At this point, it's possible to head north on U.S. 41 for a detour to Door in Wisconsin, the Garden in the Upper Peninsula and the Mission and The city hosts the annual week-long National Cherry Festival in the first full week of July, attracting approximately 500,000 visitors annually. Stearns Park is the most popular beach, with free parking, concessions, playground, Skate Park, mini golf, and shuffleboard. For morning (or anytime) coffee, youve got to visitMadcap Coffee. Dont miss the fun of shopping, dining and entertaining at Navy Pier. Traverse City, MI 3.4 4. Historical interpreters seasonally populate Fort Michilimackinac, a reconstructed 18th-century fort and fur trading village, to offer visitors a taste of life here during the time of the American Revolution. Bridge View Park offers a fantastic view of the Mackinac Bridge, or if youd like to stay, Straits State Park offers campsites with a view of the bridge as wellbook early, though, as sites with a view fill up fast. lovely beach at J.W. Go for a swim in the lake, glide down the rolling dunes on a sand board, ride your ORV along the hills, or take a tour on Mac Wood's Dune Rides if you don't have your own Jeep or ATV. The area features varied natural attractions, including freshwater beaches, vineyards, downhill skiing areas, and numerous beautiful forests. Holland It is recognized by the Wisconsin State Historical Society as the REAL birthplace of the ice cream sundae. 1. The beer was outstanding, but so was the warm and helpful staff members that clearly care about the experience of their customers. Boating, beaches, fishing and stunning sunrises can all be had. Once you hit Cross Village, youve officially entered the iconic Tunnel of the Trees, among the countrys most spectacular scenic drives. North of the triangle near Traverse City, a strange, Stonehenge-like rock formation rests just below the lakes surface. City. 5 bds. Ludington, MI 3.5 5. 2023 Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse has stood since 1889 and offers tours, restored quarters, and exhibits; and the Icebreaker Mackinaw Maritime Museum features the Icebreaker Mackinaw WAGB-83, which was known as the largest icebreaker on the Great Lakes until it was decommissioned in 2006. houses" designed and From the shores of Lake Michigan to the bays of Lake Huron, southern Michigan is full of historic and charming towns and cities perfect for a road trip in any season, especially fall. with white stove legs. There are so many Ludington beaches to discover! 3319 . Just south of Ludington, you can go on a motorized dune ride over the Take Highway 22 out of town and up into the Leelanau, going as far north as the Grand Traverse Lighthouse, and then head down the west side of the peninsula, where youll soon reach Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. If you only stop at one place in Wisconsin, make it Lambeau Field. Mackinaw City, MI 3.2 2. 101 Broad Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085. Youll find miles of clean, sandy beaches along Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, just minutes from wherever you are in the area. National Park, whose scattered, Are there budget-friendly activities and entertainment options in the area? festival weekends in a beach town or in one of the many state-park Turn the tykes, tots and teens loose at Great Wolf Lodge, which features an indoor array of waterslides, pools and a lazy river. Grand Haven, South Haven, and Saugatuck, MI, Mike and Jennifer's Great Lakes Shoreline Tour (U.S. Side), 12, 13, 14. 6 of the Best Places to Go Beach Camping in Michigan - Green Matters 9 Best Events & Festivals In Northern Michigan (2022) | RV Lifestyle, 7 Unwritten Rules for RV Parking Overnight at Truck Stops. Are These the Best RV Road Trips in the U.S.? 8 clearest and most beautiful lakes in Michigan - Skyscanner Before leaving Jackson, we knew we wanted to check out the downtown area and although we wouldve enjoyed trying every restaurant on the main street, we brought our appetites to theJunk Yard Dogto try to delicious and some insane hot dog creations. Nearby are Van Buren State Park and the Van Buren Trail State Park. Lake Michigan - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos) The grand Barker Mansion is a 19th-century merchants home. At the top of the list among Michigan lakes, Lake Superior was named the 2 nd -best lake to swim in by USA TODAY voters. Quaint and charming town: The community is friendly, and the town often hosts family-friendly events and festivals throughout the year. Lighthouse, one of the tallest on the Today, the area features more than 15,000 acres of not only dunes, but also beaches, woodlands, marshes, prairies, and more. Only 45 miles of Lake Michigan meet the Indiana coastline, but what a spectacular 45 miles it isespecially the portion that encompasses Indiana Dunes National Park. Are the public spaces well-maintained? Jog, bike or stroll past beaches, forests and city streetscapes. follows the Lake Michigan shoreline to the old-money enclave of Harbor From day trips thatll have your Instagram brimming hashtags, to week-long escapes, Ive got the scoop on the best Lake Michigan family vacation spots. Then you're back in Green Bay. Park Dune Climb, swim from the beaches, hike the Empire Bluff trail and tube Thats the dream! While in the area be sure to check outCity Market, an indoor farmers market thats open year round and has tons of food options for the worker on a lunch break or family looking to get a Friday night dinner. If you dont have your pooch with you for the day, you can still enjoy the beach and can go down the Lakeshore Trail bike path to see Muskegon Lake from a distance. A little bit past midway on your journey east, stop in Naubinway for the Top-of-the-Lake Snowmobile Museum, where the history of the snowmobile comes to life. If youre hungryand even if youre notnows a good time to begin partaking in the pasties (pronounced PASS-ties) that the UP is so well-known for. $379,999. Brinton, MI; Farwell, MI The fall colors were in full bloom and as we walked on the path leading us to Lime Lake, bright colors of red, orange and yellow seemed to be bursting from the surrounding woods. These fun spots are filled with endless outdoor recreation opportunities, tourist attractions and wide, sandy, public beacheseverything you need for your perfect beach vacation. combines Old World traditions with a quirky outsider-art aesthetic. We found a small unassuming harbor just a couple miles from the city and shared the view with some fishermen that had just come in for the day. If youre looking for lots of activities to do, youll never run out of options in Traverse City. Visit unique neighborhoods, museums, parks and stunning skyscrapers like the John Hancock Center and the Willis Tower (former Sears Tower). Door County, Wisconsin. Crowded summers: Families looking for a quieter vacation experience may want to consider visiting during the off-peak seasons. If you love beer, you probably know Grand Rapids is also known by many as "Beer City USA" for the many breweries that call the Grand Rapids area home. I suggest picking up lunch from a local restaurant and having a picnic on the beach. The peninsula is set along Green Bay and Lake Michigan, and is best known for its rolling vineyards, craggy cliffs, and sandy beaches. Grab a bike and choose a stretch of the 26-mile Little Traverse Wheelway to bike down. The park has outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena. Bring or rent one 1. Photo: Nejdet Duzen. 12 Best Lake Michigan Beaches With White Sand and Stunning Views Trip Ideas Beach Vacations 12 Best Lake Michigan Beaches With White Sand, Rolling Dunes, and Stunning Views These Lake. There are several art galleries, golf courses and nightlife options. Becky is an experienced travel writer and editor. Whether youre looking to do some sight-seeing or you want to shop a little, Holland has no shortage of culture and relaxation. This area is also well-known for brewpubs, so if you get thirsty, pop into Harbor Light Brewery in South Haven, Silver Harbor Brewing Company in Benton Harbor, and Beer Church Brewing Co. in New Buffalolocated in a former church. Enjoy a serene walk along the Charlevoix South Pier to the lighthouse right on the end. Whether youd like to live in a small or large town, a place with empty or full beaches, you will have your pick of options here. You could honestly spend the entire summer road tripping the rugged Upper Peninsula of Michigan. If you wait till the last minute, you may not A bit farther up the coast, Port Washington has a marina and a lighthouse on the hill. stopping to look around Peninsula State Park and the charming towns of The ice age strikes again; Lake Michigan was formed some 2.5 million years ago, just as with all of the Great Lakes. The downtown area offers this unique blend of industrial buildings, but because the Grand River runs through the city, so much nature and greenery is a part of the identity of the city. Then, unless you want to travel on surface streets north through suburbs like Evanston and Winnetka, youll veer away from the lake and pick up Interstate 94 North toward Milwaukee. New England charm and midwestern friendliness come together in Port Washington. you'll come to the Fire You dont need to go to some tropical beach to live that dream, not with these nine towns that sit along Lake Michigan. You can stay there as a volunteer Such events have included unexplained ship disappearances and planes gone missing. Wells State Park. Lake Michigan is the third largest of all the Great Lakes. itself, but you'll have time to cruise along its beautiful lakefront. The Grand Rapids Art Museum (GRAM), Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, and the Blue Bridge are some popular locations that always boast some of the most beautiful pieces of art. Lake Huron is a vacation-land paradise for visitors who flick to the shoreline year-round for boating, fishing, playing on the beaches, hiking and exploring the picturesque lighthouses. South Haven Lighthouse, found on South HavensSouth Beach, is a popular destination. From Mackinaw City, drive west to Cross Village and have a meal at the From north of Manistee to artsy Saugatuck, youll pass through Ludington and six state parks, each with gorgeous beaches, hiking trails, and camping opportunities. For half a Circle Tour, with a short cut by ferry, see Lake Michigan Traverse City brought the hustle and bustle, and its diverse culinary scene whetted our appetites as we explored downtown. Family-friendly Activities: This criterion evaluates the family-friendly activities of every location. 20 Scenic Stops for a Road Trip Along the West Michigan Pike 888-784-7328, Cool Off in These Fresh Pure Michigan Waters. Related A bike trail connects New Buffalo. The beaches and beach towns are some of the top travel destinations in the country. Top ways to experience nearby attractions Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt: Grand Hunt Round River City 1 Fun & Games from $12.31 per adult Grand Rapids Scavenger Hunt 1 Fun & Games from $27.00 per adult Motherland Cooking Xperience 1 Breakfast from $150.49 per adult Lansing Scavenger Hunt: At The Heart Of Michigan Fun & Games As you cross from Indiana into the metro Chicago area, youve got a few choices. with Lake Michigan at Kenosha. Family-friendly beaches: The beaches offer calm and shallow waters, which are perfect for kids to swim and play in. Upper Hand Brewery (Michigan is known as the Mitten for its unique shape) makes for another good stop here, with a dog-friendly patio. complex. Opt for the urban side of life and spend time shopping, dining and exploring downtown Traverse City. The building, designed by Santiago Calatrava, is as much a piece of art as the works it holds. Close out the Michigan portion of your tour in the towns of South Haven, Benton Harbor, and New Buffaloplus another coastline dotted with gorgeous state parks. Is it safe for families? This is a list of smaller local towns that surround Lake, MI. And you won't have time to Muskegon, located in western Michigan, has some of the best lake Michigan beaches for families. Places like the Georgian Bay, Manitoulin Island and the eastern shore of Lake Huron are equally divers and beautiful. You can opt out at any time via the unsubscribe link in each email. hand-cranked chain ferry across the Kalamazoo River. art, and admission is free. Its near Boyne City and Petoskey Beach, so it makes a nice day trip to or from either place. Youre in luck because Ive experienced just the spots that are gold mines for family fun. budget. yet, ride your bike there on the lovely Rawley Point Trail. Indeed, this destination combines nature and culture in a unique blend, creating an experience that captivates all ages. This unique Michigan summer vacation is home to epic beaches and cheery Dutch influence. The National Blueberry Festival is held on the second weekend of August each year, and is one of the countrys oldest continuously-running fruit festivals. I ask myself these questions whenever I assess accommodation options. Traverse 10+ Best Lake Michigan Beaches (with Photos) - Trips To Discover Smack in the middle of the Upper Midwest, Lake Michigan is irresistible Explore Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore and Lake Michigan. A post shared by Visit Muskegon (@visitmuskegon), Muskegon was built on the fur and lumber trade, is now a calm vacation spot on Lake Michigan, calling itself The Riviera of the Midwest. Sunbathe on several beautiful beaches including Pere Marquette Beach, a certified Great Lakes clean beach.. But, it is the only one that is surrounded by the US states. Wisconsin parks. Plus, the waterfront park offered an excellent spot for family picnics. Lake Michigan Vacation Spots For Your Summer Getaway Recommended Hotel: Best Western Lakewinds, Muskegon, MI(800) 250-9283Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Beaches and nature abound in this coastal Lake Michigan havenyou could spend a week here and still not visit every beach in the area. Trees Beach via Swim from its beaches, bicycle the TART Trail, shop and eat And if youre doodling hearts around Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, or Wisconsin on your map, lets dive into what these fabulous states, kissing the shores of Lake Michigan, have to offer. | RV Lifestyle said: Your email address will not be published. You are now ready to turn yourroad trip into an adventure! Lake Huron Lake Huron, the second-largest of the Great Lakes, tops the list for its pristine turquoise waters, unparalleled shoreline sunrises, numerous lakeside parks, gorgeous beaches, and historic lighthouses. Youll likely want to stay more than a day though once you arrive here. in the highlights. As we continued exploring and talking to some of the residents and store owners, the first impression we received was that people are proud of this city, and for good reason. Take a walking tour or visit the Tulip Immersion Garden. In Located in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, St. Ignace rests at the Mackinac Bridge's northern base where Lakes Huron and Michigan meet. one if you want. If you're planning a road trip or exploring the local area, make sure you check out some of these places to get a feel for the surrounding community. Marquette or Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, stops on the Lake A post shared by Visit South Haven (@visitsouthhaven). The Most Scenic Hiking Trails in Michigan | Michigan Further south youll hit the town of Saugatuck, well-known for a thriving art scene. Originally a mining operation for Marl, a combination of limestone, sand, and clay, Lime Lake is now known for its excellent fishing. City, but that's where you'll find one of the lake's biggest family You can even float down Boardman River south and paddle through Traverse City itself. The park has a few rustic sites along Lake Michigan's shore, giving visitors a great camping experience with an even better view. You wont find as much to do compared to a place like Traverse City, but Ludington is the perfect place to unwind, get away from the big city, and just be alone with your thoughts or your family. Beginning in Milwaukee, your first stop should be the Milwaukee Art Museum. If sand dunes, gardens, fall festivals and scenic fall drives arent enough, you can ride the roller coasters at Michigans Adventure Amusement and Water Park or learn to luge at the Muskegon Luge and Adventure Sports Complex. Gene traveled across Southern Michigan for two weeks during Pure Michigans 2017 Fall & Seek campaign to discover scenic spots crowd-sourced from social media. For all of you, fans of photography, the colony of wild butterflies found here will be a sight to behold and capture with a camera. It takes some time to get to this northern Michigan island, located just east of the Upper Peninsula in northern Lake Huron. And you should: This roughly 1,100-mile route touches on two big cities, a national park, two national lakeshores, hundreds of acres of state and national forests, and too many lighthouses to count. In pleasant Charlevoix, take a stroll along the canal that connects Lake stretch, mostly along U.S. 2 through the Upper Peninsula. Grand Haven, South Haven, and, The Best Portable Dog Fence for Camping (2023), 5 Best RV Backup Cameras for RV & Trailer. Are there discounts and deals for tourists? Lake house or cabin? bluffs lined by magnificent Golden Age "cottages.". Then, I decided to take it a step further and get advice from the friendly locals who live near the lake. Circle your way around Lake Michigan, taking your time to detour at state parks, lighthouses, lakeshores, and more. We need your email address to send you trip itineraries and other updates. In the realm of the best Lake Michigan family vacation spots, Traverse City stands unmatched. Lake Michigan 2023: Michigan Ultimate Travel Guide Not only is this place known for its great beaches, but it also has the best fudge around. Related: Best Resorts in Michigan for Families, South Haven, MI(800) 764-2836Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. 3103 W Opal St, Pasco, WA 99301. Enjoy this video created by Discovery UK all about it! Ludington is a quiet little town. The Windy City is a destination all its own, and it would be impossible to cover everything this great Midwestern metropolis offers. During the day, campers can fish and hike, and at night . During settlement, major ship lines stopped there, both passenger and freight. The 3,000-acre Point Beach State Forest is an excellent spot for hiking, camping and swimming. Milwaukee Art Museum close and open. After enjoying a meal downtown, you can head to theBay City State Recreation Areato go for a walk along the bay or enjoy an evening ice cream on any of the numerous benches found in the park. We independently evaluate all recommended services and products. So save Chicago for another Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, Lake Erie, and Lake Ontario (from West to East) overlap with the states of Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, Ohio . Many people give short shrift to Mackinaw And the best part? Mack City, as the locals call it (remember that weird spelling and pronunciation thing we talked about in our Lake Huron Fun Facts article), is situated on the south end of the waterway that joins Lake Michigan with Lake Huron and the Mackinac Bridge on I-75. Sadly it was closed when we visited in the fall. 100 years in the making, Indiana gets its first national park. remains of a shipwreck at Deland Park. The Best Lakefront Views in Milwaukee - TripSavvy Sheboygan has a lovely beach and the Racine, take a free tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed SC Johnson 2 ba. Washington Park Zoo is home to tigers, wolves, alligators, and grizzly bears. and two big cities. It's America's freshwater Riviera, and everyone competes for a little Just 10 miles southwest of Sheboygan, we come to Wisconsin Cheese country. Small-town charm: The town features charming streets lined with unique shops, local eateries, and ice cream parlors. If you plan ahead, you can even stay there lakefront park. With almost 1640 miles of Great Lakes shoreline, theres no shortage of towns along Lake Michigan. These are perfect activities to do on a short weekend or if youre visiting for the season. Please try signing in with another option or create a new account with Roadpass. Suffice it to say that if you have a spare 4-7 days, you wont be bored in Chi-town. 15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Michigan | PlanetWare South Haven offers an interesting array of cultural attractions. As you head south on Highway 31, youll find this charming and very upscale resort community known for its natural beauty, Victorian homes, and Gaslight Shopping District. Nestled along the shores of Lake Michigan and within an hours drive of Grand Rapids and Holland is South Haven. In Sturgeon Guests swim at their own risk, as there is no lifeguard, but it is hard for many to resist meandering into these crystal clear waters. Does it have public parks or zoos? Situated along Lake Superiors southern shore, the Pictured Rocks offer breathtaking views of colorful sandstone cliffs, pristine beaches, and turquoise waters. Two Rivers, WI(920) 793-5523Visit WebsiteSocial MediaOpen in Google Maps. Superior Circle Tour. The entire market strives towards the idea of building community and in a lot of ways acts as a central gathering place for the citys citizens. On your way out of town, stop at Kopps Frozen Custard for a turtle sundae. Attractions include the True North Golf Club, Odawa Casino, Nubs Nob Ski Resort, Harbor Springs Vineyards and Winery and Sturgeon Bay Beach. Is there an area for hiking, boating, fishing, and swimming? As one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, it offers a wealth of recreational opportunities, including swimming, boating, fishing, and beachcombing. the beach, tube down the Sable River and walk or bike to the 1867 Big Best Places To Buy A Cottage in Ontario, Canada. Plan up to a year in advance if you want to stay anywhere on holiday or Muskegon State Park provides hiking and camping opportunities in the summer, and ice skating, cross-country skiing and even a luge track in the winter. Choice Ticket and visit Colonial Michilimackinac and also Old Mackinac There's a beautiful sand beach and a whole bevy of lighthouses here, The shoreline of Lake Michigan is home to the largest freshwater sand dunes in the world (more on that later) with more than 275,000 acres of dunes. Beth Gauper, 2007 - all rights reserved. planning to camp over weekends in Michigan beach parks, 11 months in If you're there on the first Sunday of the month from June Hiking the trails and dunes along wetlands, prairies and forests is another fun family adventure, as is cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. If you visit Jackson in the summer months, be sure to check outCascade Falls, I heard its beautiful in the summer and is a must-see when its open. Are you ready to uncover the lakeside magic thats been waiting just for you? As you plan your familys next adventure, Traverse City should be at the top of your list for a truly exceptional Lake Michigan family vacation. Does it have vacation rentals and homey options? Fuller County Park offers a great place to stay, with five campsites right on the lake. For lunch, check out theGrand Rapids Downtown MarketforSlows Bar B Qand other delicious restaurants and boutique shops/food stands that you can get lost in for hours as you walk through the market. But it's tricky to plan a Circle Tour of Lake Michigan. Sheboygan houses 34 beautiful parks! If you talk to any Jackson resident theyll tell you that there have been quite a few changes in recent years with the addition of more shops and restaurants popping up in the area. You can also test your endurance by climbing dunes at Warren Dunes State Park, or just go to the park to stay at a cabin. A summer road trip guide to Wisconsins Door County, the Cape Cod of the Midwest. West Beach, the closest to Chicago, is the easiest national-park beach Located on the western shores of Lake Michigan, in Illinois, its a great idea for day trips in Michigan for families. Some of the best Lake Michigan vacations for families start in the great outdoors. It's the third largest of the Great Lakes and the only one that's a full-on American resident (the rest are busy sharing shorelines with our amiable neighbor, Canada). 7 Adorable Michigan Towns To Visit On Lake Huron Meanwhile, in South Haven, tranquility reigned. Instead of doing things the usual way, I took a special approach. City From Mackinac, head north . trails of Ridges Sanctuary, home of The claim is also supported by a 1929 newspaper interview in which the inventor recalls how the sundae came about. Best Things To Do on Your Lake Superior Vacation Park Lake Superior road trip (views!) 11+ best things to do near Lake Milwaukee is a destination in Selected by USA Today as one of the "51 Great American Beaches," North Beach is located on the Lake Michigan waterfront. The Door Peninsula is worth to get into. Seasonal tourism: Harbor Springs experiences a significant increase in tourism during the summer months, with many visitors coming to enjoy the lake and outdoor activities.
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