Places to Visit in Michigan's Lower Peninsula

Michiganders love to explore their state. Residents account for three-quarters of the state's leisure travel. But Michigan's beauty and tourism resources also draw more than 3 million out-of-state visitors each year. The Lower Peninsula's top attractions showcase Mother Nature's handiwork. They ignite imagination. They transport visitors to the past and to faraway cultures offering learning, fun and adventure.

Bavarian Village

• Frankenmuth in Saginaw County is the state's most popular tourist attraction drawing about 3 million visitors annually. Known as Little Bavaria, its popularity originally developed from the town's authentic German restaurants. Zehnder's restaurant serves 1 million guests each year, while the Bavarian Inn Restaurant offers Michigan's largest selection of German beers. A must-see on any Frankenmuth visit is Bronner's, the self-proclaimed world's largest Christmas store. Bronner's fills an area the size of more than five football fields with holiday products. A year-round calendar of festivals, brewery tours, wine tastings, river boat cruises and a visit to the Military & Space Museum all top Frankenmuth's list of attractions.

Holland State Park

• Swimming, sunbathing and stunning sunsets over Lake Michigan create the magic at Holland State Park. Situated along the Lower Peninsula's western coastline, its huge golden sand beach has served as a major Midwest attraction for generations. As many as 1.9 million people visit the park each year. Holland State Park spans 142 acres encompassing separate areas along Lake Michigan and Lake Macatawa. Activities include beaching, camping, fishing, boating and biking the 25-mile Ottawa Trail which traverses the park. Holland Harbor Lighthouse, the most photographed Michigan lighthouse, is viewed and accessed from the park.
• Sleeping Bear

• In 2011, ABC's "Good Morning America" named Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore the "Most Beautiful Place in America." The park welcomes as many as 1.5 million visitors each year. Sleeping Bear stretches for 65 miles along the Lake Michigan coast in the northwest Lower Peninsula. It spans 50,000 land acres, contains two islands, 26 inland lakes, historic buildings and its signature towering dune bluffs. Park activities range from scaling giant dunes at the Dune Climb to touring old blacksmith and cannery facilities at Glen Haven. Other opportunities include modern, rustic and backcountry camping, boating, paddling, beaching, biking and hiking the park's 100 miles of trails. Winter options are snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling.

Ford Museum

• The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village introduces about 1.5 million visitors annually to great American legacies. Located in the Metro Detroit suburb of Dearborn, the historic collection contains 26 million artifacts dating back 300 years. Museum treasures include the Rosa Parks bus and Abraham Lincoln's chair. Highlights of the adjacent Greenfield Village's seven historic villages include Thomas Edison's lab and original light bulbs and the Wright Brothers cycle shop. The Ford Museum complex engages visitors through demonstrations and reenactments. Associated attractions include an IMAX theatre and tours of the Ford Rouge Plant.

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How to Travel to Michigan From Wisconsin

There are a number of reasons to visit Michigan, from employment to visiting family. Travelers can explore the natural beauty of state, including some of the highest freshwater sand dunes in the world, the only national marine sanctuary in the Great Lakes and the vast forests and wilderness of the Upper Peninsula. Visitors from Wisconsin can travel to Michigan by air, land and water. Daily, year-round passenger bus and rail services are available via Chicago to southern Michigan, and bus services link Wisconsin's north with the Upper Peninsula. Daily flights also connect communities in Wisconsin with Detroit, Flint, Manistee and Ironwood.

Tips For You
Travel by Ferry

1. Determine where in Michigan you plan to travel to. Ferry services link Wisconsin and Michigan via Lake Michigan. Lake Express offers daily services between Milwaukee and Muskegon, Michigan. In addition, the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry sails from Manitowoc, Wisconsin, to Ludington, Michigan. Muskegon is a gateway to destinations in central and southern Michigan, while Mantiowoc is best for destinations in northern Michigan.
2. Confirm that ferry services are available for your preferred departure date. Ferries between Wisconsin and Michigan generally operate from May to October. Services are also subject to weather conditions on Lake Michigan. Call or visit the websites for Lake Express and the S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry to confirm ferry availability.
3. Determine which ticket you require. Passenger seating is available onboard the Lake Express and S.S. Badger ships. If traveling with a vehicle, tickets are also available for passengers with cars, bicycles, trucks or motorcycles. You can purchase tickets online from the ferry services' websites or at the ferry terminal.
4. Travel to the ferry departure point and sail to Michigan. Travel time between Wisconsin and Michigan by ferry is approximately two-and-a-half to three hours. It is recommended that you arrive one hour before your departure time for S.S. Badger Lake Michigan Carferry crossings, and 30 minutes if traveling without a vehicle and 45 minutes with a vehicle for Lake Express ferries.

Travel by Car

1. Determine where in Michigan you are traveling to. If the destination you wish to travel to is not served by ferry, air or rail, and you wish to bring your car with you, there are a number of ways to reach Michigan by road. Different routes connect Wisconsin with the Upper Peninsula and southern and central Michigan.
2. Travel on Interstate 94 to visit Southern Michigan and Detroit. Interstate 94 traverses southern Wisconsin and continues to Michigan via Chicago. Once in Michigan, Interstate 94 connects with other highways to reach destinations throughout the state.
3. Travel to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan via the U.S. highway system. Visitors to the Upper Peninsula can use several routes and main highways, including U.S. Route 51 to Ironwood, Michigan, U.S. Route 45 to Land O'Lakes, and U.S. Routes 2, 8 and 141 to Iron Mountain, Michigan.

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Beaches Near Ann Arbor, Michigan

If you look at a satellite photo of Ann Arbor, one of the first things you'll notice is the water: The image is shot through with the deep, cool blue of the region's umpteen inland lakes. In many cases, Michigan's local municipalities have constructed excellent beach-going facilities around these water features, trucking in soft sand, carefully managing the purity of the water and building plenty of shoreline amenities. During the summertime school holidays, the six parks within 25 miles of Ann Arbor attract droves of local families and college students, all eager to soak up some vitamin D and a hefty dose of outdoor playtime.

Independence Day County Park

• Independence Day County Park, located 10 miles from Ann Arbor in the city of Whitmore Lake, stays open year-round. In the summertime, it's a big draw for nature lovers: Its many trails lead visitors through wetlands, woodlands and prairie habitats. Sun-worshippers, however, head to the 300-foot-long sandy beach that fronts the park's central Independence Lake. Clean ablution facilities, picnic pavilions and a water-fountain playground sit close to the beach, and fishing areas are just a short walk away. Also close at hand is a launching ramp for low- and no-powered watercraft. A kiosk rents rowboats and paddle-boats.

Van Buren Park

• The industrial juggernaut of Detroit Edison constructed Van Buren Park -- located 10 miles from Ann Arbor, in Belleville -- in the 1940s, as a recreational destination for company employees and their families. Detroit Edison donated the park to the city in the 1970s, at which point the facility was developed to serve the greater community with several clean swimming beaches, picnic areas, sports fields, low-powered boating opportunities and tent camping spaces. There are several water access points around the park's Belleville Lake and French Landing Dam, but the main beach is the only one with an ADA access ramp.

Island Lake Recreation Area

• Perhaps the area's best known swimming destination, the Island Lake Recreation Area draws more than a million visitors per year. Located 17 miles from Ann Arbor in the town of Brighton, the park features extensive facilities for camping and outdoor recreation, for example, massive picnic pavilions, trout and bass fishing, almost 20 miles of woodland biking trails, several rental cabins and a 500-person outdoor event center. The park's two large, sandy public beaches -- prime territory for local co-eds to see-and-be-seen -- figure prominently in the park's appeal. Weekend warriors can rent a canoe on-site and take an overnight camping trip on the Huron River, which crosses the property.

Brighton Recreation Area

• Just 18 miles from Ann Arbor, the expansive Brighton Recreation Area spreads out around two wooded lakes in the city of Howell. Both the lakes are fringed with sandy beaches that feature picnic areas, sand volleyball and horseshoe pits for lakeside entertainment. One of these -- Bishop Lake -- has an ADA-accessible path down to the swimming beach. Brighton Recreation Area also offers canoes, kayaks and paddle-boats for hourly rental.

Camp Dearborn

• Camp Dearborn has been hosting local families for lakeside camping holidays for more than half a century. Located 22 miles from Ann Arbor in the city of Milford, Camp Dearborn's 626-acre property encompasses six lakes, all of which are swimmable. The main public swimming beach is a half-mile-long strip of sand with close-by picnic facilities and a large playground. Registered campers may enjoy the campground's private beach, swimming lake and heated pool. Paddle-boat and canoe rentals allow active visitors to explore the lakes and part of the Huron River.

Pickney Recreation Area

• Pickney Recreation Area's 11,000 acres cover several small lakes, which are best known for fishing but offer shaded, grass-lined banks for lounging -- perfect for beach-goers in the mood to kick back and read a good book. The best beaches are clustered around the park's Bruin Lake, which also offers picnic sites, boat rentals, a playground and a concession stand. Rustic campgrounds sit close to the shoreline at Crooked Lake. Crooked Lake is connected to the rest of the park by a 40-mile trail system, which invites visitors to reach the beach via a weekend backpacking trip. Pickney Recreation Area is a convenient 17 miles from Ann Arbor.

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Things to Do in Clio, Michigan

Clio, a Flint suburb, lies near Genesee County's northern boundary in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Incorporated in 1873, Clio eventually grew to rely on manufacturing and small businesses as its economic base. Today, Clio offers small-town living with its own brand of amenities and recreation opportunities.

Recreation

• Clio City Park offers a children's playscape and the George Atkins Jr. Recreation Trail, an 8-foot wide paved trail that attracts runners, bikers, skaters and pedestrians. It extends 7.5 miles as it follows Pine Run Creek through woodlands. The park is open dawn to dusk.

  Located on Vienna Street/M-57, Clio Skatepark covers 14,400 square feet, offering multiple ramps for novice, intermediate and expert skateboarders.

  Vienna Greens Golf Course is a public facility offering an 18-hole bent grass course. Its assets include birch-lined fairways along with medium-sized greens.

  Winter snows provide cross-country skiing recreation at For-Mar Nature Preserve in nearby Burton.

Culture

• For more than 20 years, the Clio Art Society has provided diverse artistic experiences. (Reference 3) allery exhibits change monthly. Adult classes and seminars include courses in photography, pottery, drawing and painting. Children's art lessons introduce area youth to creative endeavors.

  On the second weekend in September, the Art Society presents Clio Festival of the Arts, an event fusing art, entertainment and food.

  Summer in Clio means six weeks of concerts by national touring acts at the Clio Area Amphitheater.

Agriculture

• Growers and producers come to the downtown open-air farmers market from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. between June and October. Vendors offer vegetables, fruits, honey, eggs, flowers, herbs and handcrafted items.

  In July and August, Azure Acres along West Lake Road is open daily for you to pick your own blueberries.

Clio Libray

• Whatever the season, there's something to do and learn at the Clio Area Library, a Genesee County Library branch facility. A special children's area and computer access engages youngsters. The library's Digital Branch makes downloads available 24 hours a day and includes book titles, movies, audio books and music. An online book club invites adults to share literary pleasures from home or via mobile access. Free Wi-Fi is available to library patrons.

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Things to Do in Iron River, Michigan

Surrounded by the woods and wilds of Michigan's western Upper Peninsula, Iron River breeds a year-round outdoor culture. This small, active town is centrally located in Iron County, providing easy access to the county's more than 300 lakes, the Paint, Net and Brule Rivers, and its namesake, the Iron River. The town's rich Great Lakes heritage, cultural life and special events combine to create a lively community in which to live and visit.

Apple Blossom Trail

• Iron River is the launching point for the Iron County Heritage Trail. The trailhead for this 14-mile paved but non-motorized pathway is located at the Iron County Chamber of Commerce in downtown Iron River. Following the trail to its terminus at Crystal Falls provides access to 14 designated historic and natural sites that showcase Iron County's people and key places. A segment of the Apple Blossom Trail traverses the Iron River and then follows the river bank along an old rail corridor. Trail highlights include the location where Harvey Mellon discovered ore in 1851.

Winter Fun

• Ski Brule is a hub for Iron River winter action. The resort typically opens in early November for family fun. Two tubing areas, a 30-acre snowboard terrain park and 17 slopes and trails provide multiple activity choices. Ski Brule connects outdoor lovers to the wilds with 20 miles of tracked and groomed snowshoe and cross-country ski trails. The resort also provides access to more than 300 miles of snowmobile trails. Ice skating and sleigh rides are other fun options.

Camping

• Iron River's natural beauty attracts outdoor-loving campers. Within walking distance of the town's shops and restaurants, Iron River RV Park is a full-service campground, with showers, a dump station and free WiFi. Five miles southwest of Iron River, in the Ottawa National Forest, the Lake Ottawa Recreation Area provides 32 campsites and a host of amenities. The area has three lakes and rivers filled with northern pike, bass and walleye. Boat launches support motorized and non-motorized boating. Several hiking trails meander through the park as well, offering miles of hiking and biking routes through the wilderness.

Special Events

• Iron River hosts the annual Upper Peninsula Championship Rodeo each July at the Iron County Fairgrounds. This professional rodeo showcases skills in multiple events, including bull riding, barrel racing, roping, bareback riding and saddle bronc riding.

  In late August, the Iron County Fair takes over the town's fairgrounds. For more than a century, the fair has marked the end of summer with an array of exhibits and activities. Highlights include a carnival, a Labor Day parade, a talent show, demolition derby and rodeos.

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Things to Do in Monroe, Michigan

Located within easy reach of Toledo, Ohio and Detroit, the city of Monroe is situated in southeastern Michigan, right along Lake Erie. The third oldest community in the state, Monroe attracts residents and visitors with a broad range of recreational activities that include a network of 35 parks, a riverfront walk and a multipurpose sports complex. Unsurprisingly for a city founded in 1785, Monroe also features several nationally significant historic sites, including a battlefield from the War of 1812.

City Parks

• Monroe's network of 35 parks provides active fun, rest and relaxation. Veterans Park, Soldiers and Sailors Park, Altrusa Park, Roessler Field and Hellenberg Park all sit along the banks of the River Raisin. Hellenberg Park's boat launch provides river access. Many of Monroe's parks offer children's playgrounds, while nine parks offer ball fields, tennis and basketball courts, and facilities for roller sports and bocce ball. Munson Park highlights winter fun by featuring a skating pond, sledding hill and cross-country skiing trails. Loranger Square in the midst of downtown invites down time with a water fountain and benches. City recreational programs encompass athletics, art, gardening and town walking tours.

Historic Sites

• Monroe provides history buffs with a wealth of opportunities to explore the past. The city is home to the River Raisin National Battlefield Park, site of the Battle of Frenchtown during the War of 1812. The park's visitor center contains artifacts from the conflict that include original military firearms. Exhibits also feature life-sized figures of militiamen, British infantry and Native Americans.

  The Monroe County Historical Museum is located at the homestead site of General George Custer. The museum features an exhibit on the life of Custer and his family. Other exhibits showcase Michigan's early history.

  The Historical Museum War of 1812 Battlefield Site is a short walk from downtown. Visitors may tour the grounds and view a fiber-optic map detailing the Battle of Frenchtown.

Special Events

• Every August, music, sun and hot sounds combine to create fun at the annual four-day River Raisin Jazz Festival at St. Mary's Park. The region's largest free festival has two stages that spotlight headliners and up and coming acts. The festival typically coincides with the Annual Downtown Monroe Fine Art Fair, an event that features in excess of 50 artists and their works.

  The historic Monroe County Fair takes place in late July at the county fairgrounds. A traditional fair, it highlights the area's agriculture, food and music, among other things. A midway, various types of entertainment, a demolition derby and a monster truck show add a modern flavor.

Sports Complex

• The Monroe County Multi-Sports Complex is the local hub for ice sports. Whether you're a player or a spectator, the 70,000-square-foot facility offers year-round fun. With two rinks, the complex is home ice for area high school hockey teams. The rinks also host youth and adult hockey leagues, drop-in hockey, and youth and adult tournaments. There are also open skates, figure skating lessons, clinics and camps. The center's Field House supports youth and adult soccer leagues and tournaments. Inflatables promote family fun through the center's Bounce Mania program.

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Destinations in Coleman, Michigan

Coleman touts itself as a small town with a big heart. Located in Midland County in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the city boomed in the 1800s as a lumber town. It incorporated in 1887 and modernized in 1994 with a new streetscape. Coleman thrives as a part of Midland County's commitment to progress that is reflected by a 2012 designation by the University of Michigan's Dearborn Center for Innovation Research ranking Midland as one of Michigan's eight top areas for fostering entrepreneurial growth and economic development.

Rail Trail

• Coleman is a host community for the popular Pere Marquette Rail-Trail of Mid-Michigan. The 14-foot wide paved asphalt trail welcomes hiking, jogging, biking, inline skating and cross-country skiing. The section between Coleman and the neighboring town of North Bradley is also open for equestrian use. The trail traces the route of the old Pere Marquette Railroad 22 miles east to Midland and 10 miles west to Clare. Considered an exemplary pathway, it is is one of only 25 trails in the nation admitted to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy's Rail-Trail Hall of Fame.

Veterans Memorial

• The Coleman Veterans Memorial honors the men and women who have served in the military. Located along Railway Street, three wheelchair accessible sidewalks lead into a courtyard paved with bricks inscribed with the names of veterans. Flags representing each branch of the military surround the courtyard. At the center stand five life-sized sculptures of soldiers in uniform, representing the "War on Terror." An annual "United by Sacrifice" fundraising concert at the courtyard precedes Memorial Day ceremonies.

Coleman Library

• Coleman Area Library sits adjacent to the Veterans Memorial. The library provides a resource for learning and activities for residents of Coleman and Geneva, Warren and Edville townships. In addition to its print collection, it offers movies, audio books, free computer use and free Wi-Fi access. Patrons may remotely access the library's subscription database, which includes government, health and business resources and more.

Salt River Park

• When a peaceful nature escape is on the agenda, Laur Big Salt River Park fills the bill. The Midland County park sits 5 miles south of Coleman off MacNally Road along leafy river banks. An unspoiled retreat, woods, wildflowers and the gentle river create a serene environment for a picnic, photography or thoughtful reflection. Stairs provide easy river access and an overlook offers scenic views. Laur Big Salt River Park hours are 9 a.m to 6 p.m.

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Places to Go Snowshoeing in Michigan

In winter, Michigan's snow-covered forests and dunes, frozen waterfalls and meadows blanketed in white make snowshoeing a particularly enticing experience. Snowshoe options range from trails that parallel Lake Superior's icy waters, where annual snowfall averages up to 188 inches, to the Detroit area's nature preserves, where snowfall averages less than 60 inches. But no matter the quantity of snow, the opportunity to experience a snowshoeing adventure in Michigan is readily available.

Upper Peninsula

• Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park, one of the Midwest's largest wilderness areas, offers 87 miles of snowshoe/cross-country trails. Snowshoers may also forge their own way through the wilds or join one of the park's annual guided night treks along a 1-mile path lit by antique kerosene lanterns.

  Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, situated along Lake Superior near Munising, opens up nearly 33,000 acres to snowshoeing. Suggested routes include the 1.5-mile marked Sand Point Snowshoe Trail that leads to cliffs and a 5.6-mile round-trip trek to Miner's Falls, where visitors can experience the sublime beauty of a frozen waterfall. A 10-mile trek along a summer access road leads to the 80-foot tall Chapel Falls, one of the states most scenic.

Northern Lower Peninsula

• Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore sits within the northwest corner of the Lower Peninsula, along Lake Michigan's eastern coast. Park rangers provide snowshoe lessons and weekly guided hikes. Eleven trails of varying length offer an array of snowshoeing options. These include the 1.5-mile Windy Moraine Trail, with its views of Glen Lake, Lake Michigan and dune areas. Pyramid Point is a 2.7-mile looped trail through forests and fields that ultimately leads to a Lake Michigan overlook.

  The Huron-Manistee National Forest spreads across the northern Lower Peninsula, encompassing nearly a million acres. Seven trails -- ranging from less than a mile in length to nearly 20 miles -- are shared by snowshoers and cross-country skiers and accommodate all skill levels. Trails include the Manistee River Trail and Nordhouse Dunes Trail.

West Michigan

• While West Michigan's many public parks provide winter trails, Ludington State Park stands out for its effort to engage beginners in the sport. The 5,300-acre park sits along the Lake Michigan coastline in Mason County. Each Saturday in January and February, the park offers instruction and free guided snowshoe hikes. Anyone trying out the sport may borrow a pair of snowshoes; the equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis. Eight trails totaling 18 miles traverse woodlands, fields and snow-covered dunes.

Southeast Michigan

• While southeast Michigan's snowfall doesn't rival the amounts found in northern parts of the state, snowshoeing opportunities can still be found in this urbanized region. Oakland County parks provide open snowshoeing at Glen Oaks, Red Oaks, Springfield Oaks and White Lake Oaks golf courses. Groomed and ungroomed trails, ranging from about a mile to 19 miles, offer diverse experiences at Addison Oaks, Highland Oaks, Lynn Oaks and Waterford Oaks parks.

  The 13 Huron-Clinton Metroparks situated throughout four southeast Michigan counties offer winter fun. Stony Creek Metropark Nature Center spans more than 4,000 acres. Occasional organized snowshoe events and snowshoe rentals get newbies on the trails here. Favorite Stony Creek treks include the Lake Trail, with its three loops, and the 2.5-mile Habitat Trail through forest, wetlands and fields.

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Things to Do in Pentwater & Ludington, Michigan

Hugged by tall sandy dunes, the neighboring resort towns of Pentwater and Ludington sit along Lake Michigan's eastern shore in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. These classic beach towns offer diverse cultural and recreational activities. From art to lighthouses to dune trails and community festivals, the towns extend an open invitation to experience their natural beauty and year-round recreational options.

Trail Activities

• Area trails invite diverse adventures. Situated between Lake Michigan and Hamlin Lake, Ludington State Park offers a 2 mile paved bike trail following Big Sable River to Hamlin Lake. Bikes are also permitted along Lighthouse Road leading to Big Sable Lighthouse. A 21.5 mile hiking trail traverses woods and dunes allowing for short and long treks. Winter's peace blankets the park's 10 miles of cross-country ski trails, including the 3-mile groomed Logging Trail.

  Mears State Park in Pentwater offers a 1 mile interpretive trail leading to the peak of Mount Baldy dune. Hikers reaching the top are rewarded with sweeping views of Lake Michigan, the boat harbor and Pentwater village.

Historic Attractions

• The S.S. Badger, the nation's only coal-fired steamship and the largest car ferry to sail the Great Lakes, docks in Ludington. Still making daily public cruises across Lake Michigan to Wisconsin during fair weather, the S.S. Badger is a registered National Historic Site and a Michigan and Wisconsin Registered Historic Site.

  Situated just south of Ludington White Pine Village takes visitors back to yesteryear. The state Registered Historic Site includes more than 30 buildings. Self-guided tours showcase local history pertaining to lumbering, agriculture and maritime industries. A one-room schoolhouse and old-fashioned ice cream parlor delight the young and young at heart.

  Downtown Ludington's self-guided Mural Walk includes 11 large murals on building facades, each showcasing area life and history.

City Pleasures

• A relaxed pace of life defines small town life in the sister cities. Shopping and dining experiences complement multiple amenities. Ludington's Waterfront Park showcases nine bronze sculptures, a walkway, playground, amphitheater and two marinas. Sandcastles Children's Museum provides hands-on exploration and learning. Pentwater keeps the spirit of creativity alive with a series of art festivals and events. The summer season kicks off with Chalk it Up in Pentwater, a sidewalk chalk art contest. In July, art lovers flock to the annual Pentwater Fine Art Fair and the Garden Walk and Blooming Art event. September engages art lovers with the Wine and Art at the Harbor, an art auction and wine tasting event. FallFest, also a September event, focuses on arts, crafts and antiques. Ludington shines during summer's West Shore Art Fair, Freedom Festival and the West Michigan Fair, a traditional country fair.

Water Play

• Ludington and Pentwater park beaches are signature assets providing swimming, sunbathing and sunset shoreline strolls. Pentwater pier attracts those interested in casting a line, as does Pentwater Lake, which is also favored for ice fishing. The sister cities are among Lake Michigan's leading salmon fishing ports. Fifty local charter captains offer experiences for novice and master anglers, individuals and groups. Sail charter companies include Pentwater's Irish Wake and Ludington's Let's Go Sail. Chart your own course at Northern Breezes Sailing School by learning basic and advanced sailing techniques. From shore, spectators enjoy weekly sail races sponsored by Pentwater Yacht Club. Paddlers take on Ludington State Park's 4 mile canoe trail that traces the shores of Hamlin Lake's Desperation Point.

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Things to Do in Rogers City, MI

Located along Lake Huron's northeastern shore in Michigan's Lower Peninsula, Rogers City basks in its maritime heritage and Great Lakes assets. From charter fishing to sailboat races, the community provides a vast array of options for water play. But that's just the beginning of the fun in this lively small town on Michigan's sunrise side.

Parks

• Rogers City's abundance of parks and natural areas invites relaxation and recreation. The 10-acre Lakeside Park along Lake Huron offers a swimming beach, picnic area, walkways, playgrounds, a bandshell for community concerts and a 140-slip public marina. P.H. Hoeft State Park beckons beach-goers with a mile of Lake Huron shoreline. Modern camping, hiking, biking and cross-country trails offer additional options. Thompson's Harbor State Park spans more than 5,000 acres and includes over 7 miles of Lake Huron shoreline. Hunting, fishing and 6 miles of trails through the largely undeveloped park provide year-round activities. The 43-acre Seagull Point Park, the city's largest park, offers a mile-long shore, natural dunes and foot trails.

Huron Sunrise Trail

• Huron Sunrise Trail along Lake Huron inspires diverse experiences. The trail stretches 11 miles from the city's Little League Park to 40 Mile Point Lighthouse, connecting 21 parks and points of interest. View Great Lakes freighters loading cargo from the Harbor View site. See 20th-century Craftsman-style homes along the Bungalow Trail section. Stop at Breakwater Point and fishing pier to cast a line. Explore the 270-acre Herman Vogler Conservation Area and its 7 miles of hiking, biking and skiing paths, or stop by Wayside Beach for a picnic.

Museums

• Rogers City is home to the only maritime museum honoring the individuals involved in Great Lakes commercial shipping. The Great Lakes Lore Maritime Museum collection provides a glimpse into daily life on the inland seas. On display are artifacts such as cabin furniture, gear, lockers and lifeboats.

  Presque Isle County Historical Museum's Bradley House offers a look back at the region's early days showcasing a country store, millinery, pioneer tools and Native American and military exhibits.

  Situated 7 miles north of Rogers City at Presque Isle County's Lighthouse Park, the 40 Mile Point Lighthouse offers year-round tours and the opportunity to volunteer as an assistant lighthouse keeper.

Arts and Celebrations

• Get inspired at the Rogers City Theater where it's possible to see a community theater production, watch a movie, rent a bike to explore town and enjoy an ice cream cone all at one stop.

  Many locales are involved in the annual Rogers City Nautical Festival. A lumberjack show, queen's pageant and parade highlight entertainment at the week-long signature event taking place in late July. Attendees can enjoy a car show or participate in a foot race, athletic tournament, or children's activities.

  The Spring Festival of Arts & Crafts in June kicks off summer fun. Kiwanis provides whitefish sandwiches while artists, crafters and musicians showcase their talents at the day-long event.

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Places to Go in Royal Oak, Michigan

The smart and trendy Detroit suburb of Royal Oak sits in the southeast corner of Michigan's Oakland County near seven primary thoroughfares. Visitors from throughout the metro region enjoy convenient access to this thriving community known for its entertainment and dining venues. Named for the English tree, Royal Oak loves its green spaces and operates 50 parks that provide quiet retreats and outdoor play to complement lively city action.

Detroit Zoo

• Royal Oak is home to Michigan's most popular paid family attraction, the Detroit Zoo. Spanning 125 acres, the zoo has more than 3,300 animals of 280 species living in naturalistic habitats. A favorite destination of zoo-goers is the Arctic Ring of Life, North America's largest polar bear exhibit. The 4-acre indoor/outdoor exhibit's clear walk-through tunnel thrills visitors with the sight of bears and other marine life swimming overhead. Other major exhibits include the Australian Outback Adventure, Great Apes of Harambee, a penguinarium and butterfly garden.

Theaters

• Royal Oak theaters add to the community's rich cultural life. The upscale Main Art Theatre has three screens, a liquor, beer and wine bar and valet parking on weekends. Emagine Theatre/Star Lane is a twin complex that caters to both movie buffs and bowlers. Stagecrafters community theater group presents 10 productions annually at the restored historic Baldwin Theatre, an attraction in itself. The Baldwin also brings back old-time silent films for retro experiences. Water Works Theatre Company presents productions during the summer months at Starr Jaycee Park. Another hot summer entertainment production to catch is the concert series on the library lawn staged by the Royal Oak Music Theatre.

Foodie Stops

• Diners hungry for variety will find it in Royal Oak, which is home to scores of restaurants. Represented cuisines include Asian, European, Italian, Mediterranean, Mexican and vegan. Bakeries entice with cupcakes and pastries, and ice cream shops have a flavor for every palate. Since 1979, Gayle's Chocolates has supplied chocolate lovers with premium, small-batch truffles and chocolate specialties. More than two dozen pubs and taverns provide gathering spots and opportunities to try handcrafted brews, like Royal Oak Red produced at Royal Oak Brewery. Since opening in 1927, the Farmers Market has been a favorite stop for cooks and gardeners all spring and summer.

Downtown District

• More than 5 miles of walkways provide plenty of strolling options in Royal Oak's downtown. The vibrant district is filled with restaurants offering outdoor seating for people-watching, art galleries for inspiration, salons for pampering and a variety of retail shops. It's home to entertainment venues like Mark Ridley's Comedy Castle, which nurtured stars such as Jon Stewart, Jerry Seinfeld and Tim Allen. Downtown is also celebration central for community festivals including Ford Arts, Beats & Eats, the fall Spooktacular and Royal Oak's Holiday Magic Parade.

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