Michigan Vacations on a Budget

Bowl of cherries

The Traverse City National Cherry Festival is an eight-day celebration every July that supports the city's place as the Cherry Capital of the World with a parade, musical entertainment, a Blue Angels air show, food tasting and vendor booths where you can find any kind of cherry-related souvenir such as cherry-mustard pretzel dips, cherry hot sauce and apparel. Most of the activities are free, especially those for kids, and include things such as turtle races and the chalkboard art contest. When you are in the area, don't forget to drive to 3424 Cass Road and take a picture of the certified World's Largest Cherry Pie Pan.

Tent and kayaks on a lake

Michigan boasts 75 state parks that allow camping. You can set up tents at rustic sites for only $12 a night, or set up your camp in parks that host full-site hook-up utilities for $33 a night. You will need to buy a vehicle permit for $24, but this is a one-time fee and the sticker is good for an entire year. Compared to getting a hotel on the lakeshore, this is an inexpensive way to travel through Michigan with your family. Also, when you stay at a campground, you can buy your own food from a grocery store and cook it at your site, instead of paying outrageous prices to eat at fast-food joints or upscale restaurants for an entire weekend of meals.

Chateau Fontaine in Leelanau

A little-known fact about Michigan is that the state is home to nearly 15,000 acres of vineyards. From the Pentamere Winery in Michigan's southeast corner to the Threefold Vine Winery in the Upper Peninsula, there are 64 wineries across the state that offer inexpensive festivals and free wine tasting almost daily. Guests at Douglas Valley in Manistee can enjoy touring an organic vineyard and listening to free live music every Sunday afternoon throughout the high-season months (May to October). The Lawton Ridge Winery in Kalamazoo offers daily free wine tastings where oenophiles can sample from 11 different reds and whites. Visit www.michiganwines.com/index.php for an updated calendar listing all the wine-related events in Michigan.

Lake Michigan sand dunes

If you are looking for an inexpensive vacation, head to the Silver Lakes Sand Dunes area. You can buy an annual state park visitor pass for $24 or a one-day pass for only $6. This fee allows you access to many miles of dunes, beaches and lakes. Visitors can set up a picnic on the beach to watch the sunset over Lake Michigan. You can hop on a buggy for one of the Mac Woods Dune Rides along a bumpy, exciting seven-mile trip. Rates are $11 and $16 depending on your age. Whether your little ones want to build a sand castle, or the older ones want to explore a bike trail, or you want to sit back and cast a line, Oceana County's numerous parks have something for every member of your family.

Step into the Silver Lake Sand Dunes-Hart Visitors Center at 2388 N. Comfort Drive in Hart or call 231-873-2247 for more information. There are no reservations required for the Mac Woods Dune Rides. You can visit their website for more information at www.macwoodsdunerides.com/content.php?page=13