West Michigan offers endless opportunities for adventure, catering to all types of thrill-seekers, whether you prefer vast lakes, scenic trails, or energetic indoor facilities. Michigan provides a diverse range of activities that ignite your inner adrenaline junkie and create everlasting memories. To find more year-round West Michigan Adventures, check out our 2024 Carefree Travel Guide.
South West Michigan Adventure Travel
Looking for a unique and action-packed family activity this summer? Allegan Event is just 30 minutes away from Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, and Holland. This indoor adventure park offers a wide range of exhilarating activities for all ages. Challenge yourself with the two-level indoor Sky Trail® high ropes course and Sky Rail® zip rails, or let your little ones explore the smaller Sky Tykes® course. For an added rush, try the 16 Clip 'n Climb® walls or test your skills in the arcade. You can also enjoy the outdoor Amaze’n Mazes and play 18 holes of Adventure Mini Golf. Whether you're an experienced adventurer or a first-timer seeking a unique experience, Allegan Event has something for everyone.
Discover endless water adventures in Coldwater Country. With over 100 lakes to explore, you can hop between two stunning chains of lakes: the North Chain and the South Chain. Relax on a pontoon or kayak the Union City Heritage Water Trail, one of Michigan's nine captivating water trails. Get ready for unforgettable aquatic fun.
Benton Harbor is home to The Woods Fitness Park, the area’s first outdoor workout facility. The facility is designed to promote exercise for all skill levels, from beginners to elite athletes. With over three miles of trails, there are over 60 different obstacles and workout stations to challenge yourself. The park is open daily from dawn until dusk, not to mention canine friends are welcome to enjoy the park as well.
Michigan Maritime Museum’s Friends Good Will day sails offer passengers a chance to step aboard history and learn what it was like for early sailors on the Great Lakes. Stand at her bow, feel the wind on your face and hear the crack of her billowing sails. Do more than imagine how sailors felt as they set sail for uncharted courses–experience it for yourself.
Adventure to Canada without leaving Michigan at the upcoming Canadiana Fest in Kalamazoo, September 21st. Experience live music, delicious cuisine, and traditional performances. Of course, enjoy mouthwatering Canadian treats and savor local craft beers. It will be a festival that you will not want to miss, eh?
Central West Michigan Adventure Travel
Experience ultimate thrills at Skydive Grand Haven. With tandem jumps and experienced instructors, you'll soar 10,000 feet above Lake Michigan for an unforgettable view. They also offer a student program for solo skydiving and welcome licensed jumpers. And don't miss Rock The Coast, July 21st-22nd, for an exciting event that brings powerboaters together for a weekend of high-performance boating while supporting Shields of Hope. Get ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure in Grand Haven.
Hop aboard the S.S. Badger and cross Lake Michigan. This remarkable steamship and car ferry offers daily crossings and monthly shoreline cruises from Ludington. Enjoy the open-air deck, grab a tasty meal onboard, and join the fun with Badger BINGO in the lounge. When you arrive in Manitowoc, Wisconsin, get ready for a fantastic Midwest getaway with plenty of recreational activities to explore.
It’ll be hard to choose how to get your adrenaline fix in Holland this summer. Scrapyard Climbing Collective offers rock-scaling thrills, while kitesurfing on Lake Michigan provides an exhilarating rush. For runners, the Holland Haven Marathon presents a challenging course through scenic lakeside landscapes, while bikers can get things into gear zigzagging through forested ravines and wetlands along the Macatawa River. Sport fisherman can experience the triumph of hooking a big catch, and big cash, for the $10k grand prize winner of the Big Red Classic Tournament. These excursions are just a taste of what makes Holland a must-visit destination for adventure travelers. Find more high-energy excitement and unforgettable experiences here.
Thrills for All This Summer. Experience heart-pounding adventure at Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park, nestled within scenic Muskegon State Park. This thrilling destination offers unique activities that cater to daredevils of all ages. Soar through the forest canopy on the park's 1,400-foot dual zip line, offering breathtaking views from high above. For a one-of-a-kind rush, try North America's only Wheel Luge Track, a 320-foot course featuring in-line wheels and thrilling banked curves. Beyond zip lines and luge, hone your aim on the beginner-friendly archery course. Climbers can conquer the 38-foot outdoor rock-climbing wall, featuring three challenging faces. Committed to inclusivity, Muskegon Luge Adventure Sports Park offers adaptive sports equipment, ensuring everyone can experience the park's excitement regardless of ability. Muskegon is your ultimate destination for summer thrills in West Michigan.
Embark on a unique adventure with IndiGrow's Full Facility Tours, where you'll dive deep into the world of craft cannabis. This immersive experience offers an exclusive look at every stage of cannabis cultivation, from seed to sale, within the nation's most energy-efficient small-scale cannabis facility. Each tour includes a comprehensive walk-through of the state-of-the-art facility, a Q&A session, and a pre-roll flight. Whether you're a seasoned connoisseur or a curious novice, IndiGrow promises an unforgettable journey into cannabis culture. Book your tour today and elevate your understanding of this extraordinary plant.
Fun Fact: Bowerman Blueberries invites over 20,000,000 bees each spring to pollinate their blueberry bushes. These hardworking bees ensure a good fruit set, great size, and a timely crop. Visit the farm from mid-July through mid-August for a unique adventure—pick your own blueberries. Afterward, stop by the farm store to indulge in a variety of delicious blueberry treats, including donuts, muffins, pies, cinnamon rolls, soft serve blueberry frozen custard, smoothies, soda, preserves, syrup, salsas, sauces, dressings, and more. Come experience the sweet taste of summer at Bowerman Blueberries Farm Market in Holland.
You won’t want to miss the National Baby Food Festival on July 17th to July 20th in Fremont, just a 45-minute drive from Grand Rapids. This fun-filled event features an arts & craft fair, live music, carnival rides, a car show, parades, RC drag racing, a princess & superhero party, a kids expo, a bib decorating contest, a baby photo contest, a foam party, a disc golf tournament, a baby food cupcake challenge, special friends day, a tractor show, a tie dye party, marketplace shopping, food trucks, a puzzle contest, pony rides, and much more. There's something for everyone to enjoy. For more details, visit here.
North West Michigan & U.P. Adventure Travel
Michigan Sport Fishing Company in Manistee has incredible fishing experiences. With experienced guides and top-notch equipment, they ensure a successful and memorable fishing trip. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, their knowledgeable team will guide you to the best fishing spots across Michigan's scenic lakes and rivers. Get ready to reel in the big catch with Michigan Sport Fishing Company.
Holiday Vacation Rentals are the perfect place to stay during your Northern Michigan getaway. Enjoy a bike ride from Harbor Springs to Petoskey on the Wheelway, hike the North Country Trail from Petoskey to Mackinaw City, and travel the Inland Waterway from Crooked Lake to Lake Huron.
Your island adventure starts with Mackinac Island Ferry Company, offering adult round-trip ferry tickets. Interact with pirates on a thrilling Pirate Cruise or hop aboard a Hydro-Jet ferry to reach the island. Experience the ultimate adventure on Mackinac Island. From British Landing to Haldimand Bay, a world of excitement awaits you. Explore the island by land with options like biking the Iron Belle trail or horseback riding through wooded trails and historic streets. Dive into history at Fort Mackinac with captivating re-enactments, or join a spooky walking tour with Haunts of Mackinac. If water is more your element, soar through the straits with parasailing or embark on a kayaking tour with Great Turtle Kayak Tours.
The Keweenaw Peninsula is well-known for its exciting outdoor recreation opportunities. Cruise down scenic ATV trails on your way to a remote destination like High Rock, or join Keweenaw Adventure Company on a guided sea kayaking or mountain biking tour. There is no shortage of adventure here in the Keweenaw.
Looking for adventure on your next Petoskey area trip? You’ll want to check out these places in Boyne Falls, Petoskey, Harbor Springs, and more. In Boyne Falls and Harbor Springs you can find Boyne Mountain Resort and The Highlands of Harbor Springs. Both of these resorts have an adventure center full of activities like zip lining, Skybridge Michigan at Boyne Mountain, scenic chairlift rides, mountain bike trails, horseback rides, segway tours, and more. In Petoskey, for experienced adventurists you can brave some whitewater kayaking down the Bear River. There is equipment for rent at a couple different venues. Check out even more mountain bike trail options in their area by visiting here.
The Cadillac area has many recreational rental opportunities with watersports and ORV on their lakes, rivers and trails. Summer can be the best time to find a new "up north" adventure on a boat, jetski or jeep, so browse their website for details.
If you’re looking for endless summer adventure this season, there is no better time to visit the dynamic outdoor destination of Marquette County. With countless natural waterfalls to explore 83 miles of shoreline, 150 streams, over 300 lakes, and nearly 350 miles of some of the best hiking and biking trails in the U.S Marquette is the place to be for all your adventure travel needs.
Looking for a river to paddle in Michigan that has real rapids and a big 'fun-factor'? Look no further. The Pine River Paddlesports Center in Wellston, rents canoes, kayaks, and rafts on one of the only rivers in Michigan to contain Class I whitewater in the state - it's fun, splashy water that is sure to keep you coming back for more. Don't be fooled, though, the Pine River offers something for everyone - from 2-year old paddlers all the way up to 102 yrs old, you'll find fun at PRPC. Whether you prefer to paddle a quieter stretch of river, a section with more rapids than any river in the Lower Peninsula, or some combination of the two, the Pine River accommodates paddlers of all ages, experiences and skill levels.
Whether you're looking for a low-key adventure or a wild thrill on a hill, Crystal Mountain is the perfect destination for all adventure seekers. Explore Michigan Legacy Art Park on foot or pedal through miles of mountain bike trails. Test your aim with an archery tag or test your balance on the Edge Adventure Course and Zipline. Looking for a thrill with a view? Check out the new dual Crystal Coaster Alpine Slide (coming July) or Crystal Bungee Trampoline. There's so much to do on-site at Crystal but there's also miles or trails, views and adventures nearby in the Benzie County region. Learn more by visiting here.
Do you want to check skydiving off your bucket list? If so, you need to book a tandem skydive with Skydive Charlevoix. They specialize in first jumpers, making sure everyone is comfortable while creating exciting lifelong memories. While you soar over Charlevoix, you could see Beaver Island, Mackinac Island, Mackinac Bridge, and Lake Charlevoix.
Discover Northern Michigan Wine Country with the exclusive adventure package, perfect for exploring the scenic beauty, local farms, and tranquil waters at your own pace. Enjoy a day of cycling along the Leelanau Trail to Suttons Bay, indulging in a picnic lunch, and paddling on the serene bay waters with all necessary equipment and a brief lesson. Return to the Inn at Black Star Farms for a relaxing hospitality hour, making this package a delightful blend of adventure and winery escape.
