Michigan Summer Attractions

We are often asked what are the best summertime attractions in Michigan. Wow, what a loaded question. Are you interested in the natural beauty of Michigan's coast including sand dunes and overlooks? Are you interested in the vast nature areas between the big lakes where you will see small lake communities and amazing historical architecture. Are you interested in Family Fun attractions that might include boats and lakes, farms and agriculture? There is just too much to see and do when visiting Michigan. Personally I would say map out an area of the state and see everything you can in that general area. Next year move to a different area. In about 15 or 16 summers you can decide what the best attractions are in Michigan.. Enjoy Life, Michigan Life!

Michigan's Best Summertime Attractions
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Hudsonville Pike 51 is owned by Steve Guikema and Ron Snider who are also co-owners of Hudsonville Winery. Pike 51 Brewery is the new on-site brewpub that is finally here. This has been a dream for many, many years. Steve and Ron talked about this back in the 1990’s while doing their own home-brewing.

A neighborhood brewery in Dutton, MI. Offering a wide variety of ales that are all handcrafted on a 3bbl brewing system.

Rockford Brewing Company (RBC) opened for business in 2012 by its founding partners, Jeff Sheehan and Seth Rivard. Although relatively new as a company, RBC’s team has over 15 years of previous professional brewing and business experience. RBC specializes in traditional and inventive beers that focus on Michigan agriculture.

We are dedicated to the entire experience of craft; from our creative food menu to our unique beers. The adventure started with creating a perfect beer, and we have kept that focus since our opening in 2005 with 15 rotating taps plus hard cider and a variety of wines.

Unruly Brewing Company is about community. It's about being creative, and living life in high contrast with a punk-like attitude. It's getting up in the morning and giving yourself a big high-five in the mirror.

We are a family owned and operated Brewpub & restaurant in the cool little city of Hastings in southwest Michigan. We work hard to provide you great food from our kitchen and premium hand crafted ales from our amazing Head Brewer, Brett Hammond. We like what we do... We hope you like it too!

Castle Farms is one of Michigan’s premier historical attractions! Whether you’re on a travel adventure or searching for the perfect site to exchange marriage vows, this French Renaissance-style castle offers the perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day elegance.

The Kalamazoo River Valley Trail is free to use and has a paved-asphalt surface that is 12-feet wide. It's a multi-purpose trail for non-motorized transportation and recreation. Once complete, the Kalamazoo River Valley Trail will encompass 35 miles of trail throughout Kalamazoo County.

Tuesday-Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Friday & Saturday 11 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Sunday 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Located in historic downtown Clare, Michigan at 601 N. McEwan St. the Clare Tasting Room inside Brewin’ On McEwan features Modern Craft Wine, a gourmet chocolate shop and a fabulous restaurant: all in one location!

Experience the rich maritime heritage of the Great Lakes by visiting Michigan's most distinguished institution of maritime research, preservation and education.

The Dossin Great Lakes Museum is located on the shores of Detroit’s historic Belle Isle, just east of downtown Detroit.

The Anna Scripps Whitcomb Conservatory is the oldest continually-running conservatory in the United States. It is divided into five distinct sections: Palm House, the Tropical House, the Cactus House, a sunken Fernery, and the Show House.

May 1- October 31, 2022

Our trails take visitors through 56 acres of natural surroundings to see exotic animals such as primates, zebras, lions, reptiles, and parrots. There is a petting area and parakeet encounter for an up close and personal adventure with our animals.

Opening Date: May 21, 2022

Enjoy a leisurely walk through one of Michigan's historical museums in the outdoors! Life size dinosaur reproductions, nestled among 25 acres of beautiful land provide an educational, entertaining and exciting change of pace. There are many photo opportunities, including a view from atop the pteranodon nest!

Loud Acres is a organic farm with fresh veggies and farm fresh eggs! Continuing our family traditions for working at the farm for over 100 years!

May through October!

Enjoy the stunning views of our area on our professionally guided shipwreck tour! Take our cruise down the Cheboygan River, under the drawbridge, and past three lighthouses. From there we cruise into Lake Huron around the 14′ Shoal Light and into Duncan Bay over three shallow water shipwrecks.

Open Daily 9:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m

The Henry Ford provides unique educational experiences based on authentic objects, stories, and lives from America’s traditions of ingenuity, resourcefulness, and innovation. Our purpose is to inspire people to learn from these traditions to help shape a better future.

Sailing into our 62nd season, Famous Soo Locks Boat Tours offers a variety of cruises aboard our iconic yellow and blue tour boats. Make your visit to the U.P. memorable with a 90-minute tour through the Soo Locks, the world’s largest parallel locking system that resolves the 21-foot variance between Lake Huron and Lake Superior.

Open Seasonally

Nestled among jack pines, just a quick two mile walk along a breathtaking trail, stands Big Sable’s noble black and white tower. At over one hundred feet tall, this historic beacon is a huge attraction for its owner, Ludington State Park.

Seasonal Dates
Monday - Saturday 10:00am - 4:30pm
Closed all Holidays & Sundays
Fall Dates/Hours as Weather Permits

Our Animal Park features alpacas, Nigerian dwarf goats and miniature donkeys! Admission includes grain to feed the alpacas. Visit us to experience this unique, family-friendly park!

May 1 to Oct. 1 | Open Daily from 11am-4pm.

Critchlow Alligator Sanctuary is a reptile rescue facility that is open to the public.

Open Year Round
Closed New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving and Christmas

The Gilmore Car Museum started in the early 1960s when Donald S. Gilmore began collecting vintage automobiles. Some of the first vehicles in his collection included a 1927 Ford Model T, a 1913 Rolls Royce, and a 1920 Pierce Arrow. Restoring that classic Pierce-Arrow at his home on nearby Gull Lake ignited a passion.

The Leila Arboretum dates back to 1922 when Leila Post Montgomery, widow of cereal magnate C.W. Post, donated 72 acres of land to the city of Battle Creek that had formerly been the site of the Battle Creek Country Club. She envisioned a center for culture amid the beauty of nature.

Michigan's Largest Amusement Park and Water Park

Bond Falls is one of the most popular upper peninsula waterfalls. There are six viewing locations on its accessible boardwalk. Although not part of the Ottawa National Forest, this beautiful waterfalls is surrounded by the Ottawa National Forest. Managed by the U.P.

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