Please recommend a place to visit in Michigan

We are from Indiana and are trying to plan a weekend trip that is fairly close. We have never really visited Michigan, so I thought it would be a good opportunity now. We thought about Mackinac Island, but with further research it doesn%26#39;t look like alot of it is open this early in the year. We figured that we should probably wait a few months when it starts to get warmer.

So anyway, I was hoping someone might be able to recommend a good place to visit maybe towards the south along the Indiana border. What we would like is a place that is on the lake, maybe where we could rent a cottage on the lake? Maybe a town that has little shops that you can walk to. Is there a place that is anything like Mackinac Island? We also have two children ages 7 and 3 so would prefer some family activities.

Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks!

Please recommend a place to visit in Michigan

Mackinaw Island is fairly unique but there are many places along the west coast of the state that will suit a family well. New Buffalo, South Haven, and Harbor Springs would all be worth considering. New Buffalo would be the closest to you.

Please recommend a place to visit in Michigan

The Lake Michigan shoreline from Charlevoix to Harbor Springs and beyond gets my vote.

';that is on the lake, maybe where we could rent a cottage on the lake?';

South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, or Grand Haven might do.

Guess it depends on what you want to do.

They are all within a 2 hour ride of the Michigan%26#39;Iniana border.

My vote would be for South Haven. There is a small downtown area that is easy to walk around, and, of course, beautiful beaches. There is also a nice park with on a bluff above the south beach were I used to take my kids to play when they were small. It has a lot of fort-type jungle gynm structures that are a lot of fun for kids. Just be warned - I%26#39;m only 5%26#39;3'; and I kept bumping my head following them through the playground structures. I live in Indy now, and I would guess that South Haven is less than 4 hours from here.

If you visit in the spring or early summer, the lake may be too cool for swimming, but the beaches are always lovely. I%26#39;ve been to several oceanfront beaches that I didn%26#39;t enjoy as much as Lake Michigan beaches. Hope you find the perfect spot for your trip.

I second South Haven/Saugatuck area.

If not, then try further north and see Ludington or Holland. Holland has a Dutch history and there is quite a few tourist attractions, as well as an excellent beach (in the state park), as well as a beach on the inland Lake Macatawa. Lots of nice shops downtown, pretty parks, plenty of restaurants, motels/hotels, rental cottages, and so on.

If you are looking to go soon, try the Holland Tulip Festival!

www.michigan.org is a site done by Travel Michigan...that might help you get some great ideas.

Have fun!