Cyclists can explore many miles of trails, including the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail, while children will love the Binder Park Zoo, Kalamazoo Nature Center, and the Kellogg Bird Sanctuary. Check our travel guide to Tahquamenon Falls for more details. InGrand Rapids, abiking tourprovides turn-by-turn guidance to downtown hotspots. Winter is justas busy as the summer in terms of visitors and things to do. The summer tourists have thinned out as kids head back to school. Learn more about Michigans dark sky parks here. Located off the coast of Charlevoix in northern Lake Michigan, Beaver Island boasts some amazing opportunities for outdoor activities. Be sure to check out the Mormon Print Shop Museum, the Toy Museum, and the Marine Museum. In the winter, visit one of the ski resorts in the area (Crystal Mountain, Boyne Mountain, Shanty Creek among others). Click the button and find the first one on your computer. Youll find amazing Michigan vacation spots just about anywhere you look in the state. Theres a charming downtown shopping area set in historic buildings, lined with cafes and cute boutiques. Its a giant, year-round outdoor playground for sports enthusiasts, too. You'll reach into the supply trunk yourself to don the blue cloth soldier's hat (yours to keep) along with earplugs and tools needed to clean the cannon and tap in the charge. It ascends 40 feet above the ground and provides spectacular views of Whiting Forest. 10 Best Michigan Vacation Spots,Ideas To Inspire Your Next Family Trip *Wandered along a riverwalk with melty ice cream? Clinch Park offers waterside playground equipment as well as the expected sugar-sand beach right in town, while the relatively quiet Good Harbor Beach promises a more laid-back experience, views of the Manitou Islands and a crystal-clear stream leading from northern Michigans white pine forests and emptying right into Lake Michigan. Part of the charm of the island is your ferry ride over. You can get an overview of Downtown Detroit on the People Mover automated railway before moving on to visit museums such as the Automotive Hall of Fame, The Henry Ford Museum, the Detroit Historical Museum, the Detroit Institute of the Arts, and Dossin Great Lakes Museum (which documents shipping and maritime history). Save some time to explore historic Glen Haven Village. South Haven 3. 18 Top-Rated Weekend Getaways in Michigan | PlanetWare Compared to other beaches in the area the beach and park are not crowded at all. See how to use the map below. Baldhead Park. If you're thinking theUpper Peninsula is only for summer, think again. Traverse City is a place to make unforgettable memories. Interestingly enough, Isle Royale is both the least visited national park and the most re-visited. The best time of the year to visit Holland is during spring which falls in the month of May, when the tulip fields are in full bloom and can be admired in their entire splendor. You can snorkel and dive among hundreds of wrecks perfectly preserved in the fresh waters of the Great Lakes, and you can also see them the relatively easy wayand with narration of the stories behind the wrecksin glass-bottom shipwreck cruises. We absolutely love walking along the boardwalk and looking at all the bobbing boats in the marina. It has an interesting history, complete with a self-crowned King. Youll find pretty beaches and lush emerald forests for hiking and biking. Want a trip idea that youll be talking about for years to come? This travel guide is the most in depth, accurate and fun vacation planner on the internet! Lansing is an ideal central Michigan getaway destination offering a good variety of attractions for all ages. Just type!Your story will appear on a Web page exactly the way you enter it here. Whether you're looking for free things to do in Michigan or have room to splurge, we have everything you need to decide on your next Michigan summer vacation destination. Lots of cherries. Climbing up stunning Little Sable Point Lighthouse promises sweeping views in all directions: the dunes, Silver Lake and Lake Michigan. You could visit a nearby winery, such as Maple Moon, which touts itself as "America's first maple winery". Be sure to pop into the shanties that now house tiny boutiques and shops! Wind from . 1. Do you have some pictures or graphics to add? Lansing is always a great idea for a cheap family weekend getaway in Michigan, conveniently located in the heart of the state.Kids love the Impression 5 Science Center, filled with lots of interactive exhibits and fun. The Holland State Park is home to the picturesque Big Red Lighthouse. This gorgeous 60,000-acre state park is a stop you definitely won't want to miss. *Wheezed, sweated and dragged your carcass to the top of Mt. No cars are allowed on the island, so your choice of transportation is cycling, walking, or taking a horse and buggy. These Unique Michigan Day Trips Are An Absolute Must Do - Only In Your Take a spin around the Roll Arena, ranked among the nations top 10 roller rinks by USA Today, or bring the family to Valley Lanes Family Entertainment Center for 32 lanes of bowling and indoor miniature golf, both in Midland. There's a reason that Michigan's population swells with tourists from around the globe every summer, and that reason has everything to do with the stunning beaches in Michigan and the clear, fresh waters of Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Erie and Lake Huron, a . 3. Known for iconic music and automotive heritage, The Motor City is also a hub for diverse cuisine, endless entertainment and unique culture. Save some time to explore over a dozen wineries, breweries, and distilleries on a Makers and Shakers Tour. Nestled along Lake Michigans Little Traverse Bay, Harbor Springs is another year-round vacation spot. Didn't think so. 15. Keep it fresh this summer with the Pure Michigan Mix. Current Michigan festivals and events by month, The Future of Private Jet Flying and Charters, Michigan cities with ideas of the best things to see and do. Winter in Michigan brings snowy fun in the the dunes like snowshoeing and crosscountry skiing in the dunes, too. Visit St. Joseph in the summer so you can enjoy the water activities. If wine isn't your thing, there is also some great craft beer nearby. In the summer, choose from the Grand Haven City Beach or Grand Haven State Park. Take the neighbors kids, too. Although the town is lovely, make sure to save some time to explore Saugatuck Dunes State Park. You can make your way along the Ferguson Bayou Trail and the Woodland Trail on foot, bicycle, or skis, or choose the Wildlife Drive auto route. Its home to riverfront parks, pretty beaches, and quaint towns heavy on charm. After the show, feast on lip-smackingand healthysandwiches, cheese and baked goods at Zingermans Delicatessen. Or try the Riverside Inn for river views while dining! History buffs can take a self-guided walking tour through Historic Downtown, which will introduce you to one of the best collections of historic buildings in Michigan, and foodies should not miss the Saturday Farmers Market. Here's more ideas to get you going-->A Guide to Saugatuck. You can catch a glimpse of the Mackinac Bridge, or take in a spectacular sunrise or sunset (depending on where you are on the island) over Lake Huron. Located on the shore of Lake Huron in northeast Michigan, youll find tons of well-manicured beachfront parks. At North & South Manitou off the coast ofLeland, discover the legend of the Sleeping Bear Dunes. Deals & Packages | Michigan Mount Bohemiais known for its black diamond ski challenge, but it's just as fun to see those extreme ski slopes transformed into a mountain lodge ski view. In the fall, take a drive up the Old Mission Peninsula to visit some of the best wineries in the country while taking in the picturesque views of Lake Michigan. The Detroit Club (Editor's Choice) 2. Once voted the most beautiful spots in America, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a must-see.From the aqua waters of Sleeping Bear Bay in Glen Arbor to the rolling sand dunes that cascade into the waters of Lake Michigan, its clear that Sleeping Bear Dunes really is special. Relaxing yoga sessions are available on site to get your weekend off to a brilliant start. Displays range from colorful baby-friendly building blocks to interactive Michigan flora and fauna exhibits for the big kids (and adults). The cities of Traverse City, Grand Haven, Manistique, and Allendale City are all popular stops for tourists who come to the . Hopefully, you leave something good behind. Anthony Bourdain. They pass so close here that you feel that you can almost touch them; its a unique experience. Click on the map to drag and move it to view surrounding areas. If you love gettin' a little crazyon the dunes and love beaches, this place is definitely for you! Places to Visit in Michigan: Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. Whether you are looking for an epic adventure, a peaceful retreat, a family vacation or or a cultural journey the stories below will provide timely, relevant recommendations to make the most of your time in Michigan. Traverse City is beautiful freshwater beaches, rolling hills dotted with verdant vineyards and cherries. According to the Leelanau Visitors Guide: "Chef Mario Batali lives north of town at Cathead point, and comedian and actor Tim Allen routinely spends summers in Northport. Later on, take in a baseball game at The Dow Field where the minor league team - The Midland Loons - provide great family fun. There is also playground equipment for kids, as well as an old-fashioned restored carousel. If you've never zipped in an open buggy around a 200-foot mountain of sand, or you're just reliving a childhood memory, know you'll be smiling every one of those 40 or so minutes of the trip. Fun Things to Do in Northern Michigan | SheBuysTravel 15 Michigan summer vacation ideas we bet you've never tried Visitors Guide to Michigan Beaches | Plan a Michigan Beach Getaway Vibrant and bustling Ann Arbor is packed with exciting cultural, historic, and outdoor attractions for the entire family. There are tons of places to cast a line in Pure Michigan. Come and enjoy the distinctly Dutch atmosphere and flavors of Holland, Michigan, where you can tip-toe through the tulips in spring or see a working Dutch windmill on a city walking tour. The lakeside location makes Saugatuck the perfect summer destination for a family or romantic getaway! The amazing sand dunes of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore are undoubtedly among the most stunning areas of natural beauty in the state. This guide is for you! Oh, Did you Hear Screaming? You can learn about the history of Escanaba by driving along the Maywood History Trail and the Peninsula Point Interpretive Lighthouse Trail or by visiting the Delta Country Historic Museum and the Fayette Historic Townsite. Cleveland. 1. By Travel-Mi.com. Select it and click on the button to choose it.Then click on the link if you want to upload up to 3 more images. Do you have a great story about your trip to Michigan? Restrooms: Public restrooms are at the top of the hill just as you arrive at the shanties. Against this backdrop, you can go hiking along 90 miles of trails, some of which offer backcountry camping. 13 Best Things to Do in Traverse City | U.S. News Travel For agates,Grand Maraisin the Upper Peninsula is well situated on a Lake Superior beach part sandy, part filled with colorful rock treasures. Use #PureMichigan onInstagramorTwitterto share your photos of the season. 02, 2022, 10:26 a.m. | Published: May. A trip to this Dutch village is like an authentic journey through the Dutch culture and traditions. Over 40 miles of amazing natural beauty along the shores of Lake Superior are waiting to be discovered when you visit the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan. Picnic areas, a playground, golden sand underfoot and a lifeguard on duty makes this park a favorite with kids and their parents. From hands-on museums to sugar-sand beaches, from summertime festivals to scenic hiking trails, and from amusement parks to urban escapeswe have it all. Climb the dunes at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: campsites from $27 a night. Visit The Canopy Walk, the nation's longest canopy walk, at 1,400 feet in length. Stop in Fortinos General Store, still operating after 100 years, or the Toasted Pickle for an amazing sandwich. Are you ready? Youll find pretty beaches in the summer and ski resorts for outdoor fun when the snowy season hits. In summer you can relax on the beaches or enjoy a wide variety of water sports, take the chairlift up Boyne Mountain, hike the trails in Avalanche Mountain Preserve, or discover the area by bike. Dont worry: theres even more to choose from. Youll find paved hiking trails, picnic tables, and an amazing giant side that is fun for all ages. Known as the sanctuary of the Great Lakes, Alpena is home to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center and the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Mackinac Island is one of the best places to visit in Michigan. Frankenmuth is one of the top-rated destinations in Michigan, perfect for those looking to recharge and experience something different, even if only for a weekend. You can learn about Manistees logging history as you stroll along the Manistee Riverwalk to the bustling Manistee Marina, which is the main shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. You can choose to camp in the park, and youll also find lodging options in Munising. | Photo by: Brittany Wakley Kayak, Bike, and Standup Paddleboarding 3. The one-mile sandy beach is backed by high dune formations and is a popular destination for swimming, body boarding, castle- building and soaking up the sun. Photo by Theresa McKinney of Fueled by Wanderlust, Warren Dunes State Park, Photo: Kelly Johnson of Snap Travel Magic, Photo: Mackinac Island, Kimberley from Two Travelling Toques, Leelanau State Park and Grand Traverse Lighthouse, 10 Best Hotels with Outdoor Pools Michigan, Michigan Leelanau Peninsula: 19 Jaw-Dropping Sights, Sips and Sauvignons Near Traverse City, 5 Gorgeous Michigan Lavender Farms, Fields, Festivals and Labyrinths You MUST Visit This Summer. Aloha State Parkon Mullet Lake is situated in the middle of the paddle-friendly Inland Waterways, or venture toTawas Point State Park, sometimes called the Cape Cod of the Midwest, to access the warm shallows of Tawas Bay. Both offer excellent ADA accessibility. Hiking trails, historical museums and mine visits tell the story of mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula, from 7,000 year-old Native American copper operations to the great mineral boom of the 1800s. Places to Visit Near Me Today: St. Ignace, 24. Pure Michigan | Official Travel & Tourism Website for Michigan For outdoor enthusiasts, there are hiking, biking, and other activities in the Chippewa Nature Center and Midland City Forest. Harbor Springs, Michigan 4. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Courtesy of Henryk Sadura - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Kenneth Keifer - Fotolia.com, Courtesy of Chris Boswell - Fotolia.com, 9. A couple highlights include, first, American Spoon, where you can taste a number of tasty jams and preserves. There are several activities you can enjoy in the refuge including hunting, fishing, hiking, environmental studies, wildlife viewing, and photography. The 12 Best Michigan Vacation Ideas for All Seasons *Can you say beaches? Popular Michigan weekend destinations include Mackinac Island, Holland, Frankenmuth, Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids. At stunning, hilltopChateau Chantalin Traverse City, the tasting room's open on the honor system after hours. There is a playground for when the kids get restless and a fire pit at the back of the field for a place to have a beer and a chat with your buddies. Keep scrolling for quick links to specific Michigan cities! When you feel the urge to escape the city and embrace nature, peace, and solitude far from the beaten track, Isle Royal National Park may be just what you need. The Great Lakes Bay region in mid-Michigan, includes Bay City, Saginaw, Midland, Chesaning, Birch Run, and Frankenmuth, all unique spots. Or just sit in as you learn the story of the car's invention, one where the car was invented and madeDetroit'sFord Piquette Avenue Plantcelebrating the innovations that made the road trip a reality for all. Everyones favorite West Michigan beach town, Grand Haven is home to gorgeous Lake Michigan beaches, a fun, walkable downtown, and a boardwalk that connects them both. Reach by 1 PM. You can go for a boat ride or take the chain ferry across the lake to Mt. Here you can explore 70 miles of walking, hiking, or biking trails or try a variety of water sports on the calm waters of Lake Huron. With a mix of quaint shops lining the streets and fancy yachts along the boardwalk, Saugatuck is the perfect combination of charm and luxury. 21 Best Michigan Vacation Spots to Visit in 2023 Click here for the freeMackinac Island Guide to Everything. Grab our Exclusive Frankfort Visitors Guide! One way to enjoy the splendor is to go backpacking along over 160 miles of scenic trails, sleeping at one of the 36 campsites dotted across the island. 35 BEST Splash Pads in Michigan to Cool Off (2023), 21 Best Michigan Vacation Spots to Visit in 2023, Arch Rock Mackinac Island: Facts, Legends and Stories, 30 BEST Small Towns in Michigan Worth Visiting in 2023 (MAP), 12 Best Keweenaw Peninsula Restaurants (MAP), Tunnel of Trees Michigan M-119: Your BEST 2023 Guide, Bay City Michigan: 15 BEST Things to DO (MAP). TheLudington State ParkHamlin Lake Canoe Trail lets you pick up a rental at the store along the shore and follow 2.5 miles of shoreline, bayous ponds amid soaring eagles and swimming swans. This leaves the popular tourist spots uncrowded and eagerly awaiting visitors. He summers in Northport Point, a posh community just outside the village. There are several view points along the way where you can spend some time soaking up the atmosphere, including the Glen Lake Overlook and Lake Michigan Overlook, which is perched 450 feet above the lake and is renowned for offering the most amazing sunset views along the shoreline. Main Street invites you to wander into quaint boutiques, sit outside at the patios and enjoy a cocktail or indulge in an outstanding meal at a high-end restaurant at The H Hotel. Downtown GR has great restaurants and shops to explore. Visit the quirkiest of the states historic Beachtown relics for a fun blast from the past. A Michigan golf vacation package may be your thing. Lighthouse Tour Something I have yet to do but would love to is visit all the lighthouses of Michigan. There are no cars allowed on the island, so you can walk, ride a bike or take a horse-drawn carriage to explore unique spots on the island like Arch Rock or Skull Cave. Inspired by the giant red Calder sculpture, La Grande Vitesse, way back in 1969, the festival includes six stages of music, dance and visual arts. The town finds its inspiration from the Dutch's history and culture. Other great parks to visit include Jean Klock Park, Lion's Park, and Grand Mere State Park. And that's just the beginning. If you're not ready for those adventures try downhill skiing at Marquette Mountain or hit the trails with some snowshoes for a snowy hike. Holland 6. New packages let you stay on the slopes and have extreme summer adventures as you kayakLake Superioror mountain bike onKeweenaw Peninsulatrails. You can also spot the historical landmark, the Big Red Lighthouse that dates back to 1872, from the shores of Lake Michigan from the Holland State Park. ; ( . Lake of the Clouds groveb / Getty Images The view alone should justify a stop at Lake of the Clouds in Ontonagon County in the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Detroit River Sports even offers paddle to table tours that highlight the city's burgeoning culinary scene. Mackinac Island is an idyllic island vacation destination where time has stood still and motor vehicles are not permitted. The town is small, but there are a lot of different things to do. You can camp with your family at the Little Beaver Lake, Hurricane River, or Twelvemile Beach campgrounds. Michigan Family Vacations: Five AWESOME Spots for 2023 It's truly one of the hidden gems in Michigan! Free hot dogs at Love's Travel Stops. There are two loop trails that are perfect for all hiking levels and offer peaceful views of the pristine lake. 12 Cheap Weekend Getaways in Michigan - Trips To Discover This picturesque windmill is around 250 years old! The Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park is a must for all art lovers, and energetic visitors can enjoy hiking in Millennium Park, zip-lining in the John Ball Zoo, or paddling the Grand River Heritage Trail before satisfying their thirst on one of several craft brewery tours. Traverse City enjoys an enviable location at the southern tip of Traverse Bay with excellent access to miles and miles of great beaches. Taste the flavors of Northern Michigan at spectacular wineries and top-rated restaurants or seek outdoor adventure and trek the towering Sleeping Bear Dunes over the blue waters of Lake Michigan. Spend a weekend wandering the downtown streets or make it a quick day trip with the kids. The marina and beach are so pretty and worth the visit! Known as the Riviera of the Midwest, St. Joseph in Southwest Michigan features a vibrant downtown area featuring tasting rooms from award-winning southwest Michigan wineries, fabulous restaurants, and fun boutiques, youll find something to do all year long. Find almost 1,000 feet of pristine Lake Michigan beach, hiking trails and an observation platform to take in the scenic beauty. Ride a Dune Buggy on Michigan's Sand Dunes Rain or shine, families can count on a weekend of fun on Michigans Great Lakes Bay, tucked alongside Michigans thumb. Tour the soaring white lighthouse, which was first constructed in 1825 and sits in the shadow of the graceful Blue Water Bridge to Ontario. The state of Michigan has 100 parks and recreation areas with a combined total of 13,500 campsitesplenty of variety to choose from! Definitely my most favourite vacation spot that I've visited in Michigan isMackinac Island. You can even take a picnic lunch with you since there are picnic tables and benches along the way. PRO-TIP: Head south along US-31 to explore Holland Michigan, rich with Dutch tradition. Its home to an amazing array of migratory birds including bald eagles, pelicans, and more.