Inside West Michigan

1 - I can do better 2 - Jury's out 3 - Pretty darn good 4 - Splendiferous 5 - Awesometastic by 14 people | Log in to rate

Ranked #443 in Travel, #23,047 overall

DISCOVER THE HIDDEN PLACES IN WEST MICHIGAN

Come with me to visit the small towns and big cities in the western lower penisula that is West Michigan.  From rural towns, apple orchards, farm markets, cities on the big lake,Lake Michigan, or quaint towns on inland lakes, to the urban world that is Grand Rapids.  It is an area full of opportunities for fun, learning, and entertainment for kids and kids-at-heart.

Enjoy Your Holidays in West Michigan 

Click on these links for information about Christmas parades, festivals, skiing, and lodging

Snow or no snow, the folks in Michigan know how to celebrate the holidays.
MUSKEGON
Find out what is happenin' at the new Up North destination, Muskegon.
SOUTH HAVEN
Beaches, sunsets, wineries, shopping and dining in South Haven
PETOSKEY-HARBOR SPRINGS-BOYNE CITY
Resort communities offering lakeside beauty, unique shopping and world class golf.
GREATER LANSING
Lansing is the Capitol of Michigan, but also offers great activities for summer fun.
HOLLAND, MICHIGAN
Preserving the Dutch heritage--windmills, wooden shoes, quaint downtown, and summer concerts.
LUDINGTON
Great state park for camping, tubing, world class sport fishing, golfing and lighthouses--dee-licious ice cream too.
CAMPING AND RV TRAVEL GUIDE
This site is packed with information for campers on Michigan campgrounds, places to visit, RV shows and articles on camping.
MICHIGAN CANOEING
Planning a canoe trip? Check out the info on this site.
NEWAYGO
Great fishing, camping, antiques, small town atmosphere, festivals
FREMONT
National Baby Food Festival in July, summer concert series, harvest festival, lakeside resorts, and camping.
NEWAYGO COUNTY
Escape to beautiful Newaygo County for fishing in blue ribbon streams, kayaking/canoeing rivers and streams, camping along the river or lakes, shopping, and festivals.
LOWELL, MICHIGAN
Quaint city famous for the Showboat Concert Productions on a docked showboat.
MDOT MICHIGAN STATE MAP
Click here for interactive maps of Michigan and cities.
PURE MICHIGAN
Michigan's Official Travel and Tourism site...Click in here for information on your West Michigan destination area.
GRAND HAVEN
Walk along the 2.5 mile boardwalk from downtown to Lake Michigan, visit quaint shops, watch the kites fly in the clear blue sky, and stay for the music and dancing waters at the world's largest musical fountain.
CADILLAC
The affordable family vacation destination in Michigan with something for everyone. Begin your Michigan family vacation adventure here in Cadillac!
CHARLEVOIX
Charlevoix Convention and Visitors Bureau. The unrivaled beauty and charm of this classic resort town makes it the crown jewel of northern Michigan vacation destinations. Its setting in the midst of Lake Michigan, Lake Charlevoix and Round Lake provides a magical appeal that attracts guests.
SILVER LAKE SAND DUNES/HART
This little beach town is famous for the awesome sand dunes where you can actually drive across mountains of sand in a private vehicle. The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are the only dunes East of Utah to drive a private motorized vehicle from April 1st through October 31st . It's a thrilling ride and a jaw-dropping experience.
TRAVERSE CITY
Award winning golf courses, beaches, water sports, shopping and wine country. There is something for everyone in this beautiful area.
WINTER ACTIVITIES IN WEST MICHIGAN
Do you ski, snowboard, jet ski, make snow angels, or sip cocoa in the warm lodge? Check this out for destinations for all the winter sports.

FARM MARKET TOUR IN WEST MICHIGAN 

Farm markets in West Michigan are in the center of the best fruit and vegetable growing areas in the US. Not only do these markets sell the freshest produce, but they also are now an experience the family can enjoy. Many markets offer you-pick apples where you can spend time in the fresh air and beautiful West Michigan orchards selecting your own fruit for your table. Choosing a pumpkin from the pumpkin patch on the market property is fun for the kids, bumping along on the hay rack rides, feeding the animals such as goats, ponies, alpacas, camels, bunnies, kitties, winding through a corn maze, and eating fresh donuts right from the market's bakery are experiences offered by many of the family friendly markets. There are fees for some activities. Use the following list to choose a farm market to visit for your next family outing.
Klackle Orchards
Greenville, MI--Pick your own apples, pumpkins, by riding the wagons or trains to the orchard and pumpkin patch. Lots of carnival activities for kids and petting zoo.
Heritage Farms and Market
Fremont, MI--Fresh fruit and vegetables, corn maze, animals, hay rack rides, ice cream and donuts,In the bakery, watch as they make fresh donuts, caramel apples,muffins, and several varieties of fudge. mmmm...yummy!
Fruit Ridge Hayrides
Kent City, MI--You-pick apples, horse-drawn hay rides, animals, pony rides, corn maze Charge for hayride and corn maze.
Steffens Orchard and Market
Sparta, MI--You-pick apples, orchard tour
Ed Dunneback and Girls
Grand Rapids, MI--You-pick apples and pumpkins, caramel apples
The Country Basket
Sparta, MI--You pick apples and pumpkins, petting animals, straw maze, delicious donuts
Frozen Creek Floral
Cannon Township--You-pick pumpkins, Indian corn, gourds. Farm grown flowers, herbs, fruits and vegetables. Nine rooms of freeze-dried florals and herbal arrangements
Creekside at Knott's
Caledonia, MI--You-pick pumpkins, scavenger hunt, kids activities, five acre corn maze, hayrides on Friday and Saturday
Lewis Farm Market and Petting Farm
New Era, MI--You-pick apples and pumpkins, clever petting farm setup with barns and enclosures, feed the animals, kiddies train ride, bakery, ice cream,

FALL COLOR TOUR OF WEST MICHIGAN 

Colorful Michigan.

The season doesn't last very long. Get out and enjoy the fall foliage and crisp days while it is here. The following links will help you plan your fall color tour of Michigan. Whether you drive, bike, walk, canoe or kayak, check out these links and links below for information.
West Coast Beachtowns Tour
Follow the shoreline along Lake Michigan for spectacular scenes of water and brilliant foliage. Enjoy shopping and dining in Harbor Country which includes the winery region of southwest Michigan (southwesterly portion of Berrien County, Michigan, which includes Michiana, Grand Beach, New Buffalo, Union Pier, Lakeside, Harbert, Sawyer and Three Oaks). Continue north on Rte 31 through quaint towns and busy cities to Ludington.
Michigan Biking Trails
Bike or walk the trails to experience the colors, sights, and smells of autumn up close and personal.

Farmer's Markets for Locally Grown and Organic Fruits and Vegetables 

Enjoy the harvest from West Michigan orchards and farms. Visit these farmers markets for field fresh and organic veggies and fruits. Click on the links to find information on location and days the markets are open.
Grand Rapids area Farmers Markets
Farmers markets from Ada to Zeeland and everywhere in between...Find out locations and market days.
Coopersville Farmers Market
Fresh fruits and vegetables, flowers - both annual and perennials, bedding plants, fresh baked goods, and Stanley products are among the favorites you'll find every Wednesday from May through the end of October. Hours of the market are from 8:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m..
Sweetwater Local Foods Market
Located South of the Lakes Mall in Muskegon, this farmers market operates year round at the Hackley Health at the Lakes Building. (indoor market in winter)
Montague Farmers Market
The Montaue Market's summer hours are 8 am to noon Wednesday and Saturday, from mid-June through the last Saturday in October
Newaygo Farmers Market
The Market will run Fridays, June - October, from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM through Labor Day and from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM after Labor Day.
Fremont Farmers Market
Located in the new "Market Place" pavilion, downtown Fremont behind The Artsplace along Dayton Street. Seasonal fruits, plants, and a plethora of iinteresting items from furniture, soap,jewelry and more.

2009 Fremont Farmers Market Season
Tuesday Hours: 3:30 P.M. - 6:30 P.M.
July - October
Saturday Hours: 8:00 A.M. - 12:30 P.M.
July - October

Video: Canoe Marathon 

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WEST MICHIGAN FALL CAMPING NOW! 

MICHIGAN CAMPGROUND DIRECTORY
The 2008 Michigan Campground Directory, published by ARVC - Michigan, is now available. You can plan now for a great camping trip. The West Michigan area provides abundant streams, rivers, inland lakes, and the Great Lake Michigan with wide, sandy beaches for all your favorite water activities and fishing trips. The forests with a diverse growth of trees is a mecca for hikers. Oh yes, and lots of shopping opportunities.
MICHIGAN STATE PARKS
Michigan State Parks at this site include great camping and trail facilities. Make your reservations early!

CAMPING IN WEST MICHIGAN 

Camping in West Michigan is a delight for the rustic tent camper or the RV'er. This area is a haven for natural beauty including the expansive beaches of Lake Michigan shores, peaceful surrounds of the many inland lakes, the hiking and biking trails through dense forests or open prairies, and the opportunities to see wildlife and bird watching in the nature preserves.

Some of my favorite little known West Michigan campgrounds are:

FREMONT LAKE PARK, Fremont, Michigan 231-924-5227
Located on an all sports inland lake, small town atmosphere

HENNING COUNTY PARK, Newaygo, Michigan 231-652-1202 Located on the mighty Muskegon River for great fishing, boating and tubing

BACK FORTY RANCH AT DOUBLE JJ RESORT, Rothbury, MI www.doublejj.com
This cowboy themed resort is full of activities including rodeo, horseback riding, water park, great dining with lots of entertainment for young and old

If you are looking for gorgeous sunsets and the best sand beaches, then camp at these Michigan State Parks. For more information on each park, go to www.michigan.gov/dnr

LUDINGTON STATE PARK, Ludington, Michigan Lazily tube down the little river that connects Hamlin Lake to Lake Michigan. Visit the lighthouse nearby.

CHARLES MEARS STATE PARK, Pentwater, Michigan Not only does this park have a great beach, but the small village of Pentwater is a delightful get-away from all the big box stores and franchises. It's a fun shopping area along the waterfront.

SILVER LAKE STATE PARK, Mears, Michigan Rev up those dune buggies for the most spectacular sites from atop the jaw dropping sand dunes. This is a great vacation spot.

MUSKEGON STATE PARK, North Muskegon, Michigan Spend your days and nights on this gorgeous beach which has been ranked among the most beautiful in the world.

HOFFMASTER STATE PARK, Muskegon, Michigan Climb the boardwalk over the sand dunes for amazing views of the spectacular Lake Michigan. Visit the Gillette Nature Center well know for its exhibits and nature programs.

You will have a fun and relaxing time staying at these campgrounds.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MUSKEGON THROUGH THESE BOOKS 

The Muskegon: The Majesty And Tragedy of Michigan's Rarest River

The Muskegon: The Majesty And Tragedy of Michigan's Rarest River

by: Jeff Alexander

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

Michigan's Lumbertowns: Lumbermen and Laborers in Saginaw, Bay City, and Muskegon, 1870-1905 (Great Lakes Books)

Michigan's Lumbertowns: Lumbermen and Laborers in Saginaw, Bay City, and Muskegon, 1870-1905 (Great Lakes Books)

by: Jeremy W. Kilar

Amazon Price: $27.95 (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

Muskegon's Hockey History and Heroes

Muskegon's Hockey History and Heroes

by: Jerome VandeVoorde

Amazon Price: $19.98 (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

MAKE MUSKEGON COUNTY YOUR UP NORTH DESTINATION  

Muskegon has it all. Beaches on the breathtaking Lake Michigan, water sports, concerts, festivals, symphony, fine arts, museum, heritage homes, and shopping. Go for a day, go for a weekend, and enjoy the crisp fall air and foliage in a great place for people of all ages.
Pere Marquette Beach
A great beach for kids and grown ups. Want to just sun worship or let the kids play in the waves and on the play equipment. Nice bath house for changing and concession area.
Port City Princess Cruises
Cruise Lake Michigan and Muskegon Lake in this comfortable ship. Day or evening cruises.
Lake Express Ferry
Board the ferry in Muskegon and 2.5 hours later you will be stepping off in Milwaukee, WI.
Bike Trails
Enjoy biking these three bike trails in Muskegon County--The City of Muskegon Lakeshore Trail, The Musketawa Trail on the east side of the county and the Hart-Montague Trail State Park in the northern section of Muskegon County.
Camping in Muskegon County
Click for a list of camping opportunities. Whether you prefer the water or the woods, there will be a place for you to set up your campsite in Muskegon County.

MICHIGAN CAMPING AND GARDENS 

So many activities in Michigan as well as beaches and abundant fruits and vegetables

Check out these Michigan based titles.
The Unofficial Guide to the Best RV and Tent Campgrounds in the Great Lakes States: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin

The Unofficial Guide to the Best RV and Tent Campgrounds in the Great Lakes States: Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio and Wisconsin

by: Jackie Sheckler Finch

Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

The Midwest Fruit and Vegetable Book: Michigan

The Midwest Fruit and Vegetable Book: Michigan

by: James A Fizzell

Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

Michigan's West Coast: Explore the Shore Guide: A Journey to 500 Public Parks and Points of Access Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline

Michigan's West Coast: Explore the Shore Guide: A Journey to 500 Public Parks and Points of Access Along the Lake Michigan Shoreline

by: Brian Hutchins

Amazon Price: $24.95 (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

Country Roads of Michigan: Drives, Day Trips, and Weekend Excursions

Country Roads of Michigan: Drives, Day Trips, and Weekend Excursions

by: D. Scharfenberg

Amazon Price: $11.01 (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

Short Bike Rides in Michigan, 2nd (Short Bike Rides Series)

Short Bike Rides in Michigan, 2nd (Short Bike Rides Series)

by: Pamela Stovall

Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009) Buy Now

GILMORE CAR MUSEUM PHOTOS 

This rural setting has huge red barns packed with awesome cars from vintage Model A's, classics, muscle cars, and loads of eye catching vehicles that you have only read about. Ever heard of Tucker cars?

These photos cannot begin to do justice to the artistic accomplishment and ingenuity represented here through the automobiles on display. Please take time to make a trip to Gilmore Car Museum, Hinckley Corners, MI near Kalamazoo.

curated content from Flickr

GILMORE CAR MUSEUM INFORMATION 

Gilmore Car Museum
Located midway between Kalamazoo, Grand Rapids and Battle Creek, MI and just 15 minutes from I-94 and US-131. After a visit to this gleaming exhibit. you will appreciate the car maker's technical knowledge and ingenuity for the development of the automobile through the years. You will also realize that this vehicle is truly a work of art. Enjoy.

VISIT FREDERICK MEIJER GARDENS AND SCULPTURE PARK IN GRAND RAPIDS 

Whether you are a gardener or not, you will enjoy a visit to the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. The immense conservatory filled with collections of arid plants, tropical beauties, carnivorous garden is the landmark for finding the gardens. Walk through the conservatory and then outdoors to experience the walkways that wind through the 30+ acres of the most comprehensive collection of outdoor sculputres in the MidWest. My favorite is the behemoth bronze sculpture of The American Horse based on Leonard da Vinci's Horse sculpture. The powerful horse. although stationery, gives the impression he could race the wind and win with his strong legs and body. There are 30 pieces of sculpture at this writing with area available for 80. Great artists such as Rodin and Maillol are on display in the peaceful setting.

The Lena Meijer Children's Garden is a fantastic place to escape with your kids, big and little. The centerpiece of the garden is the Great Lakes display filled with water where children can float boats and splash. The five lakes are built to scale so you can understand the relationship of the lakes to each other and to the states surrounding them. The tree house and story telling area and fossil gardens are all fun for kids. Your little ones will learn about gardening, wildlife and nature in the Great Lakes area and not even realize they are learning by playing in this beautiful area.

Don't leave without seeing the Michigan Farm Garden. This 1930's family farm includes a replica of an 1880's farmhouse, 100 year old barn, animal pens with bronze sculptures of the animals such as a pig, goat, sheep and horse, and an heirloom plant vegetable garden. Sitting in a rocker on the front porch of the house is one of the most peaceful experiences you will remember. And don't forget to sniff all the roses in the rose garden.

Plan to spend at least 4 hours touring the gardens and more depending on your interests.

Concerts are held in the Amphitheater Garden during the summer. Check the website for the schedule.

Summer Vacation in West Michigan 

Beaches and activities for your family and friends

Summertime and the livin' is easy in West Michigan. Follow these links to find activities that will keep your summer blazin' with fun!
Festivals and Events.
Check out the festivals and events for easy and money-saving festivals and events.
Beaches on the West Coast of Lake Michigan
Catch a breath-taking sunset on the shores of Lake Michigan. These beaches are the gems of West Michigan with white sand stretching as far as you can see. The beach towns are quaint or contemporary. One of these will fit your style.
Wine Trails of Michigan
Be prepared to taste the fresh fruits of Michigan in a bottle of wine. Experience a wine tasting of riesling, chardonnay, pinot grigio, cabernet and more.

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Snow Time in Michigan 

Watch these sledders and snow boarders having fun in the snow in Michigan.
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by JanetG

JanetG, an avid camper and traveler, shares with you some of her favorite places to visit and camp. She is a freelance writer with featured articles p... (more)

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