By Isabel Prontes
For college and university students, spring break (which usually takes place over one week during the month of March) is one of the most exciting and fun times to let loose and forget the stresses of classes and course workloads. If you are a student residing in the Midwestern state of Michigan (or who just plans to spend vacation there), there is no shortage of excellent spring break activities to choose from.
Oscoda Hot Springs
Iargo Hot Springs is located just outside of Oscoda, a city in Iosco County. This area is thought of as being a holy location by Native Americans. This is an adventurous spring break locale for those who like outdoor activities. Check out the majestic views of the AuSable River Valley through an observation deck. Or hike down to the refreshing, cool water streams created by underground springs. There are also beautiful waterfalls in the area. The Iargo Springs have been used as drinking water sources since the pre-settlement era.
5761 North Skeel Road
Huron Shores Ranger Station
Oscoda, MI 48750
Tel: (517-739-0728)
Dewey Durant Park
Dewey Durant Park is in East Tawas and is a large park that offers a lot of fun spring break recreational activities, including an ice skating rink, baseball, tennis courts and horseshoe pits. If you wish to spend a relaxing spring break in Michigan (and don't want to spend a lot of money), relaxing at this vast park is a good choice to consider.
714 W. Franklin Street
East Tawas, MI 48730
Tel: (877-868-2927)
Beaver Island
Beaver Island was first settled by the French, but then abandoned entirely in 1603, until the arrival of the Mormons in 1847. However, once again the island was abandoned in 1856 when the Mormons were forced out. Beaver Island was ultimately settled by the Irish. Now this island is a relaxing place to go fishing. Other popular activities on the island include kayaking, swimming and snorkeling as well.
P.O. Box 5
Beaver Island, MI 49782
Tel: (231-448-2505)
Hartwick Pines State Park
Hartwick Pines State Park is located in Grayling, Michigan. This park is one of the last remaining places with virgin pines in the entire Midwest. This is a good spring break location for students who like outdoorsy activities, including hiking, fishing and mountain biking. There are also campgrounds available. Check out the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum and forest visitor center that depicts tales of the rivermen and loggers of the state's white pine industry.
4216 Ranger Road
Grayling, MI 49738
Tel: (989) 348-7068
Windmill Island
Windmill Island is part of Holland, Michigan. It is a heritage park that spans 36 acres. The park is picturesque and serene with its immaculately groomed flower gardens and Dutch architectural designs. One of the most significant features of the park is the genuine windmill from Holland, known as DeZwaan, which dates back to the 1760s and arrived from Europe in 1964. This is a tranquil spring break location that is also a wonderful cultural experience.
1 Lincoln Avenue
Holland, MI 49423
Tel: (616-355-1030)
About the Author:
Isabel Prontes is a freelance writer and traveler residing in Manhattan, NY. She has traveled to five continents and counting. Her work has appeared on a number of websites, such as Travels, eHow.com and "Happy Living Magazine." Prontes has a professional background in public relations; she received a bachelor's degree in communication studies from Pace University.
