7 end-of-summer adventures to take before school starts

Summertime in Michigan isn’t over yet, so plan your end-of-summer adventure and fit in one last trip before the leaves start to turn. 

There’s a certain point in every Michigan summer when I sense a shift in the air. It’s subtle and difficult to pinpoint, but it starts with a slight cooling in the air, the days getting just a little bit shorter, and my kids slowly losing their bursting excitement for the pool. 

The shift usually means one thing: fall and back-to-school is approaching. But before the early mornings and last-minute dashes for forgotten homework, there’s still time to take your family on an end-of-summer adventure. Check out these Michigan summer destinations across the state to visit before school starts and make some great memories together. 

1. Visit Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

9922 Front St, Empire, MI, 49630 

No Michigan resident or visitor should miss a trip to the Sleeping Bear Dunes—not only are the Dunes a Michigan trademark, but the park is actually a national park too. Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park features gorgeous sandy beaches, bluffs as high as 450′, providing eagle-eye views of Lake Michigan, and more natural beauty than can be explored in a day. Entrance to the park is only $25/vehicle if you’d like to spend a day or choose to pack up the crew to take a camping trip at many of the local campsites. Regardless of how long you stay, stretch your leg muscles to tackle a hike up the dunes (or rent an ATV or sand buggy to ride in style.)

2. Stay at Crystal Mountain Resort

12500 Crystal Mountain Dr.

Thompsonville, Michigan 49683

If you don’t stay at Sleeping Bear, consider bunking at nearby Crystal Mountain resort. Not only is the resort a great place to rest and recharge after a day at the dunes, but it’s also an ideal summer destination all on its own, thanks to on-site amenities like world-class golfing, a spa and wellness center, pools, archery courses, outdoor laser tag, and of course, the Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, an adventurous ride made of two 1,600-foot-long curved tracks.

“In addition to the new Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide, we also have the new Crystal Bungee Trampoline where guests can jump sky high and practice their acrobatics,” Brittney Primeau, Director of Communications for Crystal Mountain, notes. “Other popular summer activities at the resort are the Park At Water’s Edge outdoor pool and water playground, golf on our two championship golf courses, and one of my favorites, exploring Michigan Legacy Art Park.”

Primeau also explains that Crystal Mountain is ideal for a last-minute summer getaway because their lodging accommodations can accommodate both or large groups. Last-minute thrill seekers may also save some money by booking, thanks to specials like Hot Lodging Dates for up to 25% off on select dates throughout the summer and fall or packages and specials like the Unlimited Golf Package that includes lodging and golf.  

“Crystal Mountain is also a great last-minute vacay because you can squeeze a lot in by exploring the area (think Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore) or completely relax with everything you need right on site: lodging, dining, shopping, activities, and of course, the award-winning Crystal Spa,” Primeau adds. “And don’t forget about the Houseguest Perks, which allow houseguests staying onsite access to many free amenities.”

3. Take a Winery Tour

Traverse City, MI

Some of my favorite Michigan trips have been visiting all of the wonderful wineries the state has to offer. Plan a visit to Traverse City—the Cherry capital—and either DIY your own wine tour by stopping into wineries you want to visit or follow the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail on a self or guided tour. (Pro tip: if you drive yourself, it’s helpful to carpool and have a designated driver, as those tastes can really add up.)  If you’re traveling with adults only, plan on visiting the beautiful Chateau Chantal for a tasting or tapas tour (if you’re lucky, you might be able to score an overnight room, but they tend to book up early!) and be sure to pick up their dessert cherry port wine to take home. 

With kids along for the ride, book a night or two at Great Wolf Lodge, where the kids can indulge in some water fun, or rent some bikes to take the whole family on a scene bike ride along the peninsula. (And if you’re wondering, the Paw Pass at Great Wolf Lodge is totally worth it!)

4. Spend a Day at the Zoo

Michigan is home to many wonderful zoos, from the Detroit Zoo to our family’s personal favorite, the John Ball Zoo in Grand Rapids. Both zoos feature exciting animal exhibits, interactive events like opportunities to feed the animals, and other fun activities for the kids like a splash pad and zipline. We love both options but do appreciate the plentitude of shaded walkways at John Ball Zoo, so keep that in mind if the weather is hot. If you feel like driving a little more, you could also take a trip out-of-state to visit the Toledo Zoo just south of Michigan’s border, which our family just did yesterday—it’s a historic zoo that lets kids get up-and-close with animals, allows walk-up giraffe feeding for only $6, and has plenty of interactive fun like a park, splash pad, and aerial adventure course. 

5. Fly Away at the Airzoo

3101 E. Milham Rd.

Kalamazoo, MI 49002

Speaking of zoos, if you have young kids, history or aviation lovers in your midst, you won’t want to miss a visit to the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience. Our family stumbled upon this gem of a museum by accident after getting rained out of a camping trip and we had a wonderful time exploring for the day. Kids of all ages can enjoy indoor rides, including hot air balloon rides, a Ferris wheel, and flying planes. Plus, the whole family can enjoy flight simulators that let you pilot your own flight (and try not to crash!) Along with hands-on fun, the Airzoo has tons of engaging and interactive exhibits of flight history in the U.S. and a separate museum with full-size aircraft and working stations for pilots in training. We highly recommend the Airzoo for a day of fun and learning! 

6. Sink Your Teeth in at Cheeseburger Festival 

August 9-18

Various Locations, Caseville, MI

Have a hankering for a delicious burger or just want to enjoy some live music and tropical-inspired vibes while you stroll through a beach town? Caseville has you covered. This vibrant beach down a little over two hours north of Detroit is home to the infamous Cheeseburger Festival that spans 10 days and the entire town with vendors, activities, music, and fun. You can check out this year’s schedule of events for fun like paddleboarding, a parade, duck races, and more. 

7. Make Your Way to Mackinaw

Sorry, but it has to be said. What’s a summer in Michigan without a trip to Mackinaw City? There’s just so much to do and see and whether you take a day trip to Mackinac Island or venture to stay overnight, the magic of Mackinaw is just enchanting. Last summer, our family of seven booked a last-minute end-of-summer trip to Mackinaw and got a great deal at the Cabins of Mackinac—located right across from the ferry with access to an indoor waterpark for the kids, free breakfast, and a firework show over the water we enjoyed from our front porch. 

The cabin was spacious and with two stories, we had plenty of space to spread out. After a ferry ride over to the island, which is an adventure in itself, especially if you decide to sit up top and let the wind through your hair, you can take part in quintessential island activities like biking around the island (bike rentals are available nearly everywhere!), sampling fudge, and touring the historic sites like Fort Mackinac or visiting the beloved butterfly house. 

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.