Kibby Creek Park in Mason County

For those taking “the old way” north up the West Michigan lakeshore, there are many nearly forgotten places along Old US 31. Now days old 31 has many different names, depending on what county you are in, so it may be a little challenging to find some of these places as we cover them, but we will try to give you enough information to easily seek them out.

In Mason County, in the deep valley between Meisenheimer Road and Deren Road, just north of where New US 31 crosses, there is a tiny roadside park at Kibby Creek. Old 31 is known as Pere Marquette Highway in Mason County, and runs from Ludington south to the county line.

A couple classic roadside “outhouse” style restrooms and picnic tables are the only amenities there, but as a place off the beaten path to stop and let the dogs run a bit, it is simple and serene. There is a small bridge and a cold spring fed creek that is perfect for impromptu family photos and occasional nature shots. I got a few very exceptional dragonfly photos there one early summer day on my way up north.

Just up the hill to the West is Kibby Creek campground, but having not stayed there before, I can not comment further on it. To the north there are several roadside fruit stands. Just a few miles south, at the county line there is a nice little winery with an unusual name I should have written down, but did not.

Well worth a stop with a picnic lunch and a camera if the rush of the freeway isn't your speed.