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9 BEST Things to Do in April in Michigan

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If you are looking for fun things to do in April in Michigan, you’re in luck. The month signals the end of the long Michigan winter and heralds the start of spring festivities, which take place all over the state.

Whether you want to learn about local culture and history, explore nature, or kick back with some craft beer and live music, these awesome events in April have everything that you are looking for to enjoy spring in Michigan.

Beerfest at the Ballpark-Lansing
Beerfest at the Ballpark | photo via cwburgers

Attend a One-of-a-Kind Festival

There are many festivals in Michigan during spring, but some of them are truly one-of-a-kind. You won’t want to miss these because they go far beyond normal spring celebrations.

There are celebrations galore in April, but if you’re looking for something truly unique, you can find it all across Michigan.

Fishing

Enjoy Local Fishing Holes

Michigan seemingly has lakes on every corner, so spring is fishing season. During April, people flock to the water to enjoy throwing a line for Coho salmon, lake trout, walleye, perch, and much more.

If you are interested, you might want to check out the local fishing festivals that are all about the bounty of Michigan’s lakes, including the Kings of Spring Tournament in Port Huron, the Freeland Walleye Festival, and the Kalkaska National Trout Festival.

Fishing enthusiasts have no shortage of offerings in Michigan in the spring!

Celebrate the Earth

Michiganders are very conscious about the Earth, in part because of the natural beauty that surrounds them on all sides. April is widely considered the month when we observe the impact that our lifestyles have on the planet, so you will find celebrations going on throughout the state.

Earth Day is celebrated every year on April 22 across the country, and Michiganders observe it by going on nature walks, doing trash pickups, and learning about the vital importance of living sustainably.

Also, you will find environmental presentations on how to go green, as well as family-friendly celebrations and crafts for kids.

Plow Day
Plow Day | photo via Annual Plow Day Facebook

Take a Trip Back in Time

If you’re a history enthusiast, attending a historical event or venue where you can literally step back in time is one of the best things to do in April.

One popular event in Michigan in April is Plow Day, which takes place at farms all over the state. During this time, visitors get to observe the traditional way that teams of horses and oxen plowed fields. They also witness old-fashioned work, such as blacksmithing and woodworking.

Some of these events take place at real historical properties that actually used these methods back in the day, though they may have updated their methods since then.

Go to a Maple Syrup Celebration

April is maple syrup season in Michigan, and you will find events celebrating this sweet treat all over the state. Most of these take place in Northern Michigan, though you may be able to track some down in the Lower Peninsula as well.

The Vermontville Maple Syrup Festival is the oldest in the state, having been put on every year since 1940. You’ll find syrupy treats of all kinds here, as well as carnival rides, live music, petting zoos, crafts, a flea market, a beauty pageant, and tons of other fun activities for the whole family.

The Shepherd Maple Syrup Festival has been serving pancakes topped with local maple syrup, since 1958. The festival features sugar bush tours with demonstrations of how syrup is made – from tapping trees to boiling sap. It also includes parades and live entertainment, catering to a wide audience and celebrating local tradition and community involvement.

Grand Rapids Lantern Festival at John Ball Zoo
Grand Rapids Lantern Festival | photo via Leah Tennant

Light Up the Night

The Grand Rapids Lantern Festival begins mid-April and offers a stunning visual experience suitable for all ages at John Ball Zoo. The event will showcase meticulously handcrafted Asian lanterns, lighting up the Zoo and weaving together the narratives of wildlife and Asian culture.

Go to a Baseball Game

You probably know that spring is baseball season, and in Michigan, sports fans are in full swing. Baseball enthusiasts will want to travel to Detroit, Saginaw, or Grand Rapids to attend the opening game of the season, which is always a celebratory event.

Even if you don’t make it to the opening game, there are always pro baseball games going on throughout April, so you will have many opportunities to catch a fly ball. Grab the sports regalia of your favorite team, and make sure that you grab your tickets ahead of time.

Gilmore Car Museum - Hickory Corners, Michigan
Gilmore Car Museum | photo via @elykekalb

Attend a Car Show

Michigan is the land of cars, as evidenced by its extensive history in the automobile industry. Spring seems to be the prime time for car shows, where car enthusiasts flock to some of the state’s most fascinating displays, museums, and celebrations.

Depending on what you’re interested in, you might have the chance to watch races, learn about historical car models, or browse through some of the most expensive luxury cars in the world. These events happen all over the state, so keep an eye out for one happening near you — or just visit the Gilmore Car Museum.

Get Close to Nature

April and May just happen to be the times of year when migrating birds return to Michigan after winter. For this reason, bird lovers travel all over the state for the chance to view rare and fascinating species.

The season is even celebrated during the Keweenaw Migratory Bird Festival in Copper Harbor, which takes place every spring. During this time, you’ll get the chance to see bird species that are native to Michigan and learn all about their habitats.

FAQs About April in Michigan

Is it warm in April in Michigan?

In the Upper Peninsula, the weather is likely to still be quite cold during April in Michigan, so take a jacket to any outdoor events.

On the other hand, the Lower Peninsula may be slightly warmer throughout the month, but that varies from year to year.

Can you go out onto Lake Superior in April in Michigan?

You can certainly go out onto Lake Superior during April in Michigan, though you may want to take a jacket. The wind on the Great Lakes can be quite cool, keeping the temperature low well into the summer.

What kids’ events are going on in April in Michigan?

You’ll find tons of family-oriented and kids’ events during April in Michigan. There are arts and crafts shows, science fairs, and the ever-popular Unicorn Festival, where kids can feed and ride a real-life “unicorn.”

Kids of all ages are welcome at spring festivals and concerts throughout the state, so you are bound to find some family-friendly activities wherever you are.

Are botanical gardens open in April in Michigan?

Michigan is home to some stunning botanical gardens. These are open throughout the year, but spring is when they really come alive.

The most famous is undoubtedly Fredrik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park in Grand Rapids, though you’ll find many others throughout the state.

Explore More Things to Do in April in Michigan

Michigan is full of things to do in April. In addition to the list above, you could go morel mushroom hunting starting in mid April, find something new at a Michigan farmer’s market, and so much more!

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