Summer is right around the corner and we’re making plans for a sweet escape to some of the best destinations in Michigan. From Lexington and Midland on the eastside, Muskegon and Grand Rapids on the westside, onward to Traverse City, Mackinaic and Sault Ste. Marie. We don’t get many summers with our kids but we can keep the memories forever – start making plans. 

 

LEXINGTON 

Lexington has three beautiful public beaches on the Lake Huron Shore. Lake Street Beach, Simon Street Beach (Beach Volleyball Courts), and the Public Beach north of Jefferson Street. Walk along Main Street, find the fudge shop and a whole lot of ice cream.

MIDLAND 

Explore the expansive grounds of Dow Gardens – including the nation’s longest canopy walk, 1,400 feet long, soaring up to 40 feet above the ground. Keep cool in Saginaw Bay, a 1,000 foot sandy beach at Bay City State Park and say hi to the animals at Saginaw Children’s Zoo too!

GRAND RAPIDS 

Day trip or overnight, there’s lots to do in Grand Rapids. Visit the Fredrik Meijer Garden & Sculpture Park and John Ball Zoo, then keep cool at Lake Michigan.

HOLLAND 

Follow the yellow brick road to the Holland Oz Project garden and find more flowers at Windmill Island Gardens. Don’t leave before you see the sunset on Lake Michigan at Holland State Park.

MUSKEGON 

Michigan’s Adventure is the largest amusement park in this state and you don’t want to skip the water slides and rides. This will also be the first year to experience Camp Snoopy! Ready for more adventure? Try the Dune Top Zip Line at Muskegon Sports Complex. The a 1400′ dual zip line in White Pine Forest is a thrill like no other. 

LUDINGTON 

If you want a ‘Pure Michigan’ small town getaway head to Ludington on Lake Michigan. There are plenty of sandy beaches on Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake. Stearns Park is the most popular beach, with FREE parking, concessions, playground, Skate Park, mini golf, and shuffleboard. Personally, we love hiking through Ludington State Park.

PORT HURON

Get away for the day and take a 90 minute trip to Port Huron to make a splash at Lakeside Beach, ride the Super Slide at Palmer Park, check out the museum circuit with a family pass and cap things off with family fun at Sawmill City.

TRAVERSE CITY 

The crystal clear water is hard to beat and there are lots of shoreline and beaches to choose from but Clinch Park is our favorite because it’s located near the downtown center, has kayak/boat rental, a splash pad and bathrooms! You’ll also want to make time for a trip to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

MACKINAC ISLAND 

Fudge, bikes, horses, and a big bridge. Mackinac Island is a timeless family tradition for all Michiganders. Explore Fort Mackinac, get a picture at the Grand Hotel and stay up past bedtime to see the starts from The Headlands International Dark Sky Park.

SAULT STE. MARIE

Up North is nice but the UP is incredible. Pull out the maps and explore the natural wonders in Michigan. Take the Toonerville Trolley to  Tahquamenon Falls. The day long trip includes a train and riverboat ride and provides unique access to one of the most beautiful sites in Michigan.

DETROIT

Make it a staycation and explore downtown Detroit. Take in America’s best riverfront, visit world class museums and go to a Tigers game. Here are 5 Reasons To Visit Detroit This Summer.

 

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