Try One Of The Holland Boat Tours
Its time to get back outside and on the water with Hollands boats tours!
For a peaceful or romantic evening, the Holland Princessglides through Lake Michigans harbor on dinner cruises.
For more of a watery thrill, check out Hollands watersports and jet skis! You may want to reserve an entire day for this part of your trip. Once you get on the water, you wont want to get off!
If youre not quite ready to get out of Hollands water, the Holland Community Aquatic Center has a place for you to swim, exercise, and play!
Did you say waterpark? Youll find a one-of-a-kind water play structure here, too.
See The Northern Lights
Did you know it’s possible to see the Northern Lights from the Upper Peninsula?! Well, we didnt before taking our Michigan road trip, but now YOU do!
Planning your trip for April, October, or November raises your chances of seeing this phenomenon, and youll want to head to a location on Lake Superior with no light pollution, like Whitefish Point, Picture Rocks, or Copper Harbor.
Experience The Dutch Village
Your next stop is Nelis Dutch Village, a place for traditional Dutch food, kids roller coasters, and a petting zoo.
Here, youll also have the opportunity to learn about the Dutch community and see performers make wooden shoes.
Spend time exploring the history of Hollands people and petting goats and alpacas in the critter barn.
If you have kids, theyll enjoy every feature at Nelis!
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Grand Haven & Spring Lake
Water, water, everywhereWater defines the Grand Haven area. It is here that Michigans longest river, the Grand River, and Spring Lake, spill their waters into one of the grandest of lakes of all, Lake Michigan. And clustered at the mouth of the river with its web of waterways, wetlands, and marshes, are the charming resort communities of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Ferrysburg.
The area was once an important outpost for fur trading, the lumbering industry, fishing, and shipbuilding. Today, it is a popular vacation destination. Here you can dig your toes into Lake Michigans white-sand beaches that stretch as far as the eye can see, walk out to see the areas iconic red lighthouses, stroll the scenic 2.5-mile-long waterfront boardwalk, wet your line in some of the best fishing waters in the Midwest, pedal more than 100 miles of biking trails, or just sit back and relax as you watch and listen to Grand Havens magical musical fountain as it lights up the evening sky.
Enjoy A Scrumptious Brunch From Patisserie Amie
I had read about Patisserie Amie in Traverse City long before I visited. Popular with Michiganders, neither rain nor lack of motor transportation could stop me from trying Sunday brunch at this talked-about French bistro. I opted for a Raspberry French Soda that whet my whistle and one of my favorite sandwiches ever, Croque Madame, to eat. Wow, the bechamel was on point, creamy and rich. I loved the open-faced concept of the sandwich and the taste was sheer perfection.
What are your favorite things to do in Northern Michigan?
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North Pole Express Train Ride
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays 11/20 – 12/19/21Address: 405 South Washington Street, Owosso, MI 48867Time: Saturdays 10 a.m. & 6. p.m. Sundays 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.
SPECIAL DATE: Friday, Nov 26 10 a.m. & 5 p.m.
This holiday season put on your favorite pajamas or 1940s/50s attire and join us for a nostalgic journey to the Christmas of yesteryear when you climb aboard the North Pole Express, pulled by the world-famous Pere Marquette 1225! Depart from the Steam Railroading Institute in Owosso for a four and a half hour, round trip excursion to the Village of Ashleys Country Christmas. Enjoy a one hour and fifteen-minute train ride each way to and from Ashley, where you’ll disembark for a two-hour Christmas party straight out of the past! Participate in the numerous activities the village has to offer, including live entertainment, having your picture taken in front of the 1225, and meeting Santa Claus himself!
Address: Frankenmuth River Place Shops925 South Main St, Frankemuth, MI
Frankenmuth is the place to go for holiday cheer and as fall winds down into winter through the month of November, theres no better time to get festive.
Insider Tip: Stick around for nightfall to see Christmas lights brighten up Frankenmuth for a dose of holiday cheer. The spirit is so palpable it seems you may even hear jingle bells in the city if you listen closely.
Heritage Hill Historic District
Adjacent to downtown, the medical institutions and universities, and the hip Uptown district in Grand Rapids, Heritage Hill is the city’s oldest residential district with over 60 different architectural styles and 1,300 houses dating from 1844 to the 1920s. The best way to explore this part of town is to take a self-guided walking tour through the neighborhood, which features homes of nearly every style of American architecture. From the Greek Revival to Prairie, the Heritage Hill Historic District features the homes of lumber barons, teachers, judges, and legislators all of whom played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s future. Today, its population of 4,000 households is very diverse, harkening back to the original residents that called this place home.
126 College Avenue SE, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49503, Phone: 616-459-8950
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Ways For Your Teen To Have Fun In West Michigan
Whether you’re looking for activities that you can do with your teen or finding fun things for them to explore on their own, there are plenty of places in the Holland and Saugatuck area that your teen can experience in their own backyard.
Of course, your teenagers will love the long stretches of clean beaches on Lake Michigan. Nothing beats a sunny day at one of the many beaches in Saugatuck and Holland. Sunbathing, swimming, or having fun with friends and family are sure to be popular with your teens.
The Lost CityHolland, Michigan
An indoor entertainment center in Holland, it features the largest laser tag arena in the area: boasting a 5,000 square foot multi-story laser tag arena. Perfect for small groups to parties as big as 150, this activity center provides indoor activities such as laser tag, mini golf, arcade games, mini bowling, and the oasis cafe. The Lost City also offers calendar activities such as “Fire ’til you tire,” and other weekly specials to take advantage of. Your teen has access to numerous games and refreshing snacks all in one location!
Saugatuck Dune RidesSaugatuck, Michigan
Craig’s CruisersHolland, Michigan
Down-River Hydrobike RidesHolland and Saugatuck, Michigan
Sundae Sundae Golf GolfHolland, Michigan
A fun place for teens to hang out with friends during the weekend. This putt putt course provides 36 holes to challenge their friends. Show off your golfing skills then enjoy a delicious ice cream cone afterwards.
Running RiversSagautack, Michigan
Pay Homage To The Michigan White Pine Tree At Shrine Of The Pines
In the heart of the Manistee National Forest is an unexpected shrine. On the outside, the Shrine of the Pines appears to be a typical hunting lodge that one might find in the wilds of Michigan. On the inside, however, this shrine is actually a museum and an art gallery that houses hundreds of furniture pieces made entirely of Michigan white pine wood.
These works of art were created by Raymond W. Overholzer in the early decades of the 20th century. Overholzer dedicated his life to showcasing the beauty of this local tree, particularly because he feared it was being over-logged and could possibly face extinction.
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Shop Hollands Dutch Winter Christmas Market: Kerstmarkt
Held in the downtown Holland area as the farmers market, this winter market is so much fun to explore during the holidays.
Local artisans and farmers set up booths and bring everything from fresh-cut Christmas trees, wreaths, greenery and boughs of holly to handmade wool mittens, hats, candies and other perfect Michigan-made gifts.
If youre going to do one special things this holiday season, make it a day trip to this festive little Dutch Christmas market in Holland.
Want To See Incredible Michigan Christmas Lights
- HollyDazzle at the Michigan Renaissance Festival – 12600 Dixie Hwy. Holly, MI, Nov 26-Dec 31, 2021. Holly Dazzle is a magical three-quarter mile outdoor trail featuring pretty lighted Christmas scenes including Santa Claus, Sledding Penguins and Candy Land Castle in a magical winter wonderland walk through at the Renaissance Village. Get your tickets online! Free Parking!
- Santa’s Rock n Lights November 22 December 31, 2021
- Metro Health Christmas & Holiday Traditions, November 23, 2021 – January 2, 2022, Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, 1000 East Beltline Ave. NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49525.
Be wowed with the glow of over 300,000 colorful lights, virtual visits from Santa, rooftop reindeer and 46 international trees and displays.
- Meadow Brook Winter Wonder Lights! The Holidays at Meadow Brook in Rochester Michigan are simply dazzling! November 26 December 30, 2021
- Festival of Wreaths, The Muskegon Museum of Art, 2021 a wreath walk event to enjoy decorated wreaths from the sidewalk or street from November 24 through December 5, 2021. A Walking Guide with the location of all the wreaths was available at the Muskegon Museum of Art Store and at participating businesses starting November 24.
- Visit Frankenmuth this month! Carriage tours, fudge, Christmas lights, ice skating and so much more! Grab our Frankenmuth Christmas guide!
Are the Rochester lights on? Sure are, right after Nov 23rd!
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More To Do During A Michigan Winter
Its not just the western part of the state that comes to life during the winter months. There are many things to do throughout Michigan when the temperature starts to drop!
Many people enjoy going outside to take part in sports in Michigan in the winter, but you will also find seasonal festivals, family events, and holiday markets. Skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding are popular.
West Michigan Places To Visit
If youre looking for a great place to vacation, consider these things to do in West Michigan:
- Family-friendly activities, from zoos to museums to bike adventures.
- Spending time outdoors beaches, hiking trails, and outside adventures are plentiful.
- From craft beer to local wineries, youll find so many amazing food and drink options!
When you think of vacation destinations, West Michigan may not be the first place to mind. However, the region has something for everyone to enjoy, including Lake Michigan, golf courses, and boat cruises. Check out these things to do, and start planning your trip!
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Get A Craft Beer Pass
Grand Rapids was recently named the Craft Beverage Capital of America by USA Today. The city offers a special Craft Beverage pass every September and October, giving you the chance to earn discounts and prizes for drinking at local breweries.
This is the perfect chance to enjoy locally-made hard ciders, wines, and beers while supporting local businesses and of course, qualifying for a special prize. Its some of the best adult fun you can have this fall in Grand Rapids!
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
This place is huge – roughly 60,000 acres huge. It would be easy to spend an extended amount of time in the backcountry of the Porcupine Mountains and only cross paths with a handful of people.
The easily accessible parts of the park that most visitors find themselves in are divided into three main scenic areas, and weve got a recommendation for each area:
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Lake of the Clouds: Take the short walk to the Lake of the Clouds Overlook, and possibly extend that by hiking on part of the Escarpment Trail. On a clear day, the views here are perfect.
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Summit Peak: Take the short ½ mile hike over both trail and elevated boardwalk to scale the summit peak observation tower.
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Presque Isle River: Hike the waterfalls loop, connecting both the West River Trail and East River Trail in a 2.3 mile loop. Youll see multiple cascading waterfalls and tons of really cool trees and root structures.
GPS Coordinates: 46.829115, -89.622059
There are so many things to do in the Upper Peninsula of MIchigan! If you find yourself taking a road trip or long weekend exploring parts of the U.P., we hope these places to see and experience can help you in your planning. Head over to this post if you want help finding a bunch of free campsites along the route!
And for those of you already familiar with the U.P. – let us know in the comments section what you think should be added to the list!
Please to get our new posts sent right to your inbox, and, as always, thanks for reading!
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View Some Amazing Art At Art Hop
Art Hop is one of the top attractions during the fall in Kalamazoo. This event offers the chance to see local artists on display and discuss the topics with other art lovers. If you prefer, you can simply observe while patronizing local artists and their craft.
This event runs throughout the fall in Kalamazoo, so there are plenty of chances to take part. If you are an artist, you might just have the chance to put your own work on display!
Seney National Wildlife Refuge
If you haven’t gotten enough of the area wildlife, Seney National Wildlife Refuge can help!
The 95,000 acre refuge is free to visit and contains a 7 mile marsh drive, biking trails, and nature trails through wetlands, forests, and meadows, as well as paddling, hunting, fishing, and birding opportunities.
Something for everyone!
GPS Coordinates: 46.281039, -85.927777
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Paw Paw Wine & Harvest
This is one of the best things to do in West Michigan, hands down. Get your palate ready for some serious wine tasting! If youre not into wine, theres also a 5k, a grape stomping competition, a bunch of music, and more.
When: September
Where: Paw Paw
You may have noticed that I did not list any winter festivals however, if youre interested heres an article that will provide you with a few that take place in West Michigan.
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Things To Do In Northern Michigan: Top Picks
Northern Michigan is one of those surprising U.S. vacation destinations. From one of the most beautiful dunes beaches in the world to a no-cars-allowed island to more cherries than you can possibly eat, here are 11 of our bucket list things to do in Northern Michigan.
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click through and buy, TravelingMom may receive a small commission at no additional charge to you.
If you are searching for a unique vacation destination, look no further than Northern Michigan. I think vacationing up north in Michigan may be the best-kept secret in the United States. Michigans exquisite towns of Mackinac Island, Traverse City, Charlevoix, and Petoskey are accessible from major cities like Detroit , Ann Arbor , and Grand Rapids . Each destination is bursting with charm and character reminiscent of cities in Europe. Read on for my 11 favorite things to do in Northern Michigan travel guide.
TravelingMom Tip: Opening days and times, and rules for visiting are subject to change without warning. Always call or check the website before heading out for the day. If masks are required, try one of these super cute masks from Etsy.
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Stare At The Mackinac Bridge
If your Upper Peninsula Road Trip is beginning by crossing the Mackinac Bridge, first stop at Alexander Henry Park to see it!
Walk across the street to grab some ice cream from the Lighthouse Party Store, then dip your toes in the water, stare at the Mighty Mac, and even walk underneath it.
The 5 mile long Mackinac Bridge is Americas longest suspension bridge. It crosses the straight that connects Lake Michigan and Lake Huron, and the middle stands about 200 feet above the water. The Mighty Mac is designed to withstand high winds, and under extreme circumstances, its middle is able to move a full 35 feet !
GPS Coordinates: 45.787318, -84.730219
Pinecrest U Cut Christmas Tree Farm In Galien Mi4403 Spring Creek Rd Galien Mi 49113
Located in Galien, Pinecrest Christmas Tree Farm is ready to be your new family tradition. U-cut and pre-cut trees are available in Douglas Fir, Norway Spruce, Scotch Pine, and many more. Colored trees are also available to put your Christmas decor over the top, available in red, purple, blue, teal, white, and black.
This is just the tip of the iceberg though, because they also offer horse-drawn wagon rides and tractor rides to make your experience amazing. Theres something to make everyone smile here.
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