things to do in northern michigan

Northern Michigan is a beautiful region with plenty of outdoor activities, charming towns, and cultural attractions. Here are some things to do in Northern Michigan:

Outdoor Activities

1. Hiking and Camping: Explore the many state and national parks, forests, and trails, such as Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, and the North Country Trail.
2. Water Sports: Enjoy kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding on Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, or one of the many inland lakes and rivers.
3. Fishing: Try your luck at catching trout, salmon, or walleye in the lakes and streams.
4. Skiing and Snowboarding: Hit the slopes at resorts like Nub’s Nob, Boyne Mountain, or Shanty Creek.
5. Snowmobiling: Explore the many snowmobile trails, including the Michigan Snowmobile Trail.

Charming Towns

1. Traverse City: Visit the Cherry Capital of the World, known for its beautiful beaches, wineries, and the National Cherry Festival.
2. Petoskey: Explore this charming Victorian-era town, with its historic downtown, boutique shops, and waterfront parks.
3. Charlevoix: Enjoy the scenic views of Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, as well as the town’s charming shops and restaurants.
4. Marquette: Visit this vibrant college town, home to Northern Michigan University, with its outdoor recreation opportunities and cultural attractions.

Cultural Attractions

1. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: Explore the stunning natural beauty of this national park, with its towering sand dunes and crystal-clear lakes.
2. Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Marvel at the colorful sandstone cliffs and scenic hiking trails of this national park.
3. The Soo Locks: Watch giant freighters pass through the locks in Sault Ste. Marie, connecting Lake Superior to the other Great Lakes.
4. Mackinac Island: Take a ferry to this charming island, with its historic Victorian-era architecture, fudge shops, and horse-drawn carriages.
5. The Headlands International Dark Sky Park: Stargaze in one of the darkest places in the country, with minimal light pollution.

Food and Drink

1. Cherry-based products: Try cherry pie, cherry jam, or cherry wine in Traverse City, the Cherry Capital of the World.
2. Pasties: Sample this traditional Upper Peninsula dish, a savory pastry filled with meat, potatoes, and vegetables.
3. Craft Beer: Visit breweries like Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire or Founders Brewing Co. in Grand Rapids.
4. Wineries: Explore the many wineries and vineyards in the region, such as Chateau Grand Traverse or Left Foot Charley.

Events and Festivals

1. National Cherry Festival: Celebrate the cherry harvest in Traverse City with parades, concerts, and cherry-themed activities.
2. Petoskey Summer Festival: Enjoy live music, food vendors, and children’s activities in downtown Petoskey.
3. Marquette Blues Festival: Listen to blues music in the scenic setting of Marquette’s waterfront.
4. Soo Locks Engineer’s Weekend: Watch giant freighters pass through the locks and learn about the engineering behind this marvel of engineering.

These are just a few of the many things to do in Northern Michigan. The region offers a mix of outdoor adventure, cultural attractions, and small-town charm that’s sure to appeal to visitors of all interests.