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Home » Travel » Northern Michigan Vacation

Last updated on May 15, 2018. Originally posted on July 31, 2017 By Maryea / 6 Comments

Northern Michigan Vacation

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I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and went to college in lower Michigan, but 15 years ago I moved away from my home state. Somewhere in the back on my mind, I think I assumed I’d end up back there someday. Here I am, though, settled in Ohio with little likelihood of ever living there again.

I go back to visit family usually a few times a year, but this was the first time actually taking a vacation in Michigan. It was weird and wonderful at the same time. We really had the most amazing time and I’m excited to share some pictures with you. I had a difficult time narrowing down which to show you, so I apologize for the overload. This is only 1/4 of the pictures we took!

I think I took for granted the beauty of Michigan when I lived there. Northern Michigan is stunning!

We started with a weekend in my hometown, getting in our family visits and celebrating the life of my grandmother with a memorial service and party on the lake where I spent a lot of time during the summers of my youth.  Northern Michigan vacation--watching the kids play in the lakeIt was a cloudy day, but that didn’t keep all of the cousins from spending the day in the water. Time with family was a great way to start our trip.

After the weekend, we extended our stay in Michigan and made it a vacation.  Our first stop was Mackinac Island, which is where Tim and I got married. It was our first time going back in 11 years, and it was really special to share the Mackinac Island experience with our kids. Northern Michigan Vacation ferry ride with Mackinac Bridge in backgroundThis is on the ferry ride to the island, with the Mackinac Bridge in the background. The Mackinac Bridge is the bridge that connects the upper and lower peninsulas of Michigan. Fun fact: it’s 5 miles long and currently the fifth longest suspension bridge in the world. Northern Michigan Vacation--horses on Mackinac IslandMackinac Island is a magical place. There are no cars allowed on the island, so you either have to walk, bike, or take a horse and carriage to get around.

We rented bikes to explore the island. Northern Michigan Vacation-Mackinac Island on bikes

We stopped at the church where Tim and I were married.

Northern Michigan Vacation-Mackinac Island at St. Anne's church

We also stopped to hike up to see Arch Rock.

Northern Michigan Vacation-Mackinac Island at Arch Rock

After we returned the bikes, this kid was exhausted! Daddy got some extra exercise by carrying him on our walk to our hotel.

Northern Michigan Vacation-Mackinac Island

We stayed at Mission Point Resort, which was the venue for our wedding reception.

Northern Michigan Vacation-Mackinac Island Mission Point Resort

They have an 18-hole executive putting course, which was fun.  Norther Michigan Vacation-Mackinac Island Mission Point Resort

Meghan got a hole in one! Notice the scores. Yep, my 8 year old beat me. My 5 year old wasn’t close behind. I need to step up my golf game! 😉

Norther Michigan Vacation-Mackinac Island Mission Point Resort

We had dinner on the same patio where part of our reception was held. So many memories!

Northern Michigan Vacation--the patio at Mission Point Resort

Mackinac Island also has a fabulous Butterfly House that is a must-visit if you have kids.

Northern Michigan vacation Butterfly House Mackinac Island butterfilies

Luke loved identifying the different kinds of butterflies and Meghan waited patiently for a butterfly to land on her bow. (One did for about 1/2 a second!)

Northern Michigan vacation Butterfly House Mackinac Island butterfilies

No trip to Mackinac Island would be complete without a stop at the historic Grand Hotel.

Northern Michigan Vacation--Grand Hotel Mackinac Island

This is the view from the porch, which is the largest porch in the world!Northern Michigan Vacation--Grand Hotel porch viewWe relaxed and enjoyed the views for a while.

Northern Michigan Vacation--Grand Hotel porch view

We only spent one night on Mackinac Island, but I think we could have stayed longer. Maybe because it’s so sentimental for us, but this was my favorite part of the trip.

Northern Michigan Vacation--Mackinac Island lake viewsAfter Mackinac Island, we headed to Traverse City for the rest of our time.

The highlight of our trip to Traverse City was time spent at Sleepy Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Such amazing views!

Lake Michigan looks like an ocean! Northern Michigan Vacation--Sleepy Bear Dunes National LakeshoreWe stayed at the Grand Traverse Resort. It worked out well because it rained one day and we were able to take advantage of their indoor pool and tennis courts. Northern Michigan Vacation Grand Traverse Resort pool area

Northern Michigan Vacation Grand Traverse Resort

Traverse City has an ice cream shop, MOOmers, that was voted Best Scoop in America by Good Morning America. Clearly, we had to check it out!

The shop is located on a farm and the ice cream is homemade on site. It was neat to see the cows grazing on grass!

Northern Michigan Vacation--Traverse City Moomers The line was out the door and wrapped around! 

We gave the ice cream two thumbs up. So good!

If you love food, Traverse City is a must-visit. I don’t have any food pictures to share (I did share some on Instagram stories–make sure you’re following me over there for that kind of stuff!)  but the food was amazing. We loved every restaurant we tried.

One of the kids’ favorite parts from the trip was our stop at an adventure park.

Northern Michigan vacation--Traverse City zip lining

We did zip lining. My first time! It wasn’t huge, but I still loved it.

Northern Michigan vacation--Traverse City zip lining

There was also a ropes course that pretty much scared me to death!

Northern Michigan vacation--Traverse City ropes course

This picture doesn’t adequately show the height. Luke was also really scared, but I was so proud of him for doing it anyway! One of the guides had to help him through a lot of it, but he was such a trooper.

As you can see, we had an amazing time on our Northern Michigan vacation. If you’re looking for a family vacation spot, I highly recommend it!

 

 

 

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Filed Under: Life

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Comments

  1. normanwolf says

    April 28, 2022 at 5:12 am

    It’s good to spend time with family and children. It’s the best thing in life and really necessary

    Reply
  2. Isabella Brown says

    October 5, 2021 at 4:44 am

    Really appreciate your thoughts and are very helpful for the reader thanks for share.

    Reply
  3. Diego Lopes says

    August 1, 2017 at 10:59 am

    Your vacation sounds like it was so fun!! Love the pictures, very summer like and filled with smiles! =)

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      August 1, 2017 at 5:53 pm

      Thank you! It was fun. 🙂

      Reply
  4. Kathy says

    July 31, 2017 at 9:52 am

    Looks like a great vacation! Thanks for sharing Michigan with us. The island is on my list of places to visit–some day. 🙂

    Reply
    • Maryea says

      August 1, 2017 at 5:54 pm

      You’re welcome! You have to do it, Kathy!

      Reply

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