Electric Forest is a dream. It’s been a week since I arrived in Rothbury, which is settled along Lake Michigan. Electronic music, jam bands, camping with your closest friends, and exploring the beautiful grounds of the Double JJ Resort. Little did I know that the next four days would be a soul-changing experience. 

This was my first Electric Forest. I can say without a doubt that it made my mind and my soul so happy being able to be a part of it. It’s what I have always needed. A refresh from everyday life. A break from reality for a little while. There was zero cell service in this place, so I was able to do exactly that– disconnect.

The first and third days were most memorable, so let me take you on a little journey…

Day 1

As I got ready to walk from the campground to the Forest, my goal was to stay cool and look cute. Pulling into camp, I can see the sun glistening off the dew on the grass, there isn’t a cloud in the sky, and the air is so crisp I can see my breath. I can hear small voices echoing across the land, but it’s mostly quiet and content.

I camped with old friends and met some new ones. The connections you make here are the most important. Pictured below is the entrance to the Forest while my boyfriend and I are so eager to walk in.

Electric Forest Main Entrance

The thing that I remember most is the smell. You know what I mean if you’ve ever walked through the woods. The fresh grass, the sap from the trees, and the pines blowing in the wind. It’s euphoric. With a hint of incense. Such a calming combination.

The first stage we walked upon inside the Forest was called “Sherwood Court.” In the daytime, it looked pretty normal, but at night, it was another world. The bass music was softly flowing through the trees. That’s the magic of the Forest, how the leaves carry the sound so softly. NO matter where I was, I could always feel the music. Below is a picture of the entrance I took at night, and you can see how incredible it really is.

Electric Forest Sherwood Entrance

Day 3 

Things started getting a little wild after the first couple of days. I could feel the authentic energy from everyone. We all bailed on reality for a few days and have disconnected from life’s troubles. It felt so pure and exciting.

Those that know me, know my favorite animal is an elephant. I’ve got them tattooed, books, and bracelets that donate to the wildlife centers in Africa, so whenever I come across one, I have to stop and appreciate it. Luckily the Forest contains giant hand-carved sculptures throughout, and we stumbled across these beauties at the back of the Forest. Inspiring works of art.

Elephant Statue in Electric Forest
Elephant Statue in Electric Forest

The third day was also when I got to see the artists that I actually knew of and wanted to experience. I am a sucker for House music, so it was intoxicating when I got to dance around to Dom Dolla live. I felt drunk on the love of his music. We also got to see Mersiv, which is on another end of the spectrum and is my favorite with his deep bass.

When my favorite song came on, we had finally met up with our friends we had lost hours earlier, and the fireworks from another set were in the background. At this moment, I knew I was exactly where I was supposed to be. I was told that what you manifest will find you in the Forest, and it surely did. The Universe works in mysterious ways sometimes. This was the theme the entire weekend, though.

What I loved most about this experience was the feeling of inclusion. It didn’t matter what color your skin was, what outrageous outfit you wore, or the silly ways you pranced through the Forest; you were accepted. The energy was something I had never experienced before. The love, the joy, and the happiness it was contagious no matter where I was or who I was around. 

Electric Forest Sherwood Entrance

It was freeing to feel like I could be my true self without judgment. I wish everyone to experience that at least once in their lifetime.

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