Northwest Lower Peninsula

Enjoy autumns fall color traveling north on M-37 Old Center Road up the center of Old Mission Peninsula into Grand Traverse Bay. The route twists and turns over the hills of beautiful terrain and dotted with vineyards finally reaching the peak of the peninsula at Old Mission Lighthouse and State Park at Lake Michigan.

Buttersville Park Beach is a dog-friendly beach south of Ludington and a little less crowded than the beaches closer to downtown. Follow the scenic drive to the Buttersville Peninsula to this quiet escape off the beaten path.

Just down the shore from Big Sable stands the Ludington North Breakwater Light, another charge of SPLKA’s and a partner with the City of Ludington. This 1924 light is also open for tours and tower climbs and boasts a vibrant green light from its tower.

Just south of Ludington is a magical world of seventy foot sand dunes and evergreen forests. Here, burrowed amidst the Silver Lake State Park sand dunes, stands the spectacular Little Sable Point Lighthouse.

All aboard! It's time for the annual Festival of Trains, a Traverse City holiday tradition. Come see the massive 0-gauge model train layout along with spectacular HO-, S- and G-gauge layouts. There's a special kids layout, too, where the young (and young-at-heart) may operate the controls.

Beulahs Winterfest is not your normal winterfest, this festival looks for the quirky fun-loving events that you don't find everywhere else. Check out this list of events and attractions you will find:

The Onekama Fall Festival takes place every year in the Village Park with lots of free activities and fun! Featuring scarecrows, hay rides, pumpkin decorating and events.
This event is fun for the whole family.

Every Friday and Saturday in October the S.S. City of Milwaukee transforms into the Manistee Ghost Ship! This tour will satisfy anyone looking for that fall “scare” For more information on the ghost ship, or the S.S. City of Milwaukee, visit their website at: www.carferry.com

Each fall West Michigan gathers Riverside Park Grand Rapids for Octoboerfest! A festival the celebrates BEER, well not really. The celebration of Oktoberfest started in Bavaria (southern Germany) but has become loved all around the world as a celebration of good beer, good food, and warm camaraderie among friends.

Michigan Apple Festival - Sparta, Michigan

Surrounded by water on three sides, the Victorian Port City of Manistee is the brightest jewel in the crown of Michigan's Northwestern Coastline. Built in 1894, The Dempsey Manor (the James Dempsey Mansion) is set within the town's Historic Homes District.

Located in the beautiful Northwest Michigan area is our new location in Petoskey, MI! Experience “million-dollar” sunsets and hunting for famous Petoskey stones during your Northern Michigan vacation at Jellystone Park™ Petoskey.

Experience the grandeur and elegance of a by-gone era without leaving modern day conveniences behind. Perched high on a bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, the Perry Hotel stands as a proud symbol of the early 1900s when northern Michigan tourism was in its infancy.

Winter Wonderland Weekend will feature ice carving demonstrations, Downtown shopping and restaurant specials, a scavenger hunt through the Downtown shops, and a Downtown Dollars shopping contest, all held within the boundaries of the Downtown Petoskey Social District.

Join us at the annual Alpena Ice Festival a day of winter fun in Alpena, including ice sculptures on display throughout downtown and Mich-e-kewis Park, a huge bonfire, and a variety of activities for kids, adults and the family.

A sure-fire way to beat cabin fever is with Ludington’s premier winter event, the Pure Ludington Brrrewfest! At past events, more than 15 breweries came to Ludington to offer patrons a taste of the best and most unique flavors of beers, wines, ciders and meads from all around Michigan.

Winterfest is a full weekend of winter fun in Grand Haven, Michigan during the last week of January. The snow is upon us, and with Michigan’s winters being long and cold, this is a perfect time to get out and be active. There are plenty of activities to keep everyone warm and having a great time.

Vintage vendors selling primitive home decor, farmhouse decor, and painted furniture in Sparta, Michigan. The Sassy Chicken pickers who love flea markets, barn sales, and estate sales. We love finding chippy, original pieces or repurposing items into something else.

The tree lighting, Santa’s arrival and the light parade will all take place downtown Traverse City!

Christmas light show in Hesperia, MI. 45 minute long music synchronized light show in Oceana County just west of Hesperia.

Craft Coffee is an art. The difference of craft coffee compared to chains and big box store coffee is similar to the difference of Craft beer and the traditional beer of your Grandpa. Once you taste the difference there is no going back.

Summer Train
We depart historic downtown Coopersville on the dates and times shown on our calendar. During the journey, our friendly Conductor will talk about local railroad history and answer your questions.

The Harrietta Blueberry Festival began in 2007 when local residents wanted to organize an event to bring community members together. Choosing a locally grown product to celebrate provided a great reason to have games, live music, a parade and of course blueberry pancakes, pies and sundaes.

The classic American diner is alive and well in Don's Drive In!