As temperatures slowly start to rise throughout the state and the Great Lakes begin to thaw, Michigan comes alive once again as Michiganders and tourists alike prepare for the highly anticipated thrills of a Mitten’s springtime. Gaze thousands of tulips blooming across the town of Holland, rock hound the pristine beaches along the endless coastline, enjoy the sweet taste of fresh wine on a vineyard, and more. Here are just a few activities for your next spring getaway in West Michigan:
1. Experience the largest flower festival in Michigan
Six million tulips as far as the eyes can see. Magnificent rows of colors line the city streets and gardens burst with beauty at the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, MI. Springtime in Holland is like no other – when the quaint little town becomes the center of attention for tourists from all over the globe. Holland’s Tulip Time Festival, slated for May 2 – 11, the ten day festival includes events and activities for the whole family. You won’t want to miss the ultimate spring event of the year.
Tulips can also be seen free of charge in public parks and along downtown streets, but certain areas of the festival are reserved for ticket holders. Tickets can be purchased for special events, such as the Tulip Immersion Walking Tour, that takes participants through the history of the tulip and exclusive access to parts of the festival.
The festival also includes historic musical performances, dutch dance lessons, artisan market vendors, food and dining, and so much more. Regarded as the nation’s Best Flower Festival, America’s Best Small Town Festival, and even Tulip Festival of the Year (2017 – 2018), be sure to add this to your next itinerary for a spring getaway.
For tickets and a full line up of the festival, visit Tulip Time
2. Check off your lighthouse bucket list with a West Michigan Lighthouse Tour
Whether you’re a lighthouse buff, a photographer, or just want to witness the uniqueness of Michigan’s lighthouses, plan a driving tour of the lighthouses along Lake Michigan this spring. Known as the Circle Tour, lighthouses span the entire coast of Lake Michigan.
For a day trip, we recommend a portion of the Circle Tour, beginning in Central region and driving to Northwest Michigan – from Grand Haven to Grand Traverse, witnessing West Michigan’s stunning lighthouses that jet out on the endless coastline as waves crash along the mighty light beacons. Starting at Grand Haven South Pierhead Lighthouse, the drive to Grand Traverse Lighthouse is about 188 miles, or 3.75 hours non-stop, with 11 lighthouses in between the two.
This is the perfect spring activity in Michigan during the cooler temperatures – a must-see on your spring getaway in West Michigan. For a great map of Michigan lighthouses, visit Lake Michigan Lighthouse Map
3. Take a Dune Buggy Ride at Silver Lake Sand Dunes
#3 on our list of destinations for a spring getaway in West Michigan…In mid-May, take a trip to Silver Lake Sand Dunes to experience the ride of your life – a dune buggy ride with Mac Wood’s Dune Ride. This fun-filled, family-friendly dune tour includes 7 miles of thrill in the Silver Lake Sand Dune area. The driver and tour guide will take you to the area’s tallest dune and climb to the summit for amazing views of Lake Michigan. Tours are available from May 16 – September 30.
4. Cast your fishing line in Michigan's pristine rivers/lakes.
Calling all anglers! Springtime in Michigan means opportunities to catch walleye, perch, smallmouth bass, steelhouse, salmon and lake trout. With thousands of inland lakes, over 300 rivers that extend 51,438 miles across the state, and 86 major watersheds, you can’t go far in Michigan without finding a spot to cast your line and hope for fish. Top trout fishing destinations in the West region to test your luck this spring include the Manistee River, the Muskegon River, and the Platte River, just to name a few. Spring is also a great time to fish on the big lake (Lake Michigan), with opportunities to catch coho salmon, king salmon, lake trout, brown trout, steelhead, and more.
5. Savor the flavors of Michigan's finest wines.
#5 on our list of destinations for a spring getaway in West Michigan…With 140 wineries across the state, Michigan is never short of fantastic tasting wine.
Michigan’s “wine country”, located in the Greater Traverse City region, Leelanau Peninsula, and Old Mission Peninsula, is the ultimate spring getaway in West Michigan for peace, serenity, and delicious wine before peak tourist season. The Traverse City region has about 50 different wineries to choose from – the rich, sandy soil of the area produces happy grapes.
Head to the area’s very first winery, the Chateau Grand Traverse, for a classic tasting experience, book a stay at Brys Estate for a multi-day wine adventure, or plan a Lake Michigan winery tour around the area.
6. Hunt for Michigan’s state stone along the pristine shorelines.
A tropical sea with coral reefs, as far as the eyes can see: that was Michigan 400 million years ago. Remnants of this prehistoric time can be found all over Lake Michigan as the infamous Petoskey stone. Known as the state stone, Petoskey stones have unique patterns, unlike any other, that resemble reef coral (because, well, they are – fossilized coral).
Hunting for Petoskey Stones is a sport in Michigan. Any northwest coast beach on Lake Michigan, you can search for these stunning stones. Some of the best locations include Petoskey State Park, Fishermans’ Island State Park, Rockport State Recreation Area, Van’s Beach in Leland, among many others. Make this destination at the top of your list for your next spring getaway in West Michigan.
7. Experience nature up close on the stunning North Country Trail.
The North Country Trail begins in North Dakota, through the Midwest, and ends at the Appalachian Trail in Vermont for a total of 4,600 miles. More than 1,150 miles, or almost ¼ of the trail, spans through Michigan’s stunning backcountry and unmatched wilderness, winding through the Northern portion of Upper Peninsula and through the entire Lower Peninsula.
Whether you have a lifetime dream of hiking a large portion (or all) of the NCT or want to experience a small section, this is your calling to go hike the North Country Trail in Michigan this spring! A spring getaway in West Michigan to remember!
At Michigan Tourist Guide, we pride ourselves on showcasing the unmatched beauty of Michigan’s wild, sharing about the rich culture and history of Michigan, and sharing first-hand knowledge of the best attractions, restaurants, activities, and hidden gems across all regions of Michigan. Our goal is to make your travel experience a “one for the books” by providing insider tips, trusted recommendations, and up-to-date information and suggestions. Learn more about us.