Fun Things to Do in Central Michigan

Located in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University educates more than 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students each year. Boasting a 1-million-volume library, first-rate fitness center (complete with a bowling alley), plentiful concerts, lively theater and exciting Division 1 sports teams, it's easy to see why locals root for the Chippewa mascot. As one of the largest universities in the state, CMU's 480-acre campus features newly built facilities, beautiful nature and an engaging educational and social atmosphere.

Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48859
(989) 774-4000
www.cmich.edu

While in the college town of Mount Pleasant, visitors should experience one of the many outdoor adventures available. With more than 15 city parks, it's easy to discover a new place to picnic, fish or cycle. Locals spend time outdoors year-round, enjoying the change of seasons with excursions such as hiking in the spring, golfing in the summer, hunting in the fall and sledding in the winter. Nearby, at the 40-acre Florence Maxwell Sanctuary, visitors can observe more than 100 bird species on a serene preserve. Water-lovers can canoe, kayak and river tube on the 80-mile-long Chippewa River, while equine enthusiasts should head to Outback Riding Stables to explore more than 700 acres of wilderness trails on horseback.

City of Mount Pleasant
www.mt-pleasant.org

Florence Maxwell Sanctuary
Wing & West Roads
Mount Pleasant, Michigan 48858

Outback Riding Stables
(517) 468-3645 (reservations are required)

Central Michigan has plentiful charming towns with excellent dining and quaint shops. Stroll the streets of Mount Pleasant during one of its summer festivals and enjoy fresh-popped caramel popcorn and nostalgic childhood games. Take in a show at the Broadway Theatre while in town. Just 30 minutes east, the town of Midland is a beautiful setting (with more than 1,500 plants and tree species), a popular place for walking on a nice day. Visit the Alden B. Dow Home and Studio, a national historic landmark that offers tours of its early-20th century quarters. Its friendly atmosphere and abundant outdoor, recreational and entertainment options makes Midland a great place to visit in Michigan.

Alden B. Dow Home and Studio
315 Post Street
Midland, Michigan 48640
(989) 839-2744
www.midlandcvb.org

City of Mount Pleasant
www.mt-pleasant.org

A fun thing to do while in central Michigan is to learn about the history and influence of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe. Attend the annual outdoor Pow-Wow, where visitors can learn about traditional American Indian culture, such as dancing, dress, cuisine and handcrafts. Another cultural opportunity is visiting the Museum of Cultural & Natural History. Visitors can view historical flags and learn about the Civil War, Old West and the lumber business through interesting exhibits. A final cultural stop is the 21-acre Olde World Canterbury Village, a historic landmark in central Michigan (and holiday shopping haven). With series such as the Dickens and Alpine Village, visitors are immediately drawn into history through this setting.

Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe Annual Pow-Wow
www.sagchip.org/pow-wow

Museum of Cultural & Natural History
103 Rowe Hall
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, Michigan 48859
(989) 774-3829
Email cmuseum@cmich.edu

Olde World Canterbury Village
2369 Joslyn Ct.
Lake Orion, MIichigan 48360
(800) 442-XMAS
www.canterburyvillage.com