This article has been syndicated to Her Campus from Little Blog on the Homestead by Nicole Lintemuth, a Her Campus Blogger Network member. Read the full post here.
I love living in Michigan. I’ve lived other places, visited other places, but honestly would never want to live anywhere other than here! It’s no secret that winter can feel a little never-ending sometimes, but our beautiful summers more than make up for the colder months. So as a continuing part of my Michigan Rocks series, I will be focusing on my favorite places to visit around the state.
Fort Michilimackinac
This is probably one of my favorite places in Michigan! Any time I go to the UP I always make a stop in Mackinaw City and enjoy some of the touristy stuff. There is great fudge, good shopping and natural beauty to behold and Fort Michilimackinac! This year is the 300th anniversary so you can find all kinds of fun special events going on at their website.
The first time I ever saw a drop spindle in action was at the Fort, and the reenactment wedding is always my favorite (because I am a HUGE sucker for weddings). If you have an interest in archeology you will get a kick out of the dig going on every summer at the Fort. I love getting to talk to the archeology students while they work and seeing each year the different things that they’ve uncovered.
Mackinac Island
Mackinac Island is one site that is always on must-see Michigan lists. And that’s for good reason! You’ll get a chance to step back in time at this Victorian throwback. The island is still car free so you’ll be getting around via bikes and horses. The beautiful old shops and inns are so fun to explore and it’s one of the most beautiful places I’ve been.
Mackinac Island is a historical gem, but also a foodie hotspot! You have to try the Mackinac Island Fudge; I recommend Ryba’s, and there are a lot of Michigan wineries that you can find on the island. Yankee Rebel Tavern is my favorite restaurant on the island, and I feel like everyone needs to spend the night on the island at least once in their life. It’s amazing how the pace slows down after the last ferry leaves for the night!
Engineer’s Day at The Soo Locks
The Soo Locks are an engineering marvel—they allow commerce to flow easily from Lake Superior, down the St. Mary’s River and into the rest of the Great Lakes! This one is really special to me. I grew up in the UP and my dad’s family lives in Sault Ste. Marie (the Soo to the locals) and I would spend a couple weeks each summer staying there with my grandparents.
The north side of Fudgie Street is the Soo Locks Park. From the park you’ll be able to watch the boats up close and personal, and you can also do a trip through the locks. But my favorite part is always Engineer’s Day. I looked forward to this all summer long because you get a chance to walk across the first lock! And then you can go get ice cream—I recommend the Moose Tracks or the Michigan specialty of Mackinac Island Fudge!
Cherry Festival
I’m a sucker for a good festival. The Cherry Festival is a great chance to check out one of my favorite Michigan towns and it’s a really fantastic event. Extra fun if you love cherries—because you’ll find some of the best cherries and cherry-related foods in the world right in Traverse City! Might I recommend the Grand Traverse Pie Company and North Peak Brewing Company as two awesome places to get a bite to eat.
Downtown Traverse City is a really walkable and fun area. You’ll find great mom & pop shops and beautiful buildings. The beach is top notch, and you’re super close to one of the most beautiful places in the world, Sleeping Bear Dunes.
Tahquamenon Falls
Michigan has so many places of natural beauty, especially in the Upper Peninsula which has been largely untouched by urban sprawl. It’s an amazing place to visit, especially if you’re a photographer or just a fan of nature. One of my favorite spots, though, would have to be the Tahquamenon Falls. Made up of two different sets of waterfalls (the upper and lower falls), the Tahquamenon Falls are absolutely beautiful any time of year.
The lower and upper falls are within hiking distance of each other, and it’s a beautiful trail. You’ll notice that the water has a very unique color because it comes from all the cedar swamps and trees along the river. The upper falls are also the third largest falls east of the Mississippi river so you’ll definitely be awed!
Read the full post on Little Blog on the Homestead.