by Kathy Matteo.

Being confined to home for more than six months has taken its toll. Whether an active family of five, a retired couple or an individual living alone, there are times when everyone just needs to "get out". The problem is where to go. Even a simple shopping trip may not be worth the potential risks of exposure to others, and the complications of navigating anywhere can negate efforts for a great escape.

         Michiganders have hidden resources for adventure in plain view, places to go that are passed by every single day. These are the historical markers scattered across the entire state; those hefty, dark green signs with gold lettering and a black wolverine pictured at the top. A visit to the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) (www2.dnr.state.mi.us/HistoricalMarkers) will reveal a map pointing to endless possibilities for mini-trips that can bring us closer to Mother Nature, reveal fascinating facts about the history of the great state of Michigan and even provoke spontaneous research for more information.

         The historical marker program began in 1955 as an effort to acknowledge and register all historic sites in Michigan having statewide significance, with an emphasis on important stories involving a place, event or person. Through historical markers, a community can remember and celebrate its unique history, visitors from other areas can learn about Michigan and the state’s history can be passed down through the generations. There are now more than 1,700 historical markers across both the lower and upper peninsulas.

         The first marker to be erected is on the campus of Michigan State University near Beaumont Tower. Subsequent early markers featured the Lake Superior iron industry and Detroit’s auto industry. Today’s collection includes hydroelectric power at dams throughout the state, buildings and homes of architectural importance, Native American history and much more. Many of the sites can be leisurely explored and photos taken with few people nearby. Choosing a theme for these outings beforehand may be helpful, which is easy to do using the DNR website. In the List tab, enter a keyword to search. Another plan is to pick a town nearby and check the map for all the markers located en route.

         For a pleasant country drive, head northwest of Lansing to DeWitt Township. Find the marker there honoring Philip Orin Parmelee, aka "Skyman", a Michigan aviator from the early 1900s who studied under the tutelage of Orville and Wilbur Wright. In the same vicinity stands Gunnisonville School, a well-preserved, one-room schoolhouse. To the east of Lansing is another rural community, Williamston. In the town are multiple historical markers, and four miles to the west stands a marker in a roadside park telling about the old plank road that is now Grand River Avenue.

         For families with older kids, take a drive into Lansing and the capital hub. There you will find the childhood home of activist and orator Malcolm X, the Sophie Turner House depicting Colonial Revival architecture (much like Mount Vernon), and the birthplace of the Oldsmobile automobile. There are dozens more historical markers to find, making the capital an ideal spot for multiple outings. A stop along the beautiful, meandering Grand River in the middle of the city is an ideal place for a picnic lunch or snack. The river’s history encompasses stories of Michigan’s Native Americans and French explorers, as well as French, British and American fur traders. There are at least two historical markers along the Grand River, and finding them is a must.

         Historical markers are generally in plain sight, but at times they can be difficult to locate. This is where some added fun comes in, and the excursion becomes a bit of a scavenger hunt. Find and read them together; they are loaded with interesting, thought-provoking facts and stories.

         Be sure to look on both sides of the signs, as there is often more information on the backside. And be sure everyone has their cellphones with them. Many questions are bound to come up and can be answered through an immediate search.  Be prepared to hear comments such as, “I never knew that!” and, “To think this place has been so close all this time!” Recreating via Michigan’s Historical Marker program is inexpensive, educational and fun.

Kathy Matteo lives in Williamston and has been a teacher, skin care consultant, medical transcriptionist, standardized test evaluator, standardized test writer, master gardener and served on the Haslett School Board for 22 years. She can be reached at [email protected].