Best Seasons to Visit

Spring Summer Fall Winter

Available Amenities and Activities

Parking Available Trails Available Cross Country Skiing Snowshoeing 

Description

A mix of open fields and northern Michigan hardwoods, commanding one of the most spectacular views in northern Michigan, the Ransom Preserve is well worth a visit.  From its highest elevation of 320 feet above Lake Michigan, viewers can see much of western Charlevoix County, a broad expanse of Lake Michigan, four islands, and the distant Leelanau Peninsula on a clear day.  The preserve features one and half miles of trails.  The trails are quite steep and can be challenging, but you don’t need to hike the trails to enjoy the most interesting birding here.  The steep terrains means that from the parking area you can view canopy birds in the top of the trees.  View Scarlet Tanagers, Indigo Buntings, Great Crested Flycatchers, and Rose-breasted Grosbeaks without straining your neck.  For an amazing view, stick around for the sunset on a clear night.

For more information about the Little Traverse Conservancy please visit https://landtrust.org/

What’s Nearby

Charlevoix, Castle Farms

Notable Birds

Rose-breasted Grosbeak, American Kestrel, Great Crested Flycatcher, Indigo Bunting, Cedar Waxwing, Pileated Woodpecker, Least Flycatcher, Eastern Meadowlark, Scarlet Tanager

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Recent Sightings

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Photos

Field Trip

Stairs

Wild Turkey

Scenic View

American Kestrel

American Kestrels