5 Cool Things To Do In Michigan Before Summer Ends

Summer is still very much here (my AC went out over the weekend, and I am missing it), but in many ways, most of society has decided summer is over. Families are back-to-school shopping in droves, football preseason has begun, and Spirit Halloween is already open around the state.

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Despite school being on the horizon, summer and summer vacation are still here for just a little longer; why not end summer with a bang? These are 5 cool things you can do around Michigan to end summer on a high note.

Woodward Dream Cruise

On August 15th, the annual Woodward Dream Cruise will see thousands of classic cars from years past cruise through nine different communities. It is a hit for car enthusiasts and general audiences alike.

Photo of the Grand Haven Lighthouse — Photo by Ian Hutchinson on Unsplash

Grand Haven Lighthouse Tour

First of all, if you've not been to Grand Haven yet this summer, you should make time for a beach day anyway. But more importantly, there's an additional reason this summer: for the first time in over 150 years, you can tour the foghouse and lighthouse on Grand Haven's pier. If you've ever wondered what it was like to be a lighthouse keeper, now's your chance. Read more here.

Michigan Renaissance Faire In Holly

Michigan's annual renaissance faire, complete with jousting, knights, and more, enters its 47th year. Beginning August 22nd and going until October 4th, you can enter an incredible recreation of a 16th-century village known as Hollygrove. You can learn more about the festival and its new additions here.

Cliff Jumping At Black Rocks in Marquette

Lake Superior is the coldest of the Great Lakes, which can make swimming in it quite a shock. However, the best time for swimming in it is mid-August, which makes jumping from the 20- to 30-foot cliffs into the water a memorable (and photogenic) experience. Plus, it's entirely free. My Michigan Beach provides an excellent guide to the conditions and what to expect from Black Rocks.

Tommy McNeill, Townsquare Media / Michigan DNR

Visit One Of Michigan's Many Historical Sites

If you are looking for a simple road trip at a park or location of substantial historical meaning to the State of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has a nifty interactive map showcasing most of the markers around the state. These are always an excellent option for a day trip.

Don't let summer pass you by - enjoy it while it lasts.

Michigan Locations That Need To Be On Your Bucketlist

Michigan is known for its natural beauty. Whether you live here or not, these seven places perfectly showcase the magic that this state offers that you can't see anywhere else.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill

All ArtPrize Winners from 2009 to 2024

In its 15th year, ArtPrize continues to draw hundreds of thousands of people to Downtown Grand Rapids to explore the art dispersed throughout the city. While there are many winners each year, there is only ONE Grand Prize winner determined by the public via voting. Here is each winner from 2009 to now. All photos are courtesy of ArtPrize.

Gallery Credit: Tommy McNeill