By Claire Taylor
Things to Do in Michigan
A Midwestern state, Michigan is popular with tourists because of its connection to water and its large open spaces. Visitors to the state often skip a visit to
Detroit, the largest city, and instead head to Flint and other smaller cities, from where the state's main attractions, such as natural parks, can be reached.
Crossroads Village/Huckleberry Railroad
Crossroads Village is a historical recreation of a typical small Michigan town in the late 1800s. More than 30 buildings, including a school, a church, local shops and a mill are set up to allow costumed actors to showcase the arts and crafts of the time. Visitors can learn the Morse code, attend a village-style wedding, watch cooking and gardening demonstrations, and learn canning and tin work. The village is also home to the Huckleberry Railroad, which offers 35-minute scenic rides aboard an authentic 1857 steam train. Crossroads Village is located off Interstate 69 at Saginaw Street, just outside Flint.
Isle Royale National Park
A wilderness archipelago near Lake Superior, Isle Royale is a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts because of its scenic hiking trails and many campgrounds. Aside from bird watching, backpacking and fishing, visitors can enjoy other activities not available anywhere else in the state, such as discovering shipwreck sites, visiting mines and lighthouses, and exploring Isle Royale's reefs. The park is accessible only by boat, and strict rules are in place to ensure preservation of the area, including the need to secure a camping and backpacking permit in advance. More details about the park can be obtained by calling (906) 482-0984.
Michigan Renaissance Festival
This Middle Age festival, located near Flint, attracts visitors from all over the country and has recently gained recognition for being the largest, most impressive fair of its kind in the U.S. Running between April and October, the Renaissance Festival is home to 200 artisan shops, live entertainment and a series of themed stage acts, including fairy tales reenactments and sword fights. There are also seven main food stands, serving everything from corn dogs to pizza to cheesecake on a stick. Special events include a romance Singles Mixer, Museum Weekends, a Food Drive and a Zoo Weekend. During these special weekends, the fair offers all of its traditional food and entertainment, plus special exhibits presented by different venues and adapted to fit the medieval theme. The festival is off Highway 75, 2 miles south of Exit 106. Its phone number is (800) 601-4848.
Henry Ford Museum and Village
There are no Ford cars at this museum. Instead, visitors will encounter exhibits exploring the importance of the automobile in American history, an homage to the pioneers of aviation and a collection of presidential limousines. Other items include former President Abraham Lincoln's chair, a 30-foot Gothic engine, a Wright Flyer replica and former President George Washington's camp bed. Outside the museum, there is Greenfield Village, a re-creation of a 19th-century working farm, factory and town life. Visitors will see steam-powered rail lines and locomotives, a replica of the original Ford factory, a typical 19th-century main street (complete with carriages and general stores), and lots of live events. The village is at 20900 Oakwood Blvd. in Dearborn, and visitors are encouraged to confirm hours of operation and special events by calling (313) 271-1620.
About the Author:
Claire Taylor is a health, wellness and travel writer with credits in publications such as "Woman's Day," "Marie Claire," "Adirondack Life" and "Self." Taylor is also a seasoned independent traveler, as well as a certified personal trainer and nutrition consultant.
Photo Credits:
Dawn Malleris
