Still looking for somewhere to go on vacation this summer? Michigan offers something worthwhile for every type of traveller, from families and couples to groups of friends on a road trip. If you’ve already been, there’s lots of new things to do this summer and if you’ve never visited, you’ll have your itinerary full with all the fun to be found. Here are 10 new things to check out in Michigan.
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Outdoor Adventure Center, Detroit
Starting July 20, both locals and visitors to Detroit will get a chance to experience the best of Michigan’s great outdoors right in the heart of the city with the Outdoor Adventure Center. The 3,715 square-metre building will house exhibits, displays and hands-on simulators introducing visitors to unique features in outdoor spaces like state parks, recreation areas, beaches, trails and harbours throughout the state of Michigan. Many exhibits will be hands on including an indoor waterfall you can touch and walk behind.
Ford Rouge Factory Tour, Detroit
Car enthusiasts will want to make time for the Ford Rouge Factory Tour in Detroit that lets you see where the new military grade aluminum-alloy body Ford F-150s are assembled. Why now? The Ford Rouge Factory Tour, part of the Henry Ford Museum, recently underwent a renovation and is now open for public tours once again. This five-part self-guided tour includes historic film footage, observation deck tour, assembly plant walking tour and a look at some historic vehicles.
Odd Side Ales, Grand Haven
Although the brewery first opened its doors in 2010, Odd Side Ales just completed an expansion and renovation of both the brewery and pub. The newly expanded pub, located in an old piano factory, now seats 168 people and is the perfect place to taste some seriously unique and tasty beers, including Watermelon Wheat, Java Chip Mint Stout, Pineapple IPA and Firefly, which gets its sweet-spicy kick from papayas and habaneros.
Makers & Shakers Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail, Lansing
If you ever needed a reason to visit Lansing, the Makers & Shakers Beer, Wine and Spirits Trail is a pretty good one. The Greater Lansing area is home to more than a dozen craft wineries, microbreweries, cider mills and distilleries, which you can visit for tours and tastings while on the trail. Whether you’re looking for craft beers, fine spirits, or wine tasting, simply follow the map to the spots that interest you.
The Richard & Helen DeVos Japanese Garden, Grand Rapids
Japanese gardens are some of the most beautiful in the world and you can visit one in Grand Rapids this summer. Opened on June 13, this 8-acre traditional Japanese garden includes waterfalls, a Zen-style garden, Japanese flowering cherries, Japanese maples, sculptural elements, a traditional Japanese tea house and much more. The Japanese garden is part of the broader Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park.
Gilmore Car Museum, Hickory Corners
Two new exhibits have opened at the Gilmore Car Museum that are perfect for car enthusiasts visiting Michigan. The Lincoln Motor Heritage Museum was patterned after a historic Lincoln dealership and boasts more than 20 vehicles and the Cadillac-LaSalle Club Museum is a must-see attraction for fans of the iconic car brand.
Zehnder’s Splash Village Hotel & Waterpark, Frankenmuth
Waterparks are fun year round, but there’s something that makes them extra appealing come summer. After undergoing a recent $20 million renovation, Splash Village is the only waterpark in Michigan to offer two distinct family waterparks with a retractable roof. The new atrium waterpark makes it easy to have a ton of water-based fun thanks to 4,645 square metres of attractions. There’s a six-story family raft ride, a lazy river, tube slides, activity pool for the younger kids, a hot tub and much more.
Cell Block 7 Prison Museum, Jackson
The Ella Sharp Museum in Jackson has something unique to share with visitors this summer. The museum is now offering tours of Cell Block 7 – the only prison exhibit within the walls of an operating penitentiary. Cell Block 7 Prison Museum is independently operated by the Ella Sharp Museum and offers an eye-opening look at what life in prison is like.
Iron Belle Trail, various areas
Hikers and bikers will want to get moving on Michigan’s new Iron Belle Trail that goes from Belle Isle to Ironwood (or vice versa depending on which way you’re going). The hiking route covers more than 2,000 kilometres and the biking route is more than 1,200 kilometres. Whether you’re on two wheels or on foot you’ll bypass forests, streams and charming villages.
Sea Life Michigan Aquarium, Auburn Hills
If you can’t take a snorkel or diving trip to see what’s under the ocean, a visit to an aquarium is the next best thing. Sea Life Michigan Aquarium recently opened at Great Lakes Crossing Outlets in Auburn Hills. The whopping 3,250 square-metre aquarium features more than 5,000 aquatic creatures, including a unique exhibit highlighting the Great Lakes.
Featured image: Kevin Dooley, Slice of paradise via Flickr CC BY 2.0
