Everything Michigan

Air Zoo

6151 Portage Rd., Portage 49002 (866) 524-7966 • www.airzoo.org

From Greater Rochester you can easily reach the many wonders of Michigan. It could be a fun day trip to Frankenmuth for a family chicken dinner or a weeklong tour above the Mighty Mac exploring the Upper Peninsula. Wherever you go the diversity of Michigan’s wonders will amaze and humble. From picture rocks and picturesque waterfalls to a presidential library and museum, resort beach communities, a “tunnel of trees” or wine tours, Michigan has it all. And when you’re done, Greater Rochester will be awaiting your return so you can continue your exploration closer to home.

Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park

1000 E. Beltline NE, Grand Rapids 49525 (888) 957-1580 •. www.meijergardens.org

This world class, Smithsonian affiliated aerospace and science museum features over 100 historic aircraft, flight simulators, experience theater, amusement rides, hands on exhibits and a restoration program for planes rescued from the bottom of Lake Michigan. Log on for hours and directions to the Flight Innovation and Discovery Centers.

Alden B. Dow Home & Studio

315 Post St., Midland 48640 (866) 315-7678 • www.abdow.org

The architect son of the Dow Chemical Company founder built this house which is considered an excellent example of organic architecture surrounded by gardens and pond. It is open for tours.

Whiting Forest of Dow Gardens

1809 Eastman Ave., Midland 48640 (800) 362-4874 • www.dowgardens.org

Enjoy 4 miles of hard surfaced paths within acres of woodlands, orchards, and meadows. There is a playground, program shelter, cafe, and the nation’s longest Canopy Walk at 1,400 feet long, climbing up to 40 feet.

Most vineyards in Michigan are within 25 miles of Lake Michigan. This insulating “lake effect” extends the growing season up to a month for a variety of grapes. There are 5 appellations in Michigan. Each is a little different in environment and feel. The Lake Michigan Shore and Fennville AVA’s are in the southwest corner of the State. Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula and Tip of the Mitt AVA’s are along the northern most coastline of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Each has numerous wineries, tasting rooms and tours.

The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition of 2022 awarded best in class to 4 Michigan Wineries (make sure you stop in when exploring).

1. Ciccone Vineyard & Winery (Leelanau Peninsula in Suttons Bay) – Gewurztraminer

2. St. Julien Winery (in Paw Paw Michigan and other locations) –Braganini Reserve Traminette

3. Chateau Chantal (Old Mission Peninsula in Traverse City) Amour Rose`

4. Aurora Cellars (Leelanau Peninsula) – Grűner Veltliner

Ranked in the top 100 most visited art museums worldwide and billed as one of the nation’s most significant sculpture and botanic experiences. The 158-acre campus features numerous indoor and outdoor gardens and a tropical conservatory, nearly 300 permanent sculptures, an amphitheater, music concerts, visiting and holiday exhibitions.

Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum www.fordlibrarymuseum.gov

• Library: 1000 Beal Ave., Ann Arbor 48109 (734) 205-0555. Located on the campus of the University of Michigan, the library holds historical materials including photos, documents, collections and oral histories available for research.

• Museum: 303 Pearl St. NW, Grand Rapids 49504, (616) 254-0400. The permanent collection highlights the President from his youth to his life in the White House. There is a replica of the Oval Office, a gallery of 1970s memorabilia and an interactive Cabinet Room. There are also temporary exhibits and educational program features.

Hartwick Pines State Park & Logging Museum

3612 State Park Dr., Grayling 49738 • (989) 348-2537

At 9,672 acres this park is one of the largest in the state. It still holds 49 acres of old growth pines, a museum that tells the tale of the “Shanty Boys”, four lakes and a wide variety of habitats.

Interlochen Center for the Arts

4000 J. Maddy Parkway, Interlochen 49643 (231) 276-7200 • www.interlochen.org

Situated on 1,200 wooded acres between two lakes, this campus is all about the arts. There are public concerts, art and music festivals, summer arts program, adult art classes and boarding high school for visual and performing arts students.

City of Marshall

323 W. Michigan Ave., Marshall 49068

(800) 877-5163 Visitor’s Center • www.marshallmi.org

Located at the crossroads of I-69 and I-94, this city is a perfect example of 19th century small town America. It has been designated a National Historic Landmark District. Attractions include the landmark Memorial Fountain, Cornwell’s Turkeyville professional dinner theatre, American Museum of Magic, Governor’s Mansion (1839), Town Hall (1857), Post Office and U.S. Postal Museum, Barton theatre organ, and much more!

Mackinac Island

(906) 847-3783 • www.mackinacisland.org

Step back in time to a unique setting undisturbed by modern means of transportation. Listen to the clip clop of horse drawn carriages shuttling residents and visitors alike to destinations around this jewel of an island located at the very tip of the mitt. Enjoy cocktails on the porch of the Grand Hotel or dine in one of the restaurants along the docks. Must do’s are a bike ride around the island, people watching at the Pink Pony and of course unhindered fudge tasting whenever you can. Make the journey!

Marshall Fredericks Sculpture Museum

Located at Saginaw Valley State University

7400 Bay Rd., Saginaw 48170

(989) 964-7125 www.marshallfredericks.org

More than 200 sculptures and his studio are on exhibit Well known locally for his downtown landmark “Spirit of Detroit”, the “Cross in the Woods” up north in Indian River and numerous pieces gracing local parks, churches and libraries in the Metro Detroit area. Mr. Fredericks lived and worked in the Birmingham-Bloomfield area until his death in 1998.

Michigan State Capitol

The Leelanau Peninsula

Located in the Grand Traverse Bay area of Northern Michigan, the Peninsula features a wide variety of top attractions. The 35 miles of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore has been voted “the most beautiful place in America” by Good Morning America. Historic Fishtown is comprised of old weathered fish shanties on docks now used for galleries, retail and restaurants. It still operates as one of the only working commercial fishing villages in the State. The Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail is divided into 3 mini-trails, each with numerous stops for tasting rooms and beautiful views of the bay. Grand Traverse Lighthouse is a museum complete with a climb to the tower, fog signal building and shipwreck exhibit. Located at the tip of the peninsula in the Leelanau State Park.

100 N. Capital Ave., Lansing 48933 (517) 373-2348 or (517) 373-2353 • www.capital.michigan.gov

Dedicated in 1879. It was one of the first buildings to copy the architecture of the Capital in Washington, DC. Designed by Elijah E. Myers, call for tour information.

Monroe County Historical Museum

126 S. Monroe, Monroe 48161 (734) 240-7780 www.co.monroe.mi.us

Open daily year-round, call for hours. An exhibit dedicated to General George Armstrong Custer (on land where he lived) traces his life at West Point and Civil War battles, including his demise at the Battle of Little Big Horn.

Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore

1505 Sand Point Road, Munising 49862 (906) 387-3700 www.nps.gov

Hugging the south shore of Lake Superior in the Upper Peninsula, the best way to view the dramatic towering cliffs, waterfalls, beaches, and multi-color rock formations is by boat! The park also offers miles of trails, bogs, beaches, and campsites. It is a four-season recreation destination and a true Michigan treasure.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

National Lakeshore

9922 Front St., Empire 49630 (231) 326-4700 • www.nps.gov

One of the most beautiful areas along Lake Michigan (35 miles long). Stop at the Visitor’s Center, take a seven-mile scenic drive or get out and climb the dunes! The dune climb is located off M-109 and is complete with vending machines and bookstore.

SkyBridge Michigan - Boyne Resort

Boyne Mountain Rd., Boyne Falls 49713 (855) 688-7024 www.boynemountain.com

Tahquamenon Falls State Park

41382 W. M123, Paradise MI, 49768 (906) 492-3415 • www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails

50,000 acres State Park with its centerpiece being the Tahquamenon River and its waterfalls. A 4-mile River Trail connects the Upper and Lower Tahquamenon Falls. The Upper Falls is one of the largest waterfalls east of the Mississippi River with a drop of nearly 50 feet and more than 200 feet across.

West Coast Beaches & Communities

New Buffalo to Muskegon

On the shores of southern Lake Michigan. Dotting the coastline are many beautiful sandy beaches and “quaint” and “not so quaint” towns and cities offering great eating, shopping and antiquing. Enjoy the many special events like Holland’s Tulip Festival which draws thousands of visitors annually.

Zehnders of Frankenmuth

730 S. Main St., Frankenmuth 48734 (800) 863-7999 • www.zehnders.com Click on “restaurant”.

A Michigan “must do”! One of the oldest and largest family restaurants, famous for its family-style, all-you-can-eat chicken dinners. Numerous special events, especially around Christmas.

State Name: Michiganisderivedfrom the Native American word “Michigama”meaning “large lake”.

Nickname: The “Wolverine State”

StateSeal: Adoptedin1911

The worlds longest timber-towered suspension bridge, spanning 1,200 feet, offers breathtaking panoramic views of the valley 118 feet up in the air! Open all year, tickets are available online, but the walk is weather dependent. Check all updates before you purchase or go!

S.S. Badger (Lake Michigan Car Ferry)

701 Maritime Dr., Ludington 49431 (800) 841-4243 www.ssbadger.com

Sails mid-May through mid-October between Ludington, Michigan and Manitowac, Wisconsin (crossing time is 4 hours). Food and bar service, movies, TV, entertainment, outside decks, and on-board gift shop.

SS Silversides Submarine Museum

1346 Bluff St., Muskegon 49441 (231) 755-1230 • www.silversidesmuseum.org

Located on the south side of the Muskegon Lake Channel, this WWII submarine is credited with sinking 23 major Japanese ships, received 4 Presidential Unit Citations and 12 Battle Stars for her service. The museum is also home to the Prohibition era Coast Guard Cutter McLane, one of the last of its class in existence. Sub-Tech classes are available for children and adults. Tours daily. Log on for times depending on time of the year.

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State Stone: Petoskey Stone

State Fish: Brook Trout

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State Flower: Apple Blossom

State Tree: White Pine

State Reptile: Painted Turtle

Capital (since 1837): Lansing

State Wildflower:

Dwarf Lake Iris

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State Bird: Robin

State Mammal: White Tail Deer