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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

As the days shorten and long hours of darkness lie ahead, there are plenty of ways to drive the chill away, and that includes enjoying some of the amazing performing arts options in Michigan. No matter your group’s preference, you can find everything from comedy to a theater to dance performed on gorgeous stages by gifted artists. Winter is the best time to enjoy the performing arts so here’s a rundown of six great possibilities for your next group trip.