Summer Vacation Spots in Michigan - "Going Up North"

Having lived in Michigan my entire life I have traveled the state a lot camping, touring, visiting landmarks, visiting friends at college, and just simply "going up north" for vacation. I was once told by a friend who moved to Michigan from out of state that she never heard so many people reference "going up north" as their vacation, and didn't really understand the appeal until she went and visited our cabin on a lake in Mid-Michigan what the hype was all about. After the weekend was over she finally understood that in just a short few hour drive you can be in a whole new world away from the hustle and bustle of the Detroit traffic in a relaxing sanctuary of fun and outdoors. Since Michigan has been my home for so many years I have experienced a lot and here are some of my favorite places to visit during a Michigan vacation while going up north.

1) Mackinac Island- This is a wonderful summer vacation place to visit accessible only by ferry from either side of the Mackinac Bridge in Mackinac City or St. Ignace. The island is 280 miles and 4 hours north of Metro Detroit straight up I-75. There are no cars allowed on the island which is only 3.76Sq miles located in Lake Huron. There are only 523 permanent residents on the island but during the summer months tourists flock to island to ride bicycles around the island discovering it's magnificent landscape, tour the island's history at Fort Mackinac, take a horse draw carriage ride down Main street, visit the Grand Hotel where such movies as "This Time for Keeps" and "Somewhere in Time" have been filmed and of course purchase some of Mackinaw's world famous fudge. Mackinac is rich in history and beauty a wonderful summer vacation destination.

2) Sleeping Beer Dunes - Located in Empire Michigan 25 miles to the west of Traverse City. It is about 250 miles and 4 hours north of metro Detroit. Sleeping Bear Dunes is a national lakeshore stretching 65 miles which boasts some of the most beautiful coastline in the country. While in Sleeping Bear Dunes there are many things you can do while on your summer vacation, including the "Dune Climb" which is 3.5 mile round trip strenuous climb but when at the top the view is unbelievable for second you may question whether you are still in Michigan!! You can also do the Pierce Stocking Scenic Drive where there are many stops through the park including some amazing views of Lake Michigan from overlooks. This is an amazing place in Michigan to visit!!

3) Tahquamenon Falls- Located in Paradise Michigan 350 miles and 5.5 hours north of Metro Detroit in the Upper Peninsula Tahquamenon Falls is a site to see. It is a state park boasting two waterfalls the Upper Falls which is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi and the Lower Falls. The state park has camping and many different activities.

4) Pictures Rocks - Another must stop on your Michigan summer vacation has to be the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Located in Munising Michigan 6.5 hours and 400 miles north of Detroit. While there I recommend taking a boat ride in which you will cruise Lake Superior and view the pictured rocks from one of the best seats in the house. They are naturally formed rocks left in tact from when the glaciers carved out the great lakes. With white sand beaches and crystal clear blue water you will feel like you are in the Caribbean on your summer vacation!!

These are my recommendations for must see places in Michigan while on your summer vacation. I have personally been to each of these locations and can say I truly think these places are amazing and worth a visit!!