Explore Michigan's Great Lakes through this USA Today Road Trip

Brendan Wiesner, Lisa Vidaurri Bowling and Evan Sasiela, The Sault News
·4 min read
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GREAT LAKES — Michigan is a state chock full of natural beauty, from state parks to forests to trails to snow; but perhaps the most impressive and well-known features of Michigan are the Great Lakes that surround it.

To that end, we've created a guide to enjoying Michigan's best, bluest and brightest feature this summer:

Northern Michigan

The Salmon Festival at De Tour Village

Fishermen from across the Upper Peninsula will make their way to the waterfront of De Tour Village in August to put their fishing skills to the test. The 37th Annual Salmon Fest takes place Thursday-Saturday, Aug. 3-5. Participants will compete in three different categories: heaviest salmon, heaviest trout and heaviest Atlantic.

Prizes for placing in the competition range from $100 to $1,200, depending on rank and category. Learn more at detourvillage.org/salmonfest.html.

Isle Royale can only be traversed by hiking or boating, and has over 150 miles of shoreline covered in natural barriers and bays that make for interesting exploration.
Isle Royale can only be traversed by hiking or boating, and has over 150 miles of shoreline covered in natural barriers and bays that make for interesting exploration.

Kayaking Tours in Copper Harbor

Copper Harbor is located on the tip of the Keweenaw Peninsula, several hours west of the Mackinac Bridge. It's the northern-most point of the Upper Peninsula and a well-known tourist destination. Visitors can ferry to Isle Royale, a small island on Lake Superior known for its natural beauty. Here, tourists will find some of the best kayaking opportunities in Michigan.

The island can only be traversed by hiking or boating, and has over 150 miles of shoreline covered in natural barriers and bays that make for interesting exploration. A guided tour includes ferrying back and forth and equipment, and runs throughout the summer. Learn more at keweenawadventure.com.

Boat Tour of Mackinac Bridge near Mackinac Island

The Mackinac Bridge is one of the most iconic and recognizable landmarks in Michigan and connects the Lower Peninsula to the Upper Peninsula. While anyone can drive across the bridge for a toll, getting a better view of the bridge is considerably more difficult.

On Mackinac Island, some organizations specialize in showcasing the unseen side of the bridge, a view normally reserved for passing freighters and other ships. Starting at the Coal Dock on Mackinac Island, cruises give tourists a chance to get up close and personal. Learn more mackinacisland.org/activities/sip-n-sail-cruises.

Scheduled for Wednesday-Saturday, July 12-15, the Blue Water Festival — Port Huron’s Boat Weekend — will feature concerts, a street fair, mannequins and fireworks.
Scheduled for Wednesday-Saturday, July 12-15, the Blue Water Festival — Port Huron’s Boat Weekend — will feature concerts, a street fair, mannequins and fireworks.

Eastern Michigan

Blue Water Festival in Port Huron

Scheduled for Wednesday-Saturday, July 12-15, the Blue Water Festival — Port Huron’s Boat Weekend — will feature concerts, a street fair, mannequins and fireworks. The Rotary International Day Parade kicks off the festivities July 12. For a full schedule of activities, visit thebluewaterfest.com

Lake Erie Metropark Marshlands Museum in Brownstown

Nature lovers can enjoy three miles of Lake Erie shoreline when they visit the more than 1,600-acre park at 32481 W. Jefferson Ave. Visitors can also explore the culture and natural heritage of the downriver area through exhibits and programs at the Lake Erie Metropark Marshlands Museum. The building is open from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. through Aug. 31. Park hours are 6 a.m.-10 p.m. Admission is $10 daily or $40 for an annual pass. For more information, visit metroparks.com/lake-erie-metropark.

Monroe's Sterling State Park
Monroe's Sterling State Park

Sterling State Park in Monroe

Michigan's only official state park on Lake Erie at 2800 State Park Road in Monroe protects more than 500 acres of marsh and restored prairie habitat. The park offers a mile of sandy shoreline, a 256-site campground, cottages, boat access and six miles of trails. The Hotter Than July Campout is planned for July 16-17, and includes comedians around a bonfire. A recreation passport is required for admission. Learn more at facebook.com/sterlingstatepark.

Western Michigan

Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival

The U.S. Coast Guard will be honored during this nationally recognized festival running July 28-Aug. 6 in Grand Haven, also known as “Coast Guard City, USA.” The Lynne Sherwood Waterfront Stadium will host several concerts, a cardboard boat race competition, and fireworks. The festival also includes a carnival, a parade, a craft fair, ship tours and more. The full schedule and tickets are available at tickets.coastguardfest.org.

Ships line up along Escanaba Park at the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven on Aug. 3, 2022.
Ships line up along Escanaba Park at the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven on Aug. 3, 2022.

Great Lakes Surf Festival in Muskegon

A celebration of surfing culture is set for 12:30-6 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 12, at Pere Marquette Beach in Muskegon. General admission and family passes are available for purchase at greatlakessurffestival.com. The event includes surfing lessons, vendors, awards and giveaways, yoga, music and more.

Ludington Offshore Classic

Competitors fish for prize money in this annual tournament running July 10-16 on Lake Michigan. There are six tournament categories: Big Boys, Ludington Legends Memorial Tournament, Ladies Pro/Am, Youth, Pro/Am and Big Fish. Registration is available online at offshoreclassic.com.

This article originally appeared on The Sault News: Explore Michigan's Great Lakes through this USA Today Road Trip