5 Michigan Family Weekend Getaways

 

Are you looking to getaway for the weekend with your family?

Michigan is a great state to visit, it has so much to offer.  Michigan is not just an industrial place that manufactures cars!  I have already shared our favorite spots for day trips/field trips, here are our beloved spots for slightly extended vacations.

All of our picks are along the beautiful Great Lakes, particularly Lake Michigan.  Sandy beaches for miles and miles, cute little shops, and great water view restaurants.

Fun Family Weekend Trips

1.  Mackinac Island – I do believe this is my favorite spot in all of Michigan.  We have been there many times as a family and as a couple.  Mackinac Island is a place that doesn’t allow cars.  Horse drawn carriages and bikes are the preferred mode of travel.

The summers are very busy, but spring and fall are excellent times to visit.  You’ve gotta love a place that smells of fudge as soon as you step off the ferry.  Mackinaw City is cute little tourist town, but it’s worth it to take the ferry to Mackinac Island and spend the night.  Notice the different spelling of Mackinaw/Mackinac.

So much for a family to explore.  Ride the 8.3 miles around the Island, visit Fort Mackinac, explore trails, visit The Butterfly House.  You can’t leave without trying some of the famous fudge.  Here is a list of 10 Things you Need to do on Mackinac Island.

2.  Traverse City – Traverse City, along with the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park , is a great family vacation.  Again, the beach, the water, the outdoor activities are never ending.  The Sleeping Bear Dunes was named one of America’s most beautiful spots in 2011.

The Cherry Festival is a fun time to be in the area, with tons of activities for the whole family.  Eat cherries until your heart’s content.

Traverse City is also know to have great restaurants.  As well as a children’s museum if the weather isn’t cooperating.
3.  Grand Haven – We most often do the Grand Haven area as a day trip.  We leave early in the morning, arrive in time to have a picnic lunch, spend the day at the beach, grab some ice cream and then head home.

The last couple of summers we have also stopped at Saugatuck Dune Rides before heading home.  We all love the dune rides.

There certainly is plenty to do for an extended visit.  Plus, the kids never seem to tire of building sand castles and swimming in the water.

4.  Lighthouse Tour – Ludington Area – North Breakwater Lighthouse is one of the most famous lighthouses in Michigan.  Big Sable, North Pierhead Light/South Pierhead Light, and Little Point Sable Lighthouse are all within a 30 minute drive.

My children loved walking out along the pier and exploring the lighthouse.  We have two favorite books that we like to read when we know we are going to visit a lighthouse,  The Little Red Lighthouse and The Great Gray Bridge and The Sea Chest.

North Breakwater Light #1 Lighthouse in Michigan

5.  Leland – This is the only spot on my top 5 that is on my “to do” list.  With so many other places to visit we haven’t made it there – yet!  The marina looks gorgeous and so quaint.  Leland is in the north west portion of Michigan where Lake Michigan and Lake Leelanau meet.  It’s a short drive from Traverse City and the two could be combined into one longer trip!

I’ve also compiled a list of our 10 Favorite Michigan Day Trips/Field Trips and our Favorite Road Trip Tips.

What’s your favorite spot for a family weekend getaway?