With spring comes the thawing of the ice and the chance to rediscover the natural beauty in the Great Lakes State. If you didn’t know, the Michigan winters can be pretty brutal, and being caught in the house only drives the passion to break out when spring finally arrives. And when spring does arrive, plenty of Michigan gems and treasures must be visited to be experienced. Before booking your spring vacation, give this guide a read to find the right springtime place for you.
Traverse City
A must-see for nature lovers. The dunes are perfect for scenic views and hiking, providing great spots for dune climbing. The Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive provides breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Multiple charming shops alongside restaurants, cafes, and breweries populate the downtown area. Explore the district and discover distinctive stores while sampling regional cuisine. Traverse City serves as the gateway to the region’s renowned wine country. Tour the Old Mission Peninsula wine trail to explore numerous vineyards and wineries where you can sample some of the region’s top wines.
Take advantage of Grand Traverse Bay’s beaches and enjoy a relaxing day by the water. Like you would on a breathtakingly beautiful day in Southern Cal or Hawaii, take in the West End Beach and Clinch Park attract visitors who enjoy swimming and picnicking while relaxing by the lake.
The Traverse Area Recreational Trail (TART) offers a scenic 10-mile biking route through Traverse City that links downtown to the rural outskirts. The trail is a dream come true for bike lovers.
Muskegon
Muskegon, Michigan, delivers a dynamic urban experience through its combination of outdoor adventures, and cultural attractions. The city offers numerous activities for outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs, and culinary adventurers.
The area around Lake Michigan offers opportunities for hiking and biking as well as viewing its beautiful scenery. Visitors can enjoy swimming activities, family picnics, and leisurely moments by the water at the park’s popular beach.
Muskegon State Park becomes a popular spot for disc golf and hiking during the summer months.
The museum displays the USS Silversides, which served as a submarine during World War II. Guests can explore the submarine through guided tours that cover its wartime history and mission. Additional maritime exhibits and artifacts are featured at the museum.
The beautiful beach at Pere Marquette Park offers Lake Michigan views and serves as an ideal location for picnicking and swimming or sunset viewing. The park offers walking paths and lots of green space where visitors can relax.
Ann Arbor
Located 15 minutes away from Downtown Detroit, Ann Arbor is truly a treasure chest for the spring. As an artistic small town, Ann Arbor can’t wait to unload the festivals and parades to celebrate the turning of the seasons.
With spring comes new flowers blooming, so there’s no better place than the Nichols Arboretum. Take in all that spring bloom near the University of Michigan by smelling the aroma of all the exotic magnolias and daffodils.
One great garden deserves another, which you can easily find at the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Prepare to have your breath taken away from all the exotic outdoor garden beauty as you take in the crisp spring air.
With warmer nights comes the return of free live concerts and other events. Because Ann Arbor is such a close-knit town, spending a warm evening with friends is a great way to celebrate the new life that comes with spring. If the night is still young for you, you can easily roll into to downtown Detroit for live jazz and blues concerts from the locals. With so many local casino options in Greektown and pubs, you won’t need to bring your jacket to enjoy the warm spring nights.