Indian Trails Blog

Big Rapids is the perfect fit for those seeking outdoor adventures, cultural exploration and leisurely strolls through quaint downtown streets. Outdoor enthusiasts, history buffs and casual travelers will find Big Rapids both a relaxing and engaging getaway.

After a long, cold Michigan winter, there’s nothing better than being outside, soaking up the warmth of our surprisingly warm summers. From Lake Michigan to Lake Huron, it’s not hard to find a small town or large city holding various festivals and celebrations from May-August. We’ve compiled a list of Michigan happenings for you, your family and your friends to enjoy. Get out and visit a town you’ve never heard of; you could learn something new and have some fun along the way.

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.

The holidays mean family, friends, fun, and of course, gift giving. There’s no better time than now to get organized and plan a shopping trip for your group to one of Michigan’s outstanding shopping destinations. You’ll enjoy having many store choices, great eateries and great deals throughout November and December. Here is a look at four of the state’s top holiday shopping venues to consider for your group’s trip.

The holidays are fast approaching and with them come hours and hours of gift shopping for co-workers, pals and family. But why head to the mall when you can make Christmas shopping an event to share with your group? In the fashion of the Christmas markets that are a centuries-old tradition across Europe, Christmas markets and shows are becoming an American tradition too! If your group loves unique, fun and fanciful shopping, consider these holiday markets around the state for your pre-Christmas getaway.

If you’re not a Detroit native, you might never have attended the Thanksgiving Day parade there. Instead, you probably watched it on the television from your couch or in your kitchen as you prepared cranberry sauce or stuffed the turkey. Ranked the second best Thanksgiving Day parade in the country, it’s become iconic to Detroiters and to out-of-state Michiganders who want only good things for Detroit. So, if your church, school group, or group of extended family or friends want to be a part of helping make it No. 1, consider attending this holiday season. 

The words “man-made” don’t often relay the reality represented in a structure’s enormous size, massive span, extreme height, or extraordinary ability. Michigan, in fact, has many man-made marvels — breathtaking feats of engineering expertise — that offer a look into our history and our future. If you want an eclectic tour that your group will be talking about for a long time, try this tour of Michigan’s engineering marvels in the Upper Peninsula:

As fall creeps in with its cooler nights and colorful vistas, it’s time to start thinking about food, the kind that sticks to your ribs and makes the house smell wonderful. If your group loves food, Fall Flavor Weekends at Greenfield Village are second to none. For one weekend in September and one in October, Greenfield Village features food from days gone by, including where it came from, how it was prepared and of course, how it tasted. It’s a foodie heaven your group will not want to miss. Plan now and book a bus for the weekend of Sep 29-30 or Oct 6-7 and enjoy days full of food and fun from morning until evening.

Even though autumn means the end of consistent sun and warmth in Michigan, at least we have the changing leaves and their breathtaking vistas of color to enjoy as we say so long to summer. In fact, Michigan is routinely one of the most-ranked states for “best-of” color tours by such sources as Fodor’s Travel, USA Today, and others. To help you choose the perfect path for your fall color tour charter, here are three exceptional areas in the state for fall color and more.