• Visitors to Atlanta, Michigan, can watch, and on occasion hunt, the wildlife.Elk image by bas from Fotolia.com
  
  Atlanta, Michigan, proclaims itself "The Elk Capital of Michigan" and prides itself on its natural beauty, plentiful wildlife and family oriented culture. Atlanta takes full advantage of its four seasons and arranges a variety of outdoor events. Residents and visitors to the area can enjoy concerts and participate in festivals and competitions that take place throughout the year.
  
  

The Elk Festival

• The Elk Festival is an annual event held in Atlanta, Michigan. The city closes State Street for the weekend-long event, and festivities take place on the street and in the park.
  
  The festival has included the Elkfest Parade followed by the bed race on State Street; the Elk Nugget River race; blowing contest; tug of war; cornhole competition; lawn tractor race and a tricycle race. Live entertainment, a teen dance, a 5K walk/run and the King and Queen of the Hunt competition are also part of the fun.
  
  Atlanta Chamber
  
  12443 State St.
  
  Atlanta, MI 49709
  
  989-785-4509
  
  atlantamichiganchamber.com
  
  

Bluegrass in the Park

• Bluegrass in the Park is an annual music festival held the first full weekend in August in Briley Township Park. The festival includes an open jam session where all bluegrass musicians are encouraged to perform and interact with other artists. The festival also includes several competitions in banjo, fiddle, guitar and mandolin that award cash prizes. Also included are a band scramble, a songwriter contest and a flat-picking workshop.
  
  The festival is a family event and spectators are encouraged to attend and bring the entire family. Admission to the event is free with a monetary donation. Guests must bring chairs.
  
  Bluegrass in the Park
  
  11979 County Road 487
  
  Atlanta, MI 49709
  
  989-306-0400
  
  bluegrassinthepark.com
  
  

Clear Lake State Park

• Located in the Mackinaw State Forest, Clear Lake State Park includes two-thirds of the Clear Lake shoreline. The park features a sandy beach along the Clear Lake shore; a 48-mile scenic drive; a 4.5-mile nature trail and rustic and modern campgrounds.
  
  Visitors to the park can fish, cross country ski, hike, mountain bike, watch wildlife and swim in addition to other activities. The park also provides canoe, kayak and rowboat rentals for visitors who wish to enjoy the lake. Visitors are also permitted to hunt deer, elk, turkey and small game during the approved hunting season. In addition, the park hosts several events including dog sled races, a fall festival and a free fishing weekend.
  
  Clear Lake State Park
  
  20500 M-33 N.
  
  Atlanta, MI 49709
  
  989-785-4388
  
  michigandnr.com