Here in Mid-Michigan, life is beginning to wake up from the long, cold winter. Trees are starting to bud and greenery from early spring flowers is starting to sprout. Spring will be in full bloom in no time. And with it, I’ve started planning my adventures and hikes for the season.
Camp, hike, and explore all spring long with these bucket list items.
Visit Waterfalls
My top favorite thing to do in spring is visit waterfalls. Between the snowmelt from early spring, and spring showers, waterfalls are at their best. An added bonus? Wildflowers, such as Marsh Marigolds, can be found at many of these waterfalls.
Some of my favorite springtime favorite waterfalls are:
- Wagner Falls – Munising, MI
- Hungarian Falls – Keweenaw Peninsula, MI
- Miners Falls – Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, MI
- Laughing Whitefish Falls – Rock River Township, MI
Attend a Flower Festival
Celebrating Tulips in May in Holland, Michigan is something everyone should experience at least once. This 8-day festival a variety of evens and activities, including dutch dancing, tall ship dockside tours, and an artisan market.
And of course, my personal favorite, the tulips. Millions of tulips fill public parks, attractions, and streets to immerse visitors in the vibrant colors of these beautiful flowers.
Another favorite is the Lilac Festival on Mackinac Island in June. Take a boat ride to the island and participate in the Lilac Festival Run & Walk, enjoy local, learn about lilacs, and watch the festival parade. Or take a stroll through town and stop to smell the lilacs.
Additional Flower Festivals that are on my bucket list are:
- National Cherry Festival – Traverse City, MI (July)
- Lavender Festival – Imlay City, MI (July)
Take a Hike Among the Wildflowers
Spring hikers are rewarded with trails lined with unique and colorful wildflowers throughout spring. From the less common Lady Slippers to the popular Trillium. Wildflowers of all shapes and sizes can be found on every trail.
Want to make your hike a little more interesting? Take a Michigan Wildflower Scavenger hunt! Create your own list or use a pre-made one online.
Go Camping
Camping in Michigan has become a popular pastime (again). Try to beat the summer crowds by visiting campgrounds throughout the state early in the spring. Refreshing nights huddled around a nice, toasty fire and watching the crystal clear night sky is the perfect way to kick off the spring season.
Hike a Mountain
Beat the summer heat and climb “Michigan Mountain.” Some of my favorites include:
- Sugarloaf Mountain, Marquette
- Silver Mountain, Baraga County
- Mount Arvon, Baraga County
- Hogback Mountain, Marquette
- Brockway Mountain, Copper Harbor
Watch the Bird Migration at Whitefish Point
On the shores of Lake Superior, Whitefish Point is a natural migration corridor that brings thousands of birds every spring and fall. This area has recorded over 340 bird species. Everything from raptors to waterbirds. This unique experience is a great way to see these birds in the wild and encourage publish awareness that is critical for bird conservation.
Learn more about the Whitefish Point Bird Observatory.
What’s On Your Spring Bucket list?
Spring offers many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. The world is waking up again and waiting for your next adventure to begin.
So, what’s on your bucket list?