The weather’s warm, the days are longer, and the kids are finally out of school. Now, what to do? An exciting adventure awaits within hours of Washtenaw County! Make the most of your summer and explore these
local wonders.  

The Henry Ford Museum
and Greenfield Village
Dearborn, MI
313-982-6001/800-835-5237
www.hfmgv.org
Take a look at nearly every modern convenience you enjoy, and odds are it got its start in the Industrial Revolution.  The Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village is an attraction that preserves this part of America’s heritage in a large, open, and interactive exhibit.  Whether its seeing the Rosa Parks bus, walking through Thomas Edison’s laboratory, taking a ride in a replica Ford Model T, or getting ice cream at a turn-of-the-century style parlor; tourists both young and old will find more attractions than they know what to do with.  Special exhibits this year include PLAY, a “giant’s” interactive collection of full body sized billiards, bowling, foosball, and dominos.  9:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. everyday.  Museum: $15 adults, $11 children, free for children 5 and under.  Village: $22 adults, $16 children, free for children 5 and under.

Kalahari Resort
Sandusky, OH
877-525-2427
www.kalahariresorts.com
Raging water slides, lazy rivers, relaxing spas, luxury suites, and an exotic safari theme are what await guests at the Kalahari Resort in Sandusky, Ohio.  No matter the time of year, Kalahari has equally entertaining indoor and outdoor water park facilities for the whole family.  While the kids can enjoy the multiple water slides, pools, and aquatic play areas; mom and dad can relax in Spa Kalahari for a hot stone massage or an herbal mud treatment.  New to the resort this summer is the Safari Outdoor Adventure Park that boasts a three level, 750 foot rope course, elevated zip line rides, 32 foot climbing walls with racing timers, and a safari animal park. 

Frankenmuth
Frankenmuth, MI
800-FUN-TOWN
www.frankenmuth.org
Step back in time by visiting this historic town self-described as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria.”  Started in the late 1800s by German missionaries, this town offers endless opportunities for shopping, dining, and family fun.  Visitors can take a ride down the Cass River aboard an authentic paddlewheel riverboat, enjoy the historic architecture from a “fantasy” horse drawn carriage, or explore the one and a half football fields worth of year round Christmas decor at the world’s largest Christmas store.  Don your lederhosen for this summer’s annual Bavarian Fest from June 10-13 where the town will be home to brats, Bavarian-style ale, German music, and games. 

Michigan Adventures
Muskegon, MI
231-766-3377
www.miadventure.com
Fun, adrenaline, speed, and a general disregard for the laws of gravity await anyone who enters Michigan Adventures Amusement and WildWater Waterpark in Muskegon.  Enjoy two parks for the price of one at this park featuring 60 rides, including roller coasters, water slides, wave pools, and kiddie rides.  Even from afar, visitors on their way to the park will be struck by the towering Shivering Timbers wooden coaster and the 2,000 foot long Thunderhawk, the state’s first suspended looping roller coaster. 

Silver Beach
St. Joseph, MI
269-982-0533
www.berriencounty.org/parks
A trip to the local beach is a no brainer when you live in California or Florida, but for Midwesterners, the prospect of wading just off the sandbars is more than likely going to mean a major vacation.  Fortunately, Silver Beach on the shore of Lake Michigan provides plenty of fun in the sun without requiring a journey to one of the coasts.  Swim, play beach volleyball, tube or wakeboard farther off shore, laugh on the children’s playground, or simply take a nap on the beach.  Visitors of all ages will find the day far too short to enjoy the full breadth of activities available at Silver Beach.

Huron-Manistee National Forest
Cadillac. MI
800-821-6263
fs.usda.gov/hmnf
Looking to get away, away from pesky people, noisy traffic, and the busyness of everyday life?  Try spending the weekend in Huron-Manistee’s nearly one million acres of undisturbed and preserved forest.  Located along western shore of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, this national forest offers camping, backpacking, boating, hunting, and fishing.  Even hobbyist gold panners and horse riders will find a home in Huron-Manistee.  Take the weekend or take the week, and enjoy nature at its finest.

Michigan State Capitol
Lansing, MI
517-373-2353
council.legislature.mi.gov/lcfa/capitol-tours
You vote for them every couple of years, but how often do you get to see your state congressmen and congresswomen in their natural habitat.  Schedule a trip to Lansing to take a tour of Michigan State Capitol.  Weekday guided tours take visitors through the Capitol, Michigan Historical Museum, and Hall of Justice, including the House and Senate galleries.  Tours provide historical information on the Legislature and the Capitol building as well as a first hand look at the legislative process.

Detroit Science Center
Detroit, MI
313-577-8400
www.detroitsciencecenter.org
Located in the heart of the Motor City, the Detroit Science Center prides itself on being the nation’s “premier engineering-focused museum.”  Youngsters, parents, and grandparents can have fun and learn by exploring the museum’s many exhibits such as the robotic prototypes and manufacturing simulations of the United States Steel Fun Factory, the 36-foot tall cutaway replica of one of NASA’s rockets in the Rocket Laboratory, or the live demonstrations of electricity and magnetism in the DTE Energy Sparks Theatre.  At four stories tall, the Detroit Science Center lays claim to Michigan’s only domed IMAX theatre that promises a grand cinematic experience.