It’s no wonder Mackinac Island was awarded the top spot on Travel + Leisure’s 2022 list of “15 Best Islands in the Continental U.S.” It is just one of those places everyone should visit once in their lives. If you are planning a trip, continue reading to learn our top seven must-do activities on Mackinac Island!
If you have ever been swimming in Lake Michigan, you know that the water can be quite cold, even during the hottest days of summer. We like the following three beaches at Sleeping Bear Dunes because they all offer access to inland waterways, either along a river or a smaller lake, buffering swimmers from the cold Lake Michigan and ensuring the water is the perfect temperature and depth for swimmers of all ages and abilities.
On one of our first trips up to the Petoskey/Harbor Springs area in 2019, we stumbled upon a magical little place called Pond Hill Farm. Now, when most people hear the word “farm,” they probably think of stinky barn animals and hay. While Pond Hill Farm does include these typical barnyard attractions, it is also so much more than that! We were delighted to spend a lovely afternoon here surrounded by beautiful gardens, delicious food and drinks, and hidden little activities that kept our entire family busy for hours. We are happy to add this lovely diversion to our itinerary whenever we are in the area, and we think you will be too!
Gorgeous scenic views and hikes along the dunes are, of course, the highlight of any trip to northern Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. However, there are several other non-dune excursions you won’t want to miss when you visit. This includes experiencing one of the area’s beautiful, clear rivers.
The Great Lakes region is full of beautiful places to ride a bike. One location we have recently added to our list of favorites is the Little Traverse Wheelway. We appreciate this trail for its ease of use, family-friendliness, and beautiful views of Lake Michigan — and we think you will too!
Torch Lake, located in Antrim County in Northern Michigan, is famous for its clear, turquoise blue water and its party-perfect sandbars. During the GLL team’s 2019 trip to northern Michigan, we explored this beautiful lake and learned first-hand exactly why it has a reputation as the crown jewel of Michigan’s Chain of Lakes.
