Michigan is known for its stunning beauty and outdoor recreation throughout every season, but there is something particularly special in the spring when the flowers begin to bloom throughout its towns and cities. Discover a state brimming with energy and enjoy the spring festivities, local culture, and majestic nature.
Here is our guide to some of the best spring activities in Michigan:
Discover a little Netherlands in Michigan by visiting the city of Holland for their Tulip Time Festival. This festival runs from May 7 – 15 when tulips are in full bloom and celebrates their beauty and Dutch heritage.
This annual event draws cities and towns together for the weeklong Blessing of the Blossoms ceremony. Enjoy a vintage baseball game, a youth parade, 5K run and walk, and the finale of the Grand Floral Parade. The Grand Floral Parade will occur on May 14 at 1:00PM.
Explore the iconic Detroit Institute of Arts this spring. The current exhibition, By Her Hand: Artemisia Gentileschi and Women Artists in Italy, 1500-1800, highlights the untold stories of vital female artists during the Italian Renaissance and beyond. By Her Hand will be on display until May 29 but if you miss it, you can explore their other exhibit, Van Gogh’s Artistic Roots: The Hague School and French Realism which will be on display until 2023.
The mission at the Kalamazoo Institute of Art is to share art that inspires, fulfills, and transforms. On view this Spring, Unveiling American Genius, showcases a new roster of diverse American artists through a variety of landscapes, still-lifes, and portraiture, in addition to abstract and contemporary works. Unveiling American Genius will be on display until December 31, 2022.
Showing this Spring at The University of Michigan Museum of Art is a one-of-a-kind exhibit that sheds light on one of the most original visual artists of the twentieth century. Romare Bearden: Abstraction, focuses on a mostly unknown period in which Bearden worked primarily on abstract watercolors and oil paintings; mediums that would inspire his later work. Romare Bearden will be on display until mid May, but they have plenty of other ongoing exhibitions to explore including Around the World in Blue and White.
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Known as the birthplace of Motown, many influential musical and cultural scenes over the years have called the “Great Lake State” home. From the vivacious urban cities to the vast and serene landscapes, artistic inspiration for musicians never fails to be found.
Founded in a former automobile factory in 1959 by Detroit native, Berry Gordy, Motown would go on to be one of the most influential music genres of the twentieth century and beyond. Visit the Motown Museum in Detroit and experience the place where some of the most iconic albums were recorded.
Back in the late 1970s, restless musicians from across the state flocked to local clubs in Detroit and Ann Arbor to find creativity in the rumbling sounds of an electric guitar and the vivacious spirit of youthful rebellion. Visit RPM Records or Eugene’s Record Co-op to flip through some classic tunes, find sought after equipment, and build your record collection.
Inspired by the futuristic sounds coming from across the pond in Europe, techno music found roots in the “Great Lake State” in the early 1980s. To learn more about the history of techno, visit Exhibit 3000 where you’ll discover the music, equipment, and art that defined this futuristic sound.
Experience the North Country Trail this spring which includes nearly 550 miles in Michigan alone. The NCT is one of the longest trails in the nation, totalling around 4,800 miles across 8 states from North Dekota to Vermont. This trail is a great way to explore a variety of landscapes and perfect for an afternoon hike.
Located on the tip of Michigan’s Leelanau Peninsula, this state park is home to more than 1,550 acres of forests, trails, and beaches for visitors to explore this spring.
Located southwest of Traverse City, this was the state of Michigan’s first officially recognized state park. It is located between two well-known fishing and swimming lakes: Green Lake and Duck Lake.
This lakeside park is home to beautiful rolling dunes and forests lining Lake Michigan. Fisherman’s Island has over 80 rustic campsites, a 2.5-mile hiking trail, and 6 miles of pure Lake Michigan shoreline.
Wilderness State Park is home to 26 miles of beautiful Lake Michigan shoreline, over 20 miles of trails, designated swimming and pet-friendly beach, and numerous camping grounds. It also has a designated “dark sky preserve” offering stunning views of the night sky without the light pollution of the city. This is a great park to visit this spring to enjoy the natural beauty of Michigan.
With miles of beach shoreline, the iconic Big Sable Lighthouse, and 3 campgrounds, Ludington State Park has something for everyone. In addition, the park boasts over 21 miles of marked trails through scenic sand dunes, forests, and wetlands. A 1-mile stretch of the Big Sable River runs through the park providing excellent opportunities for fishing, paddling, and tubing.
This small, urban state park is open for camping year-round and offers heated restrooms, biking trails & a beautiful quarter-mile beach. It’s the ideal spot to relax and enjoy the gorgeous summer days for anyone visiting the Traverse City area.
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Probably the most popular route for cyclists, joggers, and walkers in the springtime is this 10.5-mile-long, paved, non-motorized trail that runs along Grand Traverse Bay. Bicycle and in-line skate rentals are available at several area bicycle shops. For a springtime bike ride, the TART trail is a must.
The paved, multi-use 27-mile Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail runs from the northern end of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to the Leelanau/Benzie County line. While most of the trail is asphalt, a 3-mile section that goes through the Port Oneida Rural Historic District north of Glen Arbor is crushed stone.
Located just a few minutes west of downtown Traverse City, is one of the largest historic preservation and adaptive reuse redevelopments in the country. The Village at Grand Traverse Commons is a unique collection of historic buildings, wooded grounds, and 140-acres of unpaved trails for hiking and biking.
This 3-mile, all-season, recreational trail located on the scenic property of 45 North Vineyard. The trail is free to use and explore, on foot or by bike, during business hours. Starting near the tasting room, it wanders through the vines and ends at the top vineyard with views of the entire property and surrounding hills.
Located Northeast of Traverse City in Bellaire, the 814 acres that make up the Glacial Hills Pathway and Natural Area are home to 31.5 miles of hiking and mountain biking dirt trails. With a mix of hills, flat and fast sections, you’re sure to find something that meets your skill level, or even a bit of a challenge.
400 W Front St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Situated in a century-old candy factory, this award-winning brewery is one of the top producers of craft beer in Michigan. With a focus on conservation and preserving the environment, North Peak brews their beer using as few raw materials as possible and by reducing waste.
225 E 16th St, Traverse City, MI 49684
Located in the SoFo District (South of Fourteenth) of downtown Traverse City, Right Brain Brewery focuses on beers that are made with only whole ingredients, like asparagus, cherry pie, pig parts, and pecan pies. Along with 20 beers on tap, the pub is filled with local art, arcade games, and board games.
2959 Hartman Rd, Traverse City, MI 49685
Located on over 10 acres of land, this rural brewery, taproom, and MAEAP certified farm produce culinary-inspired brews in an environmentally responsible, sustainable way. Using an innovative water capture system, the brewery reclaims over 230,000 gallons of water from beer manufacturing and reuses it as irrigation and fertilization for the farm crops.
642 Railroad Pl, Traverse City, MI 49686
Situated in a cozy, old 1927 train depot, Filling Station is a family-owned business that focuses on serving the highest quality of hand-crafted brews. The microbrewery has a rotating list of 15-20 craft beer, sours, and ciders that pair flawlessly with their wood-fired flatbread pizzas and fresh salads.
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2896 Bowers Harbor Road
The Bowers Harbor Vineyard produces over 30 wines and ciders, and offers wine tastings and dinners in a beautiful tasting room overlooking Grand Traverse Bay. They even have a dog-friendly patio for enjoying the amazing views of the vines with your best friend. Be sure to try one of their ciders if you swing by.
16985 Smokey Hollow Road
With 23 acres of established vineyards, 2 Lads Winery specializes in cool climate red wines like Pinot Noir or Cabernet Franc and sparkling wines, even a sparkling rosé. The modern, 10,500 sq ft facility is environmentally friendly and features stunning views of East Grand Traverse Bay.
3309 Blue Water Road
Spanning 111 acres, this is one of the largest vineyards and wineries on Old Mission Peninsula. Its 58,000 vines are planted less than a mile from Lake Michigan in an excellent terrior. The winery includes an old-world tasting room and a unique outdoor deck with panoramic views of the vineyards and the lake.
15900 Rue de Vin
Located atop a hill, Chateau Chantal offers expansive views of the vineyards, farmland, and the Grand Traverse Bay stretching across both sides of the peninsula. You can admire the scenic views in all directions from its tasting room and patios. The winery even includes an inn for a French-style B&B experience.
360 McKinley Rd. East
While their actual vineyard and farm are located on neighboring Leelanau Peninsula, Black Star Farms has a wine tasting room on Old Mission Peninsula. Relax and enjoy the cozy ambiance while sipping on a glass of wine from an extensive selection of over 45 wines, ciders, and spirits.
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When visiting Delamar Traverse City, you have the opportunity to explore the beautiful state of Michigan while enjoying the utmost level of excellence and luxury in hospitality. With us, you can unwind, relax and rejuvenate with our great amenities and attention to detail at every turn. Book your stay with us today and enjoy Michigan in full bloom this spring.