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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This is a great list, but why single out Grand Rapids when there are so many great breweries in the state? If you are looking for unique try the brewery at Tahquamenon Falls.
Thanks for the idea! I also just checked out Shorts brewery in Bellaire last weekend…very cool!
13, 18, 21, 22, 28, 31, 38, 39, 44, 45 though I have been dog sledding in the lower
Also running across the Ambassador Bridge at sun rise!
I recommend spending the night in a lighthouse in the Keweenaw, we did, and it was amazing. The Victorian Christmas parade in Manistee is gorgeous too.
What was the lighthouses name? I’d love to do that!
Jacobsville Lighthouse Inn, in Lake Linden area. Hard to get to, but worth it!
I like a challenge 🙂
13, 21, 22, 25, 26, 27, 28, 30, 38, 39, 41, 44 (i own a cabin up north in the UP, does that count?), 45. Sad to say that after almost 40 years of living in this great state, I’ve only done 13 of these.
But I have climbed the Pine Mountain ski jump, spent hours admiring the rocks at Whitefish Point (my favorite place), explored Piers Gorge and Devil’s Icebox, picked up stray iron ore pellets from the railroad in Iron Mountain (Home of Izzo), and many more. The list is endless of what we Michiganders have access to without ever leaving the state. So blessed!
We are! Those are all amazing that you have completed. I climbed the Pine Mountain ski jump as a kid and would love to get back and do it again. Thanks for sharing those!
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I’ll keep it in mind, thanks!
I’ve got 10 under my belt so far. Great list. 🙂
Thank you!!
Sledding at the Highlands Castle in Canadian Lakes? How fantastic that this made your list. My wife’s father was Donald Bollman. What a great tribute to him.
Awesome!! I grew up in the area and made sure to sled there every winter growing up. Such a beautiful and peaceful place. Thanks for sharing!
Great ideas!! Keep up expanding the list with your new adventures!
1,7,13,15,16,21,22,26,28,30,31,33,38,39,41,42,43,44,45
Take the Toonerville Trolley Train and Boat ride located in Soo Junction off M-28 (Upper Peninsula)
Gander at the Ypsilanti water tower.