9 Reasons to Visit Michigan in the Summer

If you love homemade crafts, music, big crowds, and a slightly rowdy atmosphere, you'll have tons of fun at a Michigan festival. A few must-attend celebrations include the Hoedown in Clarkston, the Ford Arts, Beats & Eats in Royal Oak, and the Michigan Renaissance Festival south of Flint.

There's nothing quite like perching yourself atop a giant Michigan sand dune in the height of Summer (and the trek to the peak is great exercise!). Check out the Silver Lake Sand Dunes, the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Warren Dunes State Park, and the Saugatuck Dunes State Park for fantastic views.

History buffs and automobile enthusiasts, spend a Summer day in Greenfield Village of southeast Michigan, where you'll immerse yourself in 300 years' worth of the American experience. Expanding more than 80 acres, the Henry Ford Museum boasts 83 historic structures, including the building where Abe Lincoln practiced law. Before you leave, be sure to take an old-school train ride and observe a skillful glass-blowing demonstration.

Four of the five Great Lakes touch the shores of the Mitten — Huron, Erie, Superior, and Michigan. Each of them are exquisite and picturesque, so be sure to catch at least one at sunrise and sunset for a breathtaking, unforgettable sight (and photo op!).

Considered the jewel of the Great Lakes, Mackinac Island offers a unique island experience in northern Michigan. Take a carriage ride, window-shop downtown, relive history in Fort Mackinac, grab a bite of heavenly fudge, and barhop after dusk. The small town has the power to whisk any tourist away!

Generally written off as unsafe and run-down, there is, in fact, many good things to be said about "the D." Gaze at the artwork in the Detroit Institute of Arts, play the slots at the Greektown Casino Hotel, catch a show at the Detroit Opera House, and learn about the workings of the world at the Michigan Science Center. There's no shortage of things to do and see in the original Motown.

. . . But not TOO lost. It's not uncommon for hikers to run into one of the roughly 15,000 state-protected black bears that inhabit the forests of northern Michigan. Don't worry, though — they're shy by nature if food isn't left lying around.

There happen to be more than 11,000 inland lakes in Michigan . . . which makes boating a pretty popular recreational activity among the locals. So grab a cocktail and enjoy the ride — and swim, ski, or tube while you're at it.

Who doesn't love a chilled beer on a scorching Summer day? In case you weren't aware, Michigan's got your back with its special brews. Take a seat and sip a Kuhnhenn Raspberry Eisbock, Bell's Black Note Stout, or Founders Harvest Ale, or toss caution to the wind with a No Rules at Perrin Brewery — because, really, there are none.