Various Lodging Options:

• Camp in a tent or a motor home
• Rent or own a cottage
• Stay at Bed & Breakfast
• Contact a University and sleep in a dorm room

Be creative with your summer lodging options.  Due to the economic stress in Michigan, now is a great time to bargain and play ‘lets make a deal’ with your lodging.

Michigan is full of summer adventure.  Many of the outdoor enthusiasts focus on water sports, fishing, and other lake-focused activities.  In fact, Michigan has over 11,000 lakes.  Growing up in Michigan turns most Michiganders into fresh water snobs.  I am one  of them.  Why would I swim in the cold, salty ocean?  When I can swim in a fresh water lake that doesn’t sting my eyes or cause me to feel dehydrated.

Besides the countless lakes, northern Michigan has endless places to visit and check out.

Popular Summer Places:

1. Mackinac Island – [pronounced Mac-in-NAW eye-Land]   Did you know that peanut butter fudge exists? Eat fudge, watch butterflies, hike the interior of the island, rent a bike and ride it everywhere because cars are not allowed on the island.  You can even feel like a part of history while going on a horse drawn carriage ride.  Not only can you savor the unique summer culture of Mackinac, but you can savor the food as well.
2. Sleeping Bear Dunes – Some of the most rewarding yet difficult hiking is found at these  sand dunes.  The Sleeping Bear Dunes very in color and size and they are vast and stretching for miles. While hiking the Sleeping Bear Dunes you might find yourself singing the Lawrence of Arabia soundtrack.  After a hot tiring hike, jump in Lake Michigan for some beautiful swimming.  Visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes leads to a great camping trip, which could include hiking, biking, fishing, canoeing or any adventure you desire.
3. Pictured Rocks – With over 40 miles of National Lakeshore, Pictured Rocks will take your breath away.  Scientifically these sandstone rocks show centuries of life and lake activity.  Visually, there are so many colors and textures to the massive rocks that stretch endlessly that they seem unreal.  Take a boat tour and enjoy a tiny fraction of Lake Superior while enjoying Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.  Camping is the main lodging option while visiting this remote region of the Upper Peninsula.
4. Sault Sainte Marie – [pronounced Sue Saint Marie]  Have you heard of the Soo Locks?  Here you will find the world’s largest system of locks.  It is incredible to watch the locks fill with water allowing large cargo ships the ability to pass through with ease.  Sault Sainte Marie also boasts a downtown culture with high foot traffic.  There are hundreds of fun shops, restaurants, museums and even an excellent theater.  Plus, you are almost in Canada!
5. Drummond Island – A wonderful place to escape into a secluded Michigan wilderness and relax for a few days.  Drummond Island is a tiny island in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.  Very few people live on the island.  However, enough families live on the island that their is an elementary school and a library, which allows you to borrow books, movies and even jigsaw puzzles for rainy Drummond Island days.  You can drink beer out of a mason jar at the local bar.  You can sit in awe at Yacht Haven as the majestic vessels come in and out of the docks.  Win brownies at Baked Goods Bingo!  Or you can walk through the woods and sight deer and other wonderful wildlife. Drummond Island is truly a gem, as many tourists do not discover it.  I hope Drummond Island remains a tourist-free treasure for years!

Northern Michigan is a great summer get away location for a family, a young couple or even a single backpacker.  As a backpacker, if you pack light enough, and appear clean and friendly, hitch hiking in northern Michigan shouldn’t be too difficult.  However, always carry water (or the means to purify water), as many regions of northern Michigan are very remote and desolate.

Although, we grew up in Detroit, in many ways, both Justin and I have spent our summers growing up in northern Michigan.  We each have amazing childhood memories of unforgettable adventures and exploration.  If you have never been to Michigan, I would recommend it.  Especially, in the summer!