The Summer of Josh and Jase in Michigan: All the “You Shoulds” from Locals
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Michiganders have never exactly been shy about bragging on their state. So when social superstars Josh and Jase announced a return to Michigan for summer 2026, it didn’t take long for The Awesome Mitten community to start offering their own must-see picks.
In a state where too many winter tourists ask, “How can you handle this cold?”, Brits Josh and Jase embraced every aspect. They blasted their adventures out on a social media following that piled up faster than a UP snowpack. These two affable friends did more than see Michigan; they connected to its soul.
Now, the Brits are coming back for more than three weeks, arriving July 24th and leaving August 17th, 2026. We expect the same “kid on Christmas morning” energy from the pair, only this time, we hope they hunt some Easter eggs — the hidden treasures, off the beaten path, and experience Michigan as the locals do.
That’s where YOU come in. We’ve been thrilled with the response when we asked what you think Josh and Jase should do in their new season of exploration. As always, you didn’t disappoint.
Who Are Josh and Jase?
Josh Cauldwell-Clarke and Jason Riley, better known as Jase, are two friends from Nottingham, England, who have built a massive following simply by experiencing America with genuine curiosity and zero pretense. Their reactions to everything from gas stations to Great Lakes sunsets have earned them more than 5.7 million followers across social media.
While already popular in January 2025, their Michigan arrival catapulted them to new fame. For three weeks in January, the duo dealt with blizzards, an emergency room trip, and barely saying the name of any Michigan location correctly.
However, their wide-eyed splendor reminded us of why Michigan is so darn special in the first place. Even Jase said during an interview with Hour Detroit, “I wanted to say it was so nice, we had to do it twice.”
“No one chooses to come to Michigan in the winter for tourism. The fact that you did, during the coldest darkest 3 weeks of our winter, during the time when we are just trying to survive, and the fact that you put a smile on so many peoples faces and did so much good while you were here has endeared you to Michigan in a way that you can never quite understand.” — Joshua Craft/Facebook Comment
The Awesome Mitten Community’s Picks for Josh and Jase’s Visit
While we don’t have much influence over what Josh and Jase do in Michigan this summer, there is no shortage of ideas. With so many awesome summer festivals to choose from, U-Pick fruit farms, and epic road trips, we can’t help but give them a nudge from those who know Michigan best.
If you’re reading this, tag the pair on social media and see if we can help get them to places the Awesome Mitten community emphatically suggested.
Big Summer Thrills
Silver Lake Sand Dunes | Silver Lake State Park
One of the most popular suggestions (with good reason) is taking a dune ride on the Silver Lake Sand Dunes. Not only are the views epic, but the experience is also the only one of its kind this side of the Mississippi River! Go for the buggy ride, stay for the Lake Michigan views.
Michigan Storm Chasers
The Awesome Mitten fans mentioned several times that Josh and Jase should team up with Michigan Storm Chasers to hunt down some wicked weather. Even when the storm chasing team asked Josh and Jase to come along, they replied: “Sounds like we need to chase a storm.” Will they get to see a classic Midwestern storm setup? Records show that July and August are two of the busiest months for twisters.
Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes Climb | Empire
Josh & Jase already tackled Sleeping Bear Sand Dunes in winter with one hilariously questionable sledding attempt. Now they need to come back in summer, trade the sleds for hiking shoes, and take on the legendary Dune Climb.
Michigan History & Cultural Gems
Saginaw Chippewa Powwow | Mount Pleasant
Attending an Indigenous powwow is a must for appreciating the culture of Michigan’s first people. The Saginaw Chippewa Powwow in Mount Pleasant (July 24-26, 2026) would be the perfect way to kick off their trip when they arrive.
Josh & Jase’s energetic personalities would fit right in with the powerful drumming, colorful regalia, dancing, and community spirit found here.
If the powwow dates don’t work out, they could also stop at the Ziibiwing Center in Mount Pleasant to explore the Saginaw Chippewa Tribe’s stories, art, and history.
Read More: Everything You Need to Know to Visit a Michigan Powwow This Summer
Greenfield Village | Dearborn
This is a spot where you can step into the streets where history comes alive. Greenfield Village lets you ride in a Model T, watch skilled artisans at work, and explore nearly 300 years of American innovation. It’s part history lesson, part time travel, and exactly the kind of uniquely American experience Josh and Jase would appreciate.
Copper Mine Tour | Keweenaw Peninsula
The Keweenaw Peninsula tells the story of the copper boom that helped shape Michigan, and Awesome Mitten readers think the best way to experience it is underground. Whether Josh and Jase tour an old mine or explore one of the region’s historic sites, they’ll get a firsthand look at the industry that dug its way into history.
Michigan’s Majestic Views
Tahquamenon Falls State Park | Paradise
While we’re a fan of a road trip between Hell and Paradise, we know the Brits would be bewildered by the sight of Michigan’s largest waterfall at Tahquamenon Falls State Park. Between the new boardwalk and the root beer color of the falls, our fans would love to see them give this park some love. We’ll just need to teach them how to pronounce Tahquamenon, probably.
Lake of the Clouds | Porcupine Mountains
We know Josh and Jase are planning to head back to the Upper Peninsula, and if they do, Awesome Mitten readers have one request: don’t miss Lake of the Clouds. The overlook is one of Michigan’s most photographed views, with rolling forest, rugged ridges, and a lake that seems to stretch on forever. It’s a classic U.P. stop for a reason.
Brockway Mountain | Copper Harbor
We know from their winter Michigan visit that Josh and Jase saw the sunset from Copper Harbor. However, our fans want them to see it from the glorious perch point at Brockway Mountain. At more than 1,300 feet above sea level and with a road leading right to it, no worries about that winter snowpack.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore | Munising
Pictured Rocks is one of Michigan’s most unforgettable landscapes, and kayaking beneath the towering cliffs is the ultimate way for this energetic duo to experience it up close.
Isle Royale National Park | Isle Royale
With less than 30,000 visitors in 2025, Isle Royale National Park remains the least-visited national park in the lower 48. If Josh and Jase take a trip to the remote piece of Michigan paradise, more people will get to see what it offers. Considering they thought they reached the northernmost point in Michigan, isn’t it time we show them where it REALLY is?
Headlands International Dark Sky Park | Mackinaw City
While Michigan’s night skies are epic any time of year, Josh and Jase will be visiting during the Perseid Meteor Show. In addition, the cosmic display happens during the new moon in mid-August, meaning they would get a chance to see up to 100 meteors per hour.
Places to Slow Down
Tunnel of Trees
Sure, you’ll want to check Michigan’s beaches and Lake Michigan sunsets off the list, but our readers say the Tunnel of Trees is a summer drive Josh and Jase need to experience. This scenic stretch of M-119 winds through northern Michigan with lake overlooks, towering trees, and small towns that are worth slowing down for.
Benny the Beard Fisher | Germfask
Yoopers have long called Lower Peninsula residents “trolls” because they live below the Mackinac Bridge. Now Josh & Jase can meet a troll who actually lives in the UP: Benny the Beard Fisher, a 30-foot-long wooden giant relaxing along the Manistique River. Built from recycled cedar, branches, and saplings, he’s a quirky art stop with a very Michigan sense of humor.
Cross in the Woods | Indian River
We know Josh has a spiritual side and runs a Facebook page called Josh’s Faith Corner. That’s yet another reason visiting Indian River’s Cross in the Woods would be a great stop for Josh and Jase on their Michigan summer visit. It’s the largest crucifix in the world, with seven shrines, a chapel, and a gift shop.
Musical Fountain | Grand Haven
If Josh and Jase enjoyed the famous fountain display at Watermouth Castle back home, Awesome Mitten readers think they need to see Michigan’s version. The Grand Haven Musical Fountain has been entertaining visitors since the 1960s with towering water displays choreographed to lights and music. It’s a hometown tradition that has become one of the state’s most iconic summer evening attractions.
The Cascades Waterfall | Jackson
Another perfect way to spend a relaxing summer evening is watching The Cascades light up Jackson with its colorful display. Plus, we’re standing by with a list of 28 hidden gems in Jackson County to inspire their adventure.
Awesome Mitten’s Editors “You Should” List for Josh and Jase in Michigan
As much as exploring a new place is fun, we understand that Josh and Jase might get a little homesick. It’s a good thing there are so many Michigan towns with European names to discover.
Beyond that, our editors offered this list of ideas for Josh and Jase, based on their enthusiasm and our knowledge of all things Michigan.
- Find an elusive Petoskey stone
- Jump off a cliff at Marquette’s Black Rocks
- Celebrate Christmas in July at Bronner’s
- Visit (and learn to pronounce) Kitch–iti-Kipi
- Experience a Glass Bottom Shipwreck Tour
As for our predictions of where Josh and Jase will end up in Michigan this summer — they’ve already said they want to see Mackinac Island in the summer. However, enough hints have been dropped that Jase is a huge Eminem fan. Will the real Slim Shady stand up with the Brits this summer in Michigan? We’re thinking… no, yeah.
How to Follow Josh and Jase During Their Summer Michigan Tour
You can follow Josh and Jase on the social media platform of your choice:
- Josh and Jase on Facebook
- Instagram for Josh and Jase
- Follow them on YouTube
- Also on TikTok
- Josh’s Instagram Account
- Jase’s Instagram Account
In the spirit of full transparency, several Ohio fans sent in suggestions of places Josh and Jase should consider visiting there. Top recommendations were… ope… we’re out of time. 😄