Michigan Family Vacation: More Than Just Apples And Lighthouses

It's not often that you head out on a vacation planning to hit up the local farms, but in Michigan you might just want to. Michigan is one of the top apple-producing states in the U.S., and is known for being home to hundreds of farmers markets and cider mills. Just about any region in Michigan will have a farm or mill for you and the family to stop in for a bit. Enjoy fresh apple cider and tours of working farms to find out where these fruits come from before they hit your local grocery store. Of course, because there is much more to do than visit apple farms, your Michigan family vacation will be jam-packed with fun for everyone.

Michigan Coast Dotted with Over a Hundred Lighthouses

Michigan is the only state in the United States to be bordered by four great lakes. Because of this, its coast is dotted with over a hundred lighthouses, all with unique features and some with very interesting back stories. Though many of the lighthouses are still in use, others have been abandoned and others still are in the process of renovation. Though you may not be able to tour all of them, the few that do offer tours or that have museums are usually worth stopping to see. Even if you just stop for a few photos, lighthouses make fantastic pictures, especially when you can tell admirers that you took them yourself.

Stop at Any One of Fifty Wineries and Vineyards

To continue with some of the agricultural gifts that the state of Michigan has to offer, be sure to make a few stops at any one of its nearly fifty wineries and vineyards during your vacation. Some offer tours of the entire process from harvesting the grapes to the final product, while others are simply tasting rooms showcasing some of the magnificent wines that Michigan has to offer. Even if you are traveling with children, it's still a great place to stop. They may find it very interesting to see the acres upon acres of perfectly lined-up vines and to see machinery that assists in the process.

Several Amusement and Water Parks to Choose From

After you've dragged your precious little angels through apple farms, countless lighthouses and a handful of wineries, it may be time to do something special for them. Michigan has several amusement parks and water parks to choose from, depending upon where you are. Of course the water parks will only be operational during the warm summer months, but if you're in Michigan during this time, have at it. There is the A-Maze-N Mirrors in Mackinaw City in which you will find yourself mystified and maybe a little lost in a - that's right, maze made of mirrors. In Ossineke, stop by the Dinosaur Gardens to see a reproduction of nearly thirty prehistoric birds and dinosaurs. Even play a little miniature golf while you're there.

Pop into One of Michigan's Casinos

If your particular Michigan family vacation does not include children, or if you find yourself child-free with a few hours to spare, you might decide to pop into one of Michigan's casinos and try your hand at some cards, slots or a roll or two of the dice. Detroit has three casinos in the city itself, and there are several other throughout the state. If you're not much of a gambler, you can still enjoy the food and entertainment, much like Las Vegas but on a much smaller scale. Now that you have an idea of what Michigan has to offer, start planning your vacation accordingly, and don't forget to take lots of pictures!