18 Reasons to Make Michigan Your Summer Playground

There are so many reasons to come to Michigan in the summer. We could go on and on about it, but we had to narrow it down. Here are 18 of the best reasons you should make Michigan your summer playground.

1. Beaches – The Great Lakes give Michigan 3,052 miles of coastline, the most freshwater coastline in the world! There are 1,220 public beaches where you can find a spot to spread out your beach blanket and work on your tan. Petoskey State Park, Ludington State Park and Silver Beach County Park are some of the most popular beaches.

Glen Haven Beach

2. Sun – You hear a lot about our cold, snowy winters, but our warm, sunny summers more than make up for it. With temperatures in the high 70s and low 80s June through August, you’re sure to find plenty of sunshine and warm days to take advantage of all those beaches.

3. Hiking –  If you love to hike, one of Michigan’s hundreds of trails it sure to fit your skill level and satisfy your desire for time in the great outdoors. The Shore-to-Shore Trail is a 200 mile trail connecting Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. Hike a portion for the day or complete the entire cross-state trek. State and local parks also offer other trails ranging in length and difficulty.

4. Biking – There are 13,000 miles of bike trails in Michigan. The bike trails in Copper Harbor at the top of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula are famous with bikers nationwide. The specialty trails twist and turn along cliffs through dense forest with Lake Superior just on the other side. Less technical bike trails for slower paced family rides crisscross the state, providing biking opportunities for everyone.

5. Boating – If you have a boat, you’ll have no problem finding a place to put it in the water in Michigan. Marinas and public boat launches are available on the Great Lakes as well as many of the 11,000 inland lakes. If you don’t own a boat, you can rent one for the day or week. Traverse City is a popular destination for boaters with 100 miles of waterfront along beautiful Grand Traverse Bay. From there you can take day trips in your boat to Petoskey and Harbor Springs.

6. Fishing – You can sport fish in Lake Michigan, relax and cast-off from a pontoon on an inland lake or even fish from the shore. Fly fishing is also popular in the rivers in Northern Michigan, like the Boardman River. We have 153 species of freshwater fish just waiting to hook your line. There are also over 500 charter fishing companies to take you out on the water.

7. Camping – Camping is one of the top ways to vacation in Michigan and enjoy the best the outdoors has to offer. 160,000 campsites are just waiting for you to pitch a tent or roll up your RV. You’ll find campgrounds where you’re just a few feet away from the beach. Others are quiet and secluded, deep in the woods. There are even campgrounds that are any easy drive to attractions in big cities like Detroit and Grand Rapids.

Straits State Park

8. Golfing – There are about 1,040 golf courses in Michigan, including world-class championship courses that even challenge the pros.

9. Roller Coasters – If thrill rides are your thing, we have them at Michigan’s Adventure Amusement Park. Roller coaster enthusiasts love Shivering Timbers, the world’s longest and fastest wooden roller coaster.

10. Tubing – Lots of folks enjoy a relaxing day tubing down one of our many rivers. The Platte River with its shallow, calm, clear water is one of Michigan’s most popular tubing destinations. Floats last anywhere from one to two hours. It’s the perfect way to beat the heat and hang out with family and friends.

11. Kayaking – Kayaking is another popular way to enjoy Michigan’s waterways. Turnip Rock is a big draw for kayakers every season, because it’s the only way to get an up-close look at the unique landmark in Lake Huron, near Port Austin.

Turnip Rock

Photo Credit: Derek A. Young

12. Lighthouses – Are you fascinated by lighthouses and always wondered what it was like to live in one? Michigan once had 247 lighthouses. Today 124 remain, and several are open to the public for tours, like Mission Point Lighthouse near Traverse City. Some lighthouses even offer the opportunity to spend the week in one as a guest keeper in exchange for doing volunteer work.

Mission Point Lighthouse

13. Islands – There are 78 islands in the Great Lakes and several are accessible. Mackinac Island is the most famous. Catch the ferry from Mackinaw City or St. Ignace. You’ll go back in time on this quaint island where cars aren’t allowed on the streets. Find your way around by foot, bike or horse-drawn carriage.

14. Shipwrecks – The Great Lakes are known for their fierce storms and unpredictable weather. Many ships were lost in past centuries when shipping on the Great Lakes was at its peak. Today many of those shipwrecks have been located. Near Munising, a glass bottomed boat takes you on a tour to view some of the shipwrecks in their final resting places under the water. Other shipwrecks are accessible to skilled divers.

15. Petoskey Stones – Michigan’s state stone, the Petoskey Stone, is found along beaches in Northern Michigan. It features a unique fossilized hexagon pattern that’s visible when it’s wet or polished. It’s a popular souvenir for visitors to Michigan. Spend the afternoon combing a beach and looking for your own.

16. Sand Dunes – You’ll find dune systems all up and down the coast of Lake Michigan, but none compare to the hulking piles of sand at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. The dunes there tower as high as 450 feet above the Lake. It’s a popular destination for dune climbing, hiking and sightseeing.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

17. Fresh fruit – If you love fresh fruit, Michigan is the place to get it. We’re one of the largest producers of fruit in the country. Strawberries are ready in June. In July, you’ll find blueberries and cherries. In fact, Traverse City is home to the National Cherry Festival, a huge week-long celebration of all things cherry. Summer finishes with the first ripe apples from our many orchards. U-pick locations and farms line country roads all over the state.

18. Waterfalls – Michigan is home to many waterfalls, especially in the Upper Peninsula where you’ll find 84. You’ll need to hike to many of them, but some are easily accessible. Tahquamenon Falls is the largest and most famous. Inside a state park, it’s an easy walk to view. Munising Falls is just off the highway and also a short, easy walk.

Munising Waterfall