Pure Michigan touristy things to do

[Shuie]

I'm going to be spending a lot of time in central Michigan and want to get out and see some more of the state while I'm here this year. I probably won't have time to go all the way up to Makinac Island or the UP until later in the year. Is late April or early May too soon to do something like go from DTW over to the southern Lake Michigan coast and head up to Traverse City over a 3 day weekend?

TIA

[stevej37]

From the airport to TC will take about 4 hrs., if taking the short route. If you go straight across the state and then up the west shore, it will add a couple hours.
At that time of year, the weather should be good. But you never know in Mich.!!
Traverse City, Petoskey, Torch Lake, lots of great areas on the west side of the state.
I think Crowbob lives up there..maybe he will have some good tips.

[kach22i]

I hear that Grand Rapids has more micro-breweries than just about any place in the country.

[Amail]

Grand Rapids has Meiers Gardens - remarkable place!

[stevej37]

^^^ Yes...Meijer Gardens (if googling it)

[pwd72s]

Not familiar with Michigan. But I've heard if you go anywhere near Dearborn, the Ford Museum is a must see. Evidently, far more than a car museum, a history of USA industry.

[legion]

[jcommin]

Originally Posted by kach22i

I hear that Grand Rapids has more micro-breweries than just about any place in the country.

+1 on the micro-breweries.

[stevej37]

Founders is downtown...great beers and food!

[jshape]

Check out this video about Grand Rapids and West Michigan:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lIakr9wkiKI

Meijer Gardens
Meyer May house (Frank Lloyd Wright)
Gerald Ford Presidential Museum

A little further south in Hickory Corrners, you can check out the Gilmore Car Museum:

Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, West Michigan

And, did I mention the beer?

[ledhedsymbols]

Originally Posted by pwd72s

Not familiar with Michigan. But I've heard if you go anywhere near Dearborn, the Ford Museum is a must see. Evidently, far more than a car museum, a history of USA industry.

+1. I work in manufacturing automation. I travel to Detroit regularly for work. I've been to the Ford a half dozen times. I love that place! As stated, way more than a car museum. The cars are cool, but only Lynn 20 percent of the museum. Well worth the time.

[stevej37]

Originally Posted by jshape

Check out this video about Grand Rapids and West Michigan:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lIakr9wkiKI

Meijer Gardens
Meyer May house (Frank Lloyd Wright)
Gerald Ford Presidential Museum

A little further south in Hickory Corrners, you can check out the Gilmore Car Museum:

Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, West Michigan

And, did I mention the beer?

That youtube video of Grand Rapids is nice. The pics of the Grand River flowing thru the city, will look diff in a couple years. They just got the ok to tear out the dams and fish ladders to restore the rapids. Also will allow boats and such to be used.

[Sarc]

Originally Posted by Shuie

I'm going to be spending a lot of time in central Michigan and want to get out and see some more of the state while I'm here this year. I probably won't have time to go all the way up to Makinac Island or the UP until later in the year. Is late April or early May too soon to do something like go from DTW over to the southern Lake Michigan coast and head up to Traverse City over a 3 day weekend?

TIA

Don't waste your time in Northern Michigan. Too many trees, hardly any people. You will be disappointed.

[john70t]

Near Detroit's ford museum/greenfield village, there is https://www.thehenryford.org/visit/ford-rouge-factory-tour/highlights/assembly-plant-tour/

Out west, near Kalamazoo is Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners, West Michigan 200 vintage cars.
There are a few great wineries as well.

Misc guides:
50 Fun Things to do in Michigan This Summer
https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g28943-Activities-Michigan.html
Michigan Festivals and Events AssociationMFEA | Party @ MI Place!
West Michigan Guides - Things to Do in West Michigan

[tabs]

Frankenmuth.

I have been to the Henry Ford. My Grandfather did a lot of work restoring stuff in that museum.

[tabs]

Take a drive around Detroit after dark. That ought to be a real adventure.

[wdfifteen]

Gilmore car museum near Kalamazoo. Don't miss it.

[OK-944]

My wife, her brother and myself (we're from Vt., he's from Grand Rapids) spent a few days in Glenn Arbor a few years back...a really nice B+B right in town (on a corner with a stop sigh...read on!) - and sitting on its front porch with morning coffee in hand, I watched in awe as a parade of Porsches drove by (Porsche Parade was in nearby Traverse City), each stopping in sequence at the aforementioned corner...allowing my full enjoyment of stunning looks and great sound as they pulled away in turn...revving sublimely! Pure heaven!

At any rate...Glen Arbor is close to Sleeping Bear Dunes, with its stunning beaches and Lake Michigan overlooks - and the road north takes you up to the wonderful village of Leland - with its unbeatable smoked fish emporium...and also past some great wineries, most of which are open for tastings.

I did mention that my wife's bro lives in Grand Rapids...which is another great place to enjoy some good city parks, museums, restaurants, the world renowned "Art Prize" week, and yes...lots and lots of great BEER!