10 adventures to do with dad

I recently lost my father. He lived to a ripe old age of 86, and yet, in the end, his passing came quickly, and caught my brother and I a bit by surprise. Fortunately, my dad and I had spent more time alone together since my mom left us a year earlier. We had in depth conversations like never before, about his childhood, his career, and even his marriage. Most of those didn’t happen in the living room or on the phone. Nope, like many men, my dad was best at conversation when I got him in a circumstance that he enjoyed. For him, that was often over a stretched out meal at a great eatery, or on a road trip. Time spent together like that is an invaluable gift. This year, consider one of these unique ways to create memories with your dad, and/or other influential men in your life, in celebration of Father’s Day. I recognize that these special guys come with all different abilities and interests so here’s a very diverse list of Dadventures you might try.

Set Sail
Let fresh air, rolling waves and stunning vistas set the scene for an adventure you will both long remember. He doesn’t have to be a pirate to enjoy setting sail on a tall ship, though if that is his cup o’ rum, then head to South Haven to hop aboard a pirate chaser from the Michigan Maritime Museum, or just enjoy a sunset sail. Bay Sail has excursions that take you out into the Saginaw Bay. For some truly spectacular views, climb aboard the Tall Ship Manitou in Traverse City or its little cousin, Scout, and explore the Grand Traverse Bay. If you pick the right voyage, it’ll even include some infamous, and scrumptious, Moomers ice cream.

Take In a Minor League Ball Game
Few traditions are as time-honored as fathers and their kids heading to a baseball game. Perhaps dad even took you to your first Major League Baseball game. Here’s your chance to return the favor by taking him to his first minor league game to root for any one or all of these Michigan teams: Lansing Lugnuts, West Michigan Whitecaps, Great Lakes Loons, Traverse City Pit Spitters, or the United Shore Professional Baseball League in downtown Utica. Present him with ice cold Michigan craft beer and/or some peanuts from Germack or Ferris to create excitement before game day.

Learn How to Blow Glass
If your dad is the type who loves to know how things are made, then this is an experience for him. The Glass Academy in Dearborn hosts a variety of classes to teach the incredible art of glassblowing. You’ll each develop your own unique colors, patterns and styles to shape the glass in these original and unique hands-on classes. Chances are, he’s never tried anything like this before. Choose a class that allows you to make a piece of your own, or go for an experience, where you let the pros do the hard work, while you watch and learn.

Explore Shipwrecks
When you’re surrounded by lakes that can have ocean-sized waves, it stands to reason that you’ll be surrounded by shipwrecks too. Don your scuba gear with dad and head out on an underwater adventure to visit some of these epic sites. If you’re not both certified then snorkeling is an excellent alternative. One of the best places in the state to go is the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary, which protects 116 of the wrecks in a 448-square-mile area. Scuba divers will love this spot, but because some of the ships are in water less than 20 feet deep, it’s also an ideal snorkeling destination. You can book dives and rent gear at Thunder Bay Scuba. If your dad is more interested in the shipwrecks than getting into the water then combine a visit to the Great Lakes Maritime Heritage Center with a glass bottom boat shipwreck tour. Munising also offers a glass bottom tour. While in the U.P., follow the boat excursion with a trip to the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point. Together you can learn more about dozens of wrecks, including the infamous Edmund Fitzgerald.

Travel a Wine Trail
Wherever you are in the state, you’re not too far from an excellent wine trail. Set out to sample and savor some of the state’s most impressive libations. For example, try out the Lake Michigan Wine Shore, Old Mission Wineries, Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail, or Petoskey Wine Region. If your dad is low key, pick a couple of stops and enjoy some good conversation and delectable wines. If he’s more adventurous, then consider adding cycling, kayaking, or even snowshoeing (if you wait until winter) into this dadventure. If you’re waiting until after Father’s Day for the actual experience, then gift it with a bottle of local wine to get his juices flowing.

Kayak Pictured Rocks
If he’s never seen the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, then that is reason enough to plan a trip to the U.P. The stunning dunes, gushing waterfalls, and colorful shoreline are spectacular, but even the most seasoned visitor hasn’t really seen it like you can from the seat of a kayak. A guide accompanies your group and you can team up in a 2-person vessel so there’s really no experience necessary. The Paddling Michigan team will take you out in a boat to get close to the rocks, and then assist as your kayak is dropped into the cool waters of Lake Superior. You’ll get so close that the colors become even more vibrant and the magical destination takes on a whole new charm.

Ride in a Vintage Vehicle
Nestled in Hickory Corners, just outside of Kalamazoo is a paradise for car lovers. The Gilmore Car Museum houses a massive collection of vehicles in a nostalgic country setting. Any visit is a great gift, but if you pick the right day, your dad can take a chauffeured spin in an amazing car from days gone by. If you’re more likely to be near the Motor City, then plan a trip to Dearborn. The Automotive Hall of Fame is a unique place to learn about industry legends in both human and vehicular form. It’s conveniently located in the parking lot of The Henry Ford. There, you can explore cars, trucks and even locomotives inside the museum, and hop inside a Model T in Greenfield Village.

Take a Flight from Yesteryear
Can you imagine what it was like to fly in a WW II aircraft like those famously built in our Arsenal of Democracy? You don’t have to just imagine it, you can actually do it, through the Yankee Air Museum in Belleville. Book an Air Adventure on one of its historic aircraft and you’ll not only take a ride into history together, the dollars you spend, will help sustain this significant slice of our Michigan heritage. Yankee Air Museum’s historic rides feature the B-17 Yankee Lady and B-25 Rosie’s Reply bombers, the C-47 transport Hairless Joe, or the Huey Helicopter Greyhound.

Charter a Fishing Boat
Perhaps you and your dad have spent some time at a favorite local fishing hole or pier. Maybe it’s time to cast in some fresh waters. Pick a new direction, literally any direction, and you can book one of the amazing charters available from marinas all over the state. Let some experts guide you out to fish in an area where you have never been before. When you surprise him with this dadventure, be sure to gift it with some Dardevle fishing lures, and a bottle of Fessler’s Original Sauce so you have the perfect complement for your tasty haul.

Play a World Class Golf Course
Golf courses are almost as prevalent as fishing piers in this state, and you don’t always have to be a member or know one to get in. While many are at private clubs, did you know that there are over 650 public courses in Michigan? In fact, some rank among the best in the state. Make a reservation and hit the links with dad on a truly challenging and beautiful course. Arcadia Bluffs sits on 265 acres of windswept bluffs 180 feet above Lake Michigan, and Golf Digest considers it the 3^rd best course in the state, and tops among public courses. Coming in at #5 is Forest Dunes in Roscommon. Set against the serenity of the Huron National Forest, its famous course, The Loop, is known for its revolutionary reversible design, allowing players to play the same course forward and backwards. It was once a walking only course, but now has electric golf cars available, making it a more accessible option than before. There’s also The Bear at Grand Traverse Resort. Designed by one of the most famous golfers of all time, Jack Nicklaus, this tough course is appropriately named.

Whether you choose one of these dadventures, come up with one of your own, or just visit with him at home, cherish the time together. Ask him the things you’ve always wanted to know, and chances are, he’ll tell you things you never knew you wanted to know. Trust me, one day you’ll wish you still could. Happy Father’s Day to all those generous, loving, hard working dads and father figures out there.