5 Lesser Known Michigan Vacation Destinations

Considering visiting Detroit, Grand Rapids, or Traverse City? That's wonderful, but there are some great hidden vacation spots that need to be considered. Here are five lesser-known Michigan vacation spots that are sure to please.

1. Muskegon -

Muskegon, located along Lake Michigan on the west side of the state, offers a wide variety of recreational activities such as boating, swimming, fishing, and more. It also happens to be located near Michigan's only large amusement park - Michigan Adventure. Michigan Adventure, located on Russell Road just north of Muskegon, offers a water park as well. It is a great addition to the traditional summer water-related activities.

2. Manistique -

Located on US 2 along the northern shore of Lake Michigan, Manistique offers plenty of outdoor activities year-round. Not only is the city located near Lake Michigan, it is located near Indian lake as well. During the summer, Manistique offers plenty of opportunity for golfing, boating, hiking, and more. Throughout the winter, Manistique is a destination for snowmobilers eager to explore the Upper Peninsula's pristine forest. There is also opportunity for skiing (especially cross-country) and ice fishing.

3. Charlevoix -

Charlevoix is in the unique position to be in the middle of three very popular Michigan tourist destinations - Mackinaw and Mackinaw Island, Traverse City, and Cheboygen. During the summer, Charlevoix is the water enthusiast's paradise. It provides numerous possibilities for boating, canoeing, fishing, site seeing, beaches, sand dunes, golfing, and so much more. During the winter, Charlevoix is close to Boyne Mountain, which is a popular ski area. It is also close to the romantic getaway of Traverse City, which has been popularized in TV shows and movies. It is also an easy distance to great snowmobiling on both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas.

4. Tawas -

Located along Lake Huron and along the US-23 Heritage Route, Tawas offers fishing, boating, beaches, and more. Late January, early February, Tawas hosts Perchville USA. It is a festival celebrating winter and ice fishing. Attractions include a polar bear swim, a beer tent, ice fishing competition, and activities for kids. During the summer, there is a lot of boating and camping activity that takes place in the area.

5. St. Ignace -

St. Ignace, which is located near the northern side of the Mackinaw Bridge in the Upper Peninsula, offers a wide range of outdoor activities in both winter and summer. During the winter, St. Ignace offers snowmobiling, skiing, and more. Throughout the summer months, St. Ignace offers miles of lake shore along both Lake Michigan and Huron, easy access to Mackinaw Island, charter fishing, sand dunes along Lake Michigan's north shore, parasailing, access to the Hiawatha National Forest, golfing, and much more. It is easy to explore the rest of Michigan's Upper Peninsula from St. Ignace.

These are but a few great vacation destinations in Michigan. They may not be as well known as Mackinaw Island, Traverse City, and the like, but they have just as much to offer. All are within a reasonable driving distance from Chicago, Detroit, and even Wisconsin. Any of the cities mentioned above would make a great road trip summer, spring, winter, or fall.