Close-to-Home Summer Adventures in Michigan and Wisconsin
Planning a big summer vacation can be overwhelming. However, you don’t need to travel far for a getaway! Michigan and Wisconsin offer a summer full of adventures perfect for day trips or long weekends, with activities for the whole family, no plane ticket needed.
Enjoy a Cruise on the S.S. Badger
Explore the historic vessel, play a round of Badger Bingo, or enjoy a peaceful Shoreline Cruise with onboard dining, live entertainment, and a front-row seat to the breathtaking views of Lake Michigan.
Whether it brings you closer to your final destination like the ones recommended below, or you’re just along for the journey, we have plenty of activities and amenities for you and your family to enjoy.
Shoreline Cruise Views on the S.S. Badger
Rediscover the Great Outdoors 🏖️
First up: nature. It’s kind of our superpower in the Midwest. In Michigan, places like Sleeping Bear Dunes or Ludington State Park (re-opening July 1st) are perfect spots to explore beautiful landscapes. You can spend the whole day hiking, swimming, or just sitting with your feet in the sand and a cherry soda in hand.
Across the lake in Wisconsin, it’s a similar vibe. Door County is like a postcard come to life with its cliffs, lighthouses, and cute little villages. If you’ve never paddled out into the sea caves of the Apostle Islands, put it on your list—you’ll thank yourself later.
Sprawling aerial view of Ludington State Park, Big Sable Lighthouse, and Lake Michigan
Find Family Fun Attractions 🎢
If you’ve got kids—or maybe you’re just a kid at heart—there are plenty of places to let loose. Michigan’s Adventure park in Muskegon is packed with rollercoasters, fairway games, and a waterpark to cool off when the sun gets too bold. Great Wolf Lodge in Traverse City is an easy win for families looking to escape for a night or two.
Wisconsin goes big with Wisconsin Dells, a.k.a. the “Waterpark Capital of the World.” And yeah, it earns the title. Whether you’re into thrill slides or lazy rivers, you’ll find something splash-worthy.
Interior of Kalahari Waterpark in the Wisconsin Dells
Enjoy Music, Art, and Local Flavor 🎶
Summer also means festival season. Food, drinks, live music, hot air balloons, historic tours, you name it! There is something for everyone to enjoy:
- Michigan Beer & Brat Festival in Thompsonville, MI
- Love Ludington Weekend in Ludington, MI
- The 99th Annual National Cherry Festival in Traverse City, MI
- Summerfest in Milwaukee, WI
- Lakeshore Balloon Glow in Manitowoc, WI
- 60th Annual Fyr Bal Fest in Ephraim, WI
Lakeshore Balloon Glow event in Manitowoc, WI
So… Do You Really Need to Go Far?
You don’t have to hop on a plane or spend a fortune to have a summer worth remembering. Whether it’s paddleboarding on a Great Lake, catching a local concert, or just taking the long way home through your favorite park, Michigan and Wisconsin have everything you need—right here.