Updated by Juan Walker
Families can enjoy a leisurely walk while reading illustrated children’s books with the creation of Storybook Trails throughout Southeastern Michigan. x
Storybook Trails consist of one or more books broken apart, enlarged, laminated, and then spread out, page by page, along a walking trail. The concept provides the opportunity for families to share in the joy of reading while outside enjoying nature. Anne Ferguson from Montpelier, Vermont, created the StoryWalk® project in 2007 in collaboration with the Vermont Bicycle and Pedestrian Coalition and the Kellogg Hubbard Library. They are now found in all 50 states and 12 countries.
Looking for your next family bucket list? Try to visit each of these trails this fall! Once you discover a favorite, you can keep revisiting: most trails feature a new book each month!
Some trails are only open in the spring and summer. Here is a list of trails you can visit now!
Washtenaw County
Baker Woods Preserve Storybook Trail
This trail offers a new book every month! The November book is “Friendsgiving” by Nancy Siscoe, illus. by Sabina Gibson.
11914 Trinkle Rd, Dexter. 734-475-8732.
Macomb County
Beaver Creek Park Storywalk
This trail’s story changes several times a year and showcases both fiction and nonfiction. The current book is “The Home Builders” by Varsha Bajaj.
34100 King Richard Drive, Sterling Heights. 586-446-2665.
Oakland County
Beverly Park Story Book Trail
This trail offers a new book every month! November features “Dino-Thanksgiving” by Lisa Wheeler.
18801 Beverly Rd, Beverly Hills. 248-554-4650.
Clarkston Independence District Library Storywalk
This trail is in the woods right outside the library and features a new book every week! November features “The Adventure of Asher and Rocket” by Shawna Keyes. This is the last book until spring.
6495 Clarkston Road, Clarkston. 248-625-2212.
Red Oaks Nature Center Storybook Trail
This trail currently features the book, The Mitten by Jan Brett.
30300 Hales St, Madison Heights. 248-585-0100.
Springfield Township Library Storybook Trail
This trail begins right outside the library and ends at a playground.The new featured story is “Bird Count” by Susan Edwards Richmond, illustrated by Stephanie Coleman
12000 Davisburg Rd, Davisburg. 248-846-2550
Wayne County
Heritage Park Story Trail
This trail offers a new book every month! November features “Please Please The Bees” by Gerald Kelley.
1150 S Canton Center Rd, Canton. 734-394-5460.
