Do you ever wonder why Southeast Michigan is a little bit quieter on the weekends in the summer? When the city has cleared out – it’s because Detroit tends to head “Up North.”
This summer, things may seem a lot quieter. With summer sports and activities canceled, most working from home, and forced to slow down everyday life, Metro Detroiters are opting to shift gears to head to the great outdoors and soak in the magnificence of Pure Michigan, in Northern Michigan. If you’re considering making the trip to picturesque Northern Michigan, consider these outdoor activities that will be sure to make summer 2020 even more memorable.
As we continue to protect ourselves and others from exposure to COVID-19 please practice social distancing and always remember to wear your mask in public. Please keep in mind that due to COVID-19 many regular events and services have been postponed and/or canceled. Please call or check websites to confirm hours, dates, times, or operating status and locate any additional information surrounding the destinations.
SLEEPING BEAR DUNES. PHOTO SLEEPING BEAR DUNES FACEBOOK PAGE
VISIT THE SLEEPING BEAR DUNES
Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 35 mile stretch of Lake Michigan’s eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The historic park boasts natural features including forests, dunes, beaches, an 1871 lighthouse, and a rural farm district. Explore the great outdoors, climb the vividly beautiful Sleeping Bear Dunes for a new outlook on the state of Michigan.
TAKE A TRIP TO THE TRAVERSE CITY WINERIES
Traverse City offers over 40 – that’s right 40 wineries, vineyards, and tasting rooms alongside the Traverse City Wine Coast. If you are part of the Detroit Heads Up North trend, visit a Traverse City Winery take your pick of outdoor patios or waterside views, and sample some of Michigan’s most desirable wine. If you’re planning a trip, consider visiting Tripadvisor’s top 10 best Traverse City Wineries & Vineyards, while of course staying socially distant.
PICTURED ROCKS. PHOTO PICTURED ROCKS FACEBOOK PAGE
PLAN AN ADVENTURE TO THE FAMOUS PICTURED ROCKS
Pictured Rocks offers nearly 100 miles of trails with views towering sunstone cliffs alongside Lake Superior. Nature enthusiasts can hike the trails or participate in Pictured Rocks Kayaking and experience the unique beauty of the sandstone formations found on the lake. Pictured Rocks Kayaking offers small group tours – perfect for the family!
GOLF AT ARCADIA BLUFFS
Located alongside M-22 near Arcadia, Michigan, Arcadia Bluffs offers challenging play and magnificent views of Lake Michigan, making guests feel as if they are playing seaside. The golf club has two unique championship courses to choose from that offer players a world-class golfing experience. Following a round of golf, guests are encouraged to dine on the edge of perfection at The Restaurant at Arcadia Bluffs or grab a drink at The Club House joined by panoramic views of Lake Michigan and Adirondack Chairs carefully placed on the lawn, overlooking the 18th hole.
Arcadia Bluffs offers lodging accommodations for guests to enjoy but is also surrounded by popular up north towns such as Manistee, Frankfort, Onekama Beulah where visitors can look to rent a cottage or an Airbnb.
BEACH IN EMPIRE MI. PHOTO COURTESY PURE MICHIGAN
TREK THE SCENIC HIKING TRAILS ALONG LEELANAU PENINSULA & M-22
Get outdoors, go biking, go hiking, and enjoy the trails alongside M-22 and the Lake Michigan shoreline. Visit these idyllic trails for a much-needed change of scenery and the chance to pump fresh air through your lungs. There are six scenic trails along the Leelanau Peninsula and M-22 to choose from – pick one, or choose to experience them all!
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- Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive – Empire
- Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail – Empire to Glenn Arbor
- Empire Bluff Trail – Empire
- Pyramid Point Trail – Empire
- Whaleback Natural Area – Leland
- Houdek Dunes Natural Area – Leland
CATCH A MOVIE AT NORTHERN MICHIGAN’S CHERRY BOWL DRIVE-IN
Located in Honor, Michigan on US-31, the Cherry Bowl Drive-In Theatre & Diner has been a Michigan favorite since 1953. The historic drive-in theater, now reopen to the public after being closed due to COVID-19, offers socially-distant showings Thursday-Saturday. Perfect for the entire family, the business’s goal is to provide an environment that takes you back to the Fabulous ’50s with the finest film, food, fun, and family entertainment. For more information on showings and updates rules & regulations due to COVID-19, visit the Cherry Bowl Drive-In website.
What are your favorite socially distant activities in Northern Michigan? Let us know in the comments below!
