Indian Trails Blog

Ann Arbor has long been known as the home of the University of Michigan Wolverines, but there’s so much more to the city. Year-round, indoors and out, a trip to Ann Arbor is sure to please even the pickiest of travelers in your group.

Michigan is so ethnically diverse, you almost feel like you’ve been abroad when you visit some of our towns and cities. One of the best examples is Frankenmuth, known by many for its Bavarian theme and, by many more, as the home of Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland. To others, it’s the place with the best family-style chicken dinners (next to mom’s) at Zehnder’s of Frankenmuth, and the Bavarian Inn and Restaurant. But there’s so much more to do in Frankenmuth, including festivals and events, a waterpark, great shopping, and other attractions. Here’s a rundown of what’s going on in Frankenmuth.

If your group is looking for family-friendly fun in the mitten, it’s hard to beat Holland, especially during early spring through autumn. For over half the year, it’s almost impossible for kids or adults to be bored in or around Holland. And you can bet every activity you choose will involve some good, clean fun. Here’s a look at some of what Holland has to offer.

On the Lake Michigan coast lie two towns separated by the Kalamazoo River, but that’s the only thing that divides them. Together, Saugatuck and Douglas have become one place that’s among the most treasured vacation spots in the country. In fact, in 2018, the towns ranked third on Thrillist Travel’s 20 Greatest Summertime Lake Towns and Saugatuck’s Oval Beach was ranked fourth on USA Today’s Best Michigan Beaches list.

“Up north” is a part of the vernacular of the mitten state. And for many who have lived in Michigan their whole lives, going up north means going to Traverse City or nearby areas. Perhaps one of the best known and loved destinations in the state, Traverse City feels like home to so many, even those who have only spent a week there, simply because of its modest, welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re from Kansas or Kalkaska, once you visit Traverse City, you’ll be counting the days until you can return.

Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is a place of wilderness and wonder in every season. It offers Lake Superior — the largest freshwater body on the planet that is larger than Connecticut, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Delaware combined — and Mt. Arvon, in the Huron Mountains, the state’s highest point at 1,979 feet. Our beloved UP is our last bastion of untouched natural beauty, with lakes, streams, waterfalls, and scenic rocks and overlooks that take your breath away.

When you’re thinking of new destinations for your group, family or club, consider everything that Lansing has to offer all year long for people of every age.

Detroit will never be what it was during the early automotive boom years, but if you take a look around Detroit today, you’re likely to say, “It’s not the same as it was … it’s better!”

Truly rising from the ashes of a former life, Detroit (aka the D, Motown, and the Motor City) is being remade by people who know and love the city. New businesses, new entertainment venues, new restaurants and bars, even new transportation options are enticing people not only to visit, but to live and work in the D, spurring further growth in residential and commercial real estate. If your group wants to do its part in supporting the new and improved city of Detroit, take a look at what’s happening and start planning your next adventure.

Time after the holidays — that stretch from New Year’s Day until spring break — can seem like years rather than months, so why not plan to take in some of the great exhibitions and shows held in Michigan every winter? If your group loves to take advantage of Pure Michigan in the summer, here’s a lineup of great show destinations your group will love this winter.

It isn’t often you can get something for nothing, but on the weekend of Dec. 14-16, at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, you can ski for free — or learn if you’re a newbie. It’s how they welcome winter in Michigan’s great north and it’s an excellent pre-Christmas destination for friends, family, clubs and other groups to enjoy.