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Travel Logs January 2016

Compulsive Traveler

Michigan Must-Visits

By Sandra Scott

Holland: Like the name implies the small town is a slice of the Netherlands. Explore the quaint Dutch Village, a theme park that recreates a small Dutch village with authentic Dutch architecture, gardens, canals, and windmills. Not to miss is the colorful Tulip Festival held in May.

Michigan has it all: the world’s longest fresh water coast line with more than 100 beaches, a vast wilderness in the Upper Peninsula, an array of museums, big cities, quaint towns, and more. Visitors can camp on a rustic site or stay in a luxurious hotel. There is truly something for everyone.

  1. Lansing: The capital is always a good place to start. The area is referred to as Mid-Michigan making it a good base for travel to the surrounding area. Take a group tour of the elegant Capitol Building. Visit Michigan State and don’t miss the Eli and Edythe Broad Art Museum which opened in 2012.
  2. Detroit: Michigan’s largest city is also the “Come Back” city with a plethora of things to see and do. The Beaux Art Detroit Institute of Art is the home of Diego Rivera’s mural, “Detroit Industry.” The “Motor City” is also home to the Motown Historical Museum and the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History.
  3. Dearborn: Even though Dearborn is considered part of Detroit’s metropolitan area it’s a tourist destination in its own right. It is best known as the hometown of Henry Ford and is home of the Ford Rouge Plant which is open for tours. Not to miss – the amazing Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village.
  4. Ann Arbor: Ann Arbor is home of the University of Michigan where you can attend a football game, the free U-M Museum of Art, and the free U-M museum of Natural History. Don’t miss the Yankee Air Museum where it is possible to fly on a C-47. The city has an amazing variety of ethnic restaurants and a slew of breweries.
  5. The UP: The Upper Peninsula, fondly called “The UP,” is a forested region in Michigan bordering three of the Great Lakes. It is a multi-season destination with water fun in the warm weather and plenty of snow for winter fun. The Edmond Fitzgerald will live forever at the bottom of Lake Superior, in song, and at the Great Lakes Ship Wreck Museum.
  6. Mackinac: Mackinac Island is unique, a car-free vacation destination that has been frozen in time. The island is only 3.8 square miles but it has plenty to offer everyone. It is home to one of America’s oldest national parks which, covers more than 80% of the island. Visitors can encircle the island on foot or by bike or horse.
  7. Traverse City: The city is a multi-season destination but shoppers will love it any time of the year. Not only are their specialty shops but part of the fun is exploring the small nearby towns. Take the brewery and distillery tour and wander the Boardman Neighborhood Historic District with dozens of Victorian homes. Not to miss is the nearby Sleeping Bear Dunes with great views of Lake Michigan and many activities.
  8. Holland: Like the name implies the small town is a slice of the Netherlands. Explore the quaint Dutch Village, a theme park that recreates a small Dutch village with authentic Dutch architecture, gardens, canals, and windmills. Not to miss is the colorful Tulip Festival held in May.
  9. Harbor County: The county has white sand beaches and rustic country charm. New Buffalo is the hub for water activities, boutique shopping, and art studios. Go stand-up paddle boarding or fishing. Drive around the bountiful countryside for fresh produce, freshly made cider, and other products.
  10. Explore: Michigan has many great destinations. In Saginaw visit the Castle Museum and the Marshall M. Fredericks Sculpture Museum. In Grand Rapids don’t miss the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

 

Sandra Scott travels the globe recording the top attractions at every destination.

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