 Michigan is deceptively long and large, and it takes two time zones to fit in all the fun of a Michigan vacation. The drive from Monroe in the southeast to Ironwood in the western U.P. is similar to the distance between Atlanta and Chicago, but we think it's a lot more pleasant.
Along the way, one discovers that Michigan's character is really a magnificent blend of personalities, from the sophistication and excitement of its cities to the run and relaxation found in the northern Lower Peninsula and across the entire Upper Peninsula. The diversity of people, geography, and topography all combine to provide the traveler with a variety of experiences and experiences that can be personalized to the type of vacation or getaway that's just right for you. As you explore the seven regions described within our MIGuide directory, you are sure to identify activities and destinations that match perfectly to the traveling you want to do. So, go ahead. Explore Michigan for Great Lakes and Great Times! If you're the type of traveler who likes all-inclusive travel packages that are tailored to you and your family, our vacation planner is the place to start. You'll find one-price packages designed for the golfer, the newly married couple, the snowmobile enthusiast, and even the wine sampler. So if you're in the market for a very special experience in a very well put-together offering, our Virtuoso Travel Consultants will help you just find what you're looking for.
With 3,200 miles of Great Lakes shoreline and over 11,000 inland lakes, Michigan is a true paradise for all types of boating and water paddlesports. Whether you want to locate a captained charter fishing boat and go after some chinook out on one of the big lakes, or rent an 18-foot powerboat for a day of water-skiing or tubing.
Michigan's four great seasons are distinct and spectacular. A climate softened by moisture-laden winds crossing these inland seas produces much of the nation's fruit crop, fine wines on hillside vineyards, thousands of sandy beaches along the shores of 11,000 inland lakes, some of the world's best turfgrass on many of the finest golf courses, plus great skiing and snowmobiling during the winter months. If you're looking for fabulous fall color, look no further than Michigan?it's around nearly every bend in the road. And along the way you'll discover the many local u-pick orchards, pumpkin patches, cider mills, and autumn festivals for a real taste of the harvest season.
So many summer activities, so little time. Playing all of Michigan's public golf courses could take a lifetime of summers by itself. There's accessible wilderness to go with our southern metropolitan areas. Fabulous fishing ranges from charter boats on the Great Lakes to flycasting on thousands of lakes and waterways. If warm weather's the time for you, you'd better get started.
In summer--when daylight lingers until 10 p.m.--more than one quarter of Michigan's 3,200-mile Great Lakes shoreline opens up to beach and water activities in state and local parks and National Lakeshores in addition to resorts where the atmosphere ranges from homey to sophisticated.
Some 500 charter fishing boats take to the waters--as do nearly one million pleasure boats. But with 40,000 square miles of Great Lakes waters, 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of rivers and streams, boat traffic is active--but never overcrowded.
Speaking of crowds, you can avoid them whenever you want in Michigan's 19 million acres of forest (nearly half the state). There are tens of thousands of campsites--ranging from primitive to plush in private campgrounds, state parks, national forests, and on Isle Royale, America's only island National Park. And with more public golf courses than any other state--800 plus--and long summer days, the wait for a tee time is usually short.
Summer theater, a thousand summer festivals and events, hiking and biking trails, and canoeing from a hundred canoe liveries help round out the Great Times to be had between the shores of the Great Lakes in summer.
There are hundreds of exciting attractions across the state, like theme parks, arenas, dinner cruises, factory tours, casinos, canoe liveries, halls of fame, and much more. Whether you're interested in the Abrams Planetarium in East Lansing or a dinner train ride in Blissfield or Traverse City, our searchable Attractions Locator is the place to start.
There are hundreds of exciting attractions across the state, like theme parks, arenas, dinner cruises, factory tours, casinos, canoe liveries, halls of fame, and much more. Whether you're interested in the Abrams Planetarium in East Lansing or a dinner train ride in Blissfield or Traverse City, our searchable Attractions Locator is the place to start. |
