Author Casey Sherman heard about Nathan Carman when the rest of the world did. “Back in 2016 when Nathan Carman took his mother out on that ill-fated fishing trip, my antenna went up,” says Sherman.

Tall oak and elm trees create perfect shady spots for afternoon picnics. The swimming pool here is a lifesaver during those scorching Texas summer days when temperatures climb into triple digits.

Negwegon State Park offers miles of untouched shoreline that somehow remains Michigan’s best-kept secret. This hidden jewel sits on Lake Huron with beaches so pristine you’ll check twice to make sure ...