Never been to Michigan... can I come for a visit?

Hello all,

We are planning next years vacation (I always have to be planning a vacation), and have never been to the Great Lakes. I was thinking about the U.P. My husband, son and his girlfriend would be making this trip and would primarily be interested in outdoor activities. We were thinking late September early October. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated as we are in the very early stages of planning.

Thanks to all and have a great day.

Never been to Michigan... can I come for a visit?

Well keep in mind that the UP cools off quite quicker than the lower peninsula. It will most likely be quite nippy in October. The UP is quite rustic and distinctly different from the lower peninsula though. If you go be sure to stop and check out Macinac City before crossing the famous Macinaw Bridge.

On the lower peninsula the entire west coast of the state (Lake Michigan) has the best beachs and tourist towns in my opinion. Places like South Haven, New Buffalo, Ludington, or Harbor Springs all are worth checking out. There are dunes on this side of the state too if you are in to dune buggying.

Never been to Michigan... can I come for a visit?

You%26#39;re more than welcome to come visit! I%26#39;m with you...always planning a vacation. Most I never take, but it%26#39;s very educating to plan.

The Traverse City area is very popular, and when you%26#39;re planning to come it wouldn%26#39;t be very busy. It%26#39;s wine country, too. Sand dunes are always a blast. Lots of hiking.

As far as the UP, check it out thoroughly. It%26#39;s a much slower pace, and it%26#39;s a long way from anything. You%26#39;ll drive and drive and drive. We are actually going next week to visit relatives.

If you want more help, please give more details on what you enjoy and what type of outdoor activities you%26#39;re talking about.

Keep both of the previous posters advice in mind as far as driving distances and weather.

And of course, by all means come see us! LOL.

We need to know more of what you like to do outdoors to recommend places and things to do/see/visit. Please inform us!

Thank you all for your responses. The dunes sound like a lot of fun are there buggy%26#39;s for rent? Also we would be interested in possible fishing charters, and shopping, not mall type shopping more the strolling down the street type shopping. Nice walks would be good too. And we are not stuck on the UP just thought it would be a good place to start.

Thanks again

tannedon

I would concentrate on the Mackinaw City/Mackinaw Island area first, then head down to the small towns of Harbor Springs, Charlevoix, Petoskey and then end up in the Traverse City area, where you can then visit the Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula, which is where you will find the dunes. There will be fishing charters from any of these cities, plenty of walks and simple hiking, and attractive, downtown shopping, totally not mall-like. There are many wineries, beaches, parks, putt-putt golf courses, the sand dunes, museums, scenic drives in this area of MI. You could easily peruse all of these cities in a week%26#39;s vacation time, if you want to move around. You could also stay in the MC/MI area for a couple of nights, then move onto Petoskey, where you could peruse Harbor Springs, Petoskey and Charlevoix. Then the TC region. All are beautiful areas with plenty of outdoor activities. Anything more specific, just ask. While in MC area, you could take a drive up to Tahquamenon Falls, about and hour or so north of MC, and that would give you a taste of the U.P., give you a chance to cross the Mackinac Brige, see the forests of the U.P. and of course, the falls.

If you are interested in renting dune buggies, then Silver Lake in Oceana County should also be on your list. Huge dune area which is devided into 3 different areas. Private company land which runs its own dune buggy rides, pubic walking area, and then the public dune buggy area. People from all over the midwest come with their own buggies, but I know there are companies that rent buggies, quads etc that you can drive on your own. There is also a place that rents jeeps and then takes you into the national forest land for a tour. This Silver Lake is just south of Pentwater and north of Muskegon. Located on Lake Michigan.

Tyme has given you the perfect itinerary for the things you like to do. The northwest portion of the lower peninsula of Michigan sounds like just what you are seeking. Make sure to take a trip to Mackinac Island. The towns along U.S. 31 on the west coast are lovely as is the Lelanau peninsula (yes, another peninsula in Michigan!)

Check out the ';Things to Do'; section of the Michigan area of Tripadvisor. There is a listing of many things to do in this area. I, as well as others who love the area, have posted our favorite things.

By all means take a trip to Michigan. We brought my daughter%26#39;s good friend with us this summer and she still raves about the beauty of the area! Moms

Hmmm, couldn%26#39;t find this in the ';Things to do'; section. Here is the hyperlink. I hope it helps!

tripadvisor.com/Travel-g28943-s202/Michigan:…

Moms

Hello tannedon,

If your just in the rough stages of your vacation planning I would suggest trying to get here around August time. In October most outdoor activities start closing.

July - August would be better weather wise and things going on wise.

Although July and August might be better for weather, I prefer to travel in the off-season. That said, September and October would be less busy in Northern Michigan.