Michigan Vacation help needed!

[micheleq]

You’ve gotten some great recs! I live in Grosse Pointe so I will add that in Detroit there are many fantastic, world class museums. The Detroit Institute of the Arts is scheduled to reopen on June 30th and it is simply amazing. I grew up outside NYC and love the Met, and the DIA while smaller, is just as breathtaking. Across the street you will find the Detroit Historical Society which is a great smaller museum, and there is also the Charles Wright Museum of African American History, the Michigan Science Center, and the Museum of Contemporary Art all nearby. Go to National and Lafayette Coneys and see which one you like, try Mootz Pizza (near the Shinola Hotel), or great ramen at Ima. Stay at the Westin Book Cadillac or the In on Ferry Street. Oh and don’t forget to visit Belle Isle State Park (designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, designer of Central Park). Have a great, safe road trip!

I almost forgot the Detroit Zoo! Which is in Royal Oak just north of Detroit. And another vote for the Henry Ford, it’s a spectacular collection of American history exhibits and Greenfield Village is a fun experience.

 

[Herding_Cats]

I live near Traverse City. Like others have said, there are a TON (really, it's getting to be a problem since TC is now considered a "party" town and on weekends its crawling with bachelor/bachelorette parties) of wineries and microbreweries. It's also ridiculously expensive for what you get at the hotels. There are 2 casinos (on in leelanau and on west of TC) if that's your thing. There is a big section of downtown that they are making into pedestrian only for the summer to help the local restaurants have more seating. Parking is always an issue.

 

[sdoll]

I love Michigan! My parents have a place along Lake Huron. I didn't read the whole thread but got so excited I wanted to throw my 2 cents in. Mackinaw City is home to one of very few international dark parks. Headlands Dark sky park. It is 2 miles of undeveloped land on the coast of Lake Michigan that remains dark and has no light pollution for star gazing The stars are absolutely amazing and I am really not into that stuff. It is a dark walk and you can't have a flash light unless it is filtered in red. I taped a piece of red tissue paper over my phone's flashlight and we were good. Their are also people working there that guide you. I found it breathtaking. I am unsure if you are traveling with children but my kids love The Mill Discovery Park in Mackinaw City. Additionally there is a cute lumberjack show in Mackinaw City probably more for younger kids but it is an entertaining show. The pizza place that was mentioned in Mackinaw City below the bridge museum is very good. There are so many great things to do in Michigan you really can't go wrong!

I agree that The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village is a great place to visit. As you head out of Michigan toward Toledo the Toledo Zoo is amazing. It is typically the number 1 rated zoo. If you want to enjoy a bit more of the shore Ohio has some great things as well. Sandusky, Port Clinton, Marblehead, Kelly's Island, Put in Bay (depending on kids) so much to see!!

 

[Forevermarypoppins]

I live in Michigan. These are my favorite places to visit:

We get memberships with reciprocity to gardens, museums and science centers which allows us entry into many all over the country.

Kalamazoo - Air Zoo - nice airplane museum. Volunteers tell great stories about the different planes.

Grand Rapids - Public Museum - an excellent science museum with good planetarium shows. The Bodies exhibit is there until fall. Also, Frederick Meijer Gardens is a gem. They sometimes have quality special small art exhibits.

Grand Haven - has a beautiful state park and nice walking trail from town to the light house along the Grand River. Fricanos is a long time favorite for unique, thin crust pizza.

Muskegon - tour the WW2 sub Silversides and see their museum.

Silver Lake - take a dune buggy tour over the expansive dunes

Glen Arbor - drive the amazing Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive through a beautiful forest and dune area. Take a short hike from near the top of the dune Which allows for beautiful views of Sleeping Bear Dunes. There are cute artists shops in Glen Arbor.

Leland - see Fishtown and get some smoked fish from Carlsons.

Crystal Mountain - ride the chairlift to the top for nice views

Traverse City - a small town gem. The Dennos Museum is small but well done. Some of their special exhibits are great. See Drive up the Mission Peninsula and stop and various wineries along the way. The views from Chantal Chateau is beautiful.

Williamsburg - has a cute, small musical instrument museum.

Central Lake - stop by King Orchards for great cherry items. Order a pie ahead of time.

Charlevoix - drive around to see the “mushroom houses“ made from field stone. My favorite fancy restaurant, Terrys, is open for dinner only (get a reservation).

Petosky - nice downtown area. Drive through the old, historic cottages on the bluff.

Harbor Springs - drive from this town to Good Hart through the ”tunnel of trees” road.

Mackinaw City - the fort is great, light house interesting. Get a pass for all of the parks and forts in the area if you would like to see them all. The free bridge museum above a pizza shop is worth a visit. The video on building the bridge runs frequently.

Mackinaw Island - a real gem. Must see the Grand Hotel and gardens. The road around the island is closed for repairs due to erosion, but should open to arch rock sometime in late July. Rent bikes, horses or take a carriage ride or just walk around. We love the whitefish at Seabiscuit. Chuckwagon has good food cheap. Douds has sandwiches made to order to takeout. The gardens on the island are amazing considering the remote location.

We don’t spend much time on the east coast of Michigan If you end up driving through Gaylord, look for the herd of elk not far off the main strip.

Frankenmuth is cute and unique and well worth a stop.

Most of the summer festivals have been cancelled. Many of the towns may not want visitors spreading the virus. Check the local newspapers online before your trip to make sure where your tourist dollars are welcome this year.

Unfortunately, that museum met the fate of destruction during a fire a few years ago.

 

[570traveler]

Here's my tentative plans. If anyone can add any more details (got a ton so far!) that would be awesome!

Saturday drive to St. Joseph. This will take up much of the day but we've been here before so we will just walk around town a bit.

Sunday drive up the coast to Holland. Overnight in Holland

Monday drive along the coast to Petoskey. We don't have any stops yet planned...working on that once I get all the hotels booked. Overnight in Petoskey

Tuesday drive to Mackinaw City/St.Ignace. The bridge intrigues me so we will definitely be taking a ride across. No accommodations made yet.

Wednesday take the ferry to Macinac Island. We are definitely staying one night on the island, but I'm torn if we should stay 2 (either Tues/Wed nights or Wed/Thurs nights). Still researching all the activities to do there but I think we will do a carriage ride if available.

Thursday we will stay on the island till dinner time then head towards Cheboygan. Undecided if we should stay by the coast on the way back or drive down 75 in the center of the state. No accommodations made yet.

Friday we will be in Frakenmuth area. Hitting up the Christmas store for suer! No accommodations made yet but will stay in that area.

Saturday will be Detroit area. Planning on Greenfield village. Then head towards hotel in Toledo.

I am trying to plan outside activities due to what's going on. We are fine just driving and seeing the landscape. We have driven cross country (I-80 from central PA to Reno out and north through Idaho, Montana, Dakotas on the way back) and we enjoy just seeing the scenery!

 

[maxiesmom]

Be sure to rent a bike for the time you are on the island. And go around the whole island at least once!

When you cross the bridge, stop and hike up Castle Rock. You have to pay a small fee ( like $1) but once you make it up, the view is beautiful. It is a lot of steps, so take your time.

Be aware that St Joe has a rep for not being the safest of places. Not telling you to stay away, but be aware of your surroundings when you are out and about.

 

[570traveler]

Be sure to rent a bike for the time you are on the island. And go around the whole island at least once!

When you cross the bridge, stop and hike up Castle Rock. You have to pay a small fee ( like $1) but once you make it up, the view is beautiful. It is a lot of steps, so take your time.

Be aware that St Joe has a rep for not being the safest of places. Not telling you to stay away, but be aware of your surroundings when you are out and about.

Thanks for the additional info! I heard part of the road on the island is closed for repairs but will definitely look into it. We are staying at the Bicycle Inn

castle rock sounds great. Putting that on my list.

We weren’t aware of the issues around Saint Joseph until we drove through a rather rough looking neighborhood (May have been on the boarder with Benton Harbor). We were like wow the shoreline and town is so cute and a few miles away there’s this! Saint Joseph was always where we stayed when we came out to see Notre Dame play football. We haven’t been in a few years but will be sure to be cautious.
I’ve actually changed our itinerary a bit. Friday night will be a stay in South Bend then Saturday stay in the South Haven/Holland area
I’ve also booked Tuesday night at Saulte Ste. Marie.

 

[kathy884]

We're thinking about a four day mini Michigan get-a-way in August. We're planning to fly to Detroit Metro Airport (so close to Dearborn) -- staying two nights in Dearborn and visiting Greenfield Village and the Henry Ford Museum. Next we are flying to Pellston and going to Mackinaw Island and spending two nights there. These are the top two Michigan picks for my 24 year who I let pick the itinerary for our mini get-a-way.

 

[Alottasky]

It sounds like you have a lot of great things planned. I’d like to add Gilmore Car Museum as a suggestion. It’s about 30 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo, in southwest Michigan. It’s one of the biggest car museums representing many different brands and a great way to spend the day if you enjoy that kind of thing.

 

[antmaril]

Thanks for the additional info! I heard part of the road on the island is closed for repairs but will definitely look into it. We are staying at the Bicycle Inn

castle rock sounds great. Putting that on my list.

We weren’t aware of the issues around Saint Joseph until we drove through a rather rough looking neighborhood (May have been on the boarder with Benton Harbor). We were like wow the shoreline and town is so cute and a few miles away there’s this! Saint Joseph was always where we stayed when we came out to see Notre Dame play football. We haven’t been in a few years but will be sure to be cautious.
I’ve actually changed our itinerary a bit. Friday night will be a stay in South Bend then Saturday stay in the South Haven/Holland area
I’ve also booked Tuesday night at Saulte Ste. Marie.

Sounds like a great plan. I have stayed at the Bicycle Inn on Mackinac Island. It was so nice. We had a balcony room overlooking Main Street. We could see the ferries coming and going. I loved that hotel and its location!

Also, there is a newer Courtyard by Marriott in downtown Holland that is very nice. You can just walk out the front door and you are on the main street. Walkable to all of the cute shops and restaurants. I can highly recommend. If you would like to go to an authentic Dutch restaurant while in Holland, I recommend deBoer’s. Probably a ten minute drive from downtown Holland. So good! Especially, breakfast!

 

[570traveler]

It sounds like you have a lot of great things planned. I’d like to add Gilmore Car Museum as a suggestion. It’s about 30 minutes northeast of Kalamazoo, in southwest Michigan. It’s one of the biggest car museums representing many different brands and a great way to spend the day if you enjoy that kind of thing.

We do enjoy car museums. There’s one we go to in Reno when we visit there. I’ll look into it!

 

[570traveler]

I’ve decided to drive down the eastern side on US-23 (sunrise coast) once we return from Mackinac Island. I think it says it’s about a 4 hour drive if we went straight through???
We will spend a whole day driving down to Bay City. Any ideas for stops along the way?

 

[bearzabout]

Search for the historic “Heritage Route on US23“ that talks about the 23 sights to see on Michigan’s “sunrise coast”. it should have all the info you need.

Dow Gardens in Midland not far from Bay City is beautiful if you have the time.

Enjoy your trip!

 

[bearzabout]

Unfortunately, that museum met the fate of destruction during a fire a few years ago.

The Airzoo in Kalamazoo is still open and was not the site of the fire. The fire destroyed the museum at Willow Run Airport in Ypsilanti. They were able to save the planes by dragging them out as the fire raged. They are raising funds to rebuild and still hold a good but expensive air show every August. A lot of history was lost, including info going back to when the hanger was used to build tanks during WW2. It was caused by a mirror that was moved to an unfortunate spot where the sun’s reflection lit paper on fire.

 

[kathy884]

We are keeping an eye on the Henry Ford / Greenfield Village phased reopening schedule. They are doing a phased reopening at Greenfield Village, for example, right now, and on their website at the moment just letting members (easy to become a member) make reservations for what appears to be the up to two weeks in advance in the Thurs. - Sunday time frame up thru July 12th. In the phased re-opening they are not open Monday - Wednesday. We are hoping to do a trip later in August, but no schedule has been posted for that, so we haven't finalized our travel plans yet. The fact that you are driving, have lots of great ideas, and lots of flexibility, you should be in great shape with plenty of good options for other things, even if that doesn't work with your schedule or you aren't able to get tickets. I'm not sure when your trip is, but wanted you to be aware of this. Here is the website: https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/welcome-back-to-the-henry-ford/, so you can check the website and get tickets in advance if that works for you.

For us, my mom grew up in Dearborn and even went to school in Greenfield Village. She passed away last year, and my son (24) who was super close to her (shared photography / computer passion) converted all of her and her father's (my grandfather's) old movies and slides from 1934 - 1971 to digital (a labor of love -- 77 movies and over 2000 slides). With so much footage of Greenfield Village and Dearborn, Greenfield Village is a must do for him for nostalgia reasons and a place he really wants to see in person. That's why we are tracking the website so closely.

 

[570traveler]

We are keeping an eye on the Henry Ford / Greenfield Village phased reopening schedule. They are doing a phased reopening at Greenfield Village, for example, right now, and on their website at the moment just letting members (easy to become a member) make reservations for what appears to be the up to two weeks in advance in the Thurs. - Sunday time frame up thru July 12th. In the phased re-opening they are not open Monday - Wednesday. We are hoping to do a trip later in August, but no schedule has been posted for that, so we haven't finalized our travel plans yet. The fact that you are driving, have lots of great ideas, and lots of flexibility, you should be in great shape with plenty of good options for other things, even if that doesn't work with your schedule or you aren't able to get tickets. I'm not sure when your trip is, but wanted you to be aware of this. Here is the website: https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/welcome-back-to-the-henry-ford/, so you can check the website and get tickets in advance if that works for you.

For us, my mom grew up in Dearborn and even went to school in Greenfield Village. She passed away last year, and my son (24) who was super close to her (shared photography / computer passion) converted all of her and her father's (my grandfather's) old movies and slides from 1934 - 1971 to digital (a labor of love -- 77 movies and over 2000 slides). With so much footage of Greenfield Village and Dearborn, Greenfield Village is a must do for him for nostalgia reasons and a place he really wants to see in person. That's why we are tracking the website so closely.

What great memories your son will have! I’ll definitely keep an eye on the opening. We are going July 17-27 with Greenfield village at the tail end so hopefully it’ll be back open.
I’m generally a big planner when it comes to road trips but this trip is just DH and I. Kids (both college age) won’t be traveling with us. So we have our accommodations booked, some planned stops and the rest we will just play it by ear. If we drive by something that interests us, we’ll just stop. We are excited to see what kind of adventure awaits us!

 

[Kelandsam]

As a St. Joseph local (now living 10 minutes away) I will say it’s very safe and here are my thoughts:

Things to remember is we have severe beach erosion going on so that’s something to think about for beach days. Silver Beach Pizza is now open for dining but check their website for availability.

Also 221 Main and Silver Harbor Brewery off of Main Street are hosting dining on a blocked off street Saturday and Sundays. Excellent meals and beers!

The website sjcity.com has all the openings and what’s available.

Have an amazing trip! My 75 year old dad and I did a trip last year going though Wisconsin to the UP down to the Soo Saint Marie then Mackinaw Island. Super fun!!

 

[FoxC63]

Wow! So many Michiganders neighbors!

Yep, I'm on board this wagon! Kinda surprised no mention of Torch Lake which is close by Traverse.

Avoid on the weekends And if you plan on taking a swim, the water will chill you to your bones! No kidding!!!

Take a walk on the wild side to find Petoskey Stones


Dine at Torch Lake Cafe. They are also on facebook! Reservations are available and highly recommended.



FYI: Just In about 9 hours ago, 26th Annual Woodward Dream Cruise events have been canceled.

Gotta monitor your plans very closely. My DH was scheduled to return to work after the 4th of July, two days ago they informed him Phase 1 has been canceled until further notice. His office is in Troy. So, he continues to work from home.

Have a wonderful time! Oh, don't forget to wave to us when passing Macomb!

 

[Psychodisney]

Here's my tentative plans. If anyone can add any more details (got a ton so far!) that would be awesome!

Saturday drive to St. Joseph. This will take up much of the day but we've been here before so we will just walk around town a bit.

Sunday drive up the coast to Holland. Overnight in Holland

Monday drive along the coast to Petoskey. We don't have any stops yet planned...working on that once I get all the hotels booked. Overnight in Petoskey

Tuesday drive to Mackinaw City/St.Ignace. The bridge intrigues me so we will definitely be taking a ride across. No accommodations made yet.

Wednesday take the ferry to Macinac Island. We are definitely staying one night on the island, but I'm torn if we should stay 2 (either Tues/Wed nights or Wed/Thurs nights). Still researching all the activities to do there but I think we will do a carriage ride if available.

Thursday we will stay on the island till dinner time then head towards Cheboygan. Undecided if we should stay by the coast on the way back or drive down 75 in the center of the state. No accommodations made yet.

Friday we will be in Frakenmuth area. Hitting up the Christmas store for suer! No accommodations made yet but will stay in that area.

Saturday will be Detroit area. Planning on Greenfield village. Then head towards hotel in Toledo.

I am trying to plan outside activities due to what's going on. We are fine just driving and seeing the landscape. We have driven cross country (I-80 from central PA to Reno out and north through Idaho, Montana, Dakotas on the way back) and we enjoy just seeing the scenery!

Important detail: Stop at Sherman’s Ice Cream on your drive from St. Joe up the coast. Exit at Phoenix road off 196.

 

[floridafam]

As a St. Joseph local (now living 10 minutes away) I will say it’s very safe and here are my thoughts:

Things to remember is we have severe beach erosion going on so that’s something to think about for beach days. Silver Beach Pizza is now open for dining but check their website for availability.

Also 221 Main and Silver Harbor Brewery off of Main Street are hosting dining on a blocked off street Saturday and Sundays. Excellent meals and beers!

The website sjcity.com has all the openings and what’s available.

Have an amazing trip! My 75 year old dad and I did a trip last year going though Wisconsin to the UP down to the Soo Saint Marie then Mackinaw Island. Super fun!!

DH grew up in Stevensville, near St Joe. I agree with you about it being safe.

How bad is the beach erosion?