A view of the setting sun on East Twin Lake near Lewiston—a peaceful end to a fun summer day.
Photo courtesy of Kim Brabec
Off the beaten path

Michigan’s “Sunrise Side” offers more than just a nice vantage point. Whether you enjoy sporting adventures, learning something new, lounging on the beach, shopping for great deals or doing just about anything on the water … you’ll find plenty to do in this region.

A roaring good time

Alligators can be found at the Children’s Zoo in Saginaw. Did you know that adult alligators reach an average length of 10-15 feet, and have the ability to jump 5 feet right out of the water? Photo courtesy of the Children’s Zoo at Celebration Square

In Saginaw, be sure to visit the Children’s Zoo, and see animals including alligators, llamas and eagles. The zoo is small and manageable for families to spend a few hours, with a relaxed park-like feel, complete with gardens and plenty of shade. Kids learn about animal behavior through animal feedings and enrichment activities. For special events and theme days, visit www.saginawzoo.com.

Looking for a different kind of zoo? Visit the Dinosaur Gardens “prehistoric zoo” just south of Alpena. This world renowned reproduction of over 25 prehistoric birds and dinosaurs is set on a 40-acre tract of land split by Devil River. A highlight is a brontosaurus over 80 feet long weighing over 60,000 pounds.

Enjoy thrilling slides and ride the waves at Thunder Falls, the exciting new water park in Mackinaw City. There’s fun for the whole family. Race down 12 slides; float along on the “lazy river,” and splash in the wave pool. Click on www.thunderfallswaterpark.com for park hours and tickets.

Outdoor appeals and maritime history
Take a stroll along the Riverwalk on the Saginaw River’s west bank, and take a glimpse into Bay City’s incredible maritime history. A footbridge crosses a man-made inlet that once launched ships at James Davidson’s shipyard.

One of the best places to visit in Michigan if you’re a history buff is Mackinaw City. Explore Colonial Michilimackinac, a reconstructed French fur-trading village and military outpost, the Old Mackinac Lighthouse, and Historic Mill Creek, a reconstructed, fully operational 18th century water powered sawmill.

Gaylord is a beautiful, rustic woods and lakes paradise with some of the finest golf courses in Northern Michigan. Photo courtesy of Gaylord Area Convention and Tourism Bureau, and the Black Bear Golf Club

Gaylord, with 21 golf courses, is known as “America’s Summer Golf Mecca.” The area consistently ranks among the top 10 golf destinations in the country. Courses include championship golf designed by some of America’s top golf course designers. Spectacular scenery and a range of course layouts offer something for golfers at every level. To plan your golf trip, visit www.gaylordgolfmecca.com.

A young angler concentrates on reeling in a fish from one of Michigan’s 11,000 inland lakes. Photo courtesy of Kim Brabec

Anglers and hunters have lots of options here. Tournament fishermen test their skills each year on the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay. Walleye is king, but perch and bass are plentiful also. Inland lakes in this region are filled with anglers looking for that prized catch. Black Lake is known for sturgeon, Mullett and Burt for walleye, and Houghton for perch. With a wealth of public lands, there are also find great opportunities for hunting. Various types of terrain yield trophy sized bucks, as well as partridge, turkey and waterfowl.

Unique shopping and fine dining
Olde World Canterbury Village in Lake Orion is host to 18 specialty shops, including Aldridge’s Always Christmas …one of the largest and most unique Christmas stores anywhere, complete with life-like animated displays. For more information, visit www.canterburyvillage.com.

Farm markets are plentiful in northeast Michigan, with countless agricultural communities in the region selling their local produce. From large “u-pick” markets, nurseries and orchards to small fruit and vegetable stands in front yards, you’ll find a variety of local flavors here.

The Port Austin area has received state and national recognition for its great restaurants. One such restaurant is The Farm Restaurant and Culinary School, where chefs prepare a variety of cuisine from scratch using seasonal herbs and produce from their garden. Love to cook? The restaurant offers a hands-on culinary course for the experienced or inexperienced cook. Visit www.thefarmrestaurant.com for details.

Frankenmuth’s Bavarian Inn Restaurant is famous for family-style chicken dinners. Visit the Castle Shops below the restaurant for specialties like baked breads, gourmet pretzels, candies and gifts.
Photo courtesy of the Frankenmuth Convention and Visitors Bureau

Shop ‘til you drop at the Midwest’s largest outlet center. Prime Outlets in Birch Run has over 150 factory direct stores. Just a few miles northeast of Birch Run is downtown Frankenmuth, known for unique shopping and one-of-a-kind shops with collectibles and toys. Step back in time at Rau’s Country Store, filled with old-fashioned candies, antique reproductions, collectibles and more.

Beauty on the ‘Sunrise Side’
Nestled on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron is the northern “thumb” area of Michigan. Huron County alone has over 90 miles of shoreline, with quiet, wooded areas and rolling picturesque farmlands. Caseville, Port Austin and Harbor Beach are all popular summer vacation spots, with public beaches, parks, and downtown shopping and dining.

Lake Huron is a draw for those looking to explore the waters from the seat of a kayak. Paddlers venture out from the northeast shore of Michigan’s lower peninsula.
Photo courtesy of Ashok Rodregues

The Tawas Bay area is filled with sugar sand beaches, parks and marinas for summertime fun. Tawas Point provides spectacular views of sunrises over Lake Huron and sunsets over Tawas Bay. Tawas Pointe State Park also offers numerous hiking and biking paths. For details, visit www.tawas.com.

The famous AuSable and Manistee Rivers are found near Grayling. With no large rocks or rapids, a slow current and crystal clear water, they are perfect for canoeing or kayaking.

In Oscoda, you’ll find more than 35,000 acres of unique hiking trails. There’s the quiet sanctuary of Hoist Lake’s 10,600 acres of rugged, hilly terrain and seven small lakes, or the Reid Lake Trail Area where you’ll find a large beaver pond, many marshes and bogs, and an abundance of birds and wildlife. To plan your visit, click on www.oscoda.com.

Massive elk roam the woodlands of this region, and are regularly spotted. If you’d like to be sure to see one, the city of Gaylord maintains an elk herd and provides viewing areas for the public to stop and watch the majestic creatures. A bull (male elk) can weigh over 900 pounds and stand over 6 feet tall.

Winter escapes
Thousands of Michigan residents make the wintry trek north to the heart of Michigan’s Snow Belt for a winter getaway. Hundreds of miles of groomed trails are made for snowmobiling fun in this region, including a new trail from Gaylord to Mackinaw City. Dubbed the “crown jewel” of snowmobile trails in northern Michigan, it runs along an abandoned railroad corridor.

For skiing adventures, try Treetops Ski Resort in Gaylord, with 23 downhill ski runs, plus cross country trails, a tubing run and ski and snowboard instructions for beginners.