Michiganders know about the natural beauty of the Sleeping
Bear Dunes, the beaches of Grand Haven and the throwback charm of Mackinac
Island, but there are several lesser-known vacation towns and destinations
throughout Michigan that make for incredible getaways.
From enjoying quaint beachfront towns to sprawling nature
preserves, many people have favorite spots they like to visit year after
year. But there’s nothing like discovering
new areas for an exciting vacation adventure. Community Financial Novi Branch
Manager Nancy Pieske is a big fan of camping in Mackinac City, but her family
has been known to frequent other less-known spots as well.
The Lake Michigan towns of Petoskey and Ludington are among
her favorites because of their scenic views and access to Lake Michigan. Port
Huron and Port Austin also rank high on her list for their Lake Huron splendor.
She's also taken the family to St. Ignace, which is just across from the Mackinac Bridge.
Each of these towns feature the type of laid-back, small town family atmosphere
that makes them perfect for either a quick weekend getaway or an extended stay.
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Pieske's family enjoying time at the beach in St. Ignace. |
Hillman Branch Assistant Manager James Timrick is also a fan
of Petoskey, and the whole northwest Lower Peninsula area with its scenic Lake
Michigan landscapes that make for a good drive.
“We like to go north up through Harbor Springs. There’s a
real small road that goes up called the Tunnel of Trees,” Timrick said. “It’s a
really tight winding road along the side of Lake Michigan that goes all the way
to Charlevoix; that whole lakeshore is built up on bluffs.”
Timrick enjoys stopping in Charlevoix for watersports such
as boat and wave runner rentals as well.
He’s also is a fan of golf getaways in Gaylord, home to
another Community Financial Branch. One of his favorite spots is The Natural, a
course rife with wildlife and natural terrain.
Among Lake Huron spots, Timrick enjoys the small
northeastern Lower Peninsula town of Alpena, which features snorkeling and
glass bottom boat tours of shipwrecks.
“The water is so clear and you can look right through the
bottom of the boat and see all of the wrecks in their natural state and the
bottom of the lake,” he said.
Other lesser-known but exciting spots in the Great Lakes
State include Munising in the Upper Peninsula home to the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
and several nearby waterfalls, Isle Royale National Park in the upper UP, and
many more.
What’s your favorite Michigan vacation destination? Let us
know in the comments below or on our Facebook page.