Summer is the ideal time for a weekend get-away. Whether you visit the areas best beaches, stroll through a secluded forest, or try your luck at a stylish casino, Michigan offers many choices for the weekend vacationer.
Located in the lower peninsula, in the South East corner of Michigan, the Detroit area offers many opportunities for vacationers. Visit one of the countries best Zoos, view the amazing art collection on display at the Detroit Institute of the Arts, enjoy an evening with the Symphony orchestra, even try your luck at the MGM Grand Casino ; Detroit offers some of Michigan’s best opportunities for a weekend filled with both culture and entertainment.
The Detroit Zoo is one of the largest and most well known zoos in the United States. Visitors will discover many interactive exhibits and hands on activities. The Penguinarium, Butterfly Garden, and Amphibiville exhibits are just a few of the exciting exhibits that zoo tourists will remember for years to come. To learn more about the Detroit Zoo, read “Visit the Detroit Zoo” by Jaclyn.
The Detroit Institute of the Arts is located on Woodward Avenue in Detroit. Once known as the Detroit Art Museum, the organization has expanded over the years to include a great diversity of offerings in all areas of the Arts. Throughout the summer the Institute offers a multitude of exhibitions, events and educational programs that are sure to stimulate both the mind and emotions. Theater, music, dance and of course, a huge collection of Art and Historic artifacts are on display daily for enthusiasts to peruse.
A wide selection of hotels in the Detroit area provide travelers with both comfort and convenience. The Hilton Hotel, The Antheneum, or the Marriot are recommended as “3 Hotels Worth Booking in Detroit” by Associated Contents Tamara Harris.
The MGM Grand Casino is a Detroit hot spot that draws visitors from around the country. The Casino offers slots and gaming tables, as well as great food, service, and exciting events and promotions. The Stage Bar offers video poker, and live nightly entertainment, while the Casino’s 4 dining areas offer a wide selection of menu and dining options. While at the casino savor selections from The MGM Grand Buffet, Ruby on Third, the Lion’s Roar, or Java Coast.
Traveling Northward along Michigan’s Great Lakes shoreline, vacationers may choose to leave behind the hustle and bustle of city life, and opt for a quiet weekend “away from it all.” Michigan’s “Sunrise Side” along the shores of Lake Huron, offers travelers a more relaxed kind of “weekend get-away”.
Tawas Bay Lighthouse Park, located off US 23 in Iosco County, is just one of Northeast Michigan’s many attractions that draw tourists from around the globe. Thousands of bird watchers migrate to this scenic area each summer to view the many rare and exciting species of birds that frequent this secluded habitat. Marshlands, forests, and open shorelines all provide thrilling opportunities for birding enthusiasts to spot this areas native and summer migratory species.
Both Tawas and Oscoda Beach Parks offer summer tourists a sure way to beat the heat and enjoy a bit of fresh air and sunshine. Swings, slides and play equipment abound for the kids, while boating and fishing enthusiasts will enjoy both the lovely piers and harbors that dot the Iain this water lover’s paradise. Rent a canoe, skidoo, Charter a boat for the afternoon, or launch your own watercraft from one of the many public access areas along Lake Huron’s shores. Fisherman will find an almost endless selection of opportunities, along the shores of the hundreds of lakes, rivers, ponds and streams in this lovely natural forest environment.
River Road Scenic By-Way, located in Oscoda, just off of US 23 is another attraction that visitors will want to take advantage of. While driving along the meandering shores of the beautiful Ausable River, tourists will have the opportunity to stop at one of several scenic overlooks. Photographers and nature lovers alike will find spectacular views the river, and have the opportunity to spot some of the native wildlife. Bobcat, fox, deer, beaver, and many other species of wildlife are often spotted in this area of the Huron National Forest. Bear, Cougar, and Elk are also seen in this area on occasion. While traveling the Scenic By-Way, be sure to visit Iorgo Springs and Lumberman’s Monument National Park.
Cabins, Hotels and Motels abound along the Coastline. Call ahead for reservations, especially in summer months, as many hotels fill up early on the weekends.
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a vacationers paradise. Quiet waterfalls situated among tall shady pines, miles of open coastline, and secluded forests, as well as historical museums, lighthouse tours, birding exhibits and animal parks are just some of attractions that draw visitors to the Northern coast of Michigan’s great “U.P.”
Alger county, located in the Northern Central area of the Upper Peninsula, is dotted with waterfalls and scenic wonders that will provide visitors with some of the most spectacular views of nature available anywhere in the United States. Whitefish Falls, Tannery Falls, Au Train Falls and many others, are the type of secluded getaway spots that will refresh both the spirit and senses. Munising Falls offers a breathtaking view from locations both over and under this magnificent natural landmark. Stroll the footpaths, wander the endless nature trails, or picnic in a sunny spot along the rivers and streams that span this breathtaking wilderness environment.
Pictured Rocks National Park, located in Munising, offers excitement and adventure for climbers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts from around the country. Sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls and more abound in this lovely natural recreational area. The sandstone cliffs towering over 200 feet in height extend for 12 miles along the coast of Lake Superior. In addition tourists will discover the Grand Sable Dunes, atop 5 square miles of high sand bluffs. In addition, miles of natural beach are are situated throughout this National Park, drawing vacationers from around the country.
Oswald’s Bear Ranch, located just 4 1/2 miles off M-123 in Muskallonge Lake, is another attraction that visitors to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula will not want to miss. It is the largest all bear park in the United States. “Bears are everywhere. They’re in the front yard, the back yard & alongside the house.” Writes Alan R. Kamuda after his visit to the Oswald Bear Ranch. Dean and Jewel Oswald established this sanctuary for the American Black Bear, after being asked to care for abandoned bear cubs. Now over 30 black bear have found a home in their natural environment and visitors are invited each summer to share in Dean and Jewels wonderful endeavor.
While in the U.P. don’t miss Garlyn Farms Zoological Park. Located on US-2 across from Lake Michigan in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, this wonderful little zoo is home to exotic and domestic species of all shapes, sizes and habits. Black bear, wolves, bobcat, whitetail deer, cougar, river otter, raccoon, skunk and exotic animals from around the world, wallaby, Patagonian cavy, ring-tailed lemur, reindeer and many others wildlife species are kept at Garlyn Farms. Adults and children alike will enjoy a tour of this well-kept animal park.
While in the Upper Peninsula tourists can also Visit Marquette. Historical Museums, Lighthouse tours, as well as natural and scenic wonders can all be incorporated into a visit to this picturesque area. Marquette College Amphitheater often offers concerts, performances and special events that often include Nationally renowned artists and performers, as well as exciting new entrainer’s, and local performers. You will also find an exciting choice of dining options, as well as a variety of hotel accommodations in this popular area of the Upper Peninsula.
So, what are you waiting for? Start planning that great summer get-away, and enjoy Michigan, and all of it’s many splendors. Whether Indulging in it’s rich cultural treasures, exploring it’s great artistic ventures, or just escaping to it’s secluded scenic wildernesses, Michigan is a weekend traveler’s dream destination.
