Camping Gems - Michigan
Tahquamenon Falls
In his "Song of Hiawatha," Henry Wadsworth Longfellow described the Tahquamenon Falls area as undisturbed forests, tranquil rivers, and abundant wildlife. This is still true today. Although most visitors come to see two of Michigan's most beautiful waterfalls, the park also has more than 40 miles of hiking trails, 13 inland lakes, 24 miles of the Tahquamenon River.
South Haven
Set on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan, this historic town is a haven for fishing, boating, antique shopping, theater, and more. You can hike to the 100-year-old lighthouse, visit in wintertime for amazing scenes of snow on the beach, or do some summer golfing on the championship course. Spend an afternoon hiking or biking on the many trails, canoeing on the lake, and visiting one of the nearby wineries or apple orchards.
Grass River Natural Area
Wildlife lovers won't want to miss a visit to the Grass River Natural Area, 1,325 acres of protected Michigan habitat that's set in the hills of Antrim County. The area includes five distinct eco-tones with lakes, a river, rushing streams, and crystal clear creeks. Follow the three-mile long boardwalk trail to watch for birds, mammals, and other animals.
Fort Mackinac
Your visit to Fort Mackinac will let you step back in time with the help of re-enactors portraying the US soldiers and Victorian ladies that used to call this fort home in the 1880s. As you wander the grounds, you can tour 14 original buildings, listen to military music, and attend a court martial. Children in your party will enjoy the Kid's Quarters.
Holland's Tulip Time Festival
During this 10- day festival, the town of Holland wraps itself in its Dutch Heritage. You will find the locals in wooden shoes, doing the Klompert dance, and entertaining you with parades. The festival also has a Taste of Holland, a Volksparade, a Children's Costume Parade, and name entertainers almost every day. (171 Lncoln Ave 616-396-4221)
Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, Flint
Step into a by-gone era in this living-history village. Visit the school, see the cider mill, and meet the barber. On the grounds you'll find over 30 historic buildings, the state's oldest operating gristmill, and a General Store just stocked with goodies to tempt you. (6140 Bray Rd, 810-736-7100)
Houghton Lake
2,200-acre Houghton Lake is jumping full of walleye and northern pike. The lake is a haven for boating and fishing, but if you tire of warm-water fishing, just head about 10 minutes away to Higgins Lake for trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch plus a whole lot of natural beauty. Don't care for fishing? Then enjoy swimming, canoeing, and hiking.
Mackinac State Historic Park
Only 2 miles wide and 3 miles long, this island started out as a gathering place for the local native tribes. Over the following years this little patch of land has been home to French missionaries, fur traders, British soldiers, American troops, fishermen, Confederate prisoners, and railroad barons. Rated as one of the top ten islands in the world, you'll feel yourself relax as you enjoy a horse drawn carriage ride, wander through a historic fort, and stroll one of the porches at the Grand Hotel. (231-436-4100, open early May through early October)
Leelanau Peninsula
With both the Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes and Traverse Bay nearby, the Leelanau Peninsula can't help being beautiful. Beyond stunning views, the peninsula has scores of vineyards, orchards, and charming villages to explore.
Wings of Mackinac Butterfly Conservatory
A visit to the Butterfly Conservatory will give you a chance to see 200 different species of butterflies from around the world. Gentle instrumental music accompanies the butterflies in their dance. |
