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5 Best Things to Do in Michigan in June

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Promise and possibility define the month of June in Michigan. It’s the time of year when the lilacs are in bloom and the sun is shining endlessly, making the waters of the Great Lakes glisten and sparkle throughout the afternoon hours.

If you find yourself with a bit of free time, you will find that these are some of the best things to do in Michigan in June.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes
Silver Lake Sand Dunes | photo via andrew_balcom

Climb the Soft and Towering Dunes

Along the shores of the Great Lakes, shifting sand dunes line the coast. Seemingly emerging from the earth, these sand dunes are quite literally irresistible — not only to the young children who love to dig their toes into the impossibly soft sand but also to the adult adventurers who want to test their own strength and stamina.

Northern and Western Michigan are the two regions where you will find the best sand dunes in the state. 

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore

Michigan’s most famous sand dunes can be found in Northern Michigan. The Sleeping Bear Dunes include bluffs that rise more than 450 feet above the Lake Michigan shoreline, offering visitors the opportunity to climb the dunes, explore the trails, and soak up some of the most captivating views in the entire state.

Silver Lake Sand Dunes

Spanning more than 2,000 acres along the Lake Michigan shoreline, the Silver Lake Sand Dunes are some of the most fun and inviting dunes in Michigan. Not only can you climb these dunes, but you can take your recreational vehicle for a wild and bumpy ride.

Don’t own your own ORV? No worries, you can embark on a guided tour over these dunes — get ready to enjoy an adventure you won’t soon forget!

Related: Go Off-Road with Mac Wood’s Dune Rides in Silver Lake

Warren Dunes State Park

While not as iconic as the Sleeping Bear Dunes, the Warren Dunes are a worthwhile visit. These dunes tower more than 250 feet above Lake Michigan, allowing you to climb and hike to your heart’s content.

Kayaking-Munising-Pictured Rocks
Kayaking Pictured Rocks | photo via clara.craesmeyer

Go Kayaking Along Michigan’s Shorelines

With the winds light and breezy, the waters are particularly calm in June, which is ideal for those who love to kayak and paddle along the shorelines.

Turnip Rock

If you have the time and experience, one of the best kayak trips in Michigan is the journey to Turnip Rock in Port Austin. Turnip Rock is a geological phenomenon, seemingly tipped upside down in the waters of Lake Huron.

The only way to access this iconic rock is by paddling, so the kayak journey is particularly popular, especially in June. It takes about 3 or 4 hours round-trip to complete, and it’s recommended for experienced kayakers, though there are guided tours that you can book.

Pictured Rocks

Perhaps one of the most spectacular places to kayak in Michigan is along the shores of Lake Superior at Pictured Rocks. You will enjoy some of the most stunning views of the rocks from the water, but this adventure is best reserved for a guided tour.

The waters of Lake Superior are notoriously unpredictable, and even the most skilled kayakers can find themselves in emergency situations. Several tour companies offer guided kayak tours of Pictured Rocks, allowing you to safely enjoy this once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Huron River

As an inland water trail, the Huron River Water Trail is the perfect place for kayakers of all skill levels and ages to go paddling. The Huron River is known for its docile waters, and the views along the water trail are unbeatable, allowing you to enjoy a relaxing and refreshing journey through the heart of Southeast Michigan.

Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery-Traverse City-suesparkmanshiflett
Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery | photo via overmyerkelli

Sip Wine at Your Favorite Northern Michigan Wineries

There’s no better way to let the stress and frustration of winter melt away than to embark on a winery tour in Northern Michigan.

Not only are the growing conditions nearly perfect for grapes in this region, but the views are unbeatable, making the wineries in Traverse City and the surrounding area some of the most enjoyable ones in the state.

You may want to take a tour of the following wine trails in June before the summer crowds begin in earnest.

Traverse City Wine and Beer Trail

This trail through the heart of downtown Traverse City will take you to various wine-tasting rooms as well as microbreweries, giving you the ability to sample all of your favorite beverages without ever leaving town.

Old Mission Peninsula

Not far away from downtown Traverse City, you will find the Old Mission Peninsula Trail, which is home to 10 wineries and a handful of boutique hotels and inns.

From estate-style wineries like Mari Vineyards to quaint and charming wineries like Peninsula Cellars, you are sure to find a space that suits your style and appeals to your palate.

Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail

Just a few miles away from Traverse City, the Leelanau Peninsula Wine Trail begins in Suttons Bay. It’s larger than its Old Mission Peninsula counterpart, so you will have more wineries to choose from on this trail.

Don’t forget to also check out Suttons Bay Ciders, which is known for its picture-perfect views of Grand Traverse Bay.

Awesome Michigan June Events - The Awesome Mitten
Michigan Challenge Balloonfest | photo via michiganchallenge.com

Take to the Skies in a Hot Air Balloon Ride

While there’s so much to enjoy in Michigan on the ground — from the blooming orchards to the waves lapping up on the Great Lakes shorelines — there’s something to be said about enjoying the state from a bird’s eye view.

Throughout the month of June, there are several ways that you can enjoy a hot air balloon festival or ride in Michigan.

Hudsonville Balloon Days

On the west side of the state, the Hudsonville Balloon Days take place each year in June. This three-day festival takes place on the Hudsonville Fairgrounds, and throughout the festival, bright and colorful balloons take to the skies over Hudsonville. Don’t miss the evening glow flight, in which the balloons light up the dusky sky.

Michigan Challenge Balloonfest

At the end of June, the Michigan Challenge Balloonfest takes place in Howell, bringing the magic and whimsy of hot air ballooning to Southeastern Michigan. During this festival, some of the state’s most experienced hot air balloon pilots take their colorful balloons into the sky for a spectacular scene over the city.

Sky Adventures

If you are looking to take a trip on a hot air balloon, rather than watch them float above you, you will want to head to Sky Adventures in Oxford, which offers hot air balloon rides. For nearly 50 years, this locally-owned company has been taking hot air balloon enthusiasts into the sky for unforgettable experiences and spectacular views over Oakland and Lapeer counties.

Eastern Market-Detroit
Eastern Market | photo via rachel.randolph

Shop Local at the Best Farmers’ Markets in Michigan

Michigan’s agricultural scene begins to blossom in June when the first crops of the season start to arrive. Whether you are searching for flowers, plants, fresh produce, or artisan baked goods, you will find that the best place to go shopping in Michigan in June is at a local farmers’ market.

Nearly every community in Michigan has its own farmers’ market on a weekly or monthly basis, but these are some of the most famous farmers’ markets in the state:

Eastern Market 

Described as a commercial neighborhood in Detroit, Eastern Market has been providing locals with fresh, handmade goods for more than 150 years.

In addition to vendors selling fresh produce, food, craft products, and more, you will enjoy live music and other entertainment as you wander through this larger-than-life market.

Fulton Street Market 

Established more than 100 years ago in downtown Grand Rapids, the Fulton Street Market continues to be one of the largest and most successful farmers’ markets in West Michigan.

Throughout the main season, which lasts from May until October, you will find fresh produce, handmade arts and crafts, freshly prepared food, delicious desserts, and more.

Grand Rapids Downtown Market 

While slightly different than your typical farmers’ market in Michigan, the Grand Rapids Downtown Market is a year-round facility that features more than 18 different indoor food vendors.

Throughout the market, you will discover culinary delights from around the world, including coffee shops, a gourmet popcorn company, ice cream vendors, an olive oil company, and several restaurants that feature authentic cuisine from around the world.

No matter where you are in Michigan in June, you are likely to find a weekly farmers’ market in that community. From the market that is located next to the iconic fountain in Kellogg Park in downtown Plymouth to the eclectic farmer’s market at the tip of the Thumb in Port Austin, you will find that the best way to start any Michigan summer weekend is with a trip to the market.

best summer things to do in michigan

Plan Your June Michigan Adventure Today

Whether you are craving an adventure or in dire need of a bit of relaxation, you will find that there are plenty of summer things to do in Michigan in June that fit the bill. This is the month when Michigan comes to life, and the entire state is buzzing with excitement. Begin planning your next Michigan getaway today.

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