michigan polar express trains rides

Michigan Christmas Trains: Polar Express & More

It’s one of the most popular kid-friendly holiday events in Michigan: a special ride on a Christmas train to ring in the holidays. Maybe you’ve seen The Polar Express movie, the story of a young boy beckoned on Christmas Eve to ride a secret express train to the north pole? Based on a book by Grand Rapids native Chris Van Allsburg, the story of a polar express train that has captivated both children and adults is more than make-believe. It’s true: the steam engine featured in the book is real, and you can take a ride on this North Pole Express and other steam locomotives in Michigan to visit with Santa Claus this holiday season .If you haven’t seen the Polar Express yet, why not experience it first hand with these four Christmas train rides in Michigan and make it part of your holiday tradition? So, get in your best holiday garb, strap on your Santa hats, and book your ticket now for the ride of your life.

an old, haunted house in Michigan on a grey cloudy day

20 Best Haunted Houses in Michigan (2025 Guide + Map)

Looking for haunted houses in Michigan? Be prepared to be scared!Fall in Michigan means cooler weather and beautiful fall leaves, but there’s another side to the fall season…
In October, the atmosphere grows increasingly spooky as michigan-halloween-activities, with scary stories of ghosts and goblins that gobble up children, or spellcasting witches and wild werewolves who wander the woods at twilight on haunted trails.

Then, we take it one step further and visit haunted houses to become part of these stories and become frightened by our own imaginations in real life.

pumpkins on halloween in michigan

Best Things to Do in Michigan for Halloween (2025 Edition)

Looking for a Michigan Halloween event or haunted attraction? You don’t have to travel Michigan to find fall fun, whether you’re in Ann Arbor, Traverse City, Saint Clair or even Tahquamenon Falls.

We’ve got all the Michigan haunted spots, both spooky and fun for you. Whether it’s a fall festival or other holiday events, we’re sharing the best things to do to celebrate Halloween in Michigan HERE.

a gunch of trick or treat pumpkins for things to do in metro detroit for halloween

Best Halloween Events in Metro Detroit 2025 (Family-Friendly & 21+ Fun)

It’s that time of year again and it’s time to start thinking about how to celebrate Halloween.

We have got you covered with our 15 Best Things to Do in Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor to Celebrate Halloween!

Halloween is one of my favorite times of year in Michigan. The fall weather is in full effect, and the leaves are turning. It really is the best time of year; a perfect time to celebrate and take in the natural beauty of Michigan.

It’s true: there is plenty to do all over the Metro Detroit and Ann Arbor areas this Halloween season. With plenty of our famous fall attractions like cider mills, hayride, and corn mazes converted into haunted attractions, there is no end to the fun.

I’ve put together this list hoping to get everyone ready for the Halloween season and start planning your Spook-tober. I’ve included family-friendly activities as well as some spookier ideas for just the adult, so let’s dive in!

the neterance to a dark and mysterious-looking corn maze in Michigan

10 Best Haunted Corn Mazes & Hayrides in Michigan (2025 Guide)

Do you love haunted houses? Give the Top Ten Haunted Corn Mazes in Michigan a try. With Halloween just around the corner, there are plenty of fun – and scary – themed attractions to visit across Michigan.

If you’re a fan of haunted houses, try the next best thing: haunted corn mazes. It has the same fear factor as a haunted house or mansion, but the brisk, autumn air, and pitch black night sky mixed with the moonlight make it that much spookier. Make sure you bring a friend, or two. You won’t want to venture off in these mazes alone.

apples on a tree in michigan

55+ Best Michigan Cider Mills, Apple Orchards & Fall Farms (2025 Guide + Map)

Michigan Apple Orchards and Cider Mills

Fall is apple season in Michigan, and there is no better way to spend a sunny fall afternoon than biting into warm donuts and sipping fresh apple cider.

From quiet, rolling orchards rich with ripe, red fruit to busy, family-friendly cider mills brimming with fun activity – Michigan IS the land of the apple in the fall months.

A corn maze

25+ Best Michigan Corn Mazes to Visit This Fall (2025 Guide)

Looking for a Corn Maze in Michigan? You’re in the right place. It’s fall in Michigan, and that means it’s time to round up some friends and head to the nearest farm.
Getting lost in a corn maze is one of the top fun family fall activities and we’re sharing some our favorite spots to visit this season. The Michigan corn mazes are much more than a field of corn stalks, though: some are true works of art; carefully carved by farmers to share messages, logos, and fun designs.

railroad tracks surrounded by colorful fall trees

Michigan Fall Train Rides: 11 Amazing Scenic Tours for Autumn Color

Now is the time for stunning fall foliage and fall train rides in Michigan are one of my favorite ways to celebrate fall in Michigan.
The vibrant colors of fall in Michigan can’t be missed and what better way to see them than with a fun-filled train ride through the Great Lake State? Steam trains might be a thing of the past in some places but not in Michigan!
Fall color train tours are a perfect way to see Michigan’s fall color in action, with the added bonus of the special feeling that comes when traveling by train. It’s a perfect way to explore Michigan in style!
Where to Find Fall Color Train Tours in Michigan

Mackinac Island cottage - Michigan last minute getaways

Michigan Summer Getaways: My Best Last-Minute Trips

Summertime may be almost over but there’s still time for a last-minute Michigan getaway. With more than 3000 miles of Great Lakes coastline, endless inland lakes, and forests to hike, there is still time to find a summer fun adventure in pure Michigan.
Let’s face it: Michigan travel is some of the best travel in the United States. We’re spoiled here, with great state parks, fun beach towns, national lakeshores and more. From the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Tahquamenon Falls in the U.P; to Grand Rapids and even small town Ann Arbor, Michigan, everywhere in between, Michigan has tons of great places for weekend getaways. You can find tons of fun travel spots just hours or minutes from metro Detroit, Grand Rapids
Whether you’re looking for romantic getaways or a great place to take the family or simply want to get outside we’re sharing 15 fabulous last minute getaways in Michigan. Labor Day is just around the corner, so read on for some great vacation ideas for a weekend trip or getaways in Michigan before the summer’s out.

beach at kensington Metropark, a great detroit beach

17 Best Beaches near Detroit MI: Swim and Splash

Metro Detroit Beaches

Michigan beaches hold something for everyone, whether it’s a vast, sandy dune overlooking one of the Great Lakes, or a sandy patch of land at a local swimming hole. You can be a child splashing along the shore; a teenager gathering with friends; a family enjoying time together or simply seeking some contemplative time alone, the beaches in Michigan are special and speak to all of us.

Here are some of our favorite beaches in the Metro Detroit Area:

Ludington Travel Guide

Vacation in Ludington, MI: Ultimate Family Beach & Outdoor Guide

Discover the beautiful white-sand beaches of Ludington; popular Stearns Park Beach near downtown Ludington features a walkway to the North Breakwater Light and a wheelchair-accessible ramp. Ludington State Park features towering sand dunes, excellent swimming, and extensive trails through the park. Find info about ADA-Accessible, Barrier-free and Handicap Accessible beaches, Dog-Friendly beaches and family-friendly beaches in the Ludington area and activities for visitors.

lake michigan with ludington lighthouse on beach

Ludington State Park Michigan: 2025 Complete Guide

If you’re looking for the perfect place to experience the beauty and magnificence of Lake Michigan, Ludington State Park is the place to go!
Situated in Mason County, between the picturesque Lake Michigan and the 5000-acre Hamlin Lake, it’s no wonder Ludington State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Michigan. The beautiful scenery, endless miles of Lake Michigan shoreline and the countless ways to experience the park will make your trip unforgettable, and you’ll be coming back every year! Find the perfect hiking trail, canoe trail or relax at the park campground; there are endless opportunities for outdoor fun here.

traverse city cherry festival ferris wheel

Traverse City Cherry Festival 2025: The Ultimate Guide

The Traverse City Cherry Festival is THE summer festival in northern Michigan. It’s a celebration of northern Michigan’s favorite fruit on the beautiful shores of Grand Traverse Bay, and it’s one of my favorite Michigan events.

It’s eight days of celebrating everything cherry: cherry blossoms, cherry pies, even a national cherry queen. The annual event is part old-time country fair; part rockin’ beach party; part family-friendly carnival and full-on fun.

From classic car shows to the arts and crafts fair; from a sand sculpture contest on the beach to the Cherry Porch parade, National Cherry Festival week is one giant party in downtown Traverse City and the festival grounds. You’ll find lots of kid’s activities, too, like a Bubble Gum Blowing content and cherry pieeating contests. There are performances to watch, from the Ultimate Air Dogs to the Navy Blue Angels; from Jim Gaffigan to Boyz II Men and Collective Soul. And that’s just a small taste of the many activities planned for this fun event. Whether you take a day trip or a longer vacation, you’re going to want to put the Traverse City National Cherry Festival on your Michigan summer bucket list.
Read on for everything you need to know about this exciting summer festival in Traverse City Michigan.

Hand holding a small US flag and sparkler

Michigan Fourth of July Events: Parades, Fairs & Festivals (2025)

Excited to celebrate the 4th of July Michigan style? Fourth of July is one of the top party weekends in Michigan. Everyone decked out in red, white, and blue ready to have fun in the sun all day long and enjoy beautiful firework shows at night.

Are you struggling to find something to do for the family or with your friends during this fun-filled weekend? Well, look no further. We have compiled a list of this year’s must-see and do Fourth of July activities and events.

The party is on this Fourth of July season in Michigan, with parades, fairs, cookouts, music festivals, and more. Read on to find Michigan July 4th events near you!

people watching fourth of july fireworks in michigan

Best Michigan Fourth of July Fireworks Displays (2025 Edition)

There’s no better way to celebrate the Fourth of July holiday – America’s Independence Day – than gathering with friends and family on a Michigan beach to see a sizzling spectacular fireworks display over the water.

Watching the bright colors burst against a dark night sky (cue the Ooohhs and Aahhs) while commemorating the birth of the USA is a summer rite of passage for many Michigan residents and visitors alike.

a bench over ooking lake michigan in a lake Michigan beach town

18 Best Lake Michigan Beach Towns: A Local’s Complete Guide (2026)

Information about family-friendly beaches in Alpena and activities for visitors. Find information about Lake Huron beach activities and beach amenities in Alpena. Information about hotels, cottages and other lodging accommodations in Alpena. Information about where to eat and dining options in Alpena. Find information about recreational activities in the area.

Lake Michigan beach

5 Must-Visit Michigan Beaches for 2025

Michigan, with its impressive 3,200 miles of coastline, boasts an abundance of stunning beaches. Whether you’re drawn to towering sand dunes or prefer wide expanses of soft, sandy shoreline, the Great Lakes state has something for everyone.

As a lifelong Michigan resident, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring these beautiful beaches over the years. What sets them apart? Each beach along Michigan’s coast has its own unique charm and defining features.

michigan book stores

15 Best Bookstores in Michigan

The best bookstores in Michigan are the ones that keep you coming back, looking for another bound treasure.
There is something wonderful about holding a physical book in your hand and finding a quiet nook to read and dream. Lucky for you, Michigan is filled with many bookstore shops waiting for you to discover.
Savvy travelers know that you can learn a lot about a town from its local bookstore, too. Bookstores offer a unique way to explore travel destinations, each store curated to the surrounding town and environment.

kids toasting marshmallows at a michigan summer camp

20 Top Michigan Summer Camps for Kids 2025

If you’re looking for ways to provide endless hours of summer fun for your kids, don’t wait until school’s out to start your search for a summer camp in Michigan.
Michigan summer camps can provide everything from rich learning experiences and personal growth to a chance to simply commune with nature and relish the magic of a Michigan summer.
We’ve created a list Michigan summer camps directory of some of the top camps in Michigan. These are camps that offer a variety of activities over the weeks of camp. Watch for upcoming posts on specific camps including soccer camps, dance camps, tech camps, basketball camps and more.

winter at sleeping bear dunes

Sleeping Bear Dunes in Winter: Your Complete Guide to Michigan’s Winter Wonderland

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is one of the most well-known treasures of Michigan in the warmer months of the year, but many people don’t realize all of the things to do in Sleeping Bear Dunes in the winter. Northern Michigan is a site to see any time of year, but the dunes are a must-do activity for the whole family in the wintertime. There’s no need to stay cooped up inside when you have 65 miles of shoreline and 100 miles of trails stretching from Empire to Glen Arbor to experience. 

Located just 30 minutes from Traverse City, Sleeping Bear Dunes is perfect for a winter romantic getaway,  a kid friendly outdoor adventure or even family reunions  and holiday events. If you’re looking for some perfect winter trip ideas, follow the winter trail to Leelanau County and the snowcovered dunes of Sleeping Bear Dunes. I’m sharing a visitors guide to Sleeping Bear Dunes winter activities, so get ready for some pure Michigan fun.  

apples on a tree in an orchard

Where to Go Apple Picking in Michigan

Looking for the best places for apple picking in Michigan?

You’re in the right place: while spring and summer in Michigan are the time for picking strawberries, blueberries, and cherries, fall in Michigan is for apples!

During the autumn months, Michiganders flock to cider mills for Michigan apples and to get their hands on fresh-squeezed apple cider. Michigan apple orchards and family farms come alive during apple season, with enough fun activities and fresh apples to keep us going all season long.

kids in michigan laying on the ground

Kid-Friendly Michigan: 25 Places Your Kids Will Love

There’s no question that Michigan is made for kids, an ultimate playground filled with loads of amazing outdoor attractions, and some pretty cool indoor ones, too.

If you’re planning to vacation in Michigan with kids, a Michigan summer vacation getaway, or simply need some fun spring break activities, look no further than these great kid-friendly Michigan adventures.

Each one is sure to leave your children smiling, and we’re pretty sure you’ll be smiling too.

picture of beach in alpena michigan

Alpena, Michigan Travel Guide: The Sunrise Side’s Best-Kept Secret

Shhhh…we’re going to let you in on a Michigan best-kept secret: Alpena, MI.It’s one of Michigan’s best beach towns, and it’s tucked away on the Lake Huron coastline in a tiny pocket of northeast Michigan in Alpena County. Set on the dramatically scenic and aptly named Thunder Bay, the city of Alpena MI is an outdoor-lovers paradise and pure Michigan natural beauty.

glen arbor, a top lake michigan beachtown

15 Michigan Beachtowns to Visit in 2025

We ALL agree that Michigan beaches are amazing…but have you heard about our Michigan Beach Towns?

We’re talking about those spots just beyond the sparkling water and sandy beaches where you’ll find food, fun and memories…and if you’re lucky perhaps a glass of wine or craft beer and something fun to take home with you.

The very best beachtowns combine a little bit of everything: proximity to sparkling sand and surf; a walkable downtown area with plenty of fun shops and boutiques to browse and pick up a trinket or two; comfortable benches and/or a park to rest a bit; and some good restaurants or cafes to sample the local food.

Coney Dogs - Famous Michigan Foods

31 Famous Michigan Foods: What Food Is Michigan Known For?

Seeking some delicious and famous Michigan foods?

Michigan is an incredibly special place for many reasons—our Upper and Lower Peninsula, Mackinac Island, Detroit, and of course, our four Great Lake neighbors. But another highlight of the state, one you won’t want to miss, is the food and drink. Michigan food can’t be contained in only one category. We’ve got pasties and ice cream and apples (oh my!).

U-pick pumpkins at Three Cedars Farm Northville Michigan

Best Michigan Pumpkin Patches & Fall Farms to Visit (2025 Guide)

Fall in Michigan is so much more than back-to-school and stocking up on cozy sweaters.

Fall in Michigan means warm, steamy mugs of crisp apple cider and fresh cinnamon donuts.

It also means winding through corn mazes soaking up the autumn sun and exploring Michigan pumpkin patches, cider and donuts in hand.

If you’re looking for some fall fun, it’s time to travel Michigan and start exploring.

From metro Detroit to northern Michigan and beyond, Michigan is the place to be in autumn.