Few places in Michigan can compete with the utter glory that Hartwick Pines offers those who tread through its paths. The state park is home to an old-growth forest that is nothing short of enchanting. For the longest time, it was the sacred location of one of the oldest trees in northern Michigan. The towering trees, the mossy forest floor, and the serene wildlife are of the many reasons why this state park has made its way into the hearts of locals and travelers.

Come for The Breeze, Stay for The Trees

It's not farfetched to say that those who are lured into the majestic scenery of northern Michigan find themselves adorning the natural areas that are available to the public at an almost consistent rate of every 10 miles (if that!). Visits to northern Michigan typically are justified by the fresh-water beaches and the breeze that can't be competed with. Still, I would have to guess that the not uncommon extended trips find themselves elongated due to the need for adventure. The looming trees in every direction are beacons for those who crave the outdoors, and we don't blame you!

Hartwick Pines is the place to embrace such a desire, as the foliage within this state park is marvelous in every way possible. The greenest of green, the tallest of tall; the location of the most prestigious trees in the area. A must-see for all those who love the beauty Michigan beholds.

Hartwick Pines 🌲

$16.00

How Hartwick Came to Be

Those who logged this majestic area in the late 1800s weren’t aware of how valuable these forests were. Luckily enough, thanks to Karen Hartwick, a pocket of the soon-to-be gentle giants were preserved in time, allotted the space and safety for growing beyond what she could have ever imagined.

Karen Hartwick was the daughter of the owner of one of Michigan's most significant suppliers of virgin timber at the time. She grew up in Grayling's forests, graduated as the valedictorian of her class, and then became a stenographer for the family business. It was during this time that she met her soon-to-be husband, Edward Hartwick. He was a military gentleman and eager to join in on the family business. Before anyone knew it, he managed a retail lumber operation and integrated into the Salling-Hanson company as if one of their own.

A few years after their marriage, he passed upon contracting spinal meningitis while away during WWI. This was a tragic incident and left Karen emotionally driven to ensure his memory lived on. It wasn't something that happened overnight, as she had much bigger plans than a ceremony and headstone. Nine years after his passing, she invested in an 8,000-acre parcel of the land her father was harvesting from. This was the future site for the Hartwick State Park and within it an 85-acre area of virgin pine trees, which even at this time were immensely tall. This was just the beginning, though, as she had to find a way to solidify the safety of this grove for generations to come.

Becoming a State Park

Hartwick Pines became a state park after Karen Hartwick gave the entire acreage to the state of Michigan. This “gift” to the state included three conditions, at which they abided by:

To ensure that the forests within the parcel remained protected from external and internal disturbances.
That road is constructed from Highway 27 to the forest, allowing people to visit the preserved land and share the love that her family had for the woodlands.
That a building of some sort is constructed on the land to memorialize her late husband, Edward Hartwick.

It wasn't until 1935 that the state park became formally dedicated to Karen and her husband. Still, upon the completion, there were additions to the land that went further than the conditions she initially laid out. The contractors who built the memorial building for Edward also constructed two log cabins for the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum that were never requested. This extra effort that the community and state gave solidified the sincerity of the land's value to both her family and the public.

The Museum

Though not a condition, she had requested that a museum be constructed on the land to educate visitors on the lumber industry and logging history. Since lumber had been her family's livelihood, the shared passion with her husband, and the industry that allowed her to grace the state with the land, she felt it was the right thing to do. The state met this request, and even today, the museum is maintained and open to the public.

For the Love of Pines

It is pure luck that the beautiful forest of Hartwick Pines State Park exists, as the only thing that prevented Salling-Hanson Lumber Company from harvesting the pines was the recession that occurred the year they were wrapping up that area of forests. Upon the recession's clearing, the company decided to move their work north, sparing what is now the state park.

The park consists of 9,672 acres of northern hardwood forest trees, but only 86 are old-growth, making them unique in various ways. The difference between the two types of forested land in the park is the type of trees that inhabit them. In hardwood forests, trees such as maple and beech thrive upon the clearing of the sun-soaking pines that once stood. The hardwoods are, in fact, quite large for the area, despite not being the main attraction.

The old-growth forest is jaw-dropping simply because of its ability to take you back in time to what the woods appeared to be 100 years ago. The beauty of this land is inspiring in a way that requires no words. Upon visiting, it will become apparent why Northern Nail Polish has decided to create a festive, evergreen shade for their winter line that mimics the hues within Hartwick. Chip-resistant, toxin-free, vegan, and eco-conscious with places like Hartwick Pines in mind. Northern Nail Polish gives you every reason to embrace the outdoors this winter.

Camping + Hiking

Walking through the paths that map out Hartwick Pines leaves a traveler with the eeriest of feelings, as trees taller than any others in Michigan loom over from every angle. This experience is one of a kind and brings in nature-lovers from all over the world. It can be expected that a portion of the crowd that is drawn in appreciates good camping and quality hiking trails as well as serene scenery. Don't worry, though, if that is you; we have it covered!

The camping for this state park is separated into three sections:

Group Use Area camping
Modern Area camping
Rustic Cabin experience

These differ in terms of offered toiletries, hook-up options, and "camping" methods. The park can allow visitors longer than average stays to enjoy all it offers by providing luxury options. There are also other state parks and forests in a close radius to Hartwick Pines that can be explored while accessing these camping sites.

Hartwick Pines is quite accommodating to campers and visitors alike, providing picnicking areas equipped with various amenities, such as updated bathrooms and drinking fountains. The hiking and biking trails are well marked and come in a variety of sizes and terrain too. The diverse options provide access that can suit most hiking types, thus expanding the opportunity to inspire and touch all of those who love Michigan.

The visitor center is the ideal place to start any adventure at Hartwick Pines, as it is the hub for information on the various options of enjoyment throughout the park. Besides utilizing the park for hiking/biking, hunting, and fishing, it is also a contributor to the area's public education systems. Many schools and groups register to partake in guided tours and programs that are focused on educating the youth on the forest from various angles. These services can be set up in the visitor center or via phone (great for homeschooling trips!).

Hartwick Pines; Anywhere, Anytime

Despite the cold weather that Michigan winters bring, Hartwick Pines is the place to be. If you were to visit amid snowfall, you would see why the park remains busy year-round. Upon a winter visit, the first thing you will notice is the evergreen shades popping through the white background. This pristine contrast has inspired Northern Nail Polish to make one of their winter 2020 colors the beautiful green shade that flourishes in the park. The old-growth green pairs well with most holiday themes and can be applied year-round to spice up any outfit with the forest's shades. Northern Nail Polish guarantees their products to be chip-resistant and are always keeping their customers' environment and health in mind. With no toxins included and the sourcing being entirely vegan, you can feel confident and comfortable sporting this polish anywhere and anytime.

Don't let the beauty of Hartwick Pines be something to enjoy once a year- take this color with you, thanks to Northern Nail Polish.