Six Places in Michigan to Visit When You Just Need to Chill
Sometimes you need a break from the mundane, day-to-day. Whether you want to relax or need to blow off a little steam, these six places in Michigan are sure to get you out of the routine of daily life.
1. Whirlpool Compass Fountain, St. Joseph – Are you trying to get in touch with your inner child? Looking for that fun-loving, spontaneous side you had when you were younger? Well, this enormous, beach-side splash pad in St. Joseph is sure to bring out the kid in even the most cranky curmudgeon. On a hot summer day, young and old giggle and shriek as they cool off in the 200 ft. diameter fountain. 28 water jets and 8 water cannons rain down 780 gallons of water a minute on visitors. When you’re done splashing, it’s just a short walk to Lake Michigan.
2. Mackinac Island – If you want to slow down, head to Mackinac Island. With no automobiles allowed on the island, the pace of life moves to the gentle beat of horse-drawn taxis clip-clopping down the streets. Graceful, pre-twentieth century architecture transports you to an earlier time without the urgency of modern life. Surrounded by the Straits-of-Mackinac, lapping of waves soothe frazzled nerves.
3. Inspiration Point, Arcadia – M-22 is considered one of Michigan’s most scenic highways, winding its way along Lake Michigan’s northwestern shore. Just outside of Arcadia, you’ll come to one of Michigan’s most spectacular views at Inspiration Point. Rising 450-feet from the beach, you’ll find sweeping vistas of the lake, sand dunes and surrounding landscape at the top of the scenic overlook. As the name suggests, it’s the perfect place to relax, contemplate life and look for inspiration.
Photo Credit – Rachel Kramer
4. Petoskey State Park Beach – In 2012, The Weather Channel named the beach at Petoskey State Park The Best Lake Beach in America and with good reason. The sandy beach on the north end of Little Traverse Bay offers amazing views. The shallow water near shore is a great place for children to play and splash. You’ll also find sand dunes to climb, and don’t forget to comb the beach for the famous Petoskey stones that give the area its name.
Photo Credit- calamity sal
5. Rifle River Tubing, Sterling – If you want to feel like you don’t have a care in the world, hop on an inner tube and float down a lazy river. The Rifle River in Michigan’s Thumb is probably the most popular river for tubing in the state. Shallow and slow-moving, the Rifle will lull you into a sense of well-being and bliss. Several outfitters along the river can set you up with everything you need for a relaxing day on the water.
Photo Credit- Rob Beier
6. Cliff Bell’s, Detroit – If music and dining is more your style, you’ll find it at Cliff Bell’s in Detroit. The city’s most popular live jazz club, the art deco decor takes you right back to the supper clubs of the 1930s. Classic food and drinks mixed the old-fashioned way add to the nostalgic feel. The smooth jazz played by some of the world’s best artists will soothe your soul.
Photo Credit – Bill Bereza
