Michigan Vacation Ideas
Michigan is the only state that consist entirely of two peninsulas.
Bordered by four of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and Lake Superior plus Lake Saint Clair, Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world.
It's 11,000 inland lakes are great places to take the kayak, not to mention they are teeming with fish. A person in Michigan is never more than 85 miles from open Great Lakes water and is never more than six miles from a natural water source.
Ranked third for the number of registered recreational boats, behind California and Florida, Michigan is a water sportsmen's dream.
The Lakes
When walking along the beach, listen for the "singing sand", a phenomenon unique to Lake Michigan beaches. Swim, boat, climb a dune and sink your toes in the sandy beaches most everywhere you go.
This immense sandbox that covers the Lake Michigan shoreline plus two unspoiled islands is infamous for it's almost 100 miles of hiking trails, scenic drives, forests and fishing. Negotiate everything from high vistas at Empire Bluff Trail to wildflower fields at Bayview Trail.
Also 3,100 miles of off-road vehicle routes twist through national and Michigan state parks.
Fishing
Spend a day at the breakwaters of the Holland State Park angling for perch. Troll Lake Michigan for five species of sport fish or fish inland waters for pan fish, walleye or bass. Some of the best sport fishing in the Midwest is found here.
Fish on the Holloway Reservoir located in a pine forest on the shores of the Hollo Reservoir; Wolverine Campground has daily park activities to keep your family active.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Encompassing almost a 40 miles stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands.
The noted for its outstanding natural features including forests, beaches, dune formations, and visiable ancient glacial phenomena.
The Lakeshore also contains many cultural features including an 1871 lighthouse, three former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard Stations and an extensive rural historic farm district.
On beaches Piping Plovers nest, on South Manitou Island, North Manitou Island or on the dune climb. Hilly trails wind through a beech-maple forest, brushy fields and a pine plantation.
Hiking
Hike through old growth forests to waterfalls or to the tops of mountains. The hiking trails in the State of Michigan are expansive and vary in scenery.
You can hike more than 200 miles of Shore-to-Shore Trails that connect Lake Huron and Lake Michigan.
Six state forests, four National Parks, and 97 Michigan state parks, Michigan nature preserves, refuges, gardens and arboretums have plenty of space to stretch out in.
Beginning in mid-September and stretching through the end of October, the colors of autumn peak at varying times in the state. Just about any time of year you visit Michigan you will find something to be amazed at.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
The Porcupine Mountains, which are the oldest mountains in North America, are full of virgin wilderness and stunning vistas.
Lake of the Clouds is situated in a valley between two ridges in the Porcupine Mountains.
A popular destination for hikers, campers, and fishermen, the lake is a prominent feature of the park, and can be viewed at the Lake of the Clouds Overlook. It is said that bullfrogs can be heard from this overlook.
The state park will occasionally host a nighttime sky watch where you can watch for shooting stars, planets and orbiting satellites while a guide points out the constellations and stars while the howling of wolves can be heard in the distance.
Get your swim trunks, hiking boots and sunscreen packed and I will see you in Michigan.