There is so much to see in the great state of Michigan, it almost feels daunting to summarize it all into a single Travel Hack for #hacksthenewsletter. Given our multiple-times-a-year pilgrimage to the State, here goes an attempt:
 
Hike Some Sand Dunes
There are some marvelous sand dunes in Michigan and Indiana, that transport you to either the set of a Star Wars film or to North Africa. Sleeping Bear Dunes in Northern Michigan is one of the state’s largest and most famous. It is an 8-hour drive north of Chicago, or a short jaunt from Traverse City’s small regional airport. You can camp, hike, swim, and play at this National Park Service-maintained location. Find out more here: https://www.nps.gov/slbe/index.htm.

 

Play in a Lake
There are more small, freshwater chains of lakes in Michigan than one can fathom- each as picturesque as the next. For the past several summers we have been spoiled by visiting one of Hal’s longtime friend’s lake house in Pickney, Michigan, where a small, private chain of lakes offers pristine sunsets and glasslike conditions perfect for fishing or water skiing, and everything in between. Whether you like to waterski, sail, fish, kayak, canoe, or tubing, one of Michigan’s MANY (e.g. 11,000+ !) beautiful lakes is likely a perfection vacation destination for you. Explore them here: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/fishing/where/inland-lake-maps-list.

 

Watch a Football Game
There are few football stadiums in the country as large or storied as “The Big House” in Ann Arbor, Michigan. If you are interested in a totally immerse experience of collegiate football, and can withstand a sea of Maize and Blue, University of Michigan football game is for you. Buy tickets here: https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/schedule/2022.

 

Visit a Winery
Michigan has been producing wine for 90+ years, with over 200 wineries now from the various Michigan Appellations (AVAs).  Mawby Vineyard in Northern Michigan (not too far from Sleeping Bear Dunes!) is a world class producer of sparkling wine.

 

Cheers to a great trip to Michigan!