Take your pup on a 21-acre journey of discovery through the enclosed fenced areas for large and small breeds. Located in Jenison, you and your pup will both have a chance to take a break and stretch their legs with the off-leash walking trails. Whether you’re looking for a quick outdoor adventure or a longer expedition, this Jenison spot has it all.
For an outdoor excursion that’s second to none, you and your doggo can adventure along the 1,000-acre state park in Holland. Running through the meadows, forests, or around the dunes, your pups will have plenty of fun! Be safe as the park requires that all dogs remain on a leash.
Just outside of the metropolitan area in Northville, you and your pup can explore the 944 acres of rolling terrain, open meadow, and mature forests offered at the Maybury State Park. Let your furry friend sniff their way through the dog-friendly trails and if they need a break, you can set up a picnic spot and make a day of it.
Take the family pup on a 46-acre journey through the trails of Provin Trails in Grand Rapids. The park's network of interconnected loops offers a variety of hiking options and allows you to take your dog off-leash. Just make sure to keep a close eye and call them back if they tend to wander.
The Brighton State Recreation Area offers over 4,947 acres of outdoor recreation, nestled between fields and forests. Let your canine companion off-leash on the 39 miles of trails to hike, mountain bike, ski, and horse-ride. And if you need a break, there are plenty of camping sites you can set up for a pawsitively fun night.
Treat your doggo for a lakeside retreat in West Olive's Kirk Park. Enjoy the view from the picnic sites, go for a swim, or take a stroll on the trails. And after all the outdoor fun, let your pup rest up at the dog beach.
You and your four legged friend can explore the pristine forest and meadows at the Hofma Preserve in Grand Haven. Enjoy 4.5 miles of trails, a 885-foot floating bridge, and picnic areas, all while keeping your pup on a leash. Choose your canine adventure!
Head out to the remote Prudenville and explore the 3.4-mile loop at Lost Twin Lakes. The path was made drier and the bridges and boardwalk were added to make the trail more accessible for visitors of all kinds, especially your furry family members. Just remember to keep your pup leashed for the entire hike.
Ada's Seidman Park will provide a truly unique experience for you and your pup. This 400-acre park gives you and your dog the chance to explore wood, fields, and wetlands, with plenty of hiking trails to choose from. Don’t pass up this hidden gem!
Surround yourself and your furry friend with 2,600 acres of scenery and forests at the Sleepy Hollow State Park. With over 5 miles of trails, you and your pup can create your own adventure in the great outdoors to your heart's content. Make memories and leave only paw prints.
]]>Head to Watersmeet to check out the Sylvania Wilderness, a massive 18,237-acre affair that's part of the National Wilderness Preservation System. Featuring 50 campsites, hikers can come for a day or stay for a while. With 34 named lakes, and everything from rivers to waterfalls to massive amounts of forest, the result is a package of natural beauty so sweeping, intense, and awe-inspiring that it's practically tailor-made for families. The area has even been home to a set of Ojibwa artifacts, so it's entirely possible your hike may turn up exciting new insight into Michigan's past.
View this post on Instagram“Nourish your spirit with the simple things in life.” ~ unknown 📷 Jason Schultz
Not far from Bessemer is the North Country Trail, home to the Porcupine Mountains waterfall hike. It's called that for the obvious reason: there's a lot of waterfalls located on this trail. How many waterfalls? Try one every mile. Naturally, there's more here than just a whole lot of waterfalls, so for anyone wants forests, mountain views, or just several different lengths of hiking trail, North Country Trail will have just what you need.
A trail measuring four and a half miles one way, hikers will be able to follow said trail from the Upper Falls all the way to the Lower Falls along the Tahquamenon River. While walking the trail, hikers will be treated to a rolling path that actually changes elevation over the course of the route several times, ensuring not only variety in the scenery, but also variety in the topography as well.
It's been called the “crown jewel of Lake Superior,” and with a comment like that to recommend it, it's easy to see why some might consider this the best hike around. For those who want a little more substance, the high points of this hike might be too good to pass up. A combination of dune, swale, and forest covering 430 acres and an 8.6-acre island, there's most everything here from rocky cliffs to sandy beach to wilderness timber. There's a little bit of everything at Little Presque Isle, and that makes this hiking destination one for the books.
Isle Royale National Park, found on an island in Lake Superior itself, represents one of the biggest chunks of pure, uninterrupted wilderness that Michigan can offer. Surrounded by water, it's a great place for a swim in the hotter months—typically, Superior is the last lake to fully melt—but there's a lot more than that here. Featuring some of the most impressive views around, Isle Royale is home to not only wolves, but also moose, both of which roam the island freely. Reports suggest it's also the single least-visited national park in the lower 48 states thanks to the fact it can only be reached by seaplane or by boat, which—for those who want to see true wilderness untrammeled by man—makes this a natural winner.
]]>Pancakes are the order of the day at Mr. B's Pancake House, which features all-day breakfast every day. There's a lunch menu for those who show up a little late, but Mr. B's will offer one of the best pancake experiences that Muskegon can offer. Check out the Crab Cake Benedict for a taste of something unusual, or the Big Taster for a taste of absolutely everything. It features one slice of French toast, one pancake, two eggs, potatoes, two slices of bacon, two sausage links and toast.
This 24-mile single track trail with hilly sections runs alongside Cedar Creek. The course permits OHVs 50 inches or less in width. It will be difficult to leave this beautiful landscape, as the trail crosses two bridges and features stunning, rolling terrain. This could easily become your new favorite off-roading destination.
If your ATV experience calls for something a little more relaxing—and educational—afterward, stop in at the USS Silversides Submarine Museum. A host of exhibits await your perusal here, including a tour of the U.S. Coast Guard cutter McLane, a Prohibition-era cutter. You'll be able to get in on a series of lectures depending on when you go, and it's even possible to book a stay on board a World War II submarine with a little notice in advance.
By now, you're probably getting hungry, and one of the best dinners Muskegon can offer is found at the Hearthstone Bistro. In operation for the last 40 years, Hearthstone has learned a lot about the best tastes of Michigan. The menu boasts a staggering array of options ranging from escargot de bourgogne—in a puff pastry cap, no less—to a three-soup sampler known as the Soup Trilogy. Try the Chicken Milanese or lake perch featuring an almond and butter brioche. There are even sandwiches and burgers for the smaller appetite.
One of the best overnight accommodations around is the Shoreline Inn. The only waterfront hotel in Muskegon, it's got a 4.4 out of five on Expedia, which gives it some real credibility. Check out the rooms with full-wall atrium windows, French balconies, and even covered terraces to get the full effect of that water view. Free Wi-Fi, same-day dry cleaning, a 24-hour indoor pool, and even a game room will provide most every experience you could ask for.
]]>The Pointe Mouillee State Game Area, near Rockwood, offers 4,040 acres worth of ground to cover, sufficient to rank it among the largest freshwater marsh restoration projects on Earth. While there, you'll not only have one major hike on your hands, but also the ability to see a host of different bird life, from black billed plovers to glossy ibises. You'll even be able to spot bald eagles, and that alone could make the trip worthwhile for some birders. There's some hunting allowed in the area, so be sure to check things out before your trip.
The Sleeping Bear Birding Trail is actually too large to be near any one town, as it encompasses 123 miles of Highway M-22, running from Manistee to Traverse City. Naturally, that's way too much to hike, but you'll have plenty of choices along the trail to set up a hike most anywhere you’d like. The real high point of the trail, however, is the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, which is not only a national park, but also has been designated an Important Bird Area. The area has seen several different birds, including trumpeter swans, American pipits, and even double-crested cormorants.
The best part about the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail is that you'll have a staggering array of options in terms of where you want to stage your birdwatching hike, because there are no less than 28 separate hot spots along this run. The Sunrise Coast extends all the way from East Tawas to Mackinaw City, and in 2014, was found to be home to 188 different bird species. The sheer variety of the Sunrise Coast Birding Trail helps ensure that, no matter what you're looking for, it's a pretty safe bet that it can be found here. There are even some special events like the spring Raptor Watch, where you can see thousands of great lakes piping plovers engaged in seasonal migration.
If you're looking for a more contained hike, then head to Pleasant Lake and the Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary. This sanctuary encompasses fully 1,000 acres of land, and offers two miles of trails therein. It's also home to better than 200 separate bird species, which is impressive enough. However, for those looking for a place to see Michigan's sandhill cranes, the Phyllis Haehnle Memorial Sanctuary will provide in a big way, as it's known to attract several thousand of these birds in the midst of migration.
Those looking for a more cosmopolitan birdwatching hike will love to know about Grand Traverse Commons, with a 500-acre campus and miles of trails. Birdwatchers will be able to catch an array of species depending on the season; it's said to be home to one of the state’s best spots to catch an oriole or an indigo bunting. That by itself is worthwhile, but even birdwatchers need to eat and rest. So, after all that birdwatching, hit the Village at Grand Traverse Commons, home to an equally broad array of shops and dining options to satisfy those needs for creature comforts.
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If you've never heard of the Rifle River Recreation Area, not too far away from Lupton, then you're in surprisingly broad company. You're also, however, not yet privy to one of Michigan's best-kept recreational secrets. Home to over 4,400 acres of woods, campsites and more, this wonder has no shortage of natural and man-made excitement waiting for you. Grab your camping gear and hiking boots, because it’s time to start exploring.
Those looking for a place to hike within the Rifle River Recreation Area will have two worthwhile choices here. The longer of the two is the Rifle River Multi-Use Trail, a 14-mile trail that allows for not only hiking, but also mountain biking and, when the weather cooperates, cross-country skiing. Hikers here will be able to catch views of several bodies of water, as well as proceed past several different campground sites.
The second hiking option for the Rifle River Recreation Area—one that doesn't involve mountain biking, for those who'd rather not run the risk of sharing the trail—is Pintail Pond, a three-quarter-mile nature trail that features as its primary scenic vista the pond of the same name. Home to a wide variety of natural features, from carnivorous plants to trees of impressive magnitude like the Black Spruce, you'll be able to see a wide variety of scenic views herein.
The Rifle River Recreation Area has several places to camp—there are about a half-dozen at last report. With so many options, you'll find just what kind of camping experience you want, but perhaps the best in the camp goes to Devoe Lake Rustic. Featuring swimming and a boat launch thanks to the proximity of the lake, this spot looks to offer an authentic camping experience. There's a handicap-accessible vault toilet here as well, so it won't be completely rustic, but just rustic enough to let you know you've been camping. Several sites are available within, so finding a place to camp here likely won't be a challenge.
Going just beyond the recreation area into Mio, you'll find one of the area's most unusual attractions: a monument set up for a bird. Not so much for one bird, but for a species. Specifically, we're talking about the Kirtland Warbler, and the Warbler Monument it engendered. Said to be the first monument to a songbird ever established on Earth, it features a four-foot-high replica of a Kirtland Warbler, an endangered species of songbird. The bird was carved from fiberglass and plastics, and received a dedication when it opened in 1963 by National Audubon Society member Roger Tory Peterson.
After a long day of hiking and scenery viewing, you'll be needing a good hearty dinner. LumberJack Food and Spirits in West Branch should fit that bill nicely, offering up a selection of fare that's perfect for the outdoors in Michigan. Ribs, steak, and more will set things up nicely, and a wide array of drinks are available as well. LumberJack puts its focus on local blends, including area microbrew beer and local wine from, among others, the Rose Valley Winery.
]]>Crystal Mountain in Thompsonville offers a wide variety of outdoor and indoor adventures for folks to enjoy, but ATV riding is one of the big draws. While drivers are required to have an operator's license, children as young as four can ride comfortably on the journey. Featuring a one-hour tour of Benzie County, the tours run daily and offer a look at all the great scenery the area has to offer. Those who want a little less structure can rent ATVs, double ATVs, and UTVs at varying rates for times ranging all the way up to eight hours.
Bundy Hill in Jerome makes it clear that it's a family-friendly park, though it reminds riders that they ride at their own risk. A privately-owned park that doesn't fall under Department of Natural Resources regulations, it offers trails, dunes, and gravel pits, which makes for a variety of conditions to ride. There are even specific rules for those bringing children to the park, which augments its family-friendly nature.
Baldwin's Wolf Lake Motel and Resort offers the complete package, which makes it an excellent option for families. Start with a location in the midst of the Manistee National Forest, and one that's home to 156 lakes and 46 trout streams, and you'll have options aplenty. But you came here for the ATV experience, and you'll actually be able to ride those ATVs—along with dirt bikes and even snowmobiles in the right weather—right up to your room. With over 300 miles of ORV and ATV trails to experience, there will be no end to the options awaiting at Wolf Lake.
Try out Sleepy Eyed Goose Resort for plenty of ATV and ORV action! Not only can visitors drive around the trails, but it's actually possible to drive said ATVs into the town itself, reports note, where a variety of dining and shopping experiences are all on hand. Throw in the trails in the surrounding area, as well as a slate of ATV-specific amenities like a power washing system to clean the mud and dust off that ATV when you're done with the ride, and the whole experience comes together quite well.
Beaver Trail Campground in West Branch offers miles of ATV trails to enjoy, that double handily act as snowmobile trails in the winter. Whether you're looking for some calm, quiet camping fun broken up by ATV riding or the opportunity to do a whole lot of riding capped off with hot dogs and s’mores at a campfire before bed, you'll have the full range of opportunities. Throw in an array of additional options, including a nature center, an all-sport lake, or even a slate of golf courses on hand, and the ATV fan is sure to not only get a fill of riding, but a host of other activities to enjoy.
*Note: Age restrictions, special licenses, and other requirements for off highway vehicles vary from state to state. Before heading out on your OHV, please consult your local regulations.
]]>The Battle Creek Motorcycle Club in Battle Creek represents one of the oldest bike clubs in the state, and nothing gets to be that old without offering significant value to its users. The Battle Creek Motorcycle Club boasts 40 acres of sandy ground and trees, and offers a complete motocross track and a smaller mini track for the younger riders. Throw in a concession stand available for race days and indoor restroom facilities and this will offer one of the better dirt bike tours you'll find in the state.
Baja Acres near Millington offers a rather massive patch of ground in which to ride. Measuring 80 acres, this park offers a lot of opportunity to all levels of dirt biker. Dirt bikers will have access to a variety of trails to tour, and ATV riders are actually encouraged to join in, too. Better yet, those who want to stick around after a day of riding fun can do so with camping permitted on the grounds and some further amenities like a swimming pond and playground included. There is a small fee for use, but camping comes without fees.
Northern Michigan—though not quite in the Upper Peninsula—will offer some impressive dirt bike tour opportunities, and one of the leaders in the field is the Twisted Trails Off Road Park. Home to over 200 acres, and a wide array of trails at various levels of difficulty from the Mall Crawler to the Holy Moly, you’ll be coming back again and again.
The largest privately-owned off-road park in Southern Michigan, Bundy Hill measures in at an impressive 300 total acres. With four different ratings of track, Bundy Hill can accommodate everything from simple tours to the most thrilling of off-roading adventures. Throw in camping available for visitors and even a few special events—not to mention some discounts for the serious rider—and you'll have opportunities aplenty to tour a large portion of Michigan at your leisure.
Not far from Rose City, Ambrose Lake State Forest Campground will offer dirt bike trail access through some of Michigan's best forested campground. Featuring a number of campgrounds and access to Ambrose Lake—like the name suggests—this tour comes with a few limitations built in. Requiring spark arrestors, helmets, and a maximum noise limit of 94 decibels, Ambrose Lake will still offer an impressive tour through some of Michigan's most exciting trails.
]]>Wamplers Lake near Brooklyn has recently landed itself some notoriety as a spot to land both bass and panfish in substantial numbers. Word from the Michigan DNR is that bass are flying to grab bait in depths between six and 17 feet, as well as in the weed beds toward the center of the 796-acre lake. This is a popular destination for not only fishermen and women but for vacationers, so plan your trip accordingly.
For anyone looking for a truly unique fishing experience, word from Game and Fish Magazine says that Lake Michigan is your location of choice. Describing the fishing as “chaotic,” there are over 185 exotic species of marine wildlife currently making a home in the largest freshwater ecosystem on the planet. Chinook salmon and lake trout are said to be big, particularly around the areas near rivers.
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If you head for the Upper Peninsula, you'll find ample fishing activity in play. One of the real winners in the field is the Tahquamenon River, with a mouth on Lake Superior. This 89-mile slip of water offers rock bass and perch, for those who use worm bait, and pike strike on both red and white lures.
Out at Cranberry Lake in Marcellus, there's some terrific fishing on hand. Stop in at the Cranberry Lake Campground to rent a boat and get supplies, or bring your own as circumstances allow. Once there, you'll have a staggering variety of fish to pursue, including bluegill, bass, northern pike, perch, crappie and several other species. The combination of great fishing and great camping makes for excellent opportunities.
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At Saginaw Bay, walleye can be caught on nightcrawler harness with just 17 feet of water, regardless of what color spinner you're using. Naturally, there's plenty more to see and do out that way, but for those with a taste for walleye—and walleye is a tasty fish—set your course for Saginaw.
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Not far from Brethren, the Manistee River Loop Trail is considered a moderate-difficulty hike running 23 miles. Traffic is comparatively light due to its length, mainly, and is considered both kid-friendly and dog-accessible, though dogs will need to be on a leash. The scenery out here is impressive, including the Manistee River for which the trail is named. A waterfall, a creek, suspension bridge, huge amounts of forest, and staggering availability of camping spots along the trail makes this one a highly-versatile winner for an intermediate hike.
This 1.5-mile hike roundtrip has terrain described as hilly, which makes it a bit more of a challenge than your average hike. Once you reach the end of the trail, you will be treated to high-up views from the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan. Proceed with caution—do no descend the bluff because it can be very dangerous.
The Porcupine Mountains near Ontonagon represent a perfect opportunity for hikers thanks to one main reason: an abundance of hiking trails, all of which are interconnected. Thanks to this, hiking through the Porcupine Mountains can be about as easy or as difficult as you want it to be, and can incorporate just about any kind of scenery you could ask for. Commonly regarded as a moderate challenge, though, is the Porcupine Mountains’ Escarpment Trail, running roughly four miles in length—eight miles roundtrip—which offers peaks, lakes, and some impressive 400-foot cliffs.
A national wildlife refuge near Saginaw, Shiawassee contains three trails within its purview: The Woodland Trail, the Ferguson Bayou Trail, and the Wildlife Drive, a seasonal trail that's accessible by car. The Woodland Trail and Ferguson Bayou Trail should provide a more challenging experience that won't tax hikers too greatly. Both trails run about 4.5 miles worth of walking, and the Woodland Trail is somewhat more primitive. The Ferguson Bayou Trail features graveled roads and several beautiful views. While your definition of “moderate difficulty” may be fluid, the variety of choice seen here should accommodate it, whatever it may be.
Paint Creek Trail, near Rochester in Oakland County, is something of a rarity in Michigan trails: A trail both owned and managed not by the state, but by a private entity, the Paint Creek Trailways Commission. The first “non-motorized rail-to-trail” in Michigan, it runs 8.9 miles, and was formerly part of the Penn Central Railroad. Now a hiking, biking and walking trail of moderate difficulty due mainly to its length, it will offer a smooth, eight-foot-wide trail that goes through several towns and provides plenty of sights to see along the way.
]]>Houghton Lake, a little north of the middle of Michigan, represents the largest inland lake in Michigan at last report. In a state famous for its lakes, that's saying something—it's been estimated that a 20-30 mph cruise would take better than two hours to completely navigate the lake. Houghton Lake will offer plenty of room for cruising at good speeds, and the lake is almost never smooth except for the calmest days. So you’re in for an exciting ride!
The third largest lake in Michigan, which has been called the second-best lake in the United States according to USA Today, offers some terrific options in jet skiing. Coming in second only to Lake Tahoe, Lake Charlevoix offers “...several small, tourist-adored towns” along with “...some of the world's finest sunsets, beaches, boating and gastronomy.” Sounds impressive, but reports from jet skiers in the area suggest Lake Charlevoix will offer opportunities for experienced riders to “catch some nice air.” With several boat launches and large boats putting out impressive wakes, a day of fun is right at your fingertips.
Burt Lake near Cheboygan is said to offer some excellent opportunities for jet skiing. It stays comparatively warm throughout the summer, reports note, and scarab beetles are a routine presence on the lake. The presence of scarabs has likely perked up some jet skier ears, as these bugs commonly mean big wakes and big waves. With very little in the way of obstructions—much of the lake is deep except for sandbars—and very few days in which the lake stays smooth, it’s no surprise Burt Lake is a well-loved destination for riders.
Cass Lake in Oakland County is actually part of a closely-connected range of lakes. Affording two square-miles of surface area, it also immediately connects to the Clinton River, to nearby Loon Lake which is upstream, and downstream is Sylvan Lake. Elizabeth Lake also connects to Cass Lake, which means Cass Lake can be an effective destination by virtue of its sheer variety. One truly unusual feature distinguishes this lake from many others: there's an in-water gas station on hand that allows for rapid refueling even in the middle of a session on the water. The roughness of the water varies, so check out what the conditions are like before you head out!
Kalamazoo County’s Long Lake is a popular jet skiing destination, making it a highly-populated area on beautiful days. Thanks to its solid conditions and comparative excellence in the immediate area, plan to show up early to this spot if you’re looking for a fun-filled day on the water. There are no refueling capabilities in the area so riders, come prepared! Every moment on the glistening waters of this 575-acre lake will be a special one.
]]>The Escarpment Trail, part of the Porcupine Mountains near Ontonagon, is a comparatively short track with a four-mile pace but a surprisingly steep elevation change. This combination makes it considered moderate in difficulty, but the views are amazing. Between views of Lake Superior, Lake of the Clouds, and the Carp River Valley, one of Michigan's comparatively few mountains will provide some of its best hiking.
Want to see what just over 18,300 acres of woods looks like? Take a step into the Sylvania Wilderness near Watersmeet. Formerly a private hunting preserve until its purchase by the US Forest Service in 1967, Sylvania features some of the most extensive forest in North America. Home to a host of tree species and wildlife, as well as a variety of lakes, you'll have just about any kind of view you could ask for waiting for you here.
Not all the great hikes can be found in the Upper Peninsula. The Jordan River Pathway near Mancelona is regarded as one of the more popular weekend backpacking options the Lower Peninsula can offer. Featuring cedar trees, a trout stream, and plenty of shade, it's a great look at not only woods and water, but also some excellent wildflower growth as well. Since it's a loop, it makes transportation a comparatively easy venture, and a built-in campground at the halfway point makes it a perfect weekend hike with the kids.
One of the southernmost hikes in Michigan, and part of Warren Dunes State Park near Sawyer, the Mt. Randal Loop is a four-mile hike over sand dunes. With an amazing view of Lake Michigan, some bits through local woodland, and even a chance to check out pretty much every different kind of sand dune there is—and yes, there's more than one kind of sand dune—you'll have an exciting time afoot running the Mt. Randal Loop. It's heavily visited in summer months, though, so it's suggested to come in April when the wildflowers are starting to bloom. October, when the leaves change color in the region, is also recommended.
Described on its website as a, “sanctuary for hikers,” the Bird Hills Nature Area is the largest park in Ann Arbor. Covering approximately 160 acres, Bird Hills is comprised of marsh areas, wet forest, mesic forest, among other ecosystems. You will find five trailheads here, all of which are easily accessible: Down Up Circle, Bird Road, Beechwood Drive, and two near the Newport Road parking area. These trails are unpaved, and they twist through magnificent forestry affording views of beautiful oaks, hickory, and spring wildflowers.
]]>Fort Custer Recreation Area in Augusta is something of a double-sided experience. It's a year-round experience, and in mid-October to April, it becomes a "semi-modern experience." The water is shut off, but the power continues to run. That works out well for those looking for a quiet cabin camping experience, because Fort Custer also includes options for hikers, cross-country skiers, and dogsledders, making it a rustic but still cozy cabin camp experience.
It doesn't get much northerly than Lac La Belle Lakeside Cabin, an A-frame cabin for rent in Lac La Belle. Not only will you have modern amenities like Wi-Fi and a TV to watch all those favorite movies, you'll have access to a snowmobile trail, and only three miles away will be the Mount Bohemia Ski Area. For the perfect cabin escape, you'll have it right here at Lac La Belle.
If Lac La Belle appeals, but you'd rather be even closer to the Mount Bohemia Ski Area, you can check out the Aqua Log Cabin setup. Featuring your choice of complete log cabin or a stone-sided half-log cabin, the Mt. Bohemia Aqua Log Cabin will provide several different options for you to make as cozy an excursion as you might like. Throw in the fact that's just half a mile from the ski area—it's a conceivable walk for most—and comes with dinner and breakfast in the winter months, and it's a great value alongside being cozy. Best of all, if you're able to go through the week, staying on Tuesday or Thursday will get you Wednesday at no extra charge.
For a bit of something spooky with your camping experience, check out Sleepy Hollow State Park, in Laingsburg. Yes, Michigan has its own Sleepy Hollow, in the grandest Ichabod Crane tradition. But here, you'll find a modern cabin campsite, complete with a bathroom and shower. You'll need to bring your own cooking supplies and bedding, but aside from that, the cabin is about as rustic and comfortable as you could ask for. Throw in a hiking trail system and fishing opportunities and you’ll have one memorable experience.
With a name like Paradise Peninsula, you've got to be looking at something a little special. Indeed, you are, this cabin near Hope features three bedrooms, which is room enough for 10, but you can easily dial that figure down. A large sun room, a slate of board games, and even a pair of DVD towers along with other great amenities makes sure that, whatever you call fun, it's accommodated right here. Throw in the fact that every single window in the cabin has a lake view—not hard when you're talking peninsula—and you'll have fun, relaxation, and enough coziness for anyone.
One of Michigan's unquestioned leaders in winter fun, Boyne Mountain in Boyne Falls offers some absolutely amazing cabin camping. Not only do you get access to all the fun that Boyne Mountain can offer, but when you're done for the day you can come back to a phenomenal cabin experience. A wood-burning fireplace, a four-person outdoor hot tub—which is an experience you must try in winter—and plenty more awaits you at some of the most comfortable cabin camping you've ever seen.
This highly-rated KOA will offer a getaway the whole family will fall in love with! The cabin options include one four-person cabin and one six-person cabin. The six-person accommodation features a cozy sleeping loft, a full sleeper sofa, full bathroom, and a partial kitchen. This cabin is quaint and delightful, making for a classic cabin camping experience.
]]>Bill and Paul's Sporthaus in Grand Rapids puts its focus on knowing its customer's needs. Whether you're looking for bug-repellent clothing for a simple summer campout, a Big Agnes two-person tent, a Nocturne sleeping bag rated to 15 degrees Fahrenheit for a winter excursion, or something as simple as a lineup of Clif Bars, Bill and Paul—routine guests on local television stations like Fox 17—will be ready to help you get properly equipped.
Ann Arbor's Bivouac can cover you on a variety of fronts for camping. Birdwatchers will appreciate the Nikon binoculars and Nemo shelter-tents. Hardcore campers, meanwhile, will welcome Benchmade knives and Liberty Mountain shelf-stable meals complete with flameless heating elements. There's all that plus GoPro cameras to help ensure that you'll never miss a moment of your big excursion. If you're not the type to go camping often, Bivouac can even offer gear rental services so you're not sinking a lot of cash into something you won't use often.
There are several Field & Stream locations throughout Michigan, but the one in Kalamazoo is a recent addition that is worth noting. It's got several of Field & Stream's major Field Tech services built right into it, including gun, bow, and tackle specialists. There's also a camping specialist on hand to cover all your questions about various product offerings. There will be plenty of product offerings here, including a host of products from Field & Stream itself like cots and lanterns. It's not just Field & Stream's own material, though, as we'll also have Mr. Heater space heaters, several entries from Coleman, and a world of products beyond.
REI is one of the best-known camping goods suppliers around, famous for its high-impact clothing. The store will offer actual classes for those who want to learn more about the camping craft. For those who don't need education but are just looking for the hardware, REI won't disappoint. How about a Tepui tent that incorporates your car in the design? Keen and Merrill hiking shoes and boots for those long hikes? Or perhaps an Osprey or REI-branded bag to carry it all in? No matter your purpose, REI will cover you.
Pinconning, just a bit north of Bay City, isn't too far from some of the best camping the state can offer. That in turn means a great opportunity to supply those folks looking to take advantage, and Northwoods Wholesale Outlet should fit the bill nicely. Whether you're looking for a variety of miscellany under the Coghlan's mark—everything from solar-heated camp showers to soap holders—or Coleman tents for a variety of conditions, you'll be covered right here. There are even hunting, fishing, and footwear-specific items to round out your camping plans.
]]>Don’t let the adventure end. Trade the ski trails for some snowmobiling trails and get ready for an action-packed ride! Gaylord is known for being home to “sweetest snowmobiling in the state.” Plot your trek and wind through all the trails that await! For snowmobile rentals head to DerMiners Parkside Market, where these amazing people will set you up with all the equipment and knowledge that you need!
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This all-in-one winter playground is turning up the heat with its extreme tubing. Sold by the hour, their tube slopes are right next to the tow rope so you can get in as many rides down as possible without the struggle of climbing back up the mountain. Reservations aren’t mandatory but spaces are limited and fill up fast.
Treetops also offers old-fashioned sleigh rides for the whole family. Hop aboard and be transported into a magical winter wonderland you thought only existed in dreams and Hollywood. They also have a few fancy sleigh ride dinners if you want to make a whole evening of your excursion.
This Party of the Snow Gods is an ancient tradition that is held in hopes of gaining abundant snowfall for the season. A huge bonfire, entertainment, hot chocolate, s’mores, a tube-pulling contest, music, and more are just a few of the highlights.
Fresh pizzas and frosty cold beer are just what you need to recuperate from a day of skiing. Extended happy hour times give you a longer chance to fill up for less. They also have late night hours so you can grab a snack just about whenever hunger strikes.
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You’ll want to get an early start with this one, and my gosh is it worth it. After shredding the mountain, what better way to unwind than on a trusty stead trekking through the beautiful winter wonderland that unfolds. You’ll be in awe going through “some of the resort's most remote, beautiful terrain.” With hour-long trail rides and shorter pony rides for the kids, there is something to please everyone.
Rejuvenate yourself after a long day on the slopes with a relaxing spa visit. Warm up in a cedar sauna or steam room, book a massage to soothe tired muscles, or any of their many relaxation amenities or treatments offered. Their day passes give you full access to spa amenities, fitness centers, and group exercise classes.
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Their outdoor ice rink is one of the best in the state. The rink is free for resort guests, so you can skate ‘til your heart’s content. One of the best parts is that if you don’t have a pair of skates with you, they are available free of charge (first-come, first-served). With a gorgeous and festive backdrop to skate to, you certainly won’t want to leave!
If you want another way to get in those gorgeous mountainous sites, head to the zip line strap up for another exhilarating experience! A series of 10 zip lines top out at 25 mph and give you sweeping views of the mountain. Best of all, you can relax and enjoy the ride while you recover from your day of skiing.
Equal parts food and spirits, this exciting watering hole is THE social scene of Boyne Mountain. The place gets its name from its origins—it was the first 40 acres that would later become Boyne Mountain and was purchased for just $1! With elevated food and plenty of beer to go ‘round, you can warm up with a hot meal that will leave you full and satisfied.
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Silver Lake's Dunes Harbor Family Camp focuses very closely on providing experiences for the family. Featuring not only a string of amenities ranging from the full-on RV camper to the most basic tent camper—including a full ice cream shop as part of the camp's store—Dunes Harbor covers the waterfront nicely. The fact that it's only a few minutes from the actual waterfront of Lake Michigan doesn't hurt either, and with a wide variety of community activities, young families will love this spot.
Head for Glen Arbor to try out D.H. Day Campground. Geared toward the more primitive camping experience, this campground is a stone's throw from the Sleeping Bear Dunes, one of the greatest natural wonders Michigan can offer. Whether enjoying the beach, hunting for the official Michigan stone—the Petoskey stone—or just enjoying a campground steeped in tradition, D.H. Day Campground will offer a wonderfully family-friendly experience for campers.
Lake Leelanau not only provides an excellent space for RV campers, but it can also support regular tent campers as well, offering a playground, a clubhouse, laundry facilities, and more. Oh, and don't forget it's right there on Lake Leelanau, and the entirety of the Leelanau Peninsula is open to you as well. Traverse City isn't even that far, and that means a lot of exciting options.
Family-owned and operated, Logan Hills Campground not far from Hale offers an incredible natural setting, complete with a lake for fishing, boating, and all around fun. Offering tent sites—with either “primitive” or with water and electric options—as well as your choice of three cabin types and RV parking, you'll have plenty of options for a place to lay your family's collective head down when all that fun comes to an end for the day.
Out in Hopkins lies Sandy Pines, a campground whose biggest focus is fun. Activities aplenty pack this campground, starting with a complete water park. No really, a water park. That's just the start—there's a complete 18-hole golf course on hand here as well, so you can camp not more than several hundred feet from a golf course. Throw in several different ball games—from tennis to basketball to the comparatively new gaga ball—and a complete ropes course along with readily-accessible beach, and family fun will be the name of the game at the accessible Sandy Pines.
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