Living in West Michigan, we have an abundance of places to go to soak up the great outdoors. In every season, travelers head to their favorite hot spots in the lakeshore quadfecta of Muskegon, Grand Haven, Holland and Saugatuck—or stick around Grand Rapids for all it has to offer. While we never tire of spotlighting the standbys, what else is there? Let's take a tour!
GO FOR THE DAY
If you've ever had a Disney princess fantasy, then Kensington Metropark in Milford is your setting. What's special about this park is that the bird population has become accustomed to humans and, if you hold out raw peanuts or sunflower seeds, they will land in your hand to feed. It's truly magical, and with an accompanying hike around picturesque Kent Lake, it's an unforgettable way to spend an afternoon.
In a different direction to the east side of the state is Midland's Dow Gardens. Spanning 110 acres, it showcases an astonishing array of annual and perennial flowers, starting roughly in mid-May with tulips and other colorful early blooms. There are bridges and water features throughout, and also on site is Whiting Forest, with its 1,400-foot-long canopy walk set amid tall pines. It's truly a different place month to month, making any time the right time to make the trip.
Also worth hopping on the highway headed eastbound are Matthaeu Botanical Gardens and Nichols Arboretum in Ann Arbor. Matthaeu blends numerous themed outdoor gardens with several different trails for walking, hiking, cycling and exploring nature. The nearby Arboretum or "The Arb" offers an homage to different landscapes, taking you through valleys, fields, glades and glens. You could also linger longer at Gallup Park which boasts activities such as fishing, canoeing, kayaking, paddle boating, row boating and more!
MAKE IT A WEEKEND
If the mention of watersports piques your interest, then you'll want to check out Chain of Lakes Water Trail in northern Michigan. With 12 lakes and interconnected rivers making up a 100-plus-mile flatwater system, it has 84 launch points and the option to bring your own gear or rent from a participating outfitter. There's also plenty to do in the surrounding communities, especially Elk Rapids for outdoor enthusiasts.
A sometimes overlooked spot that has distinct winter and warm weather offerings is Cadillac. Did you know? It has nine golf courses within 20 minutes of downtown! Caberfae is a popular option for teeing off, and it's also a beloved skiing destination. And, new as of 2024 is the ORV/OHV scenic ride in Manistee National Forest, open from April through November. Cadillac is also the end point of the 92-mile White Pine Trail that starts in Comstock Park.
Always at the top of the "must" list for outdoor fun is Ludington, with its miles upon miles of Lake Michigan shoreline (and beaches)! Plus, this summer, visitors can fully enjoy Ludington State Park when it reopens after completed infrastructure projects. In addition to hiking trails and three campgrounds, the park also has a four-mile canoe trail. Nordhouse Dunes Wilderness Area and Lake Michigan Recreation Area are other draws to the area, as are fishing and paddling on the 66-mile Pere Marquette River.
STAY A LITTLE LONGER
While definitely hyper-seasonal, Eben Ice Caves in the U.P. just outside of Marquette is a sight to behold—and a temptress that calls travelers across the bridge in the brisk months. These spectacular formations are created by melting snow that freezes as it flows over cliff edges, usually occurring between December and March. More for the adventurer who doesn't mind bundling up, clipping on some cleats, and taking a little trek around, the photo ops alone merit a trip.
Also kind of a timing thing, there's Alpena, where fascinating shipwreck tours on Lake Huron begin in early May. They do run through early October, so it's not too small a window of opportunity! Alpena Shipwreck Tours will take you on a glass-bottom boat cruise through Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, often called "shipwreck alley." Or, depending on temps, shallow wrecks can be viewed by diving or paddling. And, don't leave the region without peeping Ocqueoc Falls and having a splash in its rushing waters.
Close enough for a day trip, but interesting enough for an extended one, South Haven brings together beach bumming, sand dune climbing, fishing charters and horseback riding—plus golf and watersports. In winter, skiing, snowboarding, and snowmobiling take center stage, making it a "haven," you might say ... no matter the month!
Allison Kay Bannister has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.
This article originally appeared in the Apr/May '25 issue of West Michigan Woman.
Photos courtesy of Bonnie Beckwith.
