TOP FIVE MICHIGAN DESTINATIONS FOR FAMILIES THIS SUMMER

Photo courtesy of Arztsamui at FreeDigitalPhotos.net.

At Echelon Homes, we know how important it is to plan ahead.  If you haven’t already mapped out a family summer vacation, now is the time.  Here are the top five places to visit in Michigan this summer.

1. Climb the big dune at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore was named the “Most Beautiful Place in America” on ABC’s Good Morning America for many reasons.  Visitors have named the Dune Climb, Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the Glen Haven Maritime Museum and Life Saving station, as their favorites.  If you enjoy hiking or biking, the views will take your breath away as you traverse dozens of trails.  The communities surrounding Sleeping Bear Dunes offer unique shops, galleries, food, music and wine, and plenty of places to stay while you visit the dunes.

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2. Spend some time at Mackinac Island.  Travel back in time for an unforgettable vacation.  Mackinac Island offers fine dining, luxurious lodging, historic sites and many fun-filled attractions including the Mackinac Island State Park which covers 80% of the island.  Water enthusiasts tout Mackinac for its fantastic kayaking, boating, sailing and fishing options while land lovers enjoy breathtaking views by bike, on foot or by horse from Lake Shore Boulevard which encircles the island’s entire eight-mile perimeter.   At least you’ll be able to say you drove across the Mackinac Bridge!

3. Explore Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.  Our Upper Peninsula is full of attractions you won’t find anywhere else in the United States.  For example, you can learn about the history of copper mining in Michigan and explore the depths of the Quincy Mine and see our nation’s first mineral room.  Experience an actual Great Lakes freighter at the Edmund Fitzgerald Memorial Exhibit in Sault Ste. Marie which houses a 20,000 square foot museum and over 100 exhibits in the ship’s massive cargo.  From glorious lighthouses and mighty waterfalls to the famous Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Porcupine Mountains, the U.P. is a family destination worthy of the four-five hour drive.

4. Visit Traverse City.  Many have called Traverse City the most beautiful Michigan beach town because of its miles of sugar-sand shoreline and glacier-sculpted landscape of orchards and vineyards.  The city is perfecct for summer vacations when the entire family can enjoy swimming, sailing, paddling, hiking and fishing.  Golfers can choose from 17 beautiful courses and foodies have plenty of quality cuisine options.  Bonus—If you are headed to Sleeping Bear Dunes, Traverse City is only 40 minutes away, so consider finding a hotel there and then visiting the dunes.

5. Head to the zoo. When school is out for the summer and your children start acting like animals, take them to one of Michigan’s zoos!  Choose from the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids, Binder Park Zoo in Battle Creek and the Potter Park Zoo in Lansing.  The Detroit Zoo’s new $29.5 million Polk Penguin Conservation Center opened a few weeks ago and is definitely worth seeing.

Article by: Jennifer Elkow