Although we love talking about houses, we also love talking about our beautiful state of Michigan! Summertime in Michigan calls for trips Up North, days on the lake and making s’mores by the bonfire. But there’s also a lot more you can enjoy!
Here are some unique Michigan adventures to schedule into your sunny weekends this summer.
Go Zip Lining.
You don’t have to head to the jungle to swing through the trees. There are actually great zip lining options right in the metro Detroit area. Pack a picnic basket and head to Stony Creek Metro Park. You can start your day at Go Ape! Zip Line + Tree Top adventure and then enjoy nature walks and the beach.
Another option is in West Bloomfield at TreeRunner Adventure Park. They have a Junior Park for little ones aged 4-7 and also host Glow Nights… where you can really feel like the Lost Boys from Peter Pan. Make sure to pack water and protein bars because zip lining is actually quite the workout!
Learn to Surf!
Michigan may not be the first place you think of when learning to surf, but Michigan does have 3,288 miles of shoreline (more than any other state except Alaska). In fact, our Great Lakes are even known as our nation’s “Third Coast.”
If you’re an experienced surfer, you’ll likely have more fun surfing in the fall, winter and spring because the bigger waves in the Great Lakes are formed from localized winds (ocean waves are from distant storms). The summer waves are perfect for newbies who are just learning the sport.
Visit Third Coast Surf Shop to book a lesson and learn about the equipment you’ll need.
Pick Fresh Berries.
If you’re a fan of blueberry pancakes, you’re going to want to get in on this. Through July and August, you can pick local fresh blueberries at DeGrandchamp Farms in South Haven. They actually have 20 different types of blueberries.
Blueberries have many healing properties in them. They contain a plant compound called anthocyanin, which makes them blue and creates many of their health benefits. Blueberries have been shown to protect against heart disease and cancer, and can also help maintain bone strength, mental health, and healthful blood pressure.
You won’t only be having fun at the farm, but also gathering some of nature’s best medicine!
Enjoy the Botanical Gardens.
We definitely don’t take advantage of the beautiful botanical gardens that are sprinkled throughout our state. One of the most breathtaking is the Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. The carnivorous, tropical and arid gardens sprawl over 158 acres.
If you think that’s incredible, you’ll also want to head to Ann Arbor. At 350 acres, the University of Michigan’s Matthaei Botanical Gardens rank as one of Michigan’s largest and most diverse. Make sure to pack your camera to capture the memories, flowers and butterflies!
Visit a Lighthouse.
The view from the top of a lighthouse is truly remarkable, not to mention the history our lighthouses hold. One of Michigan’s most popular lighthouses, the Big Sable, has been operating since 1867.
Take a weekend trip about halfway up our mitten to enjoy sandy beaches and the Ludington State Park. Go on a two-mile nature hike to find the 100-foot tall lighthouse waiting for you on Lake Michigan’s shore.
Learn about more Michigan lighthouses by visiting here.
This summer we’re encouraging you to actually get out of the house and enjoy our state! The Real Estate Family of Companies only operates in the state of Michigan and even our owners are proud to be born-and-raised Michiganders.