The Family Aquatic Center in East Lansing is filled with water slides, play areas, pools and a new “splash park” for hours of family fun. Photo courtesy of the East Lansing Family Aquatic Center

Hold on tight … the new Thunderhawk coaster at Michigan’s Adventure climbs 105 feet in the air with an exhilarating 86-foot drop and a top speed of 50 mph. Photo courtesy of Michigan’s Adventure

Located in St. Joseph at the mouth of the St. Joseph River, Silver Beach County Park features a clean, wide beach on Lake Michigan and public access to the South Pier.
Photo courtesy of St. Joseph Today

An angler’s paradise, Ottawa County boasts endless fishing opportunities. Anglers can fish for perch or Steelhead trout off Grand Haven and Holland’s lakeshore piers, troll Lake Michigan for sport fish like Chinook salmon or lake trout, or drop a line into the many inland water areas for walleye or bass. There are also plenty of seasonal fish to look out for including catfish, smelt and whitefish (www.co.ottawa.mi.us).

Filled with endless multi-use trails for hiking, biking and skating, this region boasts some of most stunning scenic trails throughout Michigan. The Lakeshore Connector Path between Grand Haven and Holland offers 20 miles of amazing views along Lake Michigan and plenty of beautiful beaches to rest at (www.visitgrandhaven.com).

Adventurous hikers can climb 282 steps to the top of the Mt. Baldhead sand dune in Saugatuck to enjoy a sweeping view of Lake Michigan and the Kalamazoo River below (www.saugatuck.com).

With more than 30 golf courses to choose from in the Lansing area, the possibilities are endless. Ironwood Links in Mason offers some of the lowest green fees making it a popular destination. East Lansing’s Hawk Hollow Eagle Eye course is architecturally designed to create magnificent shot values and challenges. Its championship rolling landscape and signature 17th Island Green make it a must for the serious golfer (www.hawkhollow.com).

Unique Eats, Treats and Sweets

At Cornwell’s Turkeyville U.S.A. in Marshall, it’s Thanksgiving everyday. For those who want to venture beyond traditional turkey dishes, try turkey tacos, turkey Reubens or turkey stir-fry. Baked-daily homemade pies, fudge and ice cream round out the dessert menu (www.turkeyville.com). Got Milk? Moo-ville Dairy Farms in Nashville has farm-fresh milk, cream and cheese. The creamery offers 36 flavors of fresh ice cream, including Tin Roof, MOO-Tracks and seasonal flavors such as Apple Pie Ala Mode (www.moo-ville.com).

The much-loved San Chez Tapas Bistro in Grand Rapids is famous for the fun, laid-back and artful atmosphere, and of course, their authentic European and Mediterranean cuisine. Photo courtesy of the West Michigan Tourist Association

With more than 100 restaurants, specialty retailers and pubs in walking distance of the Lansing Center and the State Capitol, the diverse dining and nightlife options can be as wild or mild as you like. Leo’s Lodge has an up-north cottage atmosphere with distinctive dishes such as barbeque beef Snake Bites or onion and jalapeno Cabin Splinters (www.leosoutpost.com). For contemporary cuisine, Dusty’s Wine Bar is a casual bistro offering specialty selections including African Spiced Lamb, Thai Spiced Pasta and Canadian Pork Rib Chop (www.dustyscellar.com).

Beach-like soils and a lake effect climate make Southwest Michigan a true wine valley that includes more than 10,000 acres of wine grape orchards. Known as the “Lake Michigan Shore,” this region’s 11 wineries offer opportunities to sample and learn about wine. St. Julian in Paw Paw is Michigan’s largest and oldest winery. Try a glass of sparkling Riesling, crisp Pinot Grigio or fruitful Merlot while you take in the serene country views on the outdoor patio. Tabor Hill Winery in Buchanan offers wine tasting as well as vineyard tours. Enjoy an intimate lunch or dinner with a “wine-guided” menu at the Tabor restaurant while you enjoy stunning views of the surrounding vineyards (www.miwinetrail.com).

Specialty Shops and Fine Art

This region has plenty for shoppers and collectors. Downtown Holland features more than 85 shops, boutiques, and stores lining its “Great American Main Street,” and with its underground street snowmelt system, shoppers can shop till they drop all year round (www.holland.org).

The “Twin Cities” of St. Joseph and Benton Harbor offer the best of both worlds. St. Joseph’s brick streets are lined with shops selling art, antiques, collectables and lighthouse memorabilia. Benton Harbor’s strong agricultural roots are reflected in the Benton Harbor Fruit Market. The largest cash-to grower wholesale produce market in the world, here locally grown produce, fruits and vegetables are sold almost as quickly as they are picked (www.bhfm.com).

Half a million people come to Grand Rapids the first weekend in June for the Festival of the Arts. The free downtown festival showcases the best of the area’s talents within the visual, performing and culinary arts. Photo courtesy of the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention and Visitors Bureau

Art collectors can find a behind-the-scenes look into the galleries of studio artists. The Blue Coast Artists can be found along the Blue Star Highway between South Haven and Saugatuck. Here you will find pottery and paintings, blown glass and woodcarvings. Most of the scenic highway parallels Lake Michigan and highlights the area’s agri-tourism farms, wineries and restaurants (www.bluecoastartists.com).

Plenty of Snow-filled Fun

Musketawa Trail is a breeze for snowmobilers with its 12-foot wide paved surface. The 25-mile groomed trail extends from Marne to Muskegon traversing through farmlands, villages and over creek bridges (www.musketawatrail.org).

Cross-country skiers will love the breathtaking views at Warren Dunes State Park in Sawyer. A six-mile trail winds through the scenic 1500-acre preserve, and those that venture to the top of the 240-foot high dunes are rewarded with spectacular views of Lake Michigan’s winter waters (www.harborcountry.org/sawyer ).