Summertime Fun in Michigan!!

A few weeks ago, I got an email from one of my blog friends who lives in Indiana. She is planning a trip to southern Michigan in July and was wondering if I could recommend some things for her and her husband to do. That got me thinking about all of the wonderful things to do and places to visit in the summer in my state, and I thought I'd share some of my favorites with you!

Let's see how many I am able to come up with...

Upper Peninsula: The first attraction is to drive across the Mighty Mac-the Mackinac Bridge!

1. Take a ferry ride from either St. Ignace or Mackinac City to Mackinac Island-make sure you pick the ferry line that shoots the big rooster tail of water from the back of the ferry! Once you are on the island, make sure you visit the fort and take a bike ride or carriage tour.

2. Take a Vespers cruise under the Mackinac Bridge! This is a free cruise (free-will offering), sponsored by local churches, usually on Tuesday evenings right before sunset. The ferry leaves from St. Ignace and travels under the Mighty Mac-all while the sun is setting amid praise and worship songs led by the local church.

3. Saulte Ste. Marie-travel about 60 minutes past the bridge and visit the Soo Locks. You can spend hours wandering the souvenir shops, or take a tour of the Valley Camp Ship Museum, or a Soo Locks boat tour. There is even a roadside park, just outside of town that you can have a picnic at and watch the freighters pass.

4. Tahquamenon Falls-located about a hour north/west of the bridge you can get some great photos.

5. St. Ignace-lots of great souvenir shops, fudge shops, and the Deer Ranch-where you can see live deer and feed them!

6. Kitchitikipi Springs- I used to love this state park as a kid-you get to ride across natural springs on a raft with a glass bottom -the water is so clear you can see everything!

7. Need a place to worship on Sunday morning? Stop by Glen Memorial Baptist Church on Truckey St. They are a small church that is very friendly with great music and great preaching.

8. Garlyn Zoo-heading west on U.S. 2 stop in for a quick visit-you'll be glad you did!

9. Antique shops in Curtis and Manistique--small but packed with loads of treasures!

11. Antler's Restaurant-Saulte Ste. Marie-off the beaten path-outside of town-a fun atmosphere, you'll never find another place like it!!

12.The Mystery Spot just outside of St. Ignace-sure it's touristy, but it has it's own little charm.

13. If you have your passport, you could take the bridge to Canada from the Soo. There are some malls close for shopping, if all of the Michigan wilderness and fresh air is too much for you.

14. Brevort Lake Campground-the best place to camp in the U.P.

15. Take a copper mine tour in Hancock.

16. Visit a real ghost town-Fayette.

17. Climb Castle Rock-just outside of St. Ignace

18. Take a trip to Pictured Rocks-along Lake Superior.

19. Visit the Porcupine Mountains.

20. Plan a Michigan Lighthouse tour.

21. Don't forget the St Ignace Car Show!


Northern Lower Michigan:
1. You have to spend some time in Traverse City-it's a beautiful city with lots to do.

2. Need to fly in to northern Michigan, but don't want to drive from Flint or Detroit? You can land in Pellston!

3. Garland Golf Course-located just outside of Lewiston.

4. You need to check out Petoskey and spend some time riding the waves on Lake Michigan.

5. Visit Hartwick Pines state park.

6. Visit the Cross in the Woods shrine.

7. Feels like an outdoor water park kind of day? Visit Thunder Falls in Mackinac City.

8. Take a few hours to visit all of the shops in Mackinac City or take in a movie-and don't forget to have lunch at Scalawags-YUM!! My favorite!!

9. Relive the past at Fort Michimilimackinac when you are near Mackinac City.

10. Visit one of many wineries in and around Traverse City.

11. Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes in Glen Arbor-near Traverse City.

12. Don't forget the Cherry Festival in Traverse City!

West Side of the state:
1. Allegan Antiques Market-located at the Allegan County Fairgrounds the last Sunday of the month April through September. Admission $4.

2. Visit Michigan Beach Towns-along lake Michigan.

3. Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids.

4. Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park and Water Park.

5. Saugatuk - unique shops and art galleries

6. Funky Junk Vintage Flea Market in Grand Rapids.

7. Take your family and your car on a 3 hour ferry ride from Ludington, Michgan to Manitowoc, Wisconsin on the S. S Badger.

8. Antiquing in Allen.

9. Take in a race at the Michigan International Speedway.

10. Airzoo in Kalamazoo.


Southeastern Michigan: 
1. Visit Knightsbridge Antique Mall in Northville.
2. Visit Livingston Antique Outlet in Howell.
3. The Detroit Zoo.
4. Catch at Tiger's game at Comerica Park.
5. Ann Arbor Antiques Market at the Washtenaw County Fairgrounds in Ann Arbor.
6 Treasuremart (antiques & Collectibles) in Ann Arbor.
7. Michigan Challenge Balloonfest in Howell.
8. Detroit Institute of Art.
9. Henry Ford and Greenfield Village.
10. Take a tour of Michigan's Rouge Plant.
11. Ann Arbor Hands on Museum.

Mid Michigan:
1.Williamston Antique Market in Williamston.
2. Mega Mall (antiques) in Lansing.
3. Lamb's Gate & The Salvage Yard (antiques) in Grand Ledge.
4. Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.
5. Frakenmuth-Michigan's Little Bavaria.
6. Tour the Capitol Building in Lansing.
7. Visit Crossroads Village and the Huckleberry Railroad in Flint.
8. Grandpa Tiny's Farm-working Historical farm in Franekemuth.
9. Michigan Antiques & Collectibles Festival in Midland.
10. Canoeing and kayaking on the AuSable River in Grayling.
11. Renaissance Festival in Holly.

Not bad! I came up with 65 FUN things to do or places to visit in Michigan! Send me an email and let me know if you try any of them-I'd love to hear about it!!