The Michigan Bucket List
November 15, 2014
THE ORIGINAL MICHIGAN BUCKET LIST | AS Shared Over 200,000 Times on Facebook
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Michigan is perhaps the most underrated state in the United States. For those that live here, we know how special it is. I’m just going to get straight to the point here with my Michigan Bucket List. These are the top 45 things to do in the Mitten before you die.
(Scroll to the end for the printable version - as listed on Etsy)
1. Hike the Porcupine Mountains
2. Hot Air Balloon At Sunset
3. Complete the Michigan “Shore-to-Shore” trail
4. Sleep on the beach
5. Zipline Boyne
6. Transport to the Sahara at Silver Lake Sand Dunes
7. Road trip M-22
8. Witness the galaxy at the International Dark Sky Park
9. Visit the National Holocaust Memorial
10. Cliff jump in Marquette
11. Disconnect at Nordhouse Dunes
12. Explore Grand Island in winter
13. Soak in the beauty of Tahquamenon Falls
14. Surf Lake Michigan
15. Check out a Grand Rapids Brewery
16. Climb Copper Peak Ski Jump
17. Go sailing
18. Spend the day on Torch Lake
19. Go on a Fall Color Tour
20. Visit Isle Royale
21. Conquer Sleeping Bear Dunes
22. Dog Sled in the U.P.
23. Experience Electric Forest Music Festival
24. Kayak to Turnip Rock
25.Visit the Toy Museum on Beaver Island
26. Climb a Lighthouse
27. Explore ‘The Ledges’ in Grand Ledge
28. Catch a Sunset on The Lakeshore
29. Ice Climb a frozen waterfall
30. See the Soo Locks
31. Hike Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
32. Camp in a Hammock
33. Road-trip around “The Thumb”
34. Spend the night at Big Bay Point Lighthouse
35. Go Mushroom Hunting
36. Sled at the Highlands Castle in Canadian Lakes
37. Get Stranded on South Manitou Island
38. Go to Hell
39. Bike around Mackinac Island
40. Bathe in a waterfall in Munising
41. Visit Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
42. Tour the Historic Ghost Town of Fayette
43. Snowboard/Ski At a Town Resort
44. Rent a Cottage “Up North”
45. Spend a Weekend Off-The-Grid
PRINTABLE MICHIGAN BUCKET LIST
Purchase the downloadable and printable version of The Michigan Bucket list on my Etsy shop here.
How Many Items Have You Completed on The Michigan Bucket List? What is Your Favorite Item On The List?
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At any given moment, Shalee is either lost, hunting for ice cream, or obsessively planning her next adventure.
Born and raised in rural Michigan, she began exploring the shores of Great Lakes as a teen, often sleeping in her car to save money. Eventually, her urge to explore pushed beyond her Midwest borders. Today, Shalee shares her tips and stories to thousands of readers interested in adventure and outdoor tourism. Her pack now includes two spunky hiking cats and her partner, Josh. Learn more about her here.
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how about golfing any of the gorgeous courses in Northern Michigan. Also, canoeing on the AuSable in the fall near Oscoda is awesome. Smelt fishing in Tawas in February. Cross Country skiing in the Huron National Forest out of Mio. Mackinaw Island lilac festival bike ride. Michigan Adventure Park on the west side. Lived in MI 62 years now and love my state.
Do the luge run at Muskegon winter sports complex and you can also skate the lighted skating trail.
Almost 50% completed! I’ve been lucky enough to see & visit many incredible parts of the world but Michigan is one special place. I grew up here near Grand Ledge (did the ledges innumerable times – way before they were popular!), had family cottages in central Michigan and on Little Traverse Bay (possibly one of the most beautiful spots in MI) went to MSU AND UM!, moved away for many years and never found another place like this.
You’re so right….if you’re bored here – then YOU must be boring!! The bucket list could be quadrupled or more depending on a person’s “likes”. A pet peeve are those with the “winter blahs”… It’s caused by them SITTING inside and looking outside! Not into winter sports (an endless list of those here…)? Then open the door and go for a walk! There are winter days so bright that it nearly blinds you but will forever be imprinted on your spirit.
Summer, Winter, Fall or Spring – Michigan is a place of natural wonder. It can’t be truly seen in a book or video – it’s got to be experienced personally. It’s no mistake that once one of the state slogans was:
Winter, Water Wonderland
4,6,13,15,16,17,21,22,26,27,28,30,31,35,39,42,43,44,45 so far… Another must is hike the 40 mile trail from Grand Maris to Munising via the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore Trail. 2-3 days is all you need. Late August-Early Sept. recommended.
This is the coolest post I’ve seen. I totally agree with you. Glad to be back after living in Arizona for 30 years.
I’m a true Michigan Girl….Born and lived most of my life in Metro-Detroit but I I’ve lived all around the state, large and very small cities. You are ABSOLUTELY RIGHT! Thanks for saying so!
[…] Love this Michigan Bucket List (thank you, Shalee!) […]
I need to leave San Diego and move back to Michigan…NOT
You are very smart to leave mich I gone.
The AuSable River Canoe Marathon from Grayling to Oscoda, the last weekend in July.
I recommend Stone Circle. Terry Wooten is one of the last poet bards. Very powerful and enriching!! http://terry-wooten.com/stone-circle.html
Agree wholeheartedly. I’ve been, and this is a stunning summer evening experience.
I love that the first picture on your blog is my hometown of Ludington. Make sure you check out The Mitten Bar (www.mittenbar.com) and its co-located sister bar, Barley&Rye, next time you’re there. Cheers!
I have done 8, 21,22,26,27,28,30,31,32,35,38, I also to the boat tour around Pictured Rocks and Henry Ford Museum, Greenfield Village,
These were two I wanted to add, too! And, as a Hollander, I have to add “see the tulips in Holland during Tulip Time”!
Oh, and visit wineries on Old Mission peninsula and attend a concert at the outdoor bandshell at Interlochen.
Visit the country’s first and only Barstillery™: Flat Lander’s in GR
Great bucket list. I’ve completed many of these and would add the following:
Visit Frankenmuth
Bird watch in Seney Nature Preserve
Drink wine around Leelanau Peninsula
Visit the ‘middle earth’ houses in Petoskey
Overnight at the Grand Hotel on Mackinac
Climb Castle Rock in St. Ignace
Explore Lakenenland sculpture park
Attend a Michigan beer festival
Go agate hunting in the U.P.
Visit Pictured Rocks
Take the ferry from Ludington to Wisconsin.
Yeah, I kind of love this state 3 seasons out of the year!
And also look for Petoskey Stones in Petoskey
Which season don’t you like–winter, or construction?
Oh, Deb, I forgot about Lakenenland. Very neat little sculpture park outside of Marquette.