Mackinac Island is a state park designated as a National Historic Landmark that is located in the Straits of Mackinac and is accessible by boat or ferries that run from Mackinac City and St. Ignace. Features include historic buildings and monuments, shoreline paths and an entire island free of motorized vehicles. Travel by bicycle, ride horses, or hike on trails and through the business district and visit the butterfly gardens open from May through October. Stop at the fudge shops to watch the fudge making process, sample the products and purchase some to take home.
Mackinac Island State Park
P.O. Box 370
Mackinac Island, MI 49757
906-847-3328
mackinac.org
Tahquamenon Falls State Park, the second largest state park in Michigan is home to Tahquamenon Falls. It has more than 40 miles of hiking trails, 13 inland lakes and 20,000 acres of natural area that serve as a natural habitat for moose, bear, wolves and 125 species of nesting birds. During spring and summer you can hike, camp, canoe or take a rowboat to the island near the Lower Tahquamenon Falls. You can travel on a four mile trail from the Lower Falls to the Upper Falls, which are connected by the Tahquamenon River. Fish for walleye, perch, muskie, pike, smallmouth bass, whitefish and trout on 24 miles of the Tahquamenon River that lies in the park. Take a color tour to photograph the autumn scenery, enjoy the annual Harvest Festival, an autumn camping experience, or take advantage of the fall hunting season. Snowmobiling, cross country skiing and snowshoeing are available on marked trails in the park during winter.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41382 West M-123
Paradise, MI 49768
906-492-3415
stateparks.com/tahquamenon_falls
Frankenmuth, called "Little Bavaria" by many visitors, has some of the most authentic
Bavarian architecture in America. Famous for its festivals, restaurants, lodges and shops, Frankenmuth is home to Bronners, the largest Christmas store in the world. The Bavarian Inn and Zehnders are large, family restaurants with attached lodging and water parks that are within walking distance of downtown. Ride in a horse-drawn carriage, take a cruise up the Cass River, or visit the museums, shops, breweries, candy kitchens or cheese and sausage factories. Visit during art, music, folk, cultural or winter festivals that include food, singing, dancing, ice sculptures, car cruises, sledding and ice skating. Frankenmuth is a good place to escape from the stress of your life for a day.
