By Nick Smith
VIEW Contributor

DAVISON — For nearly 15 years, Wil Hufton has had one primary goal while providing eco-tours to an increasing number of people each year throughout mid-Michigan. That goal is to show people there’s an enormous amount of natural beauty throughout the area and not just factories, crowded towns and cities.

Since 1994, Hufton has taken people out on boat rides with his boat tour business, Johnny Panther Quests. Hufton provides tours between March and late November, and his business has grown to taking out around 200 people annually.

“Every year it keeps getting better. There’s an incredible amount of beauty all around us, right under our noses,” said Hufton.

Most tours last between three and five hours, and he can take out groups of between 1 and 10 people. People wishing for a more active experience can schedule longer trips involving hiking at certain points. Peak times of the year tend to be between late May and October.

Tours run from March through late November; reservations can be made 24 hours to two months in advance. Details: Call 810-653-3859, visit www.jpqat.com.

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