We are blessed to live in a state that offers many opportunities to enjoy the outdoors. With four seasons, there is definitely something for everyone. Summer is a time to get out outside, soak up some sun and have fun.
Most people want to enjoy the water, whether it’s actually getting in it, being on it or lounging beside it. Here are some activities that will get you out on Michigan’s lakes and rivers.
- Did you know you can go whitewater rafting in Michigan? Northwoods Adventures, located in Iron Mountain, offers trips down the Menominee River. The 116-mile-long river flows through five counties in Michigan and Wisconsin. There are two trips available daily from May to September.
- If rafting isn’t your thing, try kayaking the Pictured Rocks in Munising. You start on a 56-foot boat, which drops you off in Lake Superior. Trips usually last about 4-5 hours, with about 2 hours, or 5 miles, of actual paddling time. There are morning and afternoon tours offered daily, from Memorial Day to September.
- Looking to just sit back and relax? Try sailing on Grand Traverse Bay. Traverse Tall Ship Company offers trips on two different boats, the Tall Ship Manitou and Sailing Yacht Scout. They begin sailing Memorial Day weekend and offer trips through October. You can choose from a variety of themed cruises, and you can go for a few hours or a few days.
- Perhaps you like to just look at the water, and not be in it. There are around 200 waterfalls in Michigan, all but one of which are in the Upper Peninsula. You’ve probably heard of some of them, like Bond Falls, Munising Falls and Tahquamenon Falls, but there are many more to be discovered. There a variety of maps, including this one, that show you where the waterfalls are located and they tell you what routes to take to get to them. There’s nothing quite like the sound of the rushing water in the distance when you are searching for waterfalls!
- If you seek a little adventure on land near the water, check out the dune rides at Silver Lake. Mac Wood’s Dune Rides take you on a 7-mile, 40-minute trip up and around the rolling sand dunes. No need to make reservations, and they are usually open from May until October.
- Another fun way to explore the water is with stand-up paddleboards (SUPs). Third Coast Paddling offers trips along rivers and Lake Michigan beaches in southwest Michigan. All of the equipment is provided and guides will show you what to do.
- Last, but not least, there are numerous beaches around our beautiful state where you can sit back, enjoy a book and bask in the sunshine. Not into just lounging around? Many of our beaches, whether up north or downstate, have sand dunes you can explore. According to National Geographic, Sleeping Bear Point, one of the beaches in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, is one of the 21 best on Earth.
These activities are just a small sample of the adventures that await you in Michigan. So, get out there and take advantage of all our state has to offer!
