Just when you wonder if it’s ever going to happen, spring springs forth once again, inviting the north-dwelling world outdoors to enjoy its splendor. If you’ve been in a state of torpor for the past few months and are ready to emerge from your cozy winter nest, here are some ideas to inspire you to get out!
Go Island Hopping
Michigan has more than 3,000 islands, and while only about 400 are named, that’s still a surprising number. Among the favorites are Mackinac, Isle Royale, and Belle Isle, each with its own appeal. Spring is an optimal time to visit Mackinac Island, as it’s generally more budget friendly and less crowded. Opening day for tourist season is the first Friday in May, with a sneak peek happening the week before, when ferries start running again. Of particular interest are carriage tours, Fort Mackinac, and The Secret Garden at the Grand Hotel.
Isle Royale, among the least visited National Parks in the lower 48, is the largest island in Michigan and includes around 450 smaller islands. It’s perfect if you’re looking to truly get away and be immersed in pristine wilderness. The island can be accessed by boat from Houghton and Copper Harbor and has a range of accommodations—from lodges to backcountry camping. For a more urban experience that’s ideal for a day trip is Belle Isle near downtown Detroit, which has a conservatory, aquarium, golf, and miles of trails to wander.
Cruise the Big Lake
Lake Michigan and its surrounding waters are hosts to several boating tour operators who provide a refreshing way to experience the region’s signature wind and waves. Big Blue GH out of Grand Haven is one of the newest to join the ranks and offers two-hour afternoon and sunset tours on the Grand River and Lake Michigan. They even have coolers available so you can bring your own beverages! Star of Saugatuck is another popular option. This authentic sternwheeler paddlewheel boat features narrated sightseeing cruises embarking from the Kalamazoo River and then venturing onto the big lake. They also have a variety of themed excursions and events.
In addition, there’s Holland Princess, a Victorian-style paddlewheel riverboat that traverses Lake Macatawa and Lake Michigan. You can take a scenic lunch or dinner tour, and they have sunset and fireworks tours with dinner service, as well.
Swing the Greens
Michigan is home to hundreds (and hundreds) of golf courses, with several of them earning national and statewide recognition. Eight actually landed on Golf Digest’s ‘25-‘26 "America’s 100 Greatest Public Courses!" Among them are Arcadia Bluffs and Arcadia Bluffs South Course, with the former boasting beautiful shoreline views and the latter offering a more challenging terrain. If you’re headed to Roscommon, you’ll find three more list-makers there—The Loop: Red, The Loop: Black, and Forest Dunes Golf Club. And, eking by at number 100, and absolutely worth a visit for its picturesque setting, is Bay Harbor Golf Club on Little Traverse Bay.
Attend a Festival
Circling back to Mackinac, one of the more spring-welcoming events is the Lilac Festival, which typically occurs in early June. You can take in the purple hues and fragrant blooms by carriage, bicycle, foot. Plus, there’s a parade, a 10K, live music, and more. Also synonymous with spring is Tulip Time in Holland. If you’re planning to go, our friends at the festival encourage taking their curated VIP Tour. It’s led by a guide dressed in traditional Dutch garb, and includes extras, such as lunch, tickets to Windmill Island, and many behind-the-scenes tidbits. This tour helps guests get the most out of the festival, but if you’d rather DIY, definitely go to tuliptime.com to build your itinerary beforehand.
Muskegon’s Lakeshore Arts Festival is also a West Michigan favorite. Though it runs in late June, now is the perfect time to start thinking ahead! This two-day event in downtown is a celebration of fine art and hand-crafted items, with music, a food market, kids’ activities, street performers, and art stations, too.
Explore by Kayak
You’re probably used to seeing Pictured Rocks and Turnip Rock as top paddling destinations in Michigan. These two are highly recommended for their unique formations (and caves!), plus sparkling Lake Superior and Lake Huron waters. But, did you know you can kayak the waterways of Detroit? There’s a canal tour where you can learn about the area’s history, trips to Peche Isle and the aforementioned Belle Isle, and special after-dark tours—all through Detroit River Sports.
Allison Kay Bannister has been a West Michigan resident since 1987 and a professional writer since 2002. A GVSU alumna, she launched her own freelance writing business in 2017. Allison is a cookie connoisseur, word nerd, aspiring gardener, and metastatic breast cancer thriver who loves traveling in Michigan and beyond, and enjoys art, world cuisine, wine, music, and making homemade preserves.
This article originally appeared in the Spring ’26 issue of West Michigan Woman.
