Beaver Creek Township near Higgins Lake in Crawford County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Forest Heritage Trail

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 4, 2025

1. Forest Heritage Trail Marker

Inscription.

Forest Heritage Trail. . , Forests are an important part of this area's history and to the people who first lived here. To this day, the Anishinaabek engage with northern Michigan's forests because of their natural and cultural significance. , , The Forest Heritage Trail runs from North Higgins Lake State Park to Hartwick Pines State Park. The large stands of white pine that once grew here were cut down during the white pine logging era of 1860 to 1910. New stands of trees have since replaced the old growth forest. , , Thanks in part to Dr. William J. Beal and early forestry efforts at the Higgins Lake Nursery, Michigan now has 20 million acres of forest spread across public and private lands. Today's forests are sustainably managed so that future Michiganders will have access to abundant natural resources. , , As you travel along the Forest Heritage Trail, discover the stories of people, places and events that make up the region's rich history. , , Want to delve deeper into Michigan's Forest Heritage? , Visit the following: , , Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum , Explore Michigan's first tree nursery, where reforestation after the logging era began. The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum tells the story of the Great Depression-era program that altered Michigan's landscape, economy and people in ways that can still be felt and seen today. , , W.J. Beal Tree Plantation , Walk among trees planted as part of the first effort to regrow Michigan's forests after the logging era. Learn about Dr. William J. Beal, a leader and pioneer in early Michigan forestry. , , Hartwick Pines State Park and Logging Museum , See the lower peninsula's largest remaining stand of old-growth white pine along the 1.25-mile Old Growth Trail. Birdwatch from the deck at Hartwick Pines Visitor Center, and learn more about Michigan's white pine logging era at the Logging Museum. , , While each site has outdoor interpretation, check ahead for those with seasonal programs or building hours. , , Explore Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum.

Forests are an important part of this area's history and to the people who first lived here. To this day, the Anishinaabek engage with northern Michigan's forests because of their natural and cultural significance.

The Forest Heritage Trail runs from North Higgins Lake State Park to Hartwick Pines State Park. The large stands of white pine that once grew here were cut down during the white pine logging era of 1860 to 1910. New stands of trees have since replaced the old growth forest.

Thanks in part to Dr. William J. Beal and early forestry efforts at the Higgins Lake Nursery, Michigan now has 20 million acres of forest spread across public and private lands. Today's forests are sustainably managed so that future Michiganders will have access to abundant natural resources.

As you travel along the Forest Heritage Trail, discover the stories of people, places and events that make up the region's rich history.

Want to delve deeper into Michigan's Forest Heritage?
Visit the following:

Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum
Explore Michigan's first tree nursery, where reforestation after the logging era began.

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The Civilian Conservation Corps Museum tells the story of the Great Depression-era program that altered Michigan's landscape, economy and people in ways that can still be felt and seen today.

W.J. Beal Tree Plantation
Walk among trees planted as part of the first effort to regrow Michigan's forests after the logging era. Learn about Dr. William J. Beal, a leader and pioneer in early Michigan forestry.

Hartwick Pines State Park and Logging Museum
See the lower peninsula's largest remaining stand of old-growth white pine along the 1.25-mile Old Growth Trail. Birdwatch from the deck at Hartwick Pines Visitor Center, and learn more about Michigan's white pine logging era at the Logging Museum.

While each site has outdoor interpretation, check ahead for those with seasonal programs or building hours.

Explore Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum.

Erected 2023 by Michigan History Center and Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 44° 30.97′ N, 84° 45.428′ W.

Photographed by Joel Seewald, July 4, 2025

2. Forest Heritage Trail Marker

Marker is near Higgins Lake, Michigan, in Crawford County. It is in Beaver Creek Township. It can be reached from North Higgins Lake Drive 0.6 miles east of Old U.S. 27, on the left when traveling east. Marker is at the Historic Higgins Lake Nursery and can be seen from the parking lot. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 11128 N Higgins Lake Dr, Roscommon MI 48653, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Northern Michigan Lower Peninsula.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Great North Woods,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to the Higgins Lake Nursery and CCC Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); The Hale Fire Tower (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps Museum (within shouting distance of this marker); Michigan's First Fire Tower (within shouting distance of

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this marker); Beginning of State Reforestation (within shouting distance of this marker); Tree Progeny (within shouting distance of this marker); Cone Barn (within shouting distance of this marker); Civilian Conservation Corps (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Higgins Lake.

Additional commentary.
1. Nearly identical markers
A nearly identical marker can be found at the trailhead at Kirtland Community College, about 7.5 miles north. Another nearly identical marker is at Hartwick Pines State Park, about 20 miles north. The only difference between the three is the last line.

— Submitted July 18, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 18, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 107 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 18, 2025, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.