Top Five Places in Michigan that You're Missing out on

With summer around the corner, I'm feeling the itch of cabin fever and I have the feeling that I'm not alone. While wanting to travel but also not break the bank, I've decided to make a list of my favorite places to visit in Michigan that others may have never heard of.

If you're planning on visiting Michigan, here is a local Michigander's bucket list that everyone can enjoy.

5.) Cherry Bowl Drive in Theater

Ah the old drive-in movie theaters. Where first kisses were stolen and teenagers hung (or snuck) out back in "the old days". Located in Honor, double feature movies are shown here during the warm summer months. So pack a cooler and if you have a truck, I recommend putting an air mattress in the bed of your truck and pack many pillows and a blanket for a romantic evening out. We bought an air mattress with an electric pump built in the mattress. Luckily my truck has a wall outlet so we were able to plug it in, blow it up and deflate it at the end of the night. With food/drinks available for purchase at the on site diner and newly released movies on the screen, it's a perfect experience for a date or an outing for the whole family.

I would recommend arrive well before the show time to find the perfect parking spot. There is a playground on site for the kids to play and the diner will be open to purchase drinks and food ahead of time- you won't regret it. Remember to park close enough to put the speakers (shown below) on your door so that you can hear the movie! Otherwise tune your vehicle's radio station to the Cherry Bowl's own station to hear the movie that is on the screen.

4.) Silver Lake Sand Dunes

I've spent many days out on the sand here. Almost anything with an ORV tag is allowed on the dunes. Yes, even your daily drivers- but I don't recommend using them. If you should break something on your vehicle while on the dunes, your insurance will not cover the damage.

Lake Michigan touches the shore of the dunes so it is also possible to drive out and plan a beach day with the family with your ATV's. Jeeps and ATV's can be rented in the nearby town of Silver Lake. Tags, parking pass and dune flags can be purchased at a local store by the gate of the dunes. Arrive early in the day to ensure that you snag a parking spot. Pack a cooler as well in case you become hungry or thirsty- you will not want to leave your parking spot. Once you leave, it's fair game for someone else to park there to enjoy the dunes for the day. After a day at the dunes, drive into town and enjoy food or other activities. The local Craig's Cruisers has a mini golf course, zip line, bumper boats, go-carts and even an arcade among other activities. There are many campgrounds around the dunes but my favorite campground would have to be Yogi Bear Campground- where I camped as a kid with my grandparents.

Caution: The dunes are very busy and can be dangerous. Be on the lookout for other drivers and follow the signs that signal which way to drive over the dunes. Do NOT ever drive along the side of the dune where other drivers cannot see you.

3.) Hot Air Balloon Rides

The Color Tour is a road trip that thousands of people enjoy as they drive through Michigan's Lower Peninsula up across the bridge and into the Upper Peninsula every Autumn. To make the trip even more special would to book a Hot Air Balloon ride over the forest and bay of Traverse City along the way. The fall colors are amazing!

This is on my bucket list- as soon as I overcome my fear of heights. I only grew to 5'2" for a reason! If you're fearless and this is something you would enjoy, I already found the perfect site to book through! Their website's pictures alone are breath taking:

https://www.tcballoontours.com/

2.) Pictured Rocks

A beautiful outdoor activity that is a workout and helps you get in touch with nature! Definitely on my bucket list, I feel that Pictured Rocks is a hidden gem in Northern Michigan. Kayak through freshwater and enjoy the many hues of the rock as you skim by. The lake can be a bit rough so I would recommend practicing your kayaking skills and hiring a tour guide to find the best stops to enjoy! I found the best rated local tour guide for you already! Here is where you can check them out:

https://paddlepicturedrocks.com/

You can also rent a boat if you're not comfortable or an inexperienced kayaker. I do not recommend kayaking alone out to the rocks. For those that have never been to the Great Lakes, the lakes can act the same as the ocean and are never safe to navigate alone- even for experienced locals.

This attraction even offers an adventure for winter time visitors and locals alike. With harsh winters and not many outdoor activities to enjoy, Pictured Rocks offer beautiful formations during the cold winter months- so bundle up and go explore!

1.) Mackinac Island

A local's favorite. Step back in time and enjoy the simple life at Mackinac Island during the summer. This island has significant history, with the Colonial-era fort built on the bluffs of the island. Opening in May, 2022- the Fort will be open for tours. Vehicles are not permitted on the island- except for snowmobiles during the winter. That's right. Locals live on the island year round and guest can even drive their snowmobiles across the frozen lake to the island. Truly a unique experience- I'm not aware of any other place on Earth like this island.

Tourist are able to ferry over from the main land to the island. Accommodations can be made to stay over night on the island, or a ferry can bring passengers back to the main land at the end of the day. I've lived in Michigan for over twenty years and one of my biggest Bucket List desires is to ferry my own horses over and ride on the island for the day. That's right! There is a cargo hold on the ferry where the typical cargo are bicycles (bikes can also be rented on the island) but horses are also permitted on the ferry.

Arrangements can be made with local stables to house your horses for the day/night or guests can rent horses from one of the local stables for the day. Carriages are also available to rent if you want to see the island but cannot walk or ride a bike very far. This island is family oriented and I highly recommend travelling here- that's why Mackinac Island is #1 on my list.

Thank you for reading! I hope everyone discovered a new and interesting place that they may want to venture out to this summer, fall or winter here in my home state of the Mitten!

Until my next article, Happy Reading!