10 Things that SHOULD be on your Michigan Summer Bucket List

Looking for fun things to do in Michigan this summer?

Your Michigan Summer Bucket list should definitely include these 10 things (and more)!

 

1  | Go Rock Hunting

Michigan is surrounded by Great Lakes which means there is a plethora of unique stones for you to gather along its many lakeshores.

Our family especially enjoys rock hunting along the shores of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior. Some favorite finds include Petoskey Stones (Michigan’s state stone) and Greenstone (Michigan’s state gem).

One of the best places to find Petoskey Stones is in the northwest area of Michigan’s lower peninsula along the shores of Lake Michigan.

READ MORE:  How to find and polish Petoskey Stones

Greenstones are often called Isle Royale Greenstones, and they are most likely to be found at Isle Royale National Park. While it is illegal to remove stones and other items found in a National Park, it is still thrilling to discover this unique gem during a visit to Isle Royale (even though you can’t keep it).

Other rocks/stones/gems/minerals you may find include agates, quartz, honeycomb corals, jasper, slag, beach glass, stromatoporids, copper, pudding stones, and more.

 

2  | Climb a Sand Dune

Every Michigander should climb a sand dune at least once. The west coast of Michigan’s lower peninsula is most well-known for sand dunes, including the famous dunes of Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore. However, sand dunes can also be found in areas of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and in spots along the state’s eastern shores.

Our family hopes to visit Sleeping Bear Dunes this summer. Other favorite places to climb sand dunes include Rosy Mound Recreational Area, Ludington State Park, and Kirk Park.

 

3  | Visit a Botanical Garden (or Lavender Farm)

Michigan is home to some beautiful plant life. It would be a shame not to take advantage of all this natural beauty by visiting an outdoor botanical garden or a lavender farm.

Some of our favorites include Dow Gardens in Midland, Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, the gardens on the campus of Michigan State University, and Lavender Hill Farm in Boyne City.

READ MORE:  Take the Golf Cart Tour at Lavender Hill Farm

This summer, I hope to visit the large lavender labyrinth at Cherry Point Market in Shelby.

 

4  | Cross the Mighty Mac

The Mackinac Bridge is the ultimate Michigan attraction. This iconic suspension bridge spans the Straits of Mackinac in order to connect the upper and lower peninsulas of the state. Being the 5^th longest suspension bridge in the world, it is thrilling to drive over.

You can also walk across the bridge on Labor Day each year as part of the state’s Annual Bridge Walk.

Not to mention that there is so much neat stuff to see and do in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!

READ MORE:   13 Awesome Things to Do in the Upper Peninsula

 

5  | Go to Hell (the Town)

Did you know there is a town in Michigan named Hell? It’s true! And, your family is sure to enjoy a quick visit to this small town.  It features fun photo opportunities, the Hell Hole Diner, a Locks of Love Bridge, and tourist attractions like putt-putt golf and ice cream.

But, mostly, it is just fun to say that you have literally been to Hell and back.

READ MORE:  A Visit to Hell and Other Unique Michigan Day Trips

 

6  | Hike on the North Country Trail

Similar to the more well-known Appalachian Trail, the North Country Trail (NCT) is a long hiking trail that spans several states. The NCT begins in New York/Vermont and ends in North Dakota, and it passes through Michigan along the way. In fact, Michigan features 1,150 miles of the NCT – more than any of the other states!

It would be a bummer to live so close to this major hiking trail and not hike at least a portion of it. Some of our favorite NCT hiking experiences in Michigan have been at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Tahquamenon Falls State Park, and various areas around Lowell and Cannonsburg. (Side note: We have also enjoyed hiking parts of the North Country Trail in Ohio and Minnesota.)

READ MORE:  Our First Family Bonding Experience on the North Country Trail

 

7  | Watch a Sunrise or Sunset

One of my favorite things about living in West Michigan is watching sunsets over Lake Michigan. However, that is not the only place in Michigan to catch a spectacular twilight color show. With all of the lakes and interesting terrain around the state of Michigan, you are bound to have a lovely place to catch a beautiful sunrise or sunset near you.

Some of our favorite sunrise/sunset experiences include:

• Watching a sunrise from the top of Boyne Mountain
• Watching a lovely sunset from a small beach at Deer Lake
• Catching sunsets (followed by a musical light-up fountain show) at Grand Haven.
• Watching the sunset over Lake Michigan from a beach in Charlevoix
• Watching the sunrise over Lake Charlevoix from our hotel room window in Charlevoix
• Catching a glorious sunset over Lake Superior while enjoying a Pictured Rocks Boat Tour

And, someday, I hope to see a sunrise/sunset while visiting the Porcupine Mountains in the Upper Peninsula!

 

8  | Go on a Bike Ride

Our family loves riding bikes, and Michigan has a ton of great bike-friendly trails! Our latest favorite trail is the Musketawa Trail in West Michigan. This paved 26-mile rail trail features 13 wooden train trestles. We start at the parking area in Ravenna and ride east to Conklin (almost 6 miles). In Conklin, we treat ourselves to some ice cream before riding back. After visiting the Musketawa Trail, we always stop by our favorite West Michigan park to slide down the giant hillside slide.

Our other favorite trails include the Little Traverse Wheelway in the Petoskey area and the White Pine Trail in West Michigan.

FIND MORE MICHIGAN BIKE TRAILS:  Biking in Michigan – Michigan.org

 

9  | Chase Some Waterfalls

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is home to at least 200 waterfalls ranging in size from super big like Tahquamenon Falls to pretty small like Scott Falls. All of them are a treat to see!

The only named waterfall in Michigan’s lower peninsula is Ocqueoc Falls. Located a little west of Rogers City, these small falls are a great place for swimming and waterplay. Plus, it is the nation’s only universally-accessible waterfall. Despite the small size of the waterfalls, it’s a fun stop. You won’t regret stopping there (unless you forgot your swimsuit anyways).

However, for a real waterfall adventure, you will want to head to the Upper Peninsula where your waterfall options feel endless!

Some of our favorite U.P. places for chasing waterfalls include:

• Tahquamenon Falls State Park – home to the state’s largest waterfall
• Munising – home to nearly 20 impressive waterfalls
• Canyon Falls Roadside Park – a short hike to a powerful waterfall in a gorgeous canyon

READ MORE:  Waterfalls and other Upper Peninsula Adventures

 

10  | Float Along a Lazy River

Michiganders can enjoy river tubing in some of the state’s gentler rivers.

This is an especially popular activity within the Muskegon River. You can find launch areas in Green Township or Hersey. Then, float away until you reach Paris Park (home of a 20-foot replica of the Eiffel Tower).

Don’t have your own tube? No problem. You can rent one at Paris Park. The park also offers transportation to launch points. For more details, visit the Paris Park website.

MORE RIVER TUBING LOCATIONS:  4 Rivers for Tubing in Michigan – Tubing the River

 

What’s on your Michigan Summer Bucket List?

• Which of these bucket list adventures interest you most?
• Did you have any of these things to do on your own Michigan Summer Bucket List already?
• What else would you recommend for a Michigan Summer Bucket List?