From the outdoors beauty of Mackinac Island State Park to thrill rides at Michigan's Adventure to historic landmarks at the Henry Ford Museum, Michigan has plenty to offer visitors year-round.
According to the Ojibwa and Odawa Great Lakes Indian tribes, Mackinac Island is where life began. Mackinac Island State Park, which covers more than 1,800 acres of the island, is open throughout the year and is free of charge for all visitors. Located off Michigan's north coast, the park offers views of sparkling waters, lush forests and geological formations. No camping is permitted at Michigan's first state park and vehicles have been banned since 1898. During the spring, summer and fall, visitors are invited to hike, ride bikes or horses through the park's 61 miles of roads. Cross-country skiing is offered during the winter months on the same paths. Also on park grounds is the Richard and Jane Manoogian Mackinac Art Museum, scheduled to open in July 2010 and built to showcase fine and decorative art inspired by the island.
Mackinac Island State Park
P.O. Box 370
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
(906) 847-3328 (May to September)
mackinacparks.com
Michigan's Adventure and WildWater Adventure are a ride and water park combination on Michigan's western border city of Muskegon. Open in late May, the family destination for many ages offers dozens of rides, including a handful of "high thrill" and "aggressive thrill" rides. WildWater Adventure has 10 acres of body and tube slides, three wade pools, kids' play areas and a large funnel slide called Funnel of Fear. The park requires all to wear swimsuits and guests are asked to bring their own towels.
Michigan Adventure and WildWater Adventure
4750 Whitehall Rd.
Muskegon, MI 49445
(231) 766-3377
miadventure.com/
The Henry Ford includes a group of attractions in southeastern Michigan such as the Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour. Open all week, the Henry Ford Museum covers American innovation over nine acres. Exhibits have included "Made in America," featuring the bus that Rosa Parks rode. Greenfield Village is closed for the winter season. While visiting the village, visitors trace Henry Ford's life by traveling through seven historic districts. Along the way, guests may see the Ford Home, the Ford Motor Company, Miller School, the Henry Ford Theater, and the Bagley Avenue Workshop. There are five parts to the Ford Rouge Factory Tour, including a driving tour of historic auto-related landmarks, a behind-the-scenes look at the factory and a walking tour above the final assembly area for Ford F-150s.
The Henry Ford
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, MI 48124
(313) 982-6001
thehenryford.org/
