Want to stay someplace so unique that your kids will talk about it years later? Wilson State Park offers such a place. For $30 you can spend the night in an actual tribal replica tipi. The 20-foot tall tipi stands on a wooden platform and sleeps up to four people. Don’t worry, the park staff will have your tipi set up for you in advance. Just call 1-800-44PARKS or on the web at www.midnrreservations.com to make your tipi reservation.

Wilson State Park originally was the site of the Wilson Brothers Sawmill and Company Store, which was a big part of the lumber boom in the late 1800s. Located on Budd Lake just north of Harrison, Wilson State Park offers swimming, fishing, hiking, and even a metal detection area.

Apparently metal detecting is so big at Wilson State Park that they have a designated area. Those wishing to use metal detectors are limited to the beach area only. Evidently since there was a lumber mill and other buildings previously located at the park people have been using metal detectors in the campground and other areas and making a mess with their digging.

If you go:

From S. US 27 to Harrison Exit, right 3.5 miles to park; from N. US 27 to Harrison Exit, right 4 miles to park.

P.S. Don’t forget to purchase your annual state park pass for $24. A daily state park pass will cost $6, but if you are staying a couple of nights you might as well spend a little extra and get the annual pass. That way you won’t have an excuse to not check out Michigan’s many other state parks this summer.