Michigan State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide [Paperback]

Jim DuFresne (Author), Jim DeFresne (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Mountaineers Books; 2 edition (March 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898865441
• ISBN-13: 978-0898865448
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,137,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #67 in Books > Travel > United States > States > Michigan

More About the Author

I have a has deep rooted passion for two things; sunsets and shoreline, no doubt the result of living my entire life in the two states that have more coastline than any other; Alaska and Michigan.

After graduating from Michigan State University with a journalism degree, I was soon headed to Juneau, Alaska as the outdoors and sports editor of the Juneau Empire. In 1980, I became the first Alaskan sportswriter to win a national award from Associated Press. More significant than the award or even receiving a letter of congratulations from Governor Jay Hammond, I discovered my passion for the mountains and wilderness travel while living in Alaska's capital city.

Soon after that I spent a winter in New Zealand to backpack and write my first book, "Tramping in New Zealand". Six editions and 30 years later "Tramping in New Zealand" is the world's bestselling guidebook to backpacking in that country. That longevity is true with several of my books. "Isle Royale National Park: Foot Trails & Water Routes" that I wrote soon after returning to Michigan has been in publication in various editions for more than 25 years.

Today I live in Clarkston, Michigan where I'm never more than an hour's drive from the shoreline of the Great Lakes. I am main contributor to www.MichiganTrailMaps.com, a resource web site devoted to trail users and the promotion of trails in my home state. I still head back to Alaska frequently to update my Lonely Planet guidebooks, only now I don't have to stay for the winter. In Michigan, I can usually be found out on the trail throughout the year, whether it is hiking, mountain biking, backpacking, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a good guidebook, May 3, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Michigan State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide (Paperback)

I live 2 miles from one of the State parks reviewed - Bald Mountain. I have to say I learned more from this guidebook than I knew from living here and asking the locals. It contains maps and layouts of the parks, and gives lots of good information. If you live in MI or are planning to visit, it's worth it.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Good, not great, February 11, 2001

By 

"kihric" (Goodrich, MI United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Michigan State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide (Paperback)

Great historical and park activity information. I just wish it would have been more specfic ie; which sites are good, maps of park layouts etc. Still good guide.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Michigan State Parks, July 5, 2010

By 

Groovy Green Eyes (Grand Rapids, MI) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Michigan State Parks: A Complete Recreation Guide (Paperback)

Despite the age of the book the information is still valid including phone numbers to park offices. The size in great in that it can easily fit in a backpack. There are detail illustrations of camp maps and hiking paths. The only drawback is that it's all in black and white. This book is a must have for anyone visiting Michigan State Parks or residents of Michigan that want to take advantage of the beauty that lies in their own backyard.