A vast heartland, the American Midwest’s states, cities, and spaces come alive when spring arrives at the end of March. Michigan — a leading destination for study abroad students through University of Michigan, Ann Arbor and Michigan State University — has beautiful Great Lakes shorelines and a vibrant college town atmosphere. We think you’ll love it.
From outdoor activities to cultural and historical attractions, Michigan is a great place to be during the spring. Not only do the universities have several cultural staples of their own but Michigan is the only state that touches four of the five Great Lakes, so it has the longest freshwater coastline in the US. What better time to explore it than in the spring?
Here are some things you can enjoy around Michigan.
Tulip Festival, Holland
In May, Holland, MI, blossoms with over six million tulips, and to celebrate all its color, the town puts on the fun-filled Tulip Festival to bring the community together and draw the tourists. They share parades, music, food, and other events – definitely a spring experience to put in your calendar.
Mackinac Island
A charming island in Lake Huron, Mackinac Island is officially the best island in the continental US, and it makes some excellent fudge. A historic national treasure, it has Victorian architecture, fudge shops, and horse-drawn carriage rides. In the spring, you can take gentle walks or high-speed bike rides along peaceful trails and feel the wind in your hair. Or mooch around the landmarks to get a sense of history and American days gone by.
Cherry blossoms in Traverse City
Traverse City’s beautiful cherry blossoms bloom in late April, early May. They blanket the hills and city streets in pink and white. Gather a couple of classmates or your roommates and head out for a scenic drive along the Old Mission Peninsula or visit the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore to see the colors in all their glory.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
The stunning sandstone cliffs, waterfalls, and hiking trails on Lake Superior are a wonderful place to go to get away from it all, to let your mind wander, and give your brain room to think about your next paper. Get a copy of the park map from the website (GPS doesn’t work well here) and head out with a couple of friends to explore the national park. In spring, it’s still relatively quiet, so you can avoid the summer crowds.
Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids has beautiful indoor and outdoor gardens, as well as a collection of 300-plus sculptures. In the spring, tulips, daffodils, and other flowers burst into color in this nationally appreciated display of gardens. For a special treat, gather your roomies on Grand Rapids Press Terrace for a nature-inspired menu, overlooking the water fountain.
Wine Tasting Tours
Michigan has several wineries that offer tours and tastings. Leelanau Peninsula, Traverse City, and the Old Mission Peninsula are the top wine regions, where beautiful patios and terraces look across vines that stretch the horizon. You could join a guided bike along the wine trails to see the vines at the beginning of the season and try last year’s grape at a local wine cellar.
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