By Crystal Kassab Jabiro

The Great Lakes State has long been a destination for travelers and natives alike seeking natural beauty, scenic drives, historical sites, and relaxing (or even risky) recreation. With its stunning sunsets and its wondrous four seasons, the “Mighty Mitten” is a great place full of exceptional experiences just waiting for you.

Traverse City

Traverse City offers a myriad of places to go and things to do in Northern Michigan. Known as the “Cherry Capital of the World,” you can attend the National Cherry Festival in the summer, tour over 40 wineries and breweries, charter a fishing boat, or try your luck at the Turtle Creek Casino, owned and operated by the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.

There are several hotels on Lake Michigan’s shoreline, and for an added adventure, you can drive about 30 minutes to hike the Sleeping Bear Dunes or veer off into the Leelanau Peninsula to visit Fishtown (Leland), a small town with a thriving commercial fishing district, evocative of those small towns typical in Hallmark movies.

Tahquamenon Falls

The Tahquamenon Falls are surely a sight to see in the Upper Peninsula. Situated in Tahquamenon Falls State Park, these waterfalls consist of an Upper Falls and a Lower Falls and are both characterized by their amber color that comes from leached tannins in the nearby cedar, spruce, and hemlock trees that are draining in swamps of the Tahquamenon River.

The Upper Falls are one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi, and the Lower Falls cascade around an island 4 miles away. From here, you can drive 30 minutes to visit the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum or an hour and a half to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

Mackinac Island

The US News and World Report named the island the “#1 Best Place to Visit in Michigan.” Take a step back in time for horse-drawn carriage rides and Victorian architecture and experience what Mackinac has to offer. It was first known as Fort Mackinac, an American outpost for soldiers and their families during the War of 1812. British soldiers captured it and three years later, it was restored to the US by the Treaty of Ghent.

On Mackinac Island, you can visit many historical museums and see reenactments of 19th century life. You can also go biking and hiking the many trails, brunch at the historic Grand Hotel, and nosh on some world-famous fudge. There are no cars there, so make sure to get to the ferry in time to journey across Lake Huron!

Keweenaw Peninsula

The Keweenaw Peninsula is the Upper Peninsula’s northernmost point, jutting into Lake Superior. It is home to America’s first copper boom and white pine lumber boom. Now known for its logging and its tourism, it is a haven for the adventurous outdoorsy person with its fat-tire biking trails, snowshoeing trails, and ATV trails.

It also boasts the daring Keweenaw Underwater Preserve, where you can dive into Lake Superior and see several shipwrecks. There are a lot of restaurants, shopping, and museums to visit. The Keweenaw Peninsula is home to Michigan Technological University.

Kitch-iti-kipi

Try and say it. It comes from the Ojibwe word for “big cold spring” and is Michigan’s largest natural freshwater spring. The teal water is crystal clear, with a constant frigid temperature of 45 degrees.

Ten thousand gallons of water flare up from cracks in the limestone on the river’s floor, and the overflow fills in nearby Indian Lake. There is an observation deck as well as a raft with a glass bottom middle so you can look down into the lake. Kitch-iti-kipi is a stunning sight to see.

Port Austin/Caseville

Travel to the thumb of Michigan for a kayak ride to the sea caves and other rock formations—most notably Turnip Rock on Lake Huron’s Saginaw Bay. It could take up to four hours to explore there and back on a kayak, so plan on checking the weather and lake conditions before you go because that affects the timing. The seven-mile roundtrip journey is not for the novice; even some experienced kayakers find it taxing.

There are also lots of beaches and fishing charters and campgrounds, like Port Crescent State Park, as well the Farmer’s Market, History Center, and the Huron County Nature Center and Wilderness Arboretum. Travel a little more than 20 minutes away to Caseville for more beaches and state parks, and for their famous yearly “Cheeseburger in Caseville” festival. The 10-day tribute to Jimmy Buffet + the beach + cheeseburgers takes place every August.

Saugatuck

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine named Oval Beach one of the “top 25 beaches in the world.” The freshwater beach is considered a paradise on Lake Michigan, and while it’s thought of as a “hidden gem,” there are more seekers than you know, so get there early to find a parking spot.

Nature lovers can hike Mount Baldhead or take an adventurous Saugatuck Dune Ride. The beach town is also known as the “Art Coast of Michigan” where you can find public exhibitions, art fairs, gallery strolls, and regular exhibits at the Saugatuck Center for the Arts.

Oscoda

On the east side of the state lies Oscoda, situated on the Au Sable River along Lake Huron. ORV/ATV mudding, fly-fishing, and birding trails are a few of the awesome adventures the city has to offer, and it is a fisherman’s heaven known for its trophy-sized walleyes.

The Lumberman’s Monument is a tribute to those who cut the timber to build a nation. It’s low-key, yet with plenty to do. It is definitely worth your time.

Tawas City

Tawas City has several beaches, camps, and resorts on and near Lake Huron to fit everyone’s mood. The historic Tawas Point Lighthouse is a birdwatcher’s bliss and in addition to tours, you can even host events there. This summer it will be closed due to preservation upgrades to the 150-year-old structure, but that’s no reason not to visit.

Tawas City has been dubbed the “Cape Cod of the Midwest’’ for its miles of turquoise beaches, cool downtown harbor, and action-packed pier.

Grand Haven

Visit the beautiful beaches and pleasant parks of Grand Haven for a relaxing getaway. You can make a relaxed visit to the Grand Haven Lighthouse or Musical Fountain, and then off to the Boardwalk, full of restaurants and shops.

You can charter a fishing boat or ride through the biking trails for some adventure; otherwise plan on it being a chill trip. Look forward to the Kite Festival in May and the Coast Guard Festival at the end of July.

If you are looking for unique adventures, journey within the Mitten. After all, our state motto is, “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you.” There’s no place like home, and nothing says “pure Michigan” more than that.

For more information on traveling the Great Lake State, visit Pure Michigan (www.michigan.org), Michigan Department of Natural Resources (www.michigan.gov/dnr), or Michigan History Center (www.michigan.gov/mhc).

The Mitten Marks the Spot: 10 Michigan Destinations to Visit

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