MICHIGAN-ONLINE

Enjoy A Fun Filled Day Biking Around Mackinaw Island

admin — Mon, 19 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you enjoy biking and think it would be fun to do so in an area that does not allow any motorized traffic, then biking around Mackinaw Island is a must-do activity. The only motorized vehicles on the island are its one fire truck, one ambulance, and one SUV that belongs to the police department.

You can rent bicycles right on the island or you can bring your own. Bike everywhere! Pick up a map at the Visitor-s Center and plan your route.Check out this link here. The paved roads and paths used for biking and horse-drawn carriages crisscross and circle the entire span of the three-mile-long island. The scenery along the trails is breathtaking.

The 8-mile road that circles the island is a relaxing bike ride and provides many incredible views. This road is entirely flat, with no hills, so it is not difficult for bike riding and can be enjoyed by all ages. Halfway around the island is a place called British Landing where you can take a break and experience the grandeur of the Straits of Mackinac. An added bonus of this ride is that it gives you a close up appreciation for the true nature of this very special island.

Go Canoeing Down One Of Michigan’s Many Rivers

admin — Tue, 13 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Michigan has a great amount of rivers, which are perfect for canoeing. The Autrain River in Michigan’s upper peninsula, has long been a favorite hot spot for canoers to frequent. Located in the Hiawatha National Forest, this picturesque scenery is home to several birds and wildlife. Enjoy the scenes, as you relax doing one of the greatest water sports.

The Manistique River, has been drawing tourists for years. This area has large campgrounds and ample canoes that can be rented. Located within seven miles or restaurants and shopping, this area is a great place to spend a holiday. The Two Hearted River, promises to be one of the best canoeing experiences in one’s life. This famous river was even mentioned in Ernest Hemingway’s work. With a 4-6 hour canoe ride, it provides some of the most awe-inspiring scenery and being up and close with nature is priceless. This area features many cabins and campgrounds for lodging experiences.

One trip to the Michigan rivers and you will see why so many choose to spend their vacations here. With ample rivers for canoeing and breathtaking beauty, one will have a hard time leaving. Sit back, relax, and watch the beautiful sky as you float down one of these historic rivers.

Travel Michigan’s Back Roads On A Fall Color Tour

admin — Fri, 09 Sep 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Looking for a quiet drive down a spectacular road in Michigan? A simple drive down one of Michigan’s many back roads during their stunning fall season is the perfect Sunday getaway for the entire family.

Late September is an ideal time to witness some of Michigan’s most amazing beauty. Routes such as the 200-mile Alpena – Gaylord – Mio tour takes you from the shoreline of Lake Huron to virgin forest, giving tourists beautiful scenery as well as plenty of wildlife viewing opportunities. If you plan to experience autumn colors later in the season, such as in late October, try planning a tour that includes visiting Grand Ledge, Hastings, Battle Creek, and Eaton Rapids. This route exposes you to the many sides of Michigan that are not always noticed–farmland, woodlands, rivers, geological formations, and plenty more. Lastly, the routes including Grand Rapids, Grand Haven, South Haven, and Kalamazoo (195 miles) provide a breathtaking backdrop for scenes from cities, sand dunes, wineries, farmers markets, and beautiful sunset. All of these tours require a camera during every mile of the way, and are each a beautiful and relaxing car drive for the entire family.

With the fall season rapidly arriving, Michigan fall color tour outings are a stunning experience suitable for the whole family. Begin planning your own tour today!

Things to Do: Detroit

mgeedey — Wed, 31 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Whether you’re driving to Michigan or you’ve used wireless internet to book your plane ticket you’ve got to get started on your itinerary. We’ve got a list of the must-dos for your trip to Motor City, the much maligned Detroit
Detroit Institute of the Arts: Bet you didn’t know Detroit was a haven for all things cultural? Widely considered one of the best collections in the US, the Institute has everything from Egyptian artifacts to cultural relics of France. It’s a good time.
Comercia Park: If you’re in town during baseball season, make sure to take in a Tigers game at the ballpark. It’s half museum, half classic baseball stadium and the food here is something not to be missed.
Detroit Historical Museum: If you’re interested about the rise and fall of Detroit’s industry and prominence as am American city you’ve got to head here first. There are interactive exhibits about the city’s rich history and you’ll gain a newfound respect for one of America’s classic towns.
Stay safe and have fun on your trip to Detroit this year!

Kids Of All Ages: Visit The Curious Kids Museum

admin — Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

If you have children you know how hard it is to find things that are both entertaining and educating when you’re on a trip. When traveling to Southwest Michigan there is an easy answer, The Curious Kids Museum. This museum has been voted the “best museum” and the “best place to take kids.” This museum attracts more than 70,000 visitors a year with the promise of fun and learning.

This museum offers over 100 hands-on exhibits to explore that are engaging and educational for visitors of all ages. A visit can inspire curiosity about the world, science, technology, history, culture and more. The hands-on activities increase awareness and involvement, encouraging kids to explore their world more thoroughly.

Two floors, of exhibits, special family programs, scouting badge quests, birthday parties, workshops and more bring visitors back time and time again. Special presentations are performed periodically by storytellers, magicians, puppeteers, musicians and clowns to add to the fun that is available every day. Group tours, and outreach programs are available by request. Curious Classroom Science Units are offered on tough science topics like sound, light and electricity, these are taught by a certified instructor at the museum or within your own classroom.

Hotels To Stay At When Visiting Mackinaw City

admin — Mon, 18 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Mackinaw City, Michigan, will let you travel through history, get a great meal, and relax on the beach when you are done. You can get super soaked at Thunder Falls Waterpark, or just sit back and watch a history re-enactment. Mackinaw City has something for everyone.

There are many hotels to choose from if you plan to stay awhile. From budget hotels and camping, to being pampered in a bed and breakfast, you’ll find it all. Indoor and outdoor pools are available, pet options, and even access to snowmobile trails if you travel during the winter months.

Stay on the waterfront, or in a cozy hideaway cabin. If shopping is what you seek, there are many hotels within the shopping district. Spend the day browsing for whatever your heart desires.

For entertainment, check out the Maze of Mirrors. These life sized mirrors will have you lost and searching for your way out. The Mackinaw Manor Haunted Mansion is a 3D walk through that will totally creep you out! And Buried Alive will give you an experience like you have never had before.

End your day with a round of golf, or explore an old fort. Mackinaw City has it all.

Michigan’s Great Outdoors: Natures Wooded Wonderland

admin — Wed, 06 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +0000

When you think of Michigan, you think of Detroit – urban, industrial, musical, and pioneering. What surprises most people is that Michigan has a great wooded wonderland which encompasses its urban areas. It’s easy to leave the confines of the city for the great outdoors in Michigan.

Michigan enjoys the largest fresh water coastline -from the Great Lakes- of any U.S. state. Along the shores of these lakes lie a 200 mile trail through the vast wooded lands of Michigan. Explore the natural wonders of the forest as you wear out your hiking shoes. Stop to visit old waterfalls and have a picnic under the shade of the trees. This scenic wonderland is only available in Michigan.

Northern Michigan boasts another large wooded opportunity, the North Country National Scenic Trail. Take some time to lose yourself in the woods. Bring a map and compass, www.compassrestaurant.com-or any modern day GPS system-along so you don’t get lost for good though.

Pack a bag of food and bring along your sleeping bag to attempt completing one of these two trails. These trails are the perfect opportunity for a group of friends to come together and bond under the trees of Michigan’s wooded lands.

Exploring Michigan’s Historical Covered And Wooden Bridges

admin — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +0000

The oldest covered bridge in Michigan, built in 1887, is White’s Covered Bridge. This bridge is located in Ionia County and spans the Flat River. It is 12- foot long bridge made out of hand cut lumber held together with wooden pegs and handmade nails.
The longest covered bridge in Michigan is 282 feet long called the Langley Bridge. However, it is 1000 feet shorter than the longest covered bridge in the world located at New Brunswick, Canada. The Langley Bridge is located near Centreville, Michigan. It was constructed in 1887 and crosses the Saint Joseph River.
The state also has one of the few covered bridges that connect two countries. It is located at Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. It serves as the northern terminus of Interstate 75. The bridge is also unusual in that it is a double arch span on the United States side while the Canadian side is a single arch span. This bridge is 2.8 miles long across the Saint Mary’s River. Each year in June a walk of unity is held on this bridge.
Covered bridges are very popular tourist’s attractions. These three bridges are some of the most popular in the state of Michigan.

Detroit is Back!

www.michigan-online.com — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

Detroit has been the target of a lot of misinformation in recent years with the general public perception that it’s a ghost town (or worse, a crime-laden ghost town). And if you’ve been watching ABC’s hot new show DETROIT 1-8-7 you may have even witnessed some of the blight that seems to be common perception. But in a recent episode (Ice Man; Malibu) one of the characters makes reference to the fact that the public perception of Detroit is wrong that the city is really experiencing a major revitalization. And guess what? It’s true. Recently completed projects include the Renaissance Center , the Riverfront, the Campus Martius Park and Compuware Office Center, Grand Circus Park, and the Foxtown/Stadium district. Interesting enough in the same episode of DETROIT 1-8-7 a reference was made to the fact that Detroit is becoming an increasingly popular choice for Hollywood movies to be filmed, and this too seems true. A quick check verified that there are several films in production (Harold and Kumar 3 and Street Kings 2 to name two) as well as upcoming productions such as Scream 4 and All You Can Dream. I guess the bottom line is that one can’t always believe how the media portrays a city. One has to only look at the media’s love affair with “all things LA” when in actual fact LA is on the decline. The takeaway here is to trust your instincts; and if your instincts told you that Detroit was too powerful of a city to ever go down without a fight, your instinct were right. And for that as well as Detroit’s revitalization you can grateful!

Santa’s at the Detroit Zoo

www.michigan-online.com — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 00:00:00 +0000

You can join Santa as he takes a much-needed break from his hectic holiday schedule too stop by the Detroit Zoo on December 11th and 18th from 8am to 10am and enjoy a buffet style breakfast of waffles, a special gift for each child in attendance, arts and crafts opportunities, as well as abundant photo opportunities with Santa and even a few of his wildlife friends from the zoo. Tickets are required for all children regardless of age, and since seating is limited reservations should definitely be made by calling (248) 541-5717 (extension 375) to purchase tickets. Member tickets are 25 for adults (ages 15 and older) and 20 for children (ages 14 and younger). For non-members, tickets are 30 for adults and 25 for children. The non-member price includes Zoo admission and parking. The event will be held at the zoo’s Wildlife Interpretive Gallery. While you’re at the zoo you may want to stop by the gift shop to get some of your Christmas shopping done or look at upcoming events to plan some 2011 fun. All in all it should be a fun time for the whole family and maybe even some new furry friends, too!