Best Northern Michigan Vacation Destinations

We’re located at the epicenter of some of the best family tourist attractions in Northern Michigan. Fun things to do include checking out 19th century life at Houghton Lake Historical Village, getting your motor running at Merritt Speedway or partaking in a multitude of recreational activities at North Higgins Lake State Park. These and other hot spots await you when you choose to make our resort hotel your vacation destination.

Houghton Lake Historical Village. Enjoy stepping back in time in a 19th century pioneer village. Visit several historic buildings including a school, general store, print shop, blacksmith shop, barber shop, chapel and carriage shop. During Village Days there are demonstrations of pioneer crafts, children’s games, a story teller and live musical entertainment. For more information, visit www.houghtonlakehistory.com.

Merritt Speedway. A nearly 40-year tradition in Northern Michigan, Merritt Speedway is the state’s finest clay-oval motor sports facility. Every Saturday night during the summer, you can enjoy action-packed, competitive dirt track racing. Throughout the regular racing season, Merritt Speedway offers a number of special events. For more information, visit www.merritt-speedway.com.  [Top]

North Higgins Lake State Park. Located on what was once the world’s largest seedling nursery, North Higgins Lake State Park features an amazing variety of tree, plant, bird and animal species. Activities include swimming, fishing, hiking, boating and cross-country skiing. For more information, visit www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=478.

Hartwick Pines State Park. Situated on more than 9,000 acres, Hartwick Pines is one of the largest state parks in the Lower Peninsula. The park’s rolling hills overlook the valley of the East Branch of the AuSable River, four small lakes and unique timber lands. The principal feature of the park is the 49-acre forest of old growth pines. For more information, visit www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/ParksandTrailsInfo.aspx?id=453.  [Top]

Snow Snake Ski & Golf. Outdoor enthusiasts will be very enthusiastic about Snow Snake Ski & Golf, home to tremendous downhill skiing and snowboarding in the winter and Golf Digest’s four-star rated 18-hole golf course in the summer. For more information, visit www.snowsnake.net.

Funland Amusement Park. Kids of all ages will enjoy this awesome amusement park that features a great selection of thrill rides, go-carts and arcade games. It’s good, clean family fun-and affordable, too. For more information, call 989.422.5204.  [Top]

Wellington Farm USA. Experience what life was like in rural mid-America during the Great Depression at Wellington Farm, USA-a 60-acre open-air interpretive museum. Through a series of displays, a wide variety of exhibits and beautiful natural settings, the park provides a unique window into this precarious period of U.S. history. For more information, visit www.wellingtonfarmpark.org,

Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival. Each September, fire chiefs, firefighters, EMS and thousands of friends and family from all over the world gather for the Michigan Firemen’s Memorial Festival. Their goal is to pay tribute to the memory of the valiant firefighters who gave the supreme sacrifice of their lives while protecting their communities. Arts and crafts will be on display along with demonstrations by fire vendors. For more information, visit www.firemensmemorial.org.  [Top]

Tanger Outlet Center. Shop Tanger Outlet Center in West Branch, Michigan and buy direct from over 80 brand name manufacturer and designer outlet stores, including Polo Ralph Lauren, Liz Claiborne, Coach and more! For more information, visit www.tangeroutlet.com/centers/frameset.html?i=/centers/index.html?center=HOW.

Hartwick Pines Logging Museum. Hartwick Pines Logging Museum is nestled among the towering trees of one of Michigan’s largest remaining stands of virgin white pine. A paved trail through the forest leads visitors to the 300-year-old Monarch pine, a remnant of the ancient forests that once covered most of northern Michigan. For more information, visit www.michigan.gov/hal/0,1607,7-160-17447_18595_18605-50722--,00.html.  [Top]

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