Michigan experiences
You haven’t truly experienced Michigan until you’ve …

Crossed the Mighty Mackinac Bridge
The Mackinac Bridge connects Michigan’s upper and lower peninsulas from Mackinaw City at the south to St. Ignace at the north. At 26,372 feet (about five miles) the “Mighty Mac” is the longest suspension bridge in the western hemisphere and third longest in the world. Drive across or participate in the annual bridge walk for breathtaking views. The Mackinac Bridge recently celebrated its 50th anniversary! For more information, visit www.mackinacbridge.org.

Tasted a Michigan tart cherry
Michigan is the #1 producer of tart cherries, growing 70-75 percent of the U.S. crop each year and ranks fourth in the production of sweet cherries. Tart cherries are grown in orchards along Lake Michigan from Benton Harbor to Elk Rapids (sweet cherries can also be found in northwest Michigan). Over 500,000 people flock to Traverse City each July to celebrate this delectable fruit at the National Cherry Festival (www.cherryfestival.org). Live entertainment, an arts and crafts show, pie eating and pit spitting contests, parades and fireworks are just a few of the festival events and activities. Be sure to attend the 2008 festival, July 5-12.

Biked Mackinac Island
Since cars aren’t allowed on Mackinac Island, residents and visitors travel by bicycle, horse-drawn carriage or foot. Arguably, the best way to explore the island is by bicycle. Start out on Scenic Shoreline Road (M-185), an eight-mile trip around the island’s perimeter, or take any of the roads and trails within Mackinac Island State Park. There are 61 miles of wooded roads and trails leading to various attractions like Arch Rock and Sugar Loaf. Don’t have room to pack your bike? That’s okay; bike rentals are available on the island (www.mackinacisland.org).

Climbed Sleeping Bear Dunes
The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, spanning 35 miles of Michigan’s western coastline, offers numerous recreation activities. However, climbing the dunes remains a favorite activity for adults and children. Those who make it to the top are rewarded with spectacular views of Glen Lake and the dunes’ summit. More ambitious climbers continue on the rugged Dunes Trail, a 3.5 mile trip to Lake Michigan and back or the 2.8 mile loop trail to Sleeping Bear Point. To plan your climb, visit www.nps.gov/slbe.

Visited the Motor City
Discover the history and innovation driving the American automobile manufacturers from the automotive capital. The Walter P. Chrysler Museum (www.chryslerheritage.com) in Auburn Hills offers interactive displays and historical exhibits. Watch from an elevated platform as Ford F-150 trucks are assembled at the Ford Rouge Factory Tour (www.thehenryford.org/rouge). Learn the history of General Motors at the GM World exhibit in the GM Renaissance Center located in downtown Detroit (www.gmrencen.com). See heroes of the industry at the Automotive Hall of Fame in Dearborn (www.automotivehalloffame.org).

Snowmobiled in Paradise
Yes, Paradise! The town Paradise is located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, just 70 miles north of the Mackinac Bridge. Paradise has become very popular among avid snowmobilers with average snowfall reaching more than 200 inches. And, more than 200 miles of trails throughout the region provide easy access to beautiful sights such as Tahquamenon Falls, White Fish Point and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum. Visit www.paradisemichigan.org, to plan your winter vacation.

Attended a race at the Michigan International Speedway
Within the picturesque Irish Hills near Brooklyn lies the largest sports arena in Michigan—the Michigan International Speedway (MIS). The two-mile oval racetrack is a perfect setting for IRL and NASCAR races. Eight area campgrounds make MIS a popular destination for RVers. Arguably, the best place to watch a race is from the infield, where RVers setup camp and enjoy the up-close excitement. Various charity events are also held at MIS. Visit www.mispeedway.com for the 2008 event schedule.

Watched freighters pass through the Soo Locks
Travel to Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula and you’ll see first hand why the Soo Locks have been referred to as one of the great man-made wonders of the world. Watch in awe as boats and freighters safely pass the 21-foot drop in elevation of the St. Mary’s River between Lake Superior and Lake Huron. Take a boat tour through the Locks, alongside the big freighters or watch from an elevated platform at the Soo Locks Visitors Center (www.saultstemarie.com).

Dipped a toe in each Great Lake
Michigan has the longest freshwater shoreline in the world! The Great Lakes offer 38,575 square miles of water area—it’s no wonder water activities are popular among residents and visitors. Explore the shipwrecks of Lake Superior or fish for walleye in Lake Erie. Sail across Lake Huron from Port Huron to Bay City, watch the sunset over Lake Michigan, or plan a beach hopping trip and swim in all four (five if you count Lake Ontario, the only one Michigan doesn’t touch). You won’t have to travel far to dip your toe, standing anywhere in the state, you are within 85 miles of one of the Great Lakes!

Camped in all five regions
The best way to truly experience Michigan is to camp in all five regions. From the charming beach towns in the southwest to the pristine natural beauty in the Upper Peninsula, each region has something unique to offer, making Michigan a great vacation destination. Over 1,000 state and private campgrounds conveniently scattered across the state make it easy. Visit marvac.org, to find a MARVAC campground in each region, and start planning your trip.