20 Amazing Spring Things to Do in Northern Michigan

As winter fades and spring awakens, Northern Michigan transforms into a vibrant playground for outdoor enthusiasts, history lovers, and festival-goers alike. With blooming cherry orchards, scenic hiking trails, and charming small towns, this region offers an endless array of spring activities to explore.

Springtime in Paradise: Explore the Best Spring Activities in Northern Michigan 🌸🏞️

Whether you’re planning the ultimate Spring Break in Michigan or simply searching for fun ways to enjoy spring in the Mitten State, Northern Michigan offers endless opportunities for adventure.

From blooming cherry orchards and scenic lakeshores to outdoor festivals and hidden natural gems, spring in Northern Michigan is nothing short of magical.

Enjoy Northern Michigan Springtime Outdoors

Go Hiking in Ocqueoc Falls Near Alpena

Step into a realm of serenity as you traverse through maple and hemlock forests toward the mesmerizing Ocqueoc Falls, the only waterfalls in the lower peninsula. Located about 30-minute north of Alpena, you’ll love searching for new buds and other signs of spring as you hike alongside the rushing water.

Vasa Pathway Mountain Biking in Traverse City

Grab your bike for an exhilarating journey through scenic forests and sprawling farmlands along the Vasa Pathway in Traverse City, tailor-made for both seasoned cyclists and novices alike. This 13-mile single track bike trail, part of the Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails, is a non-motorized trail perfect for beginner and intermediate bikers and hikers.

Hike the Highbanks Trail near Oscoda

Spring is my favorite time to follow the short, seven-mile trail along the towering bluffs overlooking the mighty AuSable River. You can feel the AuSable’s rich logging history (yes, they rally cut those trees, sent them over the bluffs and down the river for cutting up) as you hike this picturesque trail located outside of Oscoda.

Go Rockhounding on a Michigan Beach

If you love hunting for Petoskey stones, Leland Blues, beach glass or other Michigan rocks, here’s a little secret for you. Spring is the best time to go rock hunting in Michigan. That’s because the winter storms have changed the shoreline, washing up untold treasures that lay in wait to be discovered in spring and summer. There are not as many rockhounds out, so your chances of being the first to make a discovery are much better.

Take a Kirtland’s Warbler Tour in Grayling

Head to Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling for a guided expedition to witness the rare and enchanting Kirtland’s Warblers during their nesting season. This small songbird was almost extinct just 50 years ago so getting a glimpse of them is something special, and will delight Michigan bird enthusiasts of all ages.

The tours are held daily at 7 AM, with additional tours at 11 AM on Saturdays and Sundays from May 25 through June 30, 2025.

Ride the AuSable River Queen in Oscoda – CUURENTLY CLOSED 2025

This authentic double-decker paddlewheel boat cruises the AuSable River spring through fall, beginning on Memorial Weekend. The two-hour round trip on AuSable River Queen is fun for all ages, and you’ll be surprised at the diverse scenery along the river, from the dense trees of the Huron Manistee Forest to the sandy dunes that spill into the river. Some weekend cruises offer live music as well.

Hunt for Morel Mushrooms in Mesick MI

If you’ve ever tried a Morel mushroom, you’ll know why this mildly nutty and rare mushroom is so sought after. Found in multiple locations throughout northern Michigan, these mushrooms are celebrated at the Mesick Mushroom Festival, scheduled for May 9 – 11, 2025. Join in the in the fun at the festival and go mushroom hunting with other morel-lovers. There is also a Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City the following weekend, May 15-18, 2025.

Do More Spring Birding in Northern Michigan

As spring returns to Michigan, waves of feathered migrants return to nest and breed, and you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse. Early arrivals like red-winged blackbirds, turkey vultures, sandhill cranes, and Canada geese settle in wetlands and fields. These common birds allow for close-up views as they feed, socialize and raise young.

EXPERT TIP: Favorite places to along the migratory path include the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve in Harbor Springs; Tawas Point State Park, and Leelanau State Park.

Explore the Manistee River Trail

Hike or bike amidst verdant hardwood forests along this nine-mile hiking trail that follows the meandering Manistee River. Dress accordingly, you’ll hike through several wetlands and cross two creeks before you come to a tiny waterfall. This is one of the prettiest hiking trails in Michigan, especially in the spring where you’ll see emerging snowdrops and other pretty wildflowers.

Watch for the Northern Lights at Headlands International Dark Sky Park

Located outside Mackinaw City at the tip of the Mitten, Headlands International Dark Sky Park is far from any light pollution, providing a perfect opportunity to gaze at the night sky unfettered by artificial light. Open 24 hours a day, this sprawling dark sky park and education center is the perfect place to learn about night sky and how to identify stars and more. Plan your visit accordingly, this is a perfect spot to catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights in Michigan.

Immerse Yourself in History & Culture This Spring in Northern Michigan

Explore the Dennos Museum Center in Traverse City

Delve into a world of art and culture at the Dennos Museum Center, 1410 College Dr, Traverse City, MI 49686. This unique museum is home to a diverse collection of Native American artifacts, captivating contemporary exhibits, and awe-inspiring Inuit art. Located on the campus of Northwestern Michigan College, adults and kids alike will enjoy exploring this cool museum.

Take a Historic Fort Mackinac Tour

Fort Mackinac on Mackinac Island opens for the season on May 3, and spring is sone of the best times to visit. That’s because the tourism is a bit lighter in the spring and you can explore this cool fort at a leisurely pace. The fort played a huge role in both United States and Michigan history, so prepare to step back in time to the 18th century as you explore the storied buildings of Fort Mackinac, delving into the captivating history of the Revolutionary War era.

Besser Museum for Northeast Museum

Art, history and science come together at this unique museum in Alpena. From my favorite exhibit (the replica 1890’s Avenue of Shops) to the prehistoric and native artifacts on display, there is something for everyone here. You’ll also find a planetarium so you can learn about the night sky, and a fossil park so that you can dig for your own fossils from the Devonian Period.

Take An Old Mission Peninsula Winery Tour

Treat your palate to the exquisite flavors of local wines while soaking in the panoramic views of vineyards that stretch as far as the eye can see on the Old Mission Peninsula. You’ll find some of Michigan’s finest wines here, and you can nibble on amazing charcuterie boards while sipping some wine of cider from these Traverse city wineries.

Sample Michigan Craft Beer on a Northern Michigan Brewery Tour

Ditch the crowds, grab your crew, and explore Northern Michigan’s craft beer scene. Northern Michigan is quickly becoming a hub for craft brew lovers, with new breweries popping up, all with their own unique tastes. From Short’s Brewing Company in Bellaire to Alcona Brew Haus in Harrisville, there are many breweries and microbreweries with treats on tap. Try a craft beer at the Petoskey and Traverse City breweries for a fun spring weekend.

Enjoy a Michigan Spring Festival

National Trout Festival in Kalkaska

Cast your line into a world of excitement at the National Trout Festival in Kalkaska, the weekend of April 23 – 27, where fishing contests, carnival rides, and delectable trout-themed delicacies await.

Mackinac Island Lilac Festival

As spring winds down, more flowers come into bloom. Visit the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island to see the beautiful purple blooms come into their and smell the deep fragrance of these beautiful flowers. This is a memorable experience you don’t want to miss if you can make it; this year it is scheduled for June 6 – 15.

More Things to Do in Spring in Northern Michigan

See the Cherry Blossoms

Visit the Cherry Capital (also known as Traverse City in late Spring) to see the pretty cherry trees as they start to flower. The vineyards on Old Mission Peninsula are a great place to catch a glimpse of the delicate pink blossoms as they bloom, why not compbine it with a winery tour?

Splash at Indoor Waterpark

Head to Great Wolf Lodge Indoor Waterpark in Traverse City and let the kids splash and play to their hearts content in almost 40,000 square feet of fun!

Hunt for Easter Eggs at a Local Easter Egg Hunt

Easter is Sunday, April 20, 2025, and many local communities and group are holding Easter egg hunts for the kids! Use out guide to the best Easter Egg Hunts in Michigan to find one near you!

Plan Your Spring Adventure: Create Unforgettable Memories in Northern Michigan

This list merely scratches the surface of spring adventures in Northern Michigan. With countless hidden gems and unique experiences waiting to be discovered, your personalized itinerary awaits. So, pack your spirit of exploration, embrace the season’s vibrancy, and create unforgettable memories in the heart of Michigan’s spring magic!