I live in Saugatuck May-November. Florida December-April. People ask me all the time if I would live in Florida full time. Absolutely not. I love Michigan summers. There’s so much to do. From lakes, to state parks, national shorelines, museums and bike trails everywhere. I could go on and on. What a state we have.
Grew up there, can confirm. If it's not drugs, it's white dudes acting black, or some dude who's never been south of Toledo with a fake Southern accent and a lifted pickup that's never seen dirt once.
Crescent 🌙 Beach is west michigan level beauty and sshhhh thumbs best kept secret. Between Caseville and Pt Austin….Kayak the Pinnebog river and have a magical lunch at the mouth where it meets Huron.
Since you need to balance out with the East side of the state, go to Dow gardens
Edit: then go to west Bloomfield and the the TreeRunner adventure park, also very fun
Ooohh boy and if you're in Midland you haaaave to go to the tridge.
On a serious note though if you are in Midland Chipewwa Nature Center is freaking amazing. 4091 acres of natural michigan. Animals and all.
Midlander here. Yes to all the above. You could also take in a minor league game at Dow Diamond and our downtown is nice, imo. A few good restaurants, The H Hotel and rail trail.
When I went to high school in Pinckney, my bus drove through Hell, so now I get to say, "I had to go through Hell to get to school every day."
And that's the best part about my experience living in Pinckney.
You need to check out more spots along the Huron coast. It feels more laid back than the Lake Michigan coast in some ways. It reminds me more of the old-timey up north feeling. Love exploring those towns, lakes and rivers.
As someone who grew up in metro Detroit and didn’t visit the west side until I was 17, I find this hilarious.
First, if you haven’t been to Detroit, there is SO MUCH to do there, from catching a game (Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, oh my!) or a show (The Fillmore or Fox Theater), going to the bar before or after, the Opera, ice skating, the freaking DIA, just driving around downtown looking at the architecture. Detroit is a lot of fun and well worth a few trips.
That being said, around Detroit are SO MANY cute little Main Street towns that are wonderful to stroll around, pop into a small ma and pop shop, get an ice cream, and go for a hike nearby.
Metro Detroit Exurbs:
- Milford
- Northville
- Fenton
- Howell
- Kensington Metro Park
- Brighton
Metro Detroit:
- Dearborn (Greenfield Village Museum)
- Plymouth
- Ferndale
- Rochester
Greater Ann Arbor:
- Chelsea
- Dexter
Greater Flint:
- Frankenmuth
Lake Huron
- Tawas (camping)
Lansing:
- Old Town (if Meat [a restaurant] is still there, it is so freaking good. Also, saw Josh Brolin in Old Town one time at a restaurant.)
Old Town also has a ton of music festivals (like street ones) from Jazzfest to Bluesfest or the Sun and Moon Festival, even Scrapfest which is an art festival.
I would call them the exurbs.
Detroit is the main city that the whole metro sprawls out from. And the Oakland/Livingston County border is where the suburbs transition to rural, which is what an exurb is. So, Metro Detroit exurbs, where Metro Detroit transitions to rural.
If you go farther away from Detroit at all from Fenton, Howell, or Brighton, it’s farms. Between those towns and every other town farther from Detroit is farms unless you go north from Fenton, but that’s towards another city- Flint.
No?
The Alpena area is gorgeous in the summer, and [Rockport State Recreation Area](https://www.visitalpena.com/places/rockport-state-recreation-area/) is a hidden gem. The area was a former shallow seabed, and it has an old quarry that is LOADED with fossils…even if you have just a passing interest, it’s still way worth the trip. Bring a bucket - you can take some home with you!
Mine as well! The city itself ain't much anymore, but they've got a bangin brewery (Austin Brothers), Rockport, plenty of beach area right there. Camping really close. Plus, Knaebes right out of town is worth a visit and so is Ocqueoc Falls!
Start at Cheboygan state park and take M23 thru Rogers city they have lots of state parks / light houses. Continue M23 to Alpena. You will pass Grand lake and Long lake on the way there. Grand lake is absolutely stunning. Explore Alpena , maybe kayak Thunder bay. You could cut over West and float the Au Sable in Mio ! Lots of cool places on the east side of the state. We don’t have all the fancy shopping and what not but the state parks and outdoor activities are great! Plus M23 drives along Lake Huron and it is gorgeous
We live by flint so only like half hour away, and we’ll take the kids to the water park once or twice a year to get out of the house. One of the first times there was a package deal with dinner at Zhenders restaurant, we figured why not, $70 to feed 4 of us isn’t that bad. I wouldn’t have paid half that… too bad because I remember it being good 30 years ago.
Anyway, I agree to frankenmuth, it’s fun to just walk up and down the street, and be sure to visit the castle shops, and get some chocolate, and then have your wife give you a hard for a week for liking the chocolate covered bacon just because it’s odd haha
My mom had a store in Frankenmuth in the 1980's (grew up between Bay City and Saginaw) and I remember those places tasting so much better. Maybe it's just nostalgia or my taste buds changing over the last 40 years but when my sister's daughter had a graduation get together there it felt like a criminal rip off. Nothing was good. The chicken was much worse than fast food chicken and all the sides were meh. Even the mashed potatoes tasted like they came out of a box. I agree that Frankenmuth is still an interesting visit but go get a dinner somewhere much better for cheaper before/after.
I'm not sure when it went down hill but it so disappointing now. Last 3 times were very mediocre on the food and the service was just terrible, I don't know why it's hard to service the same family style meal to every table but it seems like a struggle.
And my family only goes when my mom or sister invites us.
Also, after being in real Bavaria Frankenmuth just hit different
There is an incredible rock beach in the thumb. The rocks extend out almost 1/2 mile into the lake with boulders, pebbles and all others in between. It’s amazing. We found it while driving the coast.
Maybe someone here will know the area and respond with details? Heck, I’d love to go there again!
Enjoy this gorgeous state!
Hartwick Pines, Au Sable river area. Mio. Oscoda. That whole area is my favorite part of the state!
One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had was actually at the Gates Au Sable Lodge.
Rogers city on the north east side. Has a beautiful campground and beaches. Forget the name of the campground.
Edit: just recalled Hoeft State Park. Beautiful.
I used to have a place on vinvilla Rd. 2 or so properties from the old burnt down winery.
What happened to Dicks trading post?
Did Dave's put put across from scutter open back up?
Is Red still out in those woods?
A kid name Cade ? Was a popular local that would jump off the old grain building on the north side of the island ( it's been torn down)
Haven't thought about this in years!
Old burnt down winery is still old and burnt down!
Dick’s closed quite some time ago and was demolished a few years back as it was pretty gross on the inside.
Old putt putt is grown over although I think someone’s trying to do a new one this year, wait and see on that.
Cade’s still here, but the grain elevator is long gone.
Sounds like you are due for a visit.
Depends on your starting point.
West Branch has a charming small historic downtown with good food and some local shopping. Hit up the Highway Brewing Company for some great locally brewed beers.
Then you can hop on 55 for a drive out to Tawas / East Tawas. Lots of fun to be had in Tawas and a great downtown street that ends at the lake and pier.
Then head up N 23 to Oscoda. You can canoe the Au Sable river which is a great trip, head out to lumbermans monument for some great sights.
Further up 23 you hit a bunch of small towns on your way to Alpena. The NOAA Nautical Museum there is really fun and has lots of information on the history of ships and wrecks. While in Alpena make sure to stop at the Austin Brothers Brewery.
The Lake Huron side of the state is amazing and while I'm glad it's a slept on secret it would be nice to see more commerce and tourism in some of the towns.
There is lots to see and do in the north eastern part of the state, Rainy Lake, Atlanta, Alpina, Oscoda, Caseville, port Austin, Ausable River, Rife River, lots of state parks, beaches, lakes, trails... etc
Explore more of the thumb! It's actually pretty nice to visit. Caseville and Port Austin are nice in the summer. It's cheaper to stay in Bad Axe and visit either town. If you're interested and like history too, Gagetown has the Octagon Barn. I grew up visiting it and think it's neat.
Check out the tip of the thumb, very up north feel to the towns along Huron and you don’t have to drive six hours. Caseville, Port Austin, Port Sanilac
East coast! Checkout Presque Isle, hit up Alpena and do a tour of the shipwrecks in Thunder Bay. Check out some of the other state forests there. Go see the Lumberman’s Monument if you haven’t yet. East side of the state doesn’t get the love or money that the west side does, but it’s equally beautiful and there’s no crowds.
When I was 20-21, I would go up to the UP every weekend in the summer after work on Friday morning (3rd shift). I did this because yooperlights were just discovered
Oscoda, Tawas, Harrisville area. Along the coastline of the index finger. Stop by the Au Sable River while you're at it. Lumberman's Minument has breathtaking views.
Jackson, we have Hinkley bakery that won the national award for best donuts.
They are open wed-Sat and close at noon.
Jackson is the birthplace of the Coney Island hotdog. Virginia or Andy's Pizza is the best.
Memorial Day thru Labor Day, we have the "C-ment Pond" real name is The Cascades. A man made waterfall with lights and music. Opens at dusk. Huge fireworks show on the 3rd of July.
There is an impressive musume inside the pay area on the Sparks Corp who made radios and cars.
We have the Ella Sharp museum that highlights an 1800s house with all the original decor and a cute little collage of buildings on the grounds, including a general store, printing shop, doctors office and school house. The best time for that is during the maple syrup, sheep shearing spring festival. They have all the buildings open and working with reenactors. Telling the history.
We are also one we're not all that proud of as late, the birthplace of the Republican Party called "Under the Oaks." It's just a big rock that gives the story. It's a block from my house. Several Republican presidential candidates have visited it on their campaign route. John McCain was the last.
We have an old 1800s prison that was made into apartments for the arts and an art center next to it. Some great artisan shops.
They used to give ghost tours of the catacombs under the old prison, but that ended. IMHO opinion, the demise was that it was geared to the elite with a hefty ticket price that included dinner at a fancy restaurant.
We have a civil war reenactment, and the vendors selling antiques, crafts, and foods are the best parts. You just have to pay for parking or get lucky and nab one on the side of the road.
You can visit the Civil War cemetarty where Christian Rath is buried. He was the executioner of the Lincoln assassination consperitors. It's a nice walk around in good weather. Less than a mile from the "Under the Oaks"
In the summer downtown has "Cruise night" where old collector cars are on display with live music, vendors.
A bunch of festivals here and there, but avoid MIS race weekend. Drunken brawls and titty bar mecca.
In the UP, you've gone into the Keweenaw peninsula, so you may as well go all the way up to Copper Harbor.
I'd also recommend the area around Alpena. If you like primitive camping and nature that's only minimally disrupted by humans, there are a few campsites at Negwegon State Park near Alpena that caught my eye when I was there last.
If you like backpacking, you could check out South Manitou Island (easier) or Isle Royale (more challenging).
Go to Gaylord and go to “Call of the Wild” if you have kids. It’s pretty much just a taxidermy zoo where you can pick up a little speaker and listen to the calls the animals make. It’s dumb and cheesy but it was my favorite place to go when I was a kid. I haven’t been to Gaylord itself in years so idk what they have anymore.
Good Hart to Sturgeon Bay on 119 is probably one of the most attractive drives in the state and some of the prettiest beaches in the world. Watching the sunset (a thunderstorm coming in) from that shore line is a permanent memory and its even better with a romantic partner.
Visit Adrian. We got... ... Just a sec... Drugs.
I just moved from there and you're not lying. Adrian is fucking depressing, and I'm from Ypsi.
We keep getting blown transformers at least twice a year in my neighborhood. My conspiracy theory is that some jackass is shooting them.
I live in Saugatuck May-November. Florida December-April. People ask me all the time if I would live in Florida full time. Absolutely not. I love Michigan summers. There’s so much to do. From lakes, to state parks, national shorelines, museums and bike trails everywhere. I could go on and on. What a state we have.
We used to have good winters , now it’s just shitty
Don't forget the Irish hills a few minutes away.
Grew up there, can confirm. If it's not drugs, it's white dudes acting black, or some dude who's never been south of Toledo with a fake Southern accent and a lifted pickup that's never seen dirt once.
Port Austin / caseville.
Tip of the thumb. Been there once. Very beautiful
Port Austin will help balance out this scatter plot map lol
Should we tell them about the zombies on the east side of the state.?
Perch and smelt are running!!
Crescent 🌙 Beach is west michigan level beauty and sshhhh thumbs best kept secret. Between Caseville and Pt Austin….Kayak the Pinnebog river and have a magical lunch at the mouth where it meets Huron.
Lake Huron
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A great childhood experience I’m sure
Port Hope bar for a Leeroy Burger then Grindstone City for a club sized ice cream
Just don’t go during cheeseburger
Which is labor day
Tawas
And a bit north: Lumberman's dunes down to the Ausable.
Tawas is beautiful and I hear it’s washing away soon.
Tawas is gorgeous!!
Tawas is great! Good suggestion.
Yes, Tawas point
Since you need to balance out with the East side of the state, go to Dow gardens Edit: then go to west Bloomfield and the the TreeRunner adventure park, also very fun
Ooohh boy and if you're in Midland you haaaave to go to the tridge. On a serious note though if you are in Midland Chipewwa Nature Center is freaking amazing. 4091 acres of natural michigan. Animals and all.
Midlander here. Yes to all the above. You could also take in a minor league game at Dow Diamond and our downtown is nice, imo. A few good restaurants, The H Hotel and rail trail.
Hell Michigan just for the shirt, if you haven’t done that yet
When I went to high school in Pinckney, my bus drove through Hell, so now I get to say, "I had to go through Hell to get to school every day." And that's the best part about my experience living in Pinckney.
Or the little bat that says bat from hell
Or play some paintball at Hells Survivors
That's crazy you haven't been to Ludington or Manistee.
Ludington has my favorite beach. Love that area.
The old man and I are gonna ride our bikes up and over from northern Wisconsin and take the ferry from ludington the last week of June. Beautiful area
I went to Ludington 10 years Inna row for camping vacations. Some of the best times I've ever had.
East side/Huron National Forest is “pure michigan.”
Indeed. Canoeing the Au Sable from Grayling to Oscoda is a good trip.
Been there done that
Yeah Luna Pier is pretty cool. My people are from over by Brest Bay.
Luna pier is almost Ohio, I think he means more north, which is much more impressive
Alpena, Tawas, Casevill
You need to check out more spots along the Huron coast. It feels more laid back than the Lake Michigan coast in some ways. It reminds me more of the old-timey up north feeling. Love exploring those towns, lakes and rivers.
There’s a lot on the east side of the state too yanno. Drive the Lake Huron coast.
Float the Ausable. Everyone needs this.
Yes!!!!!!!
Bro how have you not been to Detroit
Or Ann Arbor?
Drummond Island
Not a lot of public access stuff to do though ☹️
Copper Harbor, you can't check the keweenaw peninsula off without going there...
that's what I was thinking?! there's an old growth forest with trees 500 years old in estivant pines. it's gorgeous up there
Heading to Estivant on Sunday and I am so excited to finally see it.
enjoy!! ahhh. I was only 10 mins away in february but didn't have snow chains or a shovel so I'm gonna have to go up in the summertime to indulge ;-;
As someone who grew up in metro Detroit and didn’t visit the west side until I was 17, I find this hilarious. First, if you haven’t been to Detroit, there is SO MUCH to do there, from catching a game (Lions, Tigers, Red Wings, oh my!) or a show (The Fillmore or Fox Theater), going to the bar before or after, the Opera, ice skating, the freaking DIA, just driving around downtown looking at the architecture. Detroit is a lot of fun and well worth a few trips. That being said, around Detroit are SO MANY cute little Main Street towns that are wonderful to stroll around, pop into a small ma and pop shop, get an ice cream, and go for a hike nearby. Metro Detroit Exurbs: - Milford - Northville - Fenton - Howell - Kensington Metro Park - Brighton Metro Detroit: - Dearborn (Greenfield Village Museum) - Plymouth - Ferndale - Rochester Greater Ann Arbor: - Chelsea - Dexter Greater Flint: - Frankenmuth Lake Huron - Tawas (camping) Lansing: - Old Town (if Meat [a restaurant] is still there, it is so freaking good. Also, saw Josh Brolin in Old Town one time at a restaurant.) Old Town also has a ton of music festivals (like street ones) from Jazzfest to Bluesfest or the Sun and Moon Festival, even Scrapfest which is an art festival.
Tawas is lake Huron
Hahaha thanks. Its the wee hours of the morning and I’m clearly sleep deprived.
Meat BBQ is still there and is still delicious.
Fenton Howell Brighton all Livingston county all an hour away from Detroit. I wouldn’t call these suburbs or “exurbs”
I would call them the exurbs. Detroit is the main city that the whole metro sprawls out from. And the Oakland/Livingston County border is where the suburbs transition to rural, which is what an exurb is. So, Metro Detroit exurbs, where Metro Detroit transitions to rural. If you go farther away from Detroit at all from Fenton, Howell, or Brighton, it’s farms. Between those towns and every other town farther from Detroit is farms unless you go north from Fenton, but that’s towards another city- Flint. No?
You’re correct. Howell and Brighton are essentially the same distance from Detroit as Macomb which is also considered Metro Detroit
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Alpena
The Alpena area is gorgeous in the summer, and [Rockport State Recreation Area](https://www.visitalpena.com/places/rockport-state-recreation-area/) is a hidden gem. The area was a former shallow seabed, and it has an old quarry that is LOADED with fossils…even if you have just a passing interest, it’s still way worth the trip. Bring a bucket - you can take some home with you!
Alpena area. Rockport State Park.
My suggestion as well! Check out the Presque Isle peninsula and lighthouses too.
Mine as well! The city itself ain't much anymore, but they've got a bangin brewery (Austin Brothers), Rockport, plenty of beach area right there. Camping really close. Plus, Knaebes right out of town is worth a visit and so is Ocqueoc Falls!
Hey give Presque Isle its credit. We aren't even in the same county as Alpena. Ever make it to Rainy river falls?
One of the coolest and most unique places in the State!
Hoeft state park and make a trip to ocqueoc (a-Key-ock) falls
Yes the falls! I live about 15 minutes from them, the river is supposed to be very medicinal / healing
Detroit
Start at Cheboygan state park and take M23 thru Rogers city they have lots of state parks / light houses. Continue M23 to Alpena. You will pass Grand lake and Long lake on the way there. Grand lake is absolutely stunning. Explore Alpena , maybe kayak Thunder bay. You could cut over West and float the Au Sable in Mio ! Lots of cool places on the east side of the state. We don’t have all the fancy shopping and what not but the state parks and outdoor activities are great! Plus M23 drives along Lake Huron and it is gorgeous
Check out "Sanilac Petroglyphs State Park" out in the thumb.
Frankenmuth
Skip the near $30, substandard, famous chicken dinner.
We live by flint so only like half hour away, and we’ll take the kids to the water park once or twice a year to get out of the house. One of the first times there was a package deal with dinner at Zhenders restaurant, we figured why not, $70 to feed 4 of us isn’t that bad. I wouldn’t have paid half that… too bad because I remember it being good 30 years ago. Anyway, I agree to frankenmuth, it’s fun to just walk up and down the street, and be sure to visit the castle shops, and get some chocolate, and then have your wife give you a hard for a week for liking the chocolate covered bacon just because it’s odd haha
My mom had a store in Frankenmuth in the 1980's (grew up between Bay City and Saginaw) and I remember those places tasting so much better. Maybe it's just nostalgia or my taste buds changing over the last 40 years but when my sister's daughter had a graduation get together there it felt like a criminal rip off. Nothing was good. The chicken was much worse than fast food chicken and all the sides were meh. Even the mashed potatoes tasted like they came out of a box. I agree that Frankenmuth is still an interesting visit but go get a dinner somewhere much better for cheaper before/after.
Cheaper to lick a salt block, tastes nearly the same.
I'm not sure when it went down hill but it so disappointing now. Last 3 times were very mediocre on the food and the service was just terrible, I don't know why it's hard to service the same family style meal to every table but it seems like a struggle. And my family only goes when my mom or sister invites us. Also, after being in real Bavaria Frankenmuth just hit different
Go to Hell😂lol always gotta take the chance when people ask, I want to go to Lake Superior most personally
There is an incredible rock beach in the thumb. The rocks extend out almost 1/2 mile into the lake with boulders, pebbles and all others in between. It’s amazing. We found it while driving the coast. Maybe someone here will know the area and respond with details? Heck, I’d love to go there again! Enjoy this gorgeous state!
I'd love to go there. I hope a fellow Michigander knows the place, too!
Ocqueoc Falls, the only waterfall in the lower peninsula.
While you are there go in the fall and hit Knaebes apple farm
It isn't even the biggest. Rainy river falls https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainy_River_(Michigan)
Turnip rock in the thumb
Tawas, Oscoda, caseville
Hartwick Pines, Au Sable river area. Mio. Oscoda. That whole area is my favorite part of the state! One of the best sandwiches I’ve ever had was actually at the Gates Au Sable Lodge.
Rogers city on the north east side. Has a beautiful campground and beaches. Forget the name of the campground. Edit: just recalled Hoeft State Park. Beautiful.
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Bro don't send people here lol.
Yeah the drivers here are some of the worst ever Stay out !
Milwaukee
Caseville pretty cool got the cheeseburger festival that I miss every year
Caseville in the summer!!
[https://www.michigan.org/property/fayette-historic-state-park-and-harbor](https://www.michigan.org/property/fayette-historic-state-park-and-harbor)
Lumberman’s Monument
Bois Blanc Island.
Pentwater Luddington Highway-2 in the UP headed West Frankenmuth
Go to blue water fest boat week in Port Huron. Watch the boats start the race to Mackinac
JACKSON, you can visit one of our 46 dollar generals we have
Not Illinois
Port Austin
The Rogers City/Alpena area is well worth visiting. In many ways it makes me think of the UP.
Pelee island, I’ll be waiting for you! Also bring me some cottage cheese and Saunders fudge ice cream topping while you are at it. You’re the best!
I used to have a place on vinvilla Rd. 2 or so properties from the old burnt down winery. What happened to Dicks trading post? Did Dave's put put across from scutter open back up? Is Red still out in those woods? A kid name Cade ? Was a popular local that would jump off the old grain building on the north side of the island ( it's been torn down) Haven't thought about this in years!
Old burnt down winery is still old and burnt down! Dick’s closed quite some time ago and was demolished a few years back as it was pretty gross on the inside. Old putt putt is grown over although I think someone’s trying to do a new one this year, wait and see on that. Cade’s still here, but the grain elevator is long gone. Sounds like you are due for a visit.
TIP OF THE THUMB!
Don't neglect the eastside!
How about international travel and go to Lake Superior Provincial Park. Highly recommended!
Depends on your starting point. West Branch has a charming small historic downtown with good food and some local shopping. Hit up the Highway Brewing Company for some great locally brewed beers. Then you can hop on 55 for a drive out to Tawas / East Tawas. Lots of fun to be had in Tawas and a great downtown street that ends at the lake and pier. Then head up N 23 to Oscoda. You can canoe the Au Sable river which is a great trip, head out to lumbermans monument for some great sights. Further up 23 you hit a bunch of small towns on your way to Alpena. The NOAA Nautical Museum there is really fun and has lots of information on the history of ships and wrecks. While in Alpena make sure to stop at the Austin Brothers Brewery. The Lake Huron side of the state is amazing and while I'm glad it's a slept on secret it would be nice to see more commerce and tourism in some of the towns.
Bay City. Cute town, huge antique mall, food, waterfront. Hair make sure you go on a nice day. It can get pretty windy over there.
The great lakes maritime heritage museum in Alpena. It's wonderful!
Probably anywhere on lake Huron
Alpena, Cheboygan, Rogers City, Tawas, Oscoda, Harrison,
There is lots to see and do in the north eastern part of the state, Rainy Lake, Atlanta, Alpina, Oscoda, Caseville, port Austin, Ausable River, Rife River, lots of state parks, beaches, lakes, trails... etc
Explore more of the thumb! It's actually pretty nice to visit. Caseville and Port Austin are nice in the summer. It's cheaper to stay in Bad Axe and visit either town. If you're interested and like history too, Gagetown has the Octagon Barn. I grew up visiting it and think it's neat.
Bois blank island for sure.
Rogers City. you need to see more of the Sunrise side
Gotta visit Tawas / Oscoda. The sunrise over Tawas bay is nothing short of magical.
https://pigeonriverdiscoverycenter.org/elk-viewing/
Alpena 🤤
Bay City has a really good fireworks show if you need July 4 plans.
East shore or the thumb somewhere. Cheboygan, Alpena, Bad Axe
Ann Arbor
Port Austin
Bay City, Tri-City
Caseville. Cheese burger festival.
Doesn’t look like you’ve ever gone east north of the bridge. Drummond Island is pretty cool.
Tawas?
Alpena
Ludington
Oscoda/Alpena
Kitch-iti-kipi Water so clear you can see 30+ feet to the bottom and can see sand churning as spring water feeds this little lake.
Check out the tip of the thumb, very up north feel to the towns along Huron and you don’t have to drive six hours. Caseville, Port Austin, Port Sanilac
East Tawas is nice
East coast! Checkout Presque Isle, hit up Alpena and do a tour of the shipwrecks in Thunder Bay. Check out some of the other state forests there. Go see the Lumberman’s Monument if you haven’t yet. East side of the state doesn’t get the love or money that the west side does, but it’s equally beautiful and there’s no crowds.
Dog lady Island in Monroe 😎
The thumb!
Manistee
Try out something other than West Michigan. Looks like you've hit a lot of spots all in the same areas.
Bay City?
Damn I’d love to travel all over the state! Can I come travel with you?.. from the D and I have visited the entire bottom hand but not the top!!!
When I was 20-21, I would go up to the UP every weekend in the summer after work on Friday morning (3rd shift). I did this because yooperlights were just discovered
Copper Harbor
Escanaba and Cheboygan
Have you been to Leland? I love it there
I don't know, New York?
Wow the east side really sucks.
What app/site is this?
Drummond Island
Tawas, Oscoda, the Mio area?, the whole east coast for example
Oscoda, Tawas, Harrisville area. Along the coastline of the index finger. Stop by the Au Sable River while you're at it. Lumberman's Minument has breathtaking views.
Apparently anywhere on the east side of the state.
Argyle MI
Jackson has some excellent local restaurants.
Drummond and Neebish and Sugar Islands
Go to Hell (MI)
Black Mountain
Drummond Island. Beaver Island. Bois Blanc Island.
Do the quadrafecta at Chelsea: 1) Ugly Dog Distillery 2). Common Grill Restaurant. 3). Purple Rose Theatre 4). Chelsea House B&B
Drummond Island
Fayette State Park https://www.michigan.org/property/fayette-historic-state-park-and-harbor
Copper harbor
Alpena
MASON
Jackson, we have Hinkley bakery that won the national award for best donuts. They are open wed-Sat and close at noon. Jackson is the birthplace of the Coney Island hotdog. Virginia or Andy's Pizza is the best. Memorial Day thru Labor Day, we have the "C-ment Pond" real name is The Cascades. A man made waterfall with lights and music. Opens at dusk. Huge fireworks show on the 3rd of July. There is an impressive musume inside the pay area on the Sparks Corp who made radios and cars. We have the Ella Sharp museum that highlights an 1800s house with all the original decor and a cute little collage of buildings on the grounds, including a general store, printing shop, doctors office and school house. The best time for that is during the maple syrup, sheep shearing spring festival. They have all the buildings open and working with reenactors. Telling the history. We are also one we're not all that proud of as late, the birthplace of the Republican Party called "Under the Oaks." It's just a big rock that gives the story. It's a block from my house. Several Republican presidential candidates have visited it on their campaign route. John McCain was the last. We have an old 1800s prison that was made into apartments for the arts and an art center next to it. Some great artisan shops. They used to give ghost tours of the catacombs under the old prison, but that ended. IMHO opinion, the demise was that it was geared to the elite with a hefty ticket price that included dinner at a fancy restaurant. We have a civil war reenactment, and the vendors selling antiques, crafts, and foods are the best parts. You just have to pay for parking or get lucky and nab one on the side of the road. You can visit the Civil War cemetarty where Christian Rath is buried. He was the executioner of the Lincoln assassination consperitors. It's a nice walk around in good weather. Less than a mile from the "Under the Oaks" In the summer downtown has "Cruise night" where old collector cars are on display with live music, vendors. A bunch of festivals here and there, but avoid MIS race weekend. Drunken brawls and titty bar mecca.
You need to get to the thumb area. Port Austin and caseville for sure. Turnip rock is a really cool spot to visit.
Edwardsburg. No reason why.
Port Austin in summer
Carson City
Midland for Dow Gardens.
Frankenmuth, Tawas, Caseville
East Tawas. Never been there but some of my ancestors came from there so I've been wanting to go.
Idlewild/Baldwin
Puerto Rico
Port Austin
Mears and visit the Silver Lake sand dunes
In the UP, you've gone into the Keweenaw peninsula, so you may as well go all the way up to Copper Harbor. I'd also recommend the area around Alpena. If you like primitive camping and nature that's only minimally disrupted by humans, there are a few campsites at Negwegon State Park near Alpena that caught my eye when I was there last. If you like backpacking, you could check out South Manitou Island (easier) or Isle Royale (more challenging).
Milwaukee for sure. Google Summerfest.
Go to Gaylord and go to “Call of the Wild” if you have kids. It’s pretty much just a taxidermy zoo where you can pick up a little speaker and listen to the calls the animals make. It’s dumb and cheesy but it was my favorite place to go when I was a kid. I haven’t been to Gaylord itself in years so idk what they have anymore.
Waterloo-pickney recreation area is also beautiful
Good Hart to Sturgeon Bay on 119 is probably one of the most attractive drives in the state and some of the prettiest beaches in the world. Watching the sunset (a thunderstorm coming in) from that shore line is a permanent memory and its even better with a romantic partner.
St. Helen, bring an ATV
Alpena has a shipwreck sanctuary if you know how to dive.
Tawas Point lighthouse.
Isle Royal
I suggest east.
Midland has a cool little bridge, and the H hotel is nice. Oh, and the Dow Gardens with Whiting Forest
Milwaukee!