Google Trekker Brings Virtual Michigan Travel Experience to the Masses

— -- Google's Trekker is bringing a virtual Michigan travel experience to the masses.

Borrowing Google's backpack mounted camera, Michigan's tourism board got to work.

Volunteers sported the backpack mounted cameras for four weeks as they walked and kayaked around the state collecting more than 44,000 panoramic photos.

The images were then stitched together to create 360-degree imagery at some of Michigan's most iconic spots, including a birdseye view from the top of the Mackinac Bridge, the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and a kayak tour of the Island Loop Route National Water Trail.

The high-tech backpacks were first taken out for a spin at the Grand Canyon, where volunteers sported the cameras as they hiked the natural wonders' trails for three days gathering breathtaking images.