Types of Accommodations
Michigan has countless types of accommodation options along Lake Michigan, ranging from small bed-and-breakfast inns to large resorts and even campgrounds. For those looking for a luxurious stay, some of the most luxurious hotels and resorts can be found on the shores of Lake Michigan. These accommodation choices often offer high-end amenities, including spa treatments, fine dining, and open bar selections. For those looking for a more rustic experience, cabins and cottages along the lake offer a homey atmosphere with access to fishing and wildlife viewing in the area. Camping is also a popular option for those who want to experience being close to nature.
For visitors who prefer to stay on the waters, there are plenty of boat rentals, cruise tour operators, and houseboat companies to choose from. Renting your own houseboat is a great way to experience life on the lake and enjoy the outdoors. Boathouses or yacht clubs with marinas open for visitors are also very popular. Most yacht clubs offer barbecues and beach days during the summer months, and there are often special lake-watching and star-gazing events available.
Attractions and Activities
Michigan’s Lake Michigan is full of attractions and activities that visitors can enjoy while they stay in the area. There are plenty of state parks and public beaches, great for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, and beach combing. The surrounding towns boast balmy weather and plenty of shops, restaurants, and outdoor activities to choose from. For those looking for some culture, many of Michigan’s cities offer museums, theatres, and galleries. From the National Lakeshore to Grace Lake, there is something for everyone.
Family friendly activities can also be found along the lake. Boat tours are incredibly popular, and many of them have a variety of animal and bird-watching opportunities. Educational and historical tours can also be taken of the many lighthouses that dot the shoreline. To truly take in all the sights and sounds of Lake Michigan, visitors can take a ferry tour or a kayak excursion from one of the many ports in the area.
Where to Eat
Finding something delicious to eat in Michigan is a breeze. Visiting any of the small towns along the lake often offers a number of quaint cafes and eateries. For a more upscale experience, you can find some of the finest restaurants in the state right along Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Most places offer lunch, brunch, and dinner, as well as seafood and steak specials.
For something unique and local, there are plenty of farm-to-table restaurants open to visitors. Places like the Grand Traverse Pie Company, Cherry Capital Foods, and the Old Mission Peninsula Food Co-op serve up some of the freshest and most organic dishes from the region.
Local Events
Those who find themselves staying in Michigan for a long period of time can take part in a number of events ranging from art and music festivals to cultural events and sporting tournaments. No matter the season there is always something going on along Lake Michigan.
The summer months bring the Michigan Shakespeare Festival and the Mackinac Island Music Festival, while the fall is home to the Michigan Renaissance Festival and the International Boating Festival. In the winter, the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore hosts a sport fishing tournament and an ice fishing extravaganza. Anytime of year, there is likely to be a parade or some kind of celebration or fair going on the beaches and towns.
Shopping Or Shopping
Shopping options along the lake aren’t hard to come by. Many of the small towns along the lake have their own gift shops, boutiques, and antique dealers. For something bigger, Traverse City and Grand Haven are two of the most popular shopping destinations in the state. Traverse City is home to the Grand Traverse Mall, while Grand Haven boasts a collection of independent and specialty shops. For those looking for a more unique shopping experience, the region’s numerous farmers markets are full of fresh produce and artisanal products.
Local Economy
The Lake Michigan economy is just as strong as the tourism and culture of the area. The local economy boasts a thriving fishing industry and an active shipping and transit sector. Much of the area’s economic success is in part due to the clean and clear waters of Lake Michigan, which make the lake a great destination for recreational activities. In addition, the lake and its surrounding lands are protected by the National Lakeshore Act, which ensures that the area remains protected from private development.
Smaller businesses have also been able to take advantage of the lake’s resources. From fishing charters, to houseboat and watercraft rentals, tourism has opened many doors for local entrepreneurs, who can use the lake’s attractive location and natural beauty to draw in customers.
Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability efforts are also important to the local economy and to the environment. Every year the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality sets forth standards to ensure that businesses adhere to the laws and regulations that help keep the lake healthy and clean. In addition, citizens and organizations have been taking it upon themselves to do their part to clean up the lake through clean-up programs, recycling initiatives, and education campaigns.
From volunteer-run programs, to the state-endorsed Great Lakes Action Plan, there are countless ways for visitors, businesses, and residents alike to work together to keep the lake in good condition.
Conclusion
Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay or a rustic experience, Michigan’s Lake Michigan has something for everyone. With attractions and activities, vibrant towns and local events, and sustainability efforts all in place to enjoy, it’s no wonder why Lake Michigan is such a popular destination.
