A 1000 Mile Walk on the Beach

by Loreen Nieuwenhuis

In 2009, Loreen Niewenhuis walked completely around Lake Michigan. This book chronicles that journey, a 1,000 mile walk around the world's fifth-largest lake.

Unknown Binding

First published January 1, 2011

Reviews

[Jeff Clausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick, entertaining read that puts you in her shoes, boots rather, for much of the 1000 miles. She hits the high points from Chicago to Mackinac and around to Green Bay and Milwaukee. Her knowledge of plants and animals along the way is impressive, and her concern for the environment is even better. And her walk thru the Gary steel and petroleum producing areas is eye-opening. Other shut-down factory locations are pretty nasty, too, and showed me how ignorant past companies were toward keeping the lakeshore clean. But overall this is a love letter to our huge lake, and I’m headed over there right now, no small thanks to Loreen.

[Ashley Adkins · Rating 3 out of 5]

I was recommended this book by a coworker who loves the great lakes and knew I did too. It is very interesting to read about Loreen's lake trek and the different places and people she encountered. It is very interesting, as a busy mother, to think about doing something like this alone to see our true strength as women. So happy For Loreen and her ability to complete this goal and share in her personal growth. I do wish she would have shared some pictures in the book as she talked about taking pictures throughout her journey. I also wish there was less text regarding history and more about her specific experiences in the moment.

[Diane Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. In 2009 Loren Niewenhuis walked the 1000 mile circumference of Lake Michigan. Many of the communities and light houses she talks about I have visited. Not only is the walk interesting , but her talking about the invasive species of plants and fish in the lake and what is currently being done was interesting. I love this lake as much as the author and her passion for it came through the writing.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was awesome! It's what I wanted Wild to be. I live in Michigan and I learned so much about Michigan. I loved that the author narrated because it was like sitting down with a friend and catching up! I would def recommend this book to anyone who loves Michigan.

[Faith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just not ready to read will return though as I want to do a fantastic walk like this!

[Cathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good & interesting -- found myself using Google Earth to follow along with her. Felt like she got a bit repetive on some of the trek... Eastern side of the lake took over half of the book. Upper MI was quickly described & I was very very disappointed that she did not walk Door County WI! Why would she purposely backtrack to cover 10 miles on the MI side yet miss miles of Lake MI shoreline in WI? Due to that, I felt she did not really trek the perimeter of Lake Michigan. I commend her journey, her courage and envy her quest but yet disappointed.

[Linda · Rating 2 out of 5]

A small book, easily finished in 2 days. I applaud her accomplishment of walking the perimeter of Lake Michigan. Since I live 3 blocks from the lake I went into this with high expectations, which were probably unrealistic. It was a nice story about her walk, but would have benefited from a more detailed history of the areas. Lake Michigan is fascinating in many ways and I think she really just very lightly touched on them.

[Mariacarla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I happened upon the author doing a reading from this a few years ago, when I was traveling in northern Michigan. And I was so intrigued by her story -- that she had walked around Lake Michigan -- I got the book immediately. This is a fun and inspirational read. I'm not sure I want to walk the 1000 miles of Lake Michigan shoreline, but I do now hope to see the majority of it someday.

[Eric Dye · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting book. Particularly relevant for me as I get ready to move from California to Kalamazoo, MI.

I look forward to reading about Loreen's other adventures and hope to see her on a book tour at some point when I am living in the Great Lakes Region.

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really interesting read for me. I've only lived near Lake Michigan for the last 4 years. So I learned a ton. Her soapbox for environmental awareness issues got a little old, but understandably. Pretty amazing feat and she met some really cool people, too.

[Patricia Zawacki · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very enjoyable book about an amazing trek. I especially liked the parts when she walked on beaches and in towns that I know.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this narrative of the author's walk around Lake Michigan. Part travelogue, part environmental, part soul searching.

[Sharon White · Rating 4 out of 5]

Monarch butterflies last 2 weeks of August. First 2 weeks of sept. Stoning ton pt. east of escanaba and. Gladstone mich. Tarvas pt also

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying this book. I've lived in Michigan my whole life and LOVE this state. I feel like I'm taking this beautiful, adventurous walk with the author, but she's doing all the work.

[Marlene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book with lots of information about Lake Michigan. I learned a lot, even though I have often been to many of the places mentioned in the book but had never studied the lake so closely.

[Ruth Woodward · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is SO interesting. Very well written and full of valuable information. If you live in Michigan or have visited Lake Michigan, you'll love this.