Michigan Vacations Travel Guide

General Information

Baby Equipment Rentals - companies in Michigan that rent baby gear and equipment including car seats, strollers, cribs and more

Family Resorts in Michigan - resorts, hotels and other family friendly lodging

Michigan Travel Bureau - things to do, places to stay, maps, calendar of events and more.

Zoos

Binder Park Zoo
7400 Division Dr
Battle Creek, Michigan 49014
Phone: (616) 979-1351
Binder Park Zoo is a place for discovery and adventure. As you explore the shaded boardwalks and brick paths that wind through the Zoo, you will encounter a variety of wildlife from around the world.

Detroit Zoological Park
PO Box 39
Royal Oak, Michigan 48068
Phone: (248) 398-0903
The Detroit Zoo is a natural habitat for more than 2,500 animals and 700 varieties of trees, shrubbery and flowering plants. Of the 260 species at the Zoo, 64 are officially listed as endangered or threatened and two are extinct in the wild. Major exhibits include the Wildlife Interpretive Gallery, Great Apes, Penguinarium, free-flight aviary, Holden Museum of Living Reptiles, the National Amphibian Conservation Center, giraffes, Siberian tigers, African lions, marine mammals, Asian elephants, Grevy's zebras, Bactrian camels, snow monkeys and the prairie dog exhibit and the world’s largest polar bear exhibit called the Arctic Ring of Life.

John Ball Zoological Garden
1300 West Fulton
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49504
Phone: (616) 336-4300
The Zoo is located on the hillside of a beautiful 140 acre park on the west side of Grand Rapids. The Zoo and park offer many fun-filled opportunities. The Zoo's current animal collection includes 237 species and 1,183 individuals. Park services include grills, picnic areas, baseball diamonds, tennis courts and play areas.

Potter Park Zoological Gardens
1301 S Pennsylvania Ave
Lansing, Michigan 48912
Phone: (517) 483-4221

National Parks

Keweenaw National Historic Park
Calumet, Michigan
Phone: (906) 337-3168
Keweenaw National Historical Park was established to commemorate the rich history of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan - the only place in the world where commercially abundant quantities of elemental copper occurred.  The sixteen cooperating sites offer activities ranging from museums to mine tours to theatrical performances to hiking and camping in pristine wilderness that is indicative of the area prior to the discovery of copper.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Empire, Michigan
Phone: (231) 326-5134
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore encompasses a 35 mile stretch of Lake Michigan's eastern coastline, as well as North and South Manitou Islands. The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena.  Favorite activities include the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive and the ever-popular Dune Climb. Ranger-led walks, campfire programs and other activities are available in July and August.

Isle Royale National Park
Houghton, Michigan
Phone: (906)482-0984
Isle Royale has 165 miles of scenic hiking trails and 36 campgrounds for backpackers and recreational boaters. There is excellent fishing, historic lighthouses and shipwrecks, ancient copper mining sites, and plenty of spots to observe wildlife. Roadless Isle Royale is accessible only by boat or float plane.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Munising, Michigan
Phone: (906) 387-3700
Multicolored sandstone cliffs, beaches, sand dunes, waterfalls, inland lakes, wildlife and the forest of Lake Superior shoreline beckon visitors to explore this 73,000+ acre park. Attractions include a lighthouse and former Coast Guard life-saving stations along with old farmsteads and orchards. The park is a four season recreational destination where hiking, camping, hunting, nature study, and winter activities abound.

Museums

Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum
220 E. Ann Street
Ann Arbor, Michigan 48104
Phone: (734) 995-5437
At the Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum, children of all ages learn by doing -- by experimenting, using, touching, shaping, turning, lifting, pulling apart, and turning off and on. Our mission is to provide an opportunity for interactive science education for young people, families, and groups. We also want everyone who comes here, young or old, to have a good time.

Fort Wilkins Historic Complex
Copper Harbor, Michigan
Through Fort Wilkins' exhibits, audiovisual programs and living history interpretation, visitors may explore the daily routine of military service, experience with soldiers' families the hardships of frontier isolation and discover the lifeways of another era. Attractions include 19 restored buildings, costumed interpreters, copper mining sites, evening slide programs, camping and picnicking.

Henry Ford Museum
20900 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, Michigan 48124
Phone: (313) 271-1620
An astounding collection of Americana that depicts the ever changing worlds of transportation, manufacturing, home life, entertainment and technology. All showcased in exhibits not found anywhere else. You'll see how the world has changed - right before your eyes.  An IMAX theater is adjacent to the museum.

Detroit Science Center
5020 John R Street
Detroit, Michigan 48202
Exhibits of all kinds, IMAX theater, and planetarium.

The Talbert and Leota Abrams Planetarium
Located on Michigan State University campus.
East Lansing, Michigan 48824
Phone: (517) 332-STAR
The planetarium houses an exhibit hall with a book and gift counter, a blacklight gallery of astronomical art, and a hemispherical domed sky theater. The theater features a Digistar, the world's only computer-graphics-based planetarium projector. It is significantly more versatile than a conventional projector and allows elaborate three-dimensional simulations. The planetarium is open to the public weekdays from 8:30 A.M. to noon and 1 P.M. to 4:30 P.M. Public shows are presented Friday and Saturday nights and Sunday afternoons.

The Gilmore Car Museum
6865 Hickory Road
Hickory Corners, Michigan
The Museum has over 140 antique, classic and collector cars on display providing visitors a unique experience in automotive history. The exhibits are housed in nine large historic Michigan barns (grounds map) and feature such unusual vintage vehicles as a 1899 Locomobile and early steam, electric and gasoline powered cars.

U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame
Ishpeming, Michigan
Phone: (906) 485-6323
The National Ski Hall of Fame and Museum was established in 1953 to serve as a location for the gathering and display of the history of skiing in it's many forms throughout the United States.

Ziibiwing Center
6650 E. Broadway
Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858
Phone: (989) 775-4750
The Ziibiwing Center is a new Native American museum. Its purpose is to educate all people young and old about the history, culture, and lifeways of the Great Lakes Native Americans and in particular about the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe of Michigan. It features a permanent exhibit, changing exhibit, gift shop, cafe, research center, meeting rooms, lectures, workshops, and special events.

Motorsports Hall of Fame
Novi Expo Center water tower - at the southwest corner of I-96 & Novi Road (exit 162).
Novi, Michigan
Phone: (800) 250-RACE(7223)
The Museum, located in Novi, Michigan (see map), has well over 100 items on exhibit, most of them highly significant race vehicles, such as land and water speed record holders, both antique and current.  The Hall of Fame enshrines many "Heroes of Horsepower" covering multiple motorsports categories and continues to add more each year.

Iron Mountain Iron Mine
9 miles east of Iron Mountain on Hwy U.S. 2
in the town of Vulcan, Michigan.
Phone: (906) 563-8077
You will never forget the thrilling experience of visiting the Iron Mountain Iron Mine. Watch expert miners operate modern mining machinery as you ride on the underground trains.  This fascinating tour, with skilled guides, takes you through 2600 feet of underground drifts and tunnels to 400 feet below the earth's surface to see the reality of iron mining.

Theme Parks, Amusement Parks & Water Parks

Splash Universe RiverRun
100 Whitetail Drive
Dundee, Michigan 48131
Phone: 1-87-SPLASHU2 (1-877-752-7482)
Escape with your Family to Splash Universe in Dundee, Michigan with over 100,000 gallons of water park fun! From twisting water slides and 500 gallon splash bucket, to the relaxing lazy river it’s always a summery 84 degrees. Hit the action in the shooting star arcade then enjoy a delicious meal at our very own Treehouse Pub and Grub.

Four Bears Water Park and Recreation Area
3000 Auburn Road.
Utica, Michigan 48317
Phone: (810) 739-5863
Water Park and entertainment complex, which is a fun place for a family or group outing.

Crossroads Village and Mott Children's Farm
Located in Historic Crossroads Village on Mott Lake. Crossroads Village is northeast of Flint, Michigan and is operated by the Genesee County Parks Commission. The entrance to Crossroads Village and Mott Children's Farm is off Bray Road.
Phone: (800) 648-PARK
Crossroads Village, with more than 30 historic structures, takes you back to a simpler time. Friendly villagers in period dress welcome you to the homes, mills, and shops. Experience the thrill of riding an authentic 1912 carousel or take a ride on the matching Ferris wheel. Go for a train ride on the Huckleberry Railroad or tour Mott Lake on the Genesee Belle, a full-size paddlewheel riverboat.  The whole family can enjoy a full day of fun at the village.

Michigan's Adventure Amusement Park & WildWater Adventure
4750 Whitehall Rd.
Muskegon, Michigan
Phone: (231) 766-3377
With over 50 rides, slides and attractions, there's something for everyone at Michigan's adventure.

Family Activities

Liberty Valley Ranch
4301 Hayes Tower Road
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Phone: (989) 731-0149
Liberty Valley Ranch is a family owned and family focused horse ranch offering safe, guided trail rides for all ages. Our focus is to give everyone an enjoyable and safe ride. We also offer summer Ranch Camps for kids ages 5-17 and a Parent/Child Camp for ages 5 and up, Riding Lessons (basic horsemanship, western, and therapeutic riding), pony parties, boarding. We also have other ranch animals (dairy goats, sheep, rabbits, a donkey) that we hope everyone will take a few extra moments to visit.

If you know of a family activity in Michigan, let us know and we will add it here.

Summer - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Beaches, Lakes, etc.)

Mackinac Island / State Park -Shopping, bicycling and horseback riding. This Island Lies off St. Ignace just northeast of the Straits of Mackinac and the Mackinac Bridge (one of the longest suspension bridges in the U.S.).

Lake Superior - The Largest of the Great Lakes, this wide span of water reaches from Duluth, MN. on its most western shore to 371 miles east to the locks at Sault Ste. Marie. At its widest point it is 166 miles wide. Numerous stopping points are available on the Canadian side as well as the US. side. This lake is noted for high cliffs, scenic shorelines and frequent changes in weather.

Burt Lake - Fishing, skiing, swimming and camping.  Burt Lake State Park is located along the southern shoreline. This lake extends about 10 miles long by 8 miles wide at one point. Located off I 75 and Exit 310 (Michigan State Route 68).

Crystal Lake - Fishing and swimming. A very scenic and crystal clear lake just outside of Frankfort and Michigan State Route 22. Lake Michigan is just a mile away featuring two historical lighthouses; Point Betsie and North Breakwater.

Grand Traverse Bay / Suttons Bay - Fishing, swimming, beaches, picnicking and camping.  Suttons Bay is a popular spot for boats of all sizes and is located in the west arm on the bay in a large cove area on the western shoreline.  The village of Northport features a fishing, skiing and jet skis.

Houghton Lake - This lake is known for its great fishing.  Accessible off U.S. 41.

Lake Michigan - Lake Michigan features many popular island stops including Beaver, North and South Manitou Islands just west of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Seashore on the mainland (the Manitou Islands are a part of the Sleeping Bear Dunes) and Mackinac just past the Mackinac Bridge. Popular stops on the Michigan side from south to north include Benton Harbor, Holland, Muskegon, Ludington, Manistee Frankfort, Empire and Glen Arbor.

Saginaw Bay - On Lake Huron; Fishing, skiing, beaches and camping.  Bay City State Park sets on the southwestern shoreline.

Shanty Creek Resorts
One Shanty Creek Road
Bellaire, Michigan 49615
Phone: 800-678-4111
Discover the stunning outdoors of Northern Michigan at Shanty Creek Resorts. Offering options aplenty for active lifestyles and three levels of accommodation, there’s sure to be a choice for you. Cedar River Village offers several upscale lodging including suites and condos. Summit Village is prized for its 360-degree view that stretches over Lake Bellaire. Summit features guestrooms with up to three bedrooms and studios. Schuss Village, nestled in the foot of Schuss Mountain, offers beautiful condos exuding a European charm. Summer at Shanty Creek is all about a return to nature: once-in-a-lifetime hiking, camping, fly fishing, horseback riding, and water sports. An exciting children’s day camp, Camp Gandy, provides fun programming for the little ones all week long.

Trout Creek Condominium Resort
4749 Pleasantview
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Phone: (800) 748-0245
Tucked in a quiet countryside location in the midwest's premier resort area and conveniently located next to Nubs Nob and Boyne Highlands, Trout Creek is a great place for family vacations, reunions, golf and ski vacations, romantic getaways, company outings and relaxing weekends! They also have swimming pools, summer children's programs, stocked fishing ponds, tennis and more.

Winter - Family Vacation Hot Spots (Ski Resorts, etc.)

Shanty Creek - Schuss Mountain
One Shanty Creek Rd
Bellaire, Michigan 49615
Phone: (616) 533-8621
Discover three picturesque villages at Shanty Creek Resorts for the ultimate Michigan winter family ski vacation. After a long day of Northern Michigan skiing, snowboarding, and tubing, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride, delight in a sledding party or gather around a bonfire to roast S'mores with the family. Experience a dazzling variety of ski runs from beginner to expert and miles of cross-country skiing in addition to thrilling tubing and terrain parks.

Big Powderhorn Mountain
N11375 Powderhorn Road
Bessemer, Michigan 49911
Phone: (906) 932-4838
Skiing, snowboarding, Ice skating rink (lighted but bring your own skates), horse-drawn sleigh rides nearby, swimming pool and sauna, and 17km cross country trails with access at the top of our mountain.

Blackjack Ski Resort
Bessemer, Michigan 49911
Phone: (906) 229-5157
Great family skiing.

Boyne Mountain
Boyne Mountain Rd
Boyne Falls, Michigan 49713
Phone: (616) 549-2441
Beginner slopes to double black diamonds, tennis center; heated outdoor pool and a giant hot tub; miles of nature trails for hiking and mountain biking and you have plenty to offer every member of the family.

Boyne Highlands
600 Highlands Dr
Harbor Springs, Michigan 49740
Phone: (616) 526-3001
At BOYNE MOUNTAIN, you'll enjoy 54 meticulously groomed slopes for any level of skiing ability. Terrain parks and half pipes showcasing some of the regions best riders.  Skiing, snowboarding, tubing and skating.

Trout Creek Condominium Resort
4749 Pleasantview
Harbor Springs, Michigan
Phone: (800) 748-0245
Tucked in a quiet countryside location in the midwest's premier resort area and conveniently located next to Nubs Nob and Boyne Highlands, Trout Creek is a great place for family vacations, reunions, golf and ski vacations, romantic getaways, company outings and relaxing weekends! They also have swimming pools, summer children's programs, stocked fishing ponds, tennis and more.

Mt. Brighton Ski Resort
4141 Bauer Rd.
Brighton, Michigan 48116
Phone (810) 229-9581
Great skiing and very popular snowboarding area.

Caberfae Peaks Ski & Golf Resort
Caberfae Rd.
Cadillac, Michigan 49601
Phone: (231) 862-3000
Caberfae Peaks Ski Resort now boasts some of the biggest vertical drops and longest and best ski runs in the Midwest. Ski school and beginner runs available.

Treetops Resort
3962 Wilkinson Rd
Gaylord, Michigan 49735
Phone: (517) 732-6711
Resort facilities include restaurants, sports bar, heated indoor & outdoor pools, spas, saunas, fitness center, sand volleyball, tennis courts, Edelweiss Ski & Sports Shop, State Licensed Child Development Center, golfing, downhill skiing, cross country skiing and tubing.

Norway Mountain
N 2090 Brier Mtn Rd
Norway, Michigan
Phone: (800) 272-5445
Offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions in the state.  Also offers "Skiter Tots", which is an instruction program for kids ages 5-8 that makes it easy for the whole family to have fun together on the slopes.

Crystal Mountain Resort
12500 Crystal Mountain Drive
Thompsonville, Michigan 49683
Phone: (616) 378-2000
Crystal Mountain's 25 downhill runs give you a choice ranging from wide-open groomed runs to trails through trees. A third of the runs are easy, a third are more difficult and a third are rated as most difficult. There is night skiing every night throughout the season.  Snowboarders are welcome on all 34 slopes, including the eight new Ridge runs. Terrain areas and a great line-up of events will find favor with skiers and snowboarders alike.

Indianhead Mountain and Bear Creek
500 Indianhead Rd
Wakefield, Michigan 49968
Phone: (906) 229-5181
Indianhead Mountain Resort offers skiing, great views of Michigan's western upper peninsula, with many activities like: golf, tennis, swimming, mountain bike riding horse back riding and more.

Helpful websites and services

If you know of a website or company that is helpful to families traveling to Michigan, let us know and we will add it here.

Travel Specials & Vacation Packages