Lake Michigan Shore Attractions
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The eastern shore of Lake Michigan is a holiday paradise par excellence - with bathing in summer and a snow-covered landscape in winter. Grand Haven, in the south, has a magnificent sandy beach, Sleeping Bear Dunes are quiet and unspoiled, whilst all kinds of water sports are catered for around Grand Traverse Bay. Half of all the cherries harvested in the United States come from the area around Traverse City.The northern shore also provides plenty of opportunities for holidays by the water, in the Charlevoix region or on the Keewenaw peninsula, which projects into the lake.
Traverse City, Michigan
Traverse City was first settled by missionaries and pioneers followed. Once the timber was exhausted, a cherry-growing industry had begun which flourished in the region. Traverse City offers beaches for swimming and relaxing, art galleries and museums, as well as downtown shopping, an antique carousel and a go kart track.
Dennos Museum Center
The Dennos Museum Center features an array of exhibitions and programs in the visual arts, sciences, and performing arts. Three galleries provide space for changing exhibitions. The museum also offers a sculpture court, a "hands-on" Discovery Gallery, a gallery of Inuit art as well as the 367-seat Milliken Auditorium, and a 32-seat video theater.The Museum's signature collection is Inuit art of the Canadian Arctic, one of the largest and most historically complete collections of these distinctive sculptures and prints in the United States.
Clinch Park
Clinch Park features a zoo of native wildlife, an aquarium with native game fish and a sandy beach within the 3.5 acre park.
Madeline
The Madeline was built in Fairport, Ohio, in the winter of 1844-45. The Madeline that can be toured is a 92-foot replica schooner.
Grand Haven, Michigan
Grand Haven is located at the mouth of the Grand River and is a popular tourist destination for the beaches, bayous, rolling dunes and wooded hills. It is also a busy port due to the location along Lake Michigan.
Tri-Cities Historical Museum
Tri-Cities Historical Museum is housed in two buildings - the former Grand Trunk Railroad Depot and the Akeley Building. Exhibits at both locations feature a variety of artifacts depicting the heritage of the area: from fur trading and lumbering to the United States Coast Guard and railroads. Victorian period rooms, sports, agriculture, toy and other exhibits portray day-to-day lifestyles.
Harbor Steamer Excursion Boat
Passengers can enjoy the tour of Grand River and Spring Lake on this stern wheel paddle wheel river boat. An historic narrative is presented while touring.
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Calumet - Keweenaw National Historical Park
Keweenaw National Historical Park is a tribute to the history of copper mining on the Keweenaw Peninsula of Michigan. The story of copper usage dates back over 7,000 years ago when native people used it for tools and trading. The families of the men and women who lived and died in these mines tell their stories to complete the whole story.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
Sleeping Bear Dunes is located along the shores of Lake Michigan with many natural features - forests, dune formations, and beaches. The natural features provide the opportunity for numerous activities such as swimming, dune climbing and hiking. There are many cultural features to be enjoyed as well including the U.S. Coast Guard Museum .
South Haven, Michigan
J.R. Monroe, founder of South Haven, was granted a land patent from the U. S. government in 1833 for 65 acres of land along Lake Michigan's shore. The village that he had planned did not develop so he moved on. South Haven has grown rapidly since it began due to the lumber industry. The town has become a popular year round resort destination.
Michigan Maritime Museum
Exhibits at the Michigan Maritime Museum include historic watercraft from prehistoric canoes to Chris-Craft cruisers used on Michigan's waterways. Nineteenth century ship paintings, models, etchings of maritime landscapes, shipping company posters, and marine carvings are featured.
Manistee, Michigan
French and English fur traders settled in this area as early as 1790, the Chippewa called it Manistee meaning "spirit of the woods". Swedes and Norwegians later settled in the area during the logging frenzy and the woods were sheared but the town was developed.
Lyman Building
The Lyman Building houses historical exhibits including the fittings of an 1885 drugstore and general store, photographs and Civil War memorabilia.
Water Works Building
Built in 1882, the Water Works Building houses marine and logging exhibits.
Bridgman, Michigan
Bridgman is a popular area for hang gliding. The prevailing winds from Lake Michigan and a 240- foot drop from Tower Hill make it a familiar sight in Warren Dunes State Park.
Cook Energy Information Center (open to school groups only)
Nature trails lead from the center through sand dunes, to forests and wetlands. There are three theaters dedicated to energy, electricity and nuclear power.
Ludington, Michigan
A huge illuminated cross that overlooks the harbor marks the spot where Pere Jacques Marquette is thought to have died. Ludington is located at the mouth of the Pere Marquette Lake and is a popular spot for fishing as well as a frequented port.
White Pine Village
Historic White Pine Village is a historic village featuring over twenty-five restored buildings. The community includes a blacksmith shop, courthouse, hardware store, fire hall and chapel. Visitors to White Pine Village will experience small-town Michigan life in the late 1800's.
Garlyn Farm Animal Park, Naubinway, Michigan
Live animal exhibits in a natural, parklike setting at GarLyn Farm Zoological Park include reindeer, Sika Deer, Llama, fox, Patagonian Cavies, South American Ostrich, and exotic pheasants.
St Joseph, Michigan
Newberryport was renamed St. Joseph in 1833 after the St. Joseph River. It was originally a stopping place for travelers between Chicago and Detroit. Now it has over 75 specialty shops, beaches and parks for visitors.
Krasl Art Center
Krasl Art Center has four galleries featuring folk art, traditional art and works by regional artists. Temporary exhibits are provided by such museums as the Smithsonian and Detroit Institute of Arts.
Priscilla U. Byrns Heritage Center
The Priscilla U. Byrns Heritage Center houses exhibit halls, artifact and archival collections, and a research library. Temporary traveling exhibits from other institutions are featured.
Curious Kids' Museum
The Curious Kids' Museum has over 100 hands-on exhibits and activities dedicated to science and technology, history, culture and human perception.
Leland, Michigan
Lake Michigan borders Leland to the west and Lake Leelanau borders the town to the east. It is a popular area for lake cruises and fishing charters.
Leelanau Historical Museum
Exhibits at the Leelanau Historical Museum highlight the cultural history of the Leelanau Peninsula and its islands from first human habitation through to more recent times. There is a notable collection of Anishnabek traditional arts such as black ash baskets and quillwork on birch bark. Other displays include photos, government documents, letters and newspapers.
