conveniently close to restrooms, showers, and water spigots. A flat, level, open gravel strip marked our campsite, and there was good spacing between the sites with well-maintained grass. It was located near the water, a bonus. A split-log fence separated our site from the public shoreline and marked the boundary of our campsite. The area around us had a mix of trees that provided some shade, but we ourselves did not have much shade.
After setting up camp, we brought our chairs down to the edge of the lake and had some pre-mixed margaritas to celebrate our arrival. Our campsite was along a small inlet. The air was calm and clear, and the still water mirrored the soft colors of the autumn trees along the shore. Now and then, small fish broke the surface, sending out gentle ripples that shimmered in the light. A few boats were tied up along the shoreline on either side of us, while across the way, several fishermen stood on a large dock, casting their lines into the quiet water. It was a peaceful, picture-perfect start to our stay.
Bike Ride
Later in the afternoon, we took a leisurely bike ride around the campground, exploring the beaches and day-use areas along the peninsula that extends into Gun Lake. The ride offered a pleasant mix of scenery, with quiet wooded stretches opening up to wide views of the water. We enjoyed seeing the variety of campers and creative site setups along the way. Since the beaches were closed for the season and the day-use areas were empty, we had the place mostly to ourselves, making for a peaceful and relaxing ride.
Friday, 3 October
The campground was situated between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo to our south, and Grand Rapids to our north. Both directions had attractions worth seeing, but since we only had one full day to explore the area, we decided to travel south to Battle Creek.
Leila Arboretum
Our first stop was the Leila Arboretum in Battle Creek. This is a 72-acre public garden and green space with nearly 1,700 cataloged woody plants and around 25,000 trees, shrubs, and perennials. It was established in 1922 when Leila Post Montgomery donated the land, formerly a country club, to the city with the vision of creating a cultural and botanical site.
Today, walking paths wind through themed areas such as a native wildflower garden, a labyrinth, lilac and perennial plantings, and the family-friendly Kaleidoscope Garden. We first parked near the Fantasy Forest, where artists carved whimsical sculptures of dragons, wizards, and castles from ash trees destroyed by the emerald ash borer.
We then drove our bicycles around the arboretum. Though the grass was mowed and there were some beautiful flowers near the entrance, most of the flower beds were overgrown and unmaintained. The Kingman Museum, a natural history museum and planetarium located on the grounds, was permanently closed due to structural issues.
Linear Park
We then drove a couple of blocks toward the Saginaw River to connect with The Linear Park Trail. This bike trail is a 26-mile paved network that ties together natural areas, riverfront stretches, city neighborhoods, and historic venues.
The trail took us through wooded greenways and curving paths along the Saginaw River amid mature trees. At most intersections, the path went under the road. The river was full of waterfowl and numerous grey, black, and brown squirrels scurried across our trail.
As we left the residential areas and entered the more built up areas, the trail took us through parks and often on rougher sidewalks.
As a city of about 52,000 people, Battle Creek’s skyline is modest but distinctive, centered around its historic Battle Creek Tower, a 21-story Art Deco gem that looms above the downtown blocks as the city’s tallest building. Around it, older commercial blocks, civic buildings, and modern infill rise to two to six stories, forming a compact urban core.
Claras on the River
As we followed the Linear Trail along the river, we came upon Claras on the River and decided to stop and enjoy some lunch. The restaurant is housed in the old Michigan Central Railroad Depot from 1888. Walking inside felt like stepping back in time—the white oak ceilings, brass lanterns, and stained glass gave the rooms a warm historic glow, while antiques and railroad memorabilia lined the walls. The old ticket office had been turned into a cozy dining space, and displays of vintage cereal boxes reminded us of Battle Creek’s heritage. We chose a table outside on their patio overlooking the river. The courtyard was thick with persimmon trees, and we were glad to have an umbrella over our table to protect us as they dropped often. We ordered a BLT Pizza and a couple of Founder’s All Day IPA. The beer was hoppier than we usually prefer, but it went well with the food. We enjoyed the relaxing environment and the food, and then went inside to explore the restaurant which was like a museum.
Battle Creek Visitor Center
We took a short detour off the Linear Park trail to visit the Battle Creek Visitor Center. Besides the usual brochure racks offering maps and guides to local attractions, there were a few colorful displays that highlight the city’s unique identity as the “Cereal City.” A small cereal history exhibit in an adjoining room traced the rise of Kellogg and Post, with vintage packaging, mascots, and artwork bringing the story to life. Walls are decorated with cereal-themed murals, and a playful “selfie wall” made from retro boxes provides a fun backdrop for photos. The gift shop had Michigan and Battle Creek souvenirs such as mugs, T-shirts, and even items scented like cereal.
Underground Railroad Monument
Afterward visiting the Visitor Center, we continued along the Linear Park until we reached the Underground Railroad Monument which stands as a powerful tribute to the city’s role in helping enslaved people find freedom. The massive bronze sculpture, 28 feet long and 14 feet high, is one of the largest of its kind in the nation. On one side, it depicts Quaker stationmasters Sarah and Erastus Hussey welcoming freedom seekers into their home, while the other side shows Harriet Tubman leading a group northward, symbolizing the broader fight for liberation. Created by sculptor Ed Dwight and dedicated in 1993, the monument captures both the local story and the national struggle.
Returned to Truck
We rode just a little farther down the trail before deciding to return to the truck and explore some more of the city in the truck.
Seven-Day Adventists Historical Village
We first drove over to the Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek. We arrived at the visitor center around 2:45, and though the hours posted on the door stated they stayed open until 4 pm, the docent stated they were leaving a 3 pm that day. She was nice enough to let us take quick walk-through the Visitor Center which contained interpretive exhibits about Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s health reforms, inventions, and influence—historical artifacts, displays, and stories tied to his work. She then gave us a map and pointed out the buildings around the village that we could visit on our own. The site spans about three blocks and features restored 19th-century structures—pioneer homes, a log cabin, a one-room schoolhouse, a replica ted 1857 meeting house, and other period buildings—each illustrating how early Adventist pioneers lived, worshiped, and organized.Each had QR codes to videos that provided information about the building and the artifacts it contained.
The Seventh-day Adventist movement came to the city in the 1850s and became deeply embedded in its social, health, and religious life. In 1852, Joseph Bates arrived and connected with local believers, helping establish the first Sabbath-keeping congregation there. Over the following years, key figures such as James and Ellen White relocated the Review and Herald publishing operation to Battle Creek in 1855, making the city a center for Adventist organization and doctrine. By 1860, delegates meeting in Battle Creek formally adopted the name “Seventh-day Adventist.” From 1855 into the early 20th century, the city became headquarters for publishing, educational, medical, and organizational functions of the denomination. One of the movement’s signature institutions was founded here: the Battle Creek Sanitarium, begun in 1866, adopted health reform and holistic care philosophies that became core to Adventist identity. Under Dr. John Harvey Kellogg it grew into a world-renowned wellness center.
The Historic Adventist Village in Battle Creek highlights the early roots of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Spread across three blocks. Exhibits in the buildings traced how Battle Creek became the church’s early headquarters, with the Review and Herald Publishing Association, the Battle Creek Sanitarium, and Dr. John Harvey Kellogg’s health innovations all shaping the movement. The village captures themes of faith, health, publishing, and social reform, giving visitors a glimpse into the daily lives and ideals of the church’s pioneers.
Mile Race Park
We then drove through the downtown area and stopped at the man-made waterfall at Mill Race Park. The waterfall traces its origins to the city’s milling past—the “mill race” channel once powered local mills and industry. Today, water spills over a constructed drop in a controlled cascade, framed by stone walls, decorative masonry, and a landscaped riverside setting.
In the park next to the waterfall was “The Creek” in giant blocks which made it fun picture.
Monument Park
We then continue to Monument Park which sits on a triangular green space beside the city’s grand City Hall. Built in 1913–14, City Hall is a Neoclassical landmark with a limestone and red brick façade, tall Ionic columns, and an imposing clock tower—its stately architecture providing a dramatic backdrop to the park. Monument Park itself was first established in 1917 with a statue honoring cereal magnate C.W. Post which sat in one corner of the park. At another corner stood the Stone History Tower, a cairn-style structure built in the 1930s by local historian James Brown. Its walls are embedded with stones and artifacts from around the country, including a gear from Battle Creek’s first printing press and metal salvaged from the USS Maine, making it both monument and time capsule—so unique it was once featured in Ripley’s Believe It or Not as the “Rock of Ages.” The most striking monument was the 12-foot bronze statue of Sojourner Truth, dedicated in 1999, pays tribute to the famed abolitionist and women’s rights leader who made her home in Battle Creek.
Oak Hill Cemetery
We then drove over to the Oak Hill Cemetery. Google kept trying to send us through locked gates, but we eventually found the main entrance. The cemetery was established in 1844, spans about 50 acres and is the city’s oldest burial ground. It is the final resting place of many notable figures, including Sojourner Truth, James and Ellen White, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg, W.K. Kellogg, and C.W. Post. We drove through the cemetery and stopped briefly at the gravesites of John Harvey Kellogg and Sojourner Truth.
Station 66
Before heading back to the camper, we decided to find some ice cream and settled on a place called Station 66 just south of town. It occupies a restored 1940s gas station and now functions as a market, café, and ice cream parlor.
When we arrived, we walked around the outside are which had some fun wood carvings. We then went inside and decided to eat dinner and Lisa chose a hot dog with fries, and I got the Chicken Salad Sandwich which was very tasty. After dinner, Lisa got a scoop of Coffee Chocolate and a scoop of Tennessee Chocolate in a cup, while I got a Michigan Fudge milkshake. We also bought two pumpkin donuts, two apple donuts, and two pocket pies, one peach cheesecake and one rasberry cheesecake.
Return to Campground
We were a little over an hour from the campground as we headed north. It was a beautiful drive through canopy rural roads. When we got back to the camper, we noticed that the campground was a lot busier as was expected for a Friday night. We settled into the camper for the evening.
Saturday, 4 October
Kalamazoo Farmers Market
This morning we decided to take a 40-minute drive south to see the Kalamazoo Farmers Market because the information I had found promised a good-sized market. When we arrived, we were happy to find that there were over 100 vendors and unlike many that are dominated by craft booths and food trucks, this one was filled with produce vendors from local farms. We enjoyed walking down the aisles, talking with various vendors, and looking at the large variety of produce even though we were almost out of the growing season. I was surprised by the variety of apples that were for sale. I bought a pasty from a vendor, and Lisa got an empanada. We both bought some iced coffee from a third vendor. We ended up buying some creme soda from a local company, some pears, and strawberries to take with us.
We stayed for over an hour and then returned to the campground, where we packed up and headed toward South Bend, Indiana.