Summer in Michigan is a gorgeous time, the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island, and the Sleeping Bear Dunes offer endless outdoor adventures. But what happens when summer turns into fall and a beach is no longer a good option? Fortunately, Michigan offers year-round activities, and not just indoor ones!
Often people only view hiking as a summer activity, and this is a wrong assumption. Hiking in the fall may be a tad chillier, but once you spend some time on the trail, you won’t even notice. The colors of the changing leaves are hard to beat, and if you have a furry friend who doesn’t care for the hot summer, you might want to consider spending your fall season hitting the trails. Winter is also a fabulous time to get outside and strap on some hiking boots (or in this case, winter boots). As long as the weather isn’t too bad, you might find yourself actually appreciating the cold weather besides the fact that it reminds you of the holiday season.
Even as Halloween wraps up, that doesn’t mean that the fall activities have to end. A popular spot is Uncle John’s Cider Mill. Located in St. Johns, this cider mill was founded in the 1970s and offers some of the best cider and donuts around. Visitors can simply stop in for some food and the gift shop, or explore the many activities Uncle John’s has to offer. Sophomore Gracie Lombard said, “I love Uncle John’s Cider Mill, my favorite activities are the giant jumping pillow and the hay rides.” Some of the other activities include the corn maze, pumpkin patch, gemstone mining, and a small passenger train ride.
As Christmas comes closer, the excitement grows stronger. One place that glows with holiday spirit is the Barvarian-inspired town of Frankenmuth. Frankenmuth is home to Bronners, one of the largest Christmas stores. You can find aisle after aisle of unique ornaments and Christmas trinkets. After a trip to Bronners, you can explore the beauty of downtown Frankenmuth and experience the Christmas lights as you ice skate, or even send a letter to Santa. Senior Lexie Thayer said, “It’s very holiday-ey and spice-ilicious.”
There are so many different ways to experience Michigan in any season, the fun doesn’t have to end with summer. Even exploring the shores of the great lakes as they freeze over can be a breathtaking experience. And you can always find something to do that fits your budget, you don’t need to spend hundreds of dollars to find a little fun.
