Mecosta, MI area activities with kids

[bourbon]

Going North instead of South this summer for vacation (first week of August). First time in the Mecosta area and looking for a bit of intel on things to do in the area. Lots of water around with the Muskegon and Chippewa Rivers and countless lakes. I'll have my 10 & 12 year old boys with me. How is the wade in access for fishing? Thought about bringing a jon boat, but don't want to hassle with towing it, etc.

Any highlights / can't miss in the area to keep some young minds busy and having fun?

TIA.

 

[Matt mi]

Muskegon river down stream from croton dam very good brown trout fishing. There is an access road couple miles down from the dam borders state land little bit of a walk to first bend but good wading. That part of river is in newago County never fished up river of dam in mecosta but sure you can find good spots there. Steelhead run pretty hard in September.
Grayling/Gaylord area not to far from there to the north might be able to see some michigan elk they do have some viewing areas up there.

 

[Matt mi]

Plenty of places to rent canoes kayaks too. There is a place on ausable river canoe float and camp the river at diffrent camp sites