As the days get longer, we usher in a new season with promises of warmth and rebirth.
Purple crocus carpet the ground, buds burst from the trees, and the welcome sound of song birds returning ignites something within us. We are ready to come out of winter hibernation, a time of rest, and soak up the coming months with a rejuvenated energy.
Northern Michigan offers an abundance of activities to welcome in the Spring. From biking, to blossom tours, to the start of festival season, and more, it is the perfect time to discover something new in this great Midwest region.
Biking the Heritage Trail
A great way to see the change in the seasons is to bike the Sleeping Bear Heritage Trail. This scenic 20 mile paved trail connects you to some of the greatest sights in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore Park. There are plenty of opportunities to stop along the way and take in the wonders of the season, view the renowned overlooks, climb the dunes, as well as stop to fuel up at great restaurants just a stone's throw away from the trail.
Don’t have a bike? No worries! The Cyclery has you covered! Part of the Crystal River Outfitters family, The Cyclery has bikes for rent for Half Days, Full Days, Weekends and Weekly rentals. Conveniently located in Glen Arbor, it is about half-way through the trail and a perfect jumping off point to see the sights.
Village Cheese Shanty
The Village Cheese Shanty, a beloved Northern Michigan sandwich shop, also opens its doors on April 15th! Located in the picturesque town of Leland, (aka- Fishtown, as it is a Lake Michigan port for the fishing industry) this cheese and sandwich haven boasts cheeses from all around the world and dozens of delicious sandwiches perfect for spring picnics. Try their pretzel bread- a fan favorite among tourists and locals alike!
Cherry Blossom Tours
The Japanese call the act of viewing spring blossoms ‘Hanami’ (literally translated to ‘flower viewing’) and Northern Michigan offers a variety of drives to view the spectacular blooms of the cherry tree.
Traverse City boasts of being ‘The Cherry Capital of the World’, and if you drive out M-37 on the Old Mission Peninsula on a sunny day in May, you will be greeted with hundreds of blossoming cherry trees.
Or try heading North on US 31 from Acme township to Torch Lake, you will be treated to a dazzling show of blossoms intermittently spaced out between towns and views of different bodies of water.
Don’t forget that M-22 offers up stunning views of both blossoms and vines as you drive North on the Leelanau Peninsula as well!
As of this writing, there is no concrete prediction on when those gorgeous blooms will make an appearance- typically the blossoms are here for only a few days in mid-May. For more information on cherry blossom tours, click here.
Mushrooms Festival
For all of our forager friends- the Mesick Mushroom Festival is back for its 63rd year. From May 6th-8th, come see why Mesick is the ‘small town, with a big heart’ at this one-of-a-kind festival.
There will be opportunities to hunt the rare and beloved morel mushroom, an arts and craft show, and lectures with notable authors chatting about mushroom hunting. A 5k run, parade, and carnival will also be taking place. Visit their website for a complete listing of scheduled events.
Other Notable Spring Happenings
Arcadia Bluffs Golf Course opens for the season on April 1st
Trout Fishing Season officially starts April 30th
The historic Mackinac Island Grand Hotel opens their doors for their 135th year on May 6th
Spring in Northern Michigan is something to behold. It is a tour-de-force for the senses as you take in the wonders of the season. Proceed with caution, and be prepared for some fickle weather! Cold and sleet are not uncommon, but most days are temperate and sunny as the world wakes up and shakes off the winter. Weather aside, you can feel the excitement of the promise of spring days everywhere you turn. Take the time to visit a new restaurant, take a hike and see the new growth in the woods, admire the blossoms and enjoy all the bounties of a new season in NoMI!
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