15 Must-Take Michigan Day Trips in May
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If you’ve been itching for warmer weather and want to get outside and explore in May, these Michigan day trip ideas offer plenty of options. Which destinations will you add to your adventures this month?
Bird Watching at Whitefish Point
A prime location for observing a wide variety of bird species, especially during the spring migration.
Armed with a scope or a pair of binoculars, visitors can see Canadian geese, sandpipers, red-winged blackbirds, yellow warblers, and other species.
The picturesque natural surroundings, including the adjacent Whitefish Point Light Station and the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum, add to the appeal of bird watching. Whitefish Point Bird Observatory conducts research and organizes birding events, providing opportunities for visitors to learn about the local avian species and contribute to conservation efforts.
Bird-watching is fun for movies and experts alike. Many birding apps can be downloaded to a phone, helping birders to identify and log the birds they see.
Morel Mushroom Hunting
Known for their distinctive appearance and earthy flavor, morel mushrooms are highly sought after and can be found in various wooded areas throughout the state.
May is typically the prime season for morel mushroom hunting in Michigan, as the warmer temperatures and spring rains create ideal conditions for the mushrooms to emerge. Morel mushrooms can be found in a lot of spots, so if you strike out in one area, keep looking. It’s also important to familiarize yourself with different varieties of mushrooms, including false morels.
The distinctive honeycomb-like appearance of morel mushrooms makes them easier to spot among the forest floor debris. Popular locations for morel hunting include state parks, national forests, and wooded areas with a mix of hardwood and conifer trees.
Each May, hundreds of mushroom seekers attend the National Morel Mushroom Festival in Boyne City, which features morel dishes, a mushroom hunt, and morel mushroom songs.
Isle Royale National Park
May is an ideal time for outdoor enthusiasts to explore Isle Royale’s pristine wilderness.
Visitors can enjoy the island before the peak summer season, allowing for a more peaceful and uncrowded experience.
The island’s rugged terrain, pristine forests, and crystal-clear waters provide a stunning backdrop for activities such as hiking, camping, kayaking, and wildlife watching. Visitors may have a chance to see a moose on Isle Royale as well as snowshoe hares, red foxes, wolves, birds, and other wildlife.
While visiting in May, it’s important to be prepared for cooler temperatures and potentially unpredictable weather conditions, as Lake Superior’s influence can create variable climate patterns.
Michigan Wine Country
May marks the beginning of the growing season, and vineyards come alive with lush greenery, budding grapevines, and the promise of a bountiful harvest.
Michigan’s wine country, particularly the Leelanau Peninsula, Old Mission Peninsula, and the Lake Michigan Shore, provides a picturesque backdrop for wine tasting, vineyard tours, and culinary experiences.
Wineries often host special events, festivals, and tastings during the spring months, offering visitors the chance to sample a diverse selection of wines.
Wine country is full of natural attractions and recreational opportunities, such as hiking, cycling, and enjoying the beauty of nearby landscapes, including the Great Lakes.
Visitors can expect pleasant weather, with milder temperatures and the beauty of spring in full bloom, making it an ideal time to explore Michigan’s vineyards and enjoy outdoor activities.
World Expo of Beer in Frankenmuth
Michigan’s Little Bavaria is home to the largest beer-sampling event in Michigan.
The expo, held at Kern Pavillion in Heritage Park features more than 350 beers. The massive list of participating breweries includes beer from around the world and brewers from all over Michigan.
In addition to beer, visitors can stock up on great souvenirs such as the expo’s signature T-shirt with the participating breweries listed.
The World Expo of Beer is known for its festive atmosphere and provides a platform for both seasoned beer aficionados and casual beer drinkers to explore new flavors and expand their knowledge of the craft beer industry.
Traverse City Cherry Blossoms
One of Northern Michigan’s biggest cities is home to beautiful bursts of pink and white each May.
More than 2 million cherry blossoms burst forth in bloom with the vibrant pink and white colors easily standing out against green fields and the blue waters of Grand Traverse Bay.
Fun Fact: What began as an annual “Blessing of the Blossoms” in the 1900s grew into the National Cherry Festival, but the blossoms remain a treasured sign of spring.
Old Mission Peninsula and Leelanau Peninsula offer plenty of spots to see the blossoms and several places on each peninsula offer wine and cherry blossom tours. The window to see the blossoms doesn’t last long, but peak cherry blossom season is the best time to be near Traverse City to see these beautiful cherry blooms for yourself.
Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park
The melting snows of winter reveal spring’s burgeoning life in Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park.
May is an excellent time for hiking. The park features a variety of trails that wind through old-growth forests, along scenic rivers, and past stunning waterfalls.
Visitors can witness the cascading beauty of waterfalls such as Manabezho Falls, Manido Falls, and Nawadaha Falls, among others after the spring thaw. The park’s scenic spots, such as Summit Peak and Lake of the Clouds, provide breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding forests and Lake Superior.
May’s mild temperatures make it an ideal time to enjoy the beautiful wilderness of the Porcupine Mountains. Visitors are advised to be prepared for possible cooler temperatures and seasonal trail closures.
Indoor Water Parks
May is still cold in some parts of Michigan, but a visit to an indoor waterpark helps summer come early.
No matter how cold it might be outside, Michigan’s indoor waterparks offer attractions for all ages in a heated environment.
Indoor waterparks can be found throughout Michigan, making it an easy journey in many places for a day trip or an extended stay. The parks have a little something for everyone from hot tubs for adults to waterslides, a lazy river, and water toys for the kids.
Whether you’re looking for a trip for the family or a couple’s getaway, Michigan’s indoor water parks are a fun and easy choice.
Beach Combing for Treasures
Beachcombing offers a delightful opportunity to explore Michigan’s picturesque shorelines and discover natural treasures.
Beachcombers may find a diverse array of shells, including freshwater mussel shells, and beautifully weathered stones shaped by the waves.
Michigan’s beaches are known for their beach glass and beachcombers can hunt for these smooth gems in different colors. Beachcombers may also encounter driftwood, interesting drift seeds, fossils, and other natural artifacts washed ashore.
It’s important to respect the natural environment and to follow local regulations while beachcombing. Visitors should also be mindful of potential hazards such as high water levels and currents.
Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park
This award-winning Grand Rapids park is perfect for shaking off the lingering chill of winter.
Visitors can enjoy the beauty of spring blooms, including tulips, daffodils, and a variety of flowering trees and shrubs that grace the landscape. Guests can wander through the expansive grounds and admire the diverse range of sculptures against the backdrop of the natural surroundings.
Those who visit Meijer Gardens in spring can expect a dynamic and engaging experience that combines art, nature, and cultural enrichment, making it an ideal destination for individuals and families.
St. Florian Strawberry Festival
This annual shindig in Hamtramck celebrates strawberries and the best of Polish culture.
The festival provides an opportunity for the community to come together and celebrate the start of the summer season while enjoying locally grown strawberries. The food selection is incredible and features a strawberry bakery, beer, and traditional Polish foods
The event lineup includes a firefighters’ mass, performances by Polish folk dancers, live musical performances, inflatable games, live painting demonstrations, and church tours.
The St. Florian Strawberry Festival offers a chance for attendees to savor the sweet taste of strawberries, partake in festivities, and enjoy camaraderie in the heart of Hamtramck.
Fishing in the Great Lakes
With miles of freshwater shoreline and 11,000 inland lakes, May is an ideal time to cast a line in Michigan.
May marks the spawning season for various fish species in Michigan, including walleye, northern pike, bass, and panfish, so anglers can take advantage of increased fish activity.
Whether casting from a dock, river fishing, or fishing in the Great Lakes, anglers can enjoy fishing for numerous species, including trout, salmon, and walleye. Seasoned charter fishermen can take groups out on the Great Lakes to fishing hot spots to hook into prized catches.
Anglers should be sure to have proper licenses on hand and familiarize themselves with state fishing regulations before starting to fish.
The Mouth of the Huron River
This Upper Peninsula gem is a vibrant wonderland of scenic spots.
This expanse of beach where the Huron River flows into Lake Superior offers visitors a piece of tranquility in the U.P. The mouth of the Huron River is renowned for its rusting camping, canoeing, hiking, and fishing opportunities.
Traveling along the Huron River, visitors can see many majestic waterfalls, including Lower Huron Falls, East Branch Falls, and Big Falls.
The mouth of the Huron River is one of the most scenic beaches in the Upper Peninsula — one that’s so great you’re not going to want to tell anyone about it. Even if you do, it’s the perfect place for a day trip.
Tulip Time Festival
Catch this vibrant festival celebrating Dutch culture and the beauty of tulips.
The Tulip Time Festival is an annual celebration of spring and Dutch heritage. It’s a springtime favorite when thousands of tulips bloom throughout the city, transforming it into a colorful and vibrant destination. Holland’s streets, parks, and gardens are adorned with millions of tulips in a variety of colors and varieties.
The Kinderparade, Volksparade, and Muziekparade are among the most popular parades during the festival. These parades feature marching bands, traditional Dutch dancers, floats adorned with tulips, and more.
Visitors can enjoy Dutch food and drinks, traditional music and dance performances, art and craft shows, and demonstrations of Dutch traditions such as wooden shoe carving and Dutch costume displays.
Whether you’re admiring the colorful blooms, enjoying the parades and entertainment, or immersing yourself in Dutch culture, the festival provides a memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Attend Motor City Comic Con
This popular annual fest celebrates comic books, entertainment, science fiction, and pop culture all in one.
The con features a lineup of celebrity guests from the worlds of comic books, movies, television, and other entertainment genres. Cosplay is a significant part of Motor City Comic Con, with many attendees dressing up as their favorite characters from comics, movies, anime, and television shows.
The event typically features panel discussions, workshops, and Q&A sessions with industry professionals, providing opportunities for fans to learn about various aspects of pop culture, entertainment, and the comic book industry.
While tickets are required, Motor City Comic Con offers a dynamic and engaging experience for fans of comics, entertainment, and pop culture, providing a platform for enthusiasts to come together.
Plan a Fun May Day Trip in Michigan
No matter if you want to embrace nature by bird watching and fishing, embrace your inner comic book hero at Motor City Comic Con, or attend a fun festival, there’s a May day trip waiting for everyone. Start making plans to take as many day trips as you can to make the most of spring in Michigan.