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Things to do in Michigan, United States: The Best State Parks
Think you need an ocean for a beach? Think again. There are miles and miles of sandy lakefront beaches in Michigan (thanks to the four Great Lakes that border it). The west coast of Michigan has especially nice beaches—try a rental in Muskegon, Grand Haven or Saugatuck. You won’t need a car when visiting Mackinac Island. In fact, they’re not allowed—this lovely Victorian resort town is pedestrian-only.
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1. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 597 reviews
Consists of 60,000 acres of lakes, forests and rivers.
Reviewed By TUrbanik - Clawson, United States
Wanting to take in some fall color while staying relatively close to home my wife and I decided to spend a week kicking around in the Upper Peninsula (Michigan). We’ve spent a fair amount of time on the east side of the UP but not a lot over on the west. So this time we set out for The Porcupine Mountains, located in Ontonagon, Mi. Some 60 miles from Ironwood which sits on the MI/WI boarder. Never having spent anytime in the Porcupine Mtns. (Porky’s as I have heard some refer), and only having two days to do so, we wanted to take in as much as possible. First off we tent camped at Union Bay campground, which is modern with all the amenities. They have a variety of available sites that range from rustic to modern. I recommend checking with the ranger station to get a map. They will also help steer your visit. With limited time I suggest hitting Lake Of The Clouds, Summit Peak and Presque Isle River. These three spots give you a good sense of what the park has to offer, and from there you can branch off to focus on what really strikes your interest. While there are many trails to explore, there are trails for each skill level and ability. All the trails are well marked with trail markers. Most are a combination of foot trails, boardwalks and stairs. Lake of the Clouds offer breath taking views, Summit Peak also offers great views with the addition of a watchtower, and Presque Isle River takes you on a hike along either shore, (take a short suspension bridge to the footpath or use the boardwalk on the near side), to view some beautiful waterfalls all the way to the mouth of the river as it empties into Lake Superior. Our visit was in mid September so crowds were minimal, but families, couples and singles were present. Weather was unseasonably mild. Would advise coming prepared for anything , as the UP can be unpredictable. Good Hiking.
2. Palms Book State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 301 reviews
Reviewed By romanekj - Lansing, United States
Palms Book State Park’s Kitch-iti-kipi is Michigan’s largest spring. Kitch-iti-kipi is an Ojibwa word said to have many meanings, including The Great Water, The Blue Sky I See, and The Roaring Bubbling Spring. Kitch-iti-kipi is 200’ in diameter, 42′ deep and delivers 16,000 gallons of crystal clear water per minute. The water stays at 45 degrees year round. You can ride the observation raft for a beautiful view across the spring. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the floating dock was closed for a long time but, since people kept breaking the locks, it was opened very recently. Looking down the center of the raft, you can see the bubbling spring doing its work. Large trout seemed to be everywhere, but no fishing is allowed. A must see!!! #puremichigan #summer2020 #nofilter
3. Ludington State Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 954 reviews
Reviewed By ByeMO
Camping was pretty open this weekend. Park facilities very clean, staff very helpful. Cute camp store, big sable lighthouse a must see!! Well marked trails around the water, dunes and woods for nice variety.
4. Presque Isle Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 942 reviews
Reviewed By 936timl - Edwardsburg, United States
The whole family did it - 17 & 15 yr old boys and a 10 yr old daughter - even Mom & Dad! Really cool and safe jump from about 20 feet into the crystal clear (and refreshingly chilly) Lake Superior waters near Marquette, MI!
5. Muskegon State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 258 reviews
This State Park offers a variety of winter recreation including ice skating, cross-country skiing and luge.
Reviewed By eklamb93 - Saranac, United States
We were amazed by the Muskegon State Park's winter sport's complex and can't wait to come back this winter! We were there in the fall to check out the luge and ice skating trails because we had never seen either one before. We walked the lighted cross country ski trails and snow shoe trails as well. We can't wait to bring our girls here this winter to try it out--luge park is for all levels of experience, so someone like us who has never tried it before can do it as well. We have been to the beach here at North Muskegon State Park and it is not crowded at all and has nice facilities. Definitely worth the extra time it takes for us to come to this beach.
6. Dodge #4 State Park
7. Saugatuck Dunes State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 357 reviews
The park's 850 acres include a beach, dunes and cross-country ski trails.
Reviewed By Trisha417
Great place to bring the family and the dogs. Hiking the trails to the dunes wasn’t too tiring. Beautiful view of Lake Michigan on top of the dunes. The dogs had a ball playing in the sand and one put her feet in the water. Enjoyed it so much that we visited twice during our vacation. Can’t wait to go back!
8. Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,681 reviews
Located in the upper peninsula area of Michigan with wonderful wildlife and waterfalls.
Reviewed By 812marke - Burlington, United States
I was recently at Tahquamenon Falls on a Tuesday afternoon when passing through the U.P. I was not able to make it to the falls on my last visit to the U.P., so I definitely wanted to get there on this trip. I was not disappointed, and the falls were incredible! The Upper Falls are beautiful and only second to Niagara Falls in terms of water flow east of the Mississippi River. I only had time to see the Upper Falls on this visit, but these clearly seem to be the more popular. They are pretty easily accessible, as the walk is only about 1/4 mile from the parking lot, and you can hear the falls pretty much right away when you begin the trail. There are lots of stairs, however, if you choose to see other vantage points of the falls. I enjoyed spending about 2 hours here, and it was cool to see these falls from a variety of vantage points. It was kind of busy on the day I visited, as the weather was beautiful, but I still enjoyed myself. There was also a nice gift shop to browse on the premises, and there was a small restaurant, but I ate lunch prior to my visit. I enjoyed Tahquamenon Falls, and this is another beautiful landmark in the U.P.!
9. Hartwick Pines State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 254 reviews
Reviewed By Z2142GRkarenw - Kalamazoo, United States
Beautiful State Park! Great for camping. Quiet and peaceful. Truly the middle of nowhere, but that only adds to the experience. We were camping and the only issue was no wifi or tv reception. Really had to unplug. Which wasn't all bad. Besides the beautiful pine forest and the stand of virgin timber(Old growth) , there is an interesting Logging Museum, a quaint little chapel, and a beautiful 1920's era log life-like memorial building in honor of Major Edward Hartwick, whose wife donated the land to the state in his honor after his death in World War I. Also lots of nice picnic areas and several very nice playgrounds for children. Can't wait to go back!
10. Fort Wilkins State Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 306 reviews
An army outpost that kept order in this wilderness outpost in the 1840s.
Reviewed By 270mindied
It was late in the evening when we arrived in Copper Harbor but popped by the Fort anyway, assuming it would be locked up for the night, but at least we could take a peek. We were pleasantly surprised that everything was still open! Love that they have late hours in the summer. The Fort really was a step back in time. The self guided tour allowed us to take our time in the areas that really interested our children. Beautiful setting, amazing history, and an ice cream shop with hand made waffle cones and hand dipped ice cream made for the perfect end to a long day of seeing sights.
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