If you are planning a trip to the state of Michigan, you will want to take time to visit some of its beautiful attractions. Here are some of the coolest places in southern Michigan: Fort Mackinac, Isle Royale National Park, and the City Market. You can also check out nature preserves in the area, including the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. All of these attractions are perfect for the entire family!
Fort Mackinac
The 18th-century French and British trading post of Fort Michilimackinac stands on the northern tip of the lower peninsula of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Located in the present-day state of Michigan, this fort is an outstanding place to see the history of this area. It is one of the oldest European settlements in the United States and remains a popular tourist destination. If you’re looking for the perfect getaway for the whole family, make sure to visit the Fort Michilimackinac!
The Straits of Mackinac separate Lake Michigan and Lake Huron. The Huron Indians relied heavily on fur trade for survival. This practice continued with early French explorers and made John Jacob Astor rich. The British took advantage of this and built a stone fort on Mackinac Island, which was less vulnerable to attack. It was also located better in order to view the Straits. The fort became known as Fort Mackinac, and many people of French and Ojibwe descent emigrated to the area.
After the French and Indian War, the British took control of southern Michigan. The fort continued to serve as a major fur-trading location, even after the war ended. But the Ottawa and Chippewa of the Straits region found British policies harsh and resented the British takeover. In 1763, the fort was the site of Pontiac’s Rebellion, which culminated in the deaths of British soldiers.
Isle Royale National Park
The history of Isle Royale National Park begins 1.2 billion years ago, when the earth’s crust was ripped open by a great rift. The area was subsequently formed by volcanic rocks, sandstones, and conglomerates, which are what now form the bedrock of the park. The ancient lava flows eventually gave way to valleys and ridges, and glaciers eventually overran these deposits.
In 1784, the United States acquired the island from Great Britain, but the Ojibwa people claimed it as their own land. They subsequently ceded the island to the United States in the Treaty of La Pointe. However, the Ojibwa did not know that it was British land, and the United States eventually took control of the island. During the War of 1812, Michigan elected to annex the island to the United States.
The Isle Royale National Park lies on an island in Lake Superior near the border with Canada. Although the park’s access is limited, it is an ideal destination for outdoors enthusiasts. The park is not difficult to reach, with two visitor centers in Houghton and Copper Harbor. While it is not a car-friendly destination, there are shuttle services available to take you to the park’s ferry terminal. Alternatively, you can fly to the island via seaplane.
City Market
Established in 1909, the Lansing City Market provides year-round access to local fresh produce, fresh fish, flowers, and the wares of local artisans, as well as a full-service bar and grill. Unlike traditional farmers markets, Lansing’s market remains open every day of the year, requiring vendors to set up their booths each market day. The Lansing Farmers Market is located in a building known as the “red barn,” which was partially funded by the Works Progress Administration and Public Works Administration.
Situated on Millender Center’s main street, the Lansing City Market features both local and national brands. There is something for every taste and diet, from organic to specialty foods and beverages. Vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free eaters will be happy, too. The selection is varied, with everything from fresh vegetables to gourmet meals, desserts, and gifts. The City Market is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.
The Eastern Market in Detroit offers local produce, fresh fish, and other foods. The market is open year-round on Tuesdays and Saturdays, and features over 200 vendors. Located on Russell Street, this Detroit area market offers local fare, as well as artisan crafts and food trucks. During peak season, the market boasts over 250 vendors. With so many vendors, it’s hard to pick just one favorite. In addition to a full-service restaurant and fresh produce, the Eastern Market also offers a selection of crafts and local foods.
Thorne Swift Nature Preserve
If you are looking for a great place to go for a nature tour, you can’t go wrong with the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve. Located on M-119, a stretch of the lakeshore that’s known as the Tunnel of Trees, this preserve was created in 1981. The Little Traverse Conservancy agreed to lease the property for public use, and it is home to several miles of lakeshore, a cedar swamp, and more.
Located 2 miles south of Pond Hill Farm, Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is a 30 acre wildlife preserve with 950 feet of Lake Michigan shoreline. The property also has a nature center, 1.5-mile trail, and dune observation platforms. During the summer months, the Thorne Swift Nature Center is open to the public for educational programs, and during winter, the Elizabeth Kennedy Nature Center offers family movies on Saturday evenings.
The Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is located along M-119 north of Harbor Springs, and its trails are easy to follow. Signage along the trails identifies some of the area’s notable plant life. It’s a great place to watch animals migrate, and is particularly popular with birdwatchers during migration seasons. Though the Thorne Swift Nature Preserve is free to visit, you need to be aware that the area is a sensitive habitat, so dogs are not allowed.
Detroit
Southeastern Michigan includes Detroit, one of the largest cities in the United States and a major industrial hub. The city is situated on the Detroit River and is the seat of Wayne County. Detroit was incorporated in 1815 and later reincorporated in 1824. Today, it is the largest city in Michigan and the tenth largest in the country. The Detroit metropolitan area is home to 4.3 million people, nearly half of the state’s total population.
Located along the Detroit River, the city has an extensive suburbia spanning west of the city. The metropolitan area is divided along the Detroit River, with newer suburbs like Royal Oak, Pontiac, and Warren. The northern half of the city is a mix of suburban neighborhoods, including Royal Oak, Warren, Troy, and Southfield. These neighborhoods are generally low-rise and family-friendly, while the southern half is more suburban.
There are plenty of things to do in Detroit, including the world-famous “Big 3” automakers. The Detroit Institute of Arts is a must-see for history buffs, and the city has many entertainment attractions. Families can spend their days shopping at local malls, playing games at family parks, and experiencing Detroit’s unique culinary scene. As the largest city in southern Michigan, the city is full of cultural and recreational options.
Traverse City
If you’ve ever been to northern Michigan, you probably know that Traverse City is famous for its cherries. In early July, the city celebrates the region’s favorite fruit at the National Cherry Festival. This event grew out of a tradition called the Blessing of the Blossoms. Today, this festival draws more than 50,000 attendees to its downtown waterfront location. Here are some fun facts about the city and its many attractions.
Traverse City is home to the Cherry Capital Airport, which is only five miles from downtown. By car, you can reach downtown Traverse City within 15 minutes. The city is located in the state’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas. Most people driving to Traverse City from the Chicago area will pass through Grand Rapids. Take US-131 N through Grand Rapids, and then take US-31 N to the beach town of Traverse City. From there, you can take I-75 N, which runs through the center of Michigan.
If you’re a boater, you may have heard of Traverse City. Perry Hannah founded it in the 1850s. Lumber was the main industry for the town during this time, and the town became the country’s largest lumber producer. Once the lumber industry died down, the city’s economy turned to agriculture. Today, it’s known as the Cherry Capital of the World. There are also several orchards and a wine region here, so visiting Traverse City in the summer is a must.
Ann Arbor
Located west of Detroit, Ann Arbor is one of the more moderately sized communities in southern Michigan. Known for its University of Michigan, it has played a crucial role in the development of the city. Today, it continues to attract visitors and students to its lively downtown. The city experiences all four seasons with their corresponding events and activities. As a progressive community, Ann Arbor is an ideal jumping-off point for a Michigan Great Lakes adventure or a small town road trip.
The city’s founding was the result of land speculation by John Allen and Elisha Rumsey. The earliest known use of the town’s name is Annarbour, which referred to bur oak trees. After 1839, the Michigan Central Railroad connected Ann Arbor with Detroit, the two men named the community in honor of their wives. The two men purchased a parcel of land from the federal government for just eight hundred dollars. The town’s current name is the product of its growth as a cultural and agricultural center.
The university’s influence in Ann Arbor’s economy is evident in the many companies in the city. The University of Michigan employs about 30,000 people, including 7,500 in its medical centre. Graduates and research money from the University attract other employers to the area. Other sectors of the economy include health services and high tech. There are also large amounts of workers employed by automobile companies. Other major employers include Pfizer and Borders Group.
