Best places in Michigan to visit in the spring

Lakes are beginning to thaw, flowers are sprouting, and eggs are hatching. There are so many little joys in life that harken the arrival of spring. It’s a lovely time to get out and take a stroll, and an especially nice time for a weekend away. Here are some Michigan destinations that are particularly magical this time of year.

Frankenmuth

This is a particularly excellent destination for early in the season, when it’s a little late for skiing and a tad early for sunbathing at the beach. Head to landlocked Frankenmuth and immerse yourself in some German culture. For more than 200 years it has been a Bavarian tradition to decorate fountains and wells with Easter décor. Frankenmuth embraces this tradition known as Osterbrunnen, which celebrates the value of water to life.

The fountains aren’t the only areas visitors will find decorated. In fact, most of the town takes is transformed in a pastel palette this time of year. There are colorful Easter eggs, flowers, and traditional green garland all over. The décor stays up until May, so there’s plenty of time to go explore.

While in town, pop into Frankenmuth Brewery to try some of the best beer in the state. Fresh, locally-sourced eats and drinks can also be found at Michigan on Main. The warmer weather also lends itself well to a horse and carriage ride. Plus, spring is an ideal time to visit Grandpa Tiny’s heritage farm to meet the new babies.

Holland

Tulips take over Windmill Island, a symbol of the town’s Dutch heritage.

This might be the most obvious town on our list, given the fact that the Tulip Time comes in at #5 in the nation on USA Today’s 10 best flower festivals in the U.S. This year’s event runs May 2-11. Events and activities take place in different locations, most within a 4-mile radius of Downtown Holland. It features carnival rides, tours, parades, and a bevy of Dutch traditions to discover. Of course, the stars of the show are the tulips.

Tulip season, like anything in nature is hard to predict exactly, but it tends to last longer than just ten days. Tulips are likely to be blooming around town from late April until mid-May, so if you want to avoid the crowds, considering going the week before or after the festival.

Beyond the tulips, one of the other elements that makes it such a great place to visit in the spring, is the easily accessible beach and Big Red lighthouse at Holland State Park. Even if it’s still cold, you get a great view, and if you visit on one of those magical, summer-like spring days, you can beat the crowds before school lets out. We’ve even got 9 epic ways to make the most of your visit.

Midland

The Tridge, a three-legged wooden footbridge spans the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers in Midland.

The idea of visiting Midland at this time of year, may not immediately spring to mind. However, it’s an excellent destination. First, there is the option to explore Dow Gardens. Inside the conservatory, you’ll find Butterflies in Bloom, an interactive exhibit featuring thousands of butterflies emerging from their chrysalis, feeding, and flying all within the tropical environment. It’s a timely process, so make your trip between March 7 and April 13, or April 15-20 to get in on the fun.

There are plenty of outdoor joys at Dow Gardens as well. Tulips and other blooms are popping up all over. In the forest, you’ll find a 1,400-foot canopy walk that soars up to 40 feet above the ground. It’s a bird’s eye view of the woods below.

Midland is also home to The Tridge, a three-legged wooden footbridge that spans the confluence of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers. This unique landmark, in Chippewassee Park, also marks the starting point of the Pere Marquette Rail Trail. It’s also not far from Dow Diamond, home of the Great Lakes Loons. The Loons are an affiliate team of the L.A. Dodgers. Take in a game, and then meander through the underpass into downtown, where ample dining and shopping opportunities await. The scents in Coyer Candle will make your day, as will a visit to Whichcraft.

Mackinac Island

Horses return to Mackinac Island in late April amidst early blooms.

While there are now more businesses open year-round on this gem of the Straits, it’s really toward the end of April when things begin to come back to life. Horses make their return. Ferries adopt regular crossing schedules. The Grand Hotel opens its doors. While it is at times still quite brisk, one of the greatest parts about visiting the island at this time of year, is the lack of crowds. You can truly disconnect and lose yourself in the serenity and natural beauty around every turn.

The famed Lilac Festival, which also pops up on the aforementioned USA Today’s best list, but in the #3 spot, takes place June 6-15. That is the largest and most historic festival on Mackinac Island. It’s truly a celebration of the beautiful blooms, and their history with the island. Highlights include the Lilac Queen coronation, walking tours, lilac planting seminars, live entertainment, and the Grand Parade. It’s also likely that a trip a week or so before, or after, the fest will feature some blooming lilacs.

Beyond those flowers, spring is an excellent time to explore landmarks and hidden treasures, without throngs of people looking to do the same. Even if you opt for late March or early April, island staples like Mustang Lounge and America’s oldest grocery store, Doud’s Market, are open all year.  Visit the island’s website to see when your favorite businesses are opening up.

Munising

The spring thaw of Sable Falls tumbles 75 feet over Munising and Jacobsville sandstone formations, on its way to Lake Superior.

Unquestionably, one of the coolest parts about springtime, is the thaw. Not only is it lovely to see greenery again, but the impact of melting snow across the Upper Peninsula makes our waterfalls flow like no other time of year. If you’re up for a little hiking, one of the best places to enjoy them is Munising.

A moderate half-mile hike through a beech-maple forest will bring you to Laughing Whitefish Falls. This is one of the tallest in the state, and stunning. If you’re looking for sheer power, check out the 50-ft drop at Miners Falls. It’s only a mile roundtrip, and well worth it. For a little bit more of a challenge, trek a few miles uphill to Chapel Falls. If you want beautiful, but relatively easy, then Wagner Falls is for you. The observation deck for that cascade is just a quarter mile in. Depending on when in spring you go, boat tours and kayaking may be available to see Spray Falls from the water along the gorgeous Pictured Lakes National Lakeshore.

In between hikes and waterfalls, spend some time in lovely Downtown Munising. It’s very walkable, with a nice selection of shops and eateries. In particular, get a coffee and your next great read from Falling Rock, enjoy a great meal at Tracey’s, and quench your thirst at East Channel Brewing.