Stores may be stocked with school supplies, but that doesn’t mean summer is over—here are some last-minute trips in Michigan to take before the first day!
I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but the last time I went grocery shopping, all of the school supplies were fully stocked and ready for the new school year. My children didn’t even want to look, and I can’t say I blame them, because in our minds, summer is still in full swing.
We are continuing to check several items off our summer bucket list, such as trying a pottery wheel class (check!) and visiting the Grand Haven musical fountain next week. And with school starting for some students in a little over a month, we have our eye on some other last-minute trips to make from the Lansing area—because we are bound and determined to squeeze every last bit out of summer!
1. Explore a Michigan mine shaft
If you’re from the Lansing area, now is your time to make like a tourist and tour your own town. If I may make a suggestion, consider a stop at the Michigan History Museum, located just two blocks west of the Capitol. The museum offers free admission every Sunday, so our family recently made the trek over and had a blast exploring the hands-on fur pelts, engaging with the interactive exhibits on indigenous and wartime history in Michigan, touring a realistic mine shaft, and even enjoying a “lesson” in the full historic schoolroom.
After we took in all that the museum had to offer, we stopped by the riverside Lansing Shuffle food and social hall—the venue operates as a type of “food court” with different upscale eatery booths inside and plenty of indoor and outdoor seating. A free day at the museum topped off with a riverside meal out made for a happy Sunday in my book.
2. Fly into the Air Zoo at Kalamazoo
Just about an hour outside of Lansing, a day trip to the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Experience in Kalamazoo is 1000% worth the drive. I promise you do not have to be an aviation enthusiast to enjoy the Air Zoo, as I would describe myself as less-than-enthusiastic about aerospace exploration, and I still thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
One of the coolest parts about the Air Zoo is that it has several indoor rides—some for kids only and some that kids and caregivers can enjoy together. For instance, kids can ride a full-size Ferris Wheel or enjoy “flying” hot-air balloons, all from the comfort of an air-conditioned space. There are plenty of hands-on, interactive exhibits for the kids to stay busy, and the highlight of everyone’s trip is always the air flight simulators. The “rides” flip around, immersing digital and physical experiences to let you become a pilot and either successfully land a plane or, in my case, crash horrifically. (Worth it.)
3. Ride an (indoor) snowmobile at DNR Outdoor Adventure Center
Located about 95 miles southeast of Lansing, the DNR Outdoor Adventure Center in Detroit is a kid-friendly destination that has long been on my bucket list. The nature-based center looks like an absolute blast for kids, with a giant, 35-foot indoor tree, a waterfall they can walk behind and touch, and hands-on snowmobiling, ATVing, hiking, fishing, and even boating—all indoors! (Which, let’s be real, is important right now in our current dismal air quality from the Canadian wildfires.)
4. Go to Grand Rapids for the day
Only about an hour away, a trip to Grand Rapids is both an easy drive and a foolproof way to spend a fun-filled day. Our family has often traveled to GR for last-minute trips and staycations. Our favorite way to spend the day has been at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, with two full floors to explore, or the John Ball Zoo (or both!).
Our five kids loved both experiences, and my oldest even enjoyed ziplining at the zoo, so there is plenty to do for all ages. I also recommend a stop at the 1928 Spillman Carousel in the museum, which anyone can ride for a fee. But warning: That thing moves fast, so it’s not for the dizzy among us.
5. Recreate history on the Rosa Parks bus
Where else in Michigan, or nay, the country, can you step foot on the very bus that Rosa Parks made history on, see the theater seat that President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated in, or explore an entire historic village complete with accurate historical actors? Only at the Henry Ford Museum, making the hour-long trip from Lansing more than worth it.
It is entirely possible to spend an entire day at the museum (and honestly, you could still not see all of the exhibits it has), but if the air quality allows, you could also head outside to Greenfield Village for even more history and educational fun. In addition to the museum and village’s regular exhibits, both venues also run special events, like twilight bike rides through the village, movies, and even baseball games in the park.
6. Soak in the fun at Frankenmuth
A little over an hour drive from Lansing, you’ll find fun in Frankenmuth for the entire family. We have spent many a day trip in Michigan’s “Little Bavaria,” with varied itineraries. For instance, you could make a day trip of shopping in the outdoor mall, grabbing ice cream, and catching a riverboat ride, or book a stay at the Bavarian Inn or Splash Village for a waterpark experience.
Splash Village has always been the go-to Frankenmuth waterpark destination, but this past year, the newly renovated Bavarian Inn has made quite the splash. The new waterpark offers stays or day passes, indoor mini golf and laser tag, an arcade, a rope course, a climbing wall, and a full Build-a-Bear workshop. Plus, the waterpark has been newly renovated and includes 16 brand-new waterslides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and a swim-up bar.
7. Bop on over to a bog
Filed under “things I didn’t know existed in Michigan” is Bishop’s Bog Preserve, the largest “relict” bog in the state. What does that mean exactly? It means that the bog is a natural, preserved snapshot in time, showing what Michigan looked like during the ancient Ice Age.
The bog includes walking trails, educational signs throughout the preserve, and unique botany, such as the carnivorous Pitcher Plant. Yum yum!
8. Try your hand at rock-climbing
Whether you’re inspired by a recent viral Netflix hit about climbing or just want to give it a try, indoor rock climbing is just a short trip away in the Lansing area at Climb East Lansing. The indoor rock climbing venue offers classes to teach new students the ropes (literally) as well as open climbing sessions for the more advanced. Learning a new skill like climbing is a great way to round off the end of the summer—and will give your kids some major bragging rights for the fall!
9. Move to the music in Grand Haven
If you’re willing to drive just a bit further, you can join my family and me in Grand Haven for an end-of-the-summer day trip. Our grand plan is to stay overnight near the water (I booked a Holiday Inn because it had the best rates), explore Grand Haven’s beaches and lighthouses during the day, and then stop into the Grand Haven Musical Fountain to end our night.
Every night, the fountain hosts a 30-minute fountain show synchronized to lights and music. And my favorite part? It’s totally free! The fountain show has been running since 1962 and features ongoing themes, so even if you have visited before, you can enjoy a new musical treat.
10. Make the trek to Mackinac
A trip to Mackinaw City or Mackinac Island will make for a long day trip from Lansing, but it can be done. The trip there will take about 3.5 hours, but if you only have a free day and want to make the most of your summer, you have to plan a trip to Mackinac. It’s totally doable to get up early, make the drive to Mackinaw City, take the ferry to spend a day on the island, and return home, all in one fun-packed day, I promise.
Ideally, however, if you can stretch your time into two days, we love staying at the Mackinaw Lodge in Mackinaw City because it includes free breakfast, access to an indoor waterpark for the kids, and nightly fireworks you can see right from your room.
11. Stroll through St. Joseph
For a casual and relaxed small-town Michigan beach vibe, plan a day trip to St. Joseph. The town is laid-back and on the smaller side, so you’ll find plenty of wide open spaces, time to breathe in the fresh air by the water, and opportunities to explore.
Visit the famous St. Joseph North Pier Lighthouses, sail or kayak down the waters, or just meander downtown and explore some of the local shops and art galleries.
12. Set your sights on Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes National Lakeshore is another destination that requires some driving (it’s about 3.5 hours from Lansing), but it’s another oh-so-worthy day or weekend trip to make to end your summer.
Our family visited last year, and even though all we did was stroll the dunes, the views and experience were breathtaking. Don’t forget to stop into the visitor’s center before going to the dunes, especially if you have younger kids, as they can complete a junior ranger certification. My little ones loved it! If you have extra time after visiting the dunes, you can stop in to Crystal Mountain for a ride down Michigan’s only alpine mountain slide—also an experience the whole family will love.
13. Take a tapas tour in Traverse City
Sure, you may be thinking of what experiences you can take the kids on before school starts, but what about a quick adults-only date? One of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken with my husband was to Chateau Chantal for the winery’s tapas tour, an immersive and educational experience that includes a tour of the winery and vineyards and delicious light food pairings with homemade wine.
For the amount of food and wine you get, along with the entire experience, the $48/person price tag seemed completely worth it, and it was such a fun event. I loved all of the food, and the tour is even topped off with a delightful cherry dessert port and chocolate treat. If you can spare a night away, the Château also operates as a bed-and-breakfast, but take it from me: Getting a room there is a challenge, as it sells out very quickly. Someday, I’ll succeed—after all, my name is Chauntel, so it’s only fitting, don’t you think?
