The Best Spring Activities in Michigan: A Guide to Michigan’s Spring Delights

‍Spring is a time of renewal and celebration in Michigan. After a long and cold winter, the arrival of spring brings with it a sense of joy and anticipation. From outdoor adventures to cultural festivals, there are countless activities to enjoy in Michigan during this vibrant season. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a food lover, or a sports fan, there’s something for everyone to experience. In this guide, we’ll explore the best spring activities in Michigan, helping you create unforgettable memories and embrace the beauty of this remarkable state.

Embrace the Outdoors: Dust off Your Bicycle

Michigan boasts an extensive network of bike paths, spanning over 1,300 miles. From smooth urban routes to challenging mountain bike trails, there’s a path for every skill level. Gather your family and embark on an 8-mile flat, paved bicycle route around Mackinac Island. For the more adventurous, the Copper Harbor Trails on Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula offer 35 miles of rugged single track, attracting avid mountain bikers from near and far.

Delve into Nature: Pick (and Taste) Morel Mushrooms

Michigan is home to some of the best morel mushroom hunting grounds. While locals are tight-lipped about their secret spots, you can learn mushrooming secrets at the annual Mesick Mushroom Festival. This beloved event offers guided morel hikes, allowing you to delve into the art of mushroom hunting. Boyne City’s National Morel Mushroom Festival is another must-visit, focusing on dining and showcasing area chefs’ morel-themed creations.

Celebrate the Beauty of Spring: Attend a Flower Festival

As the snow melts away, Michigan’s landscape awakens with vibrant spring blossoms. Immerse yourself in the beauty of these blooms at colorful festivals such as the Wineries of the Old Mission Peninsula Blossom Day. This annual event takes place amidst 2.6 million blooming cherry trees, providing a feast for the eyes and the soul. Holland’s Tulip Time Festival is another must-see, boasting over 5 million stunning spring flowers that pay homage to the city’s Dutch heritage.

Tee Off: Go Golfing

Spring is the perfect time to dust off your golf clubs and hit the links in Michigan. With nearly 800 golf courses scattered across the state, there’s no shortage of options for golf enthusiasts. Tee off on the picturesque Lake Michigan shore at Arcadia Bluffs Golf Club or Bay Harbor Golf Club. For a unique challenge, head to Treetops Resort and experience Tom Fazio’s only Michigan course. Forest Dunes Golf Club in Roscommon offers the reversible Loop, a one-of-a-kind golfing experience. Meanwhile, the Marquette Golf Club promises an unforgettable day on the course.

Step Back in Time: Ride in a Model T

Experience a slice of history at Henry Ford’s Greenfield Village in Dearborn. This living museum, spanning over 80 acres, features historic homes and buildings collected by automotive giant Henry Ford. Hop aboard an authentic Model T and tour the property, catching a glimpse of Thomas Edison’s laboratory, the Wright Brothers’ bicycle shop, and a charming Cotswold cottage. Immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Michigan and marvel at the innovations that shaped the world.

Toast to Michigan Wine: Celebrate Michigan Wine Month

May is Michigan Wine Month, a time when the state’s nearly 150 wineries take center stage. Raise a glass of Michigan-made Riesling, Gewürztraminer, or Pinot Noir with dinner, or embark on a wine-tasting adventure. Visit renowned wineries like Black Star Farms, Chateau Grand Traverse, or Tabor Hill for special wine dinners and discounts, immersing yourself in the vibrant Michigan wine scene.

Explore a Remote Paradise: Return to Isle Royale National Park

Isle Royale National Park, Michigan’s most remote national park, is a haven of untouched beauty. After a solitary winter, the park comes to life in April as park rangers and ferry services return for a season of exploration. Embark on wildflower hikes, paddle the pristine waters of Lake Superior, and experience the serenity of Rock Harbor Lodge’s starlit nights. Traverse rugged hiking trails and witness nature’s wonders in this pristine wilderness.

Experience Elegance: Open Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel

As spring arrives, Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel opens its doors, marking the start of Michigan’s warm-weather retreat. The rest of the island comes alive as cottagers return, downtown restaurants, boutiques, and fudge shops reopen, and preparations for the Annual Mackinac Island Lilac Festival begin. Immerse yourself in the island’s timeless charm and experience the grandeur of the Grand Hotel.

Savor Local Flavors: Revisit a Farmers Market

Michigan is renowned for its locally-grown produce and vibrant farmers markets. Spring brings an abundance of fresh rhubarb, asparagus, strawberries, and cut flowers to markets like Detroit’s Eastern Market, the Downtown Market in Grand Rapids, and the Flint Farmers Market. Explore the stalls, savor the flavors of the season, and support local farmers and artisans.

Wander Through Botanical Gardens

Michigan’s finest botanical gardens showcase the beauty of spring in full bloom. Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park offers a stunning combination of world-class artworks and Instagram-worthy flower plantings. In Midland, the Dow Gardens feature spring blossoms, towering forests, delicate Japanese bridges, and the nation’s longest Canopy Walk. Lose yourself in the splendor of nature and indulge in the tranquility of these remarkable gardens.

Set Sail: Start up Your Boat

With over 3,200 miles of shoreline, Michigan is a paradise for boating enthusiasts. As spring arrives, boating season beckons. Whether you choose to sail the Great Lakes, paddle through the Les Cheneaux Islands, or go waterskiing in inland lakes like Silver Lake and Lake St. Clair, Michigan offers endless opportunities for water-based adventures.

Cast a Line: Find Your Rod and Reel

Spring marks the opening of fishing season in Michigan, offering anglers a chance to reel in native species. Charter a fishing trip off the shore of Grand Haven, venture out on your own from Bay City, or try your hand at fly fishing in the Au Sable or Manistee Rivers. Fish for large- and smallmouth bass, pike, walleye, and trout, among others, and experience the thrill of the catch in Michigan’s pristine waters.

VISIT MICHIGAN IN SPRING

Michigan comes alive in spring, offering a plethora of activities and experiences for everyone to enjoy. From biking along scenic paths and hunting for morel mushrooms to attending vibrant flower festivals and teeing off at world-class golf courses, there’s something for every interest. Embrace the beauty of Michigan’s natural landscapes, immerse yourself in its rich heritage, and savor the flavors of the season at farmers markets and wineries. Whether you’re exploring remote national parks or indulging in the elegance of Mackinac Island’s Grand Hotel, Michigan promises unforgettable adventures and cherished memories. So, plan your visit and embark on a journey through Pure Michigan’s springtime delights.