Photo byDerek OwensonUnsplash

Deep in the heart of the Great Lakes State, a place some folks like to call Michigan, lives a lovable, lumbering, imaginary character named Mitty the Moose. Now, Mitty is not your typical moose, oh no! He wears a bright red backpack, sports a snazzy pair of hiking boots, and has an insatiable love for adventure. In Michigan, he has plenty of places to roam, with its rolling hills, pristine lakes, dense forests, and miles upon miles of hiking trails. Mitty loves this state, nestled snugly between the four Great Lakes, like a marshmallow in a s'more sandwich, with its diverse landscapes from sleeping sand dunes to bustling cityscapes. The kids of Michigan, much like Mitty, are adventurous and curious. They join him on his many hiking trips, exploring the state's exquisite beauty together. These young adventurers, bundled up in warm jackets during the nippy winters, and dressed in vibrant shorts and t-shirts in the balmy summers, are always ready to explore the great outdoors. They laugh as Mitty tries to squeeze through narrow passages or when he gets his giant antlers stuck in the bushes. These Michigan kids are as varied and unique as the picturesque landscapes they hike through. Some are as quiet as the tranquil lakes at dawn, while others are as lively as the squirrels darting through the trees. They share a special bond with Mitty, their giggles echoing through the woods as they embark on another entertaining expedition. In Michigan, Mitty, and his crew of bright-eyed, bushy-tailed kids, find endless adventures awaiting them at every corner. Whether it's the rustling of leaves under their boots, spotting a rare bird, or sharing stories around a campfire, every hike is a riot of fun and discovery.