Birge Nature Preserve

Longtime Hessel residents Oliver and Edna Birge donated the first 171 acres of this preserve at the base of Point Brulée west of Hessel. Now adjacent purchases have expanded it to 275 acres on both sides of Point Brule Road, including cedar wetlands, upland hardwoods, 1.2 miles of waterfront on Mismer Bay, and all of little Loon Lake. The Little Traverse Conservancy has a map and photo on its site, www.landtrust.org. The parking area is by the Mismer Bay beach.

Orchids, ladyslippers, gentian, dwarf lake iris, and Indian paintbrush are among the many wildflowers that grow here. Oliver Birge has made woodcuts of many of them, which are sold to benefit Les Cheneaux Historical Museum. He says that the old road crossing the property is part of the area's oldest road. A quarter-mile boardwalk trail from Point Brule Road leads to a viewing platform by the lake and wetlands. It's a good place to see eagles, beavers, osprey, and other wildlife.

From M-134 about two miles west of Hessel, take Point Brulée Road about 1/4 mile south. Parking area is a bit beyond the trailhead. The preserve is on both sides of the road.
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HESSEL
POINTS OF INTEREST

Hessel harbor. The center of Hessel is near the harbor, an important and busy spot because so many summer residents boat to their island homes ... more

Katydid's. Large, very cool gift shop, with everything from vera Bradley bags to nautical decor and wine ... more

Marquette Island Preserves. A charming 1,400-acre preserve abundant with birds, reachable by boat ... more

Search Bay and St. Martin's Point Hiking & Ski Trail. A sandy beach in a beautiful, out-of-the-way spot with a couple of rustic campsites. ... more

The Wooden Door. A big building with eclectic treasures: vintage furniture, handmade Native American and local crafts, handsome decoys ... more

Birge Nature Preserve. In a 275-acre preserve of wetlands and forest, a quarter-mile path leads to a lake with eagles, beavers, and osprey ... more

Woods and Water Eco-Tours. Year-round kayak and mountain bike tours of quietm undeveloped settings throughout the region ... more

The Wooden Door. Big old warehouse now a diverse shop with everything from fine duck decoys & antique furniture to Native American handmade crafts ... more

Our Lady of the Snows Church & Historical Indian Cemetery . Indians have long settled the Hessel area, as this old cemetery shows ... more

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