Grand Rapids: Butterflies are Blooming at Meijer Gardens
www.meijergardens.org/calendar/butterflies-are-blooming
This annual event that takes place each March and April is one many look forward to – and a sure sign of spring. The glass-sided Lena Meijer Tropical Conservatory on the grounds of Frederick Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park hosts more than 7,000 tropical butterflies from around the world in the country’s largest temporary tropical butterfly exhibit. There is special educational programming and the Children’s Garden offers butterfly-themed activities. Visit Monday-Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. or Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The entrance rates are modest, with age two and under able to come for free.
Jackson: 10th Annual Southern Michigan Winter Beer Festival
www.experiencejackson.com/event/10th-annual-southern-michigan-winter-beer-fest
Who doesn’t love craft beer? On March 14 from noon to 5 p.m., you could be tasting 10 craft brews at the 10th annual event. There are specialty craft beers along with ciders and meads. Located on the Jackson County Fair Grounds, there’s more than just drinking going on. Meet up with friends around a fire pit, play a game of corn hole, and grab some grub at a food truck. The lively atmosphere is even more electric with the addition of music. Retailers are also on hand. Tickets are $30 in advance, $35 on the day of the event.
Detroit: Eastern Market Brewery History Walking Tour
http://motorcitybrewtours.com/index.html
Get some exercise by visiting some of the old brewery sites around historic Eastern Market. A tour guide will take you around and captivate you with stories of the pre- and post-Prohibition breweries that used to call Eastern Market home. There are still breweries around, however, and as part of the walking tour you get to enjoy a pint of craft beer at Eastern Market Brewing at the conclusion of the two-hour tour. There are several of these tours throughout the year, but the first one takes place on March 28. Tickets are $30 per person.
Grand Rapids: Ultimate Sport Show
If you love the outdoors (who are we kidding), fishing, and hunting, then head to Devos Place in Grand Rapids on March 19-March 22. You can take a look at the latest outdoor gear. There’s plenty to see and do, including a trout pond, fishing simulators, and a rock wall. Plus, more than 100 fishing and hunting seminars across five stages. Adult tickets are $12 and children 6-14 are $5. A couple highlights? The taxidermy display on the third floor, and demonstrations and displays by artisan woodcarvers.
Jones: Maple Row Sugarhouse Festival
March is maple syrup season, with Michigan being one of the top producers in the country. Maple Row Sugarhouse invites everyone to taste this year’s maple syrup, go on a tour of the sugarhouse, and take part in numerous activities. Kids would be interested in the Little Sap Sucker Training (how to tap a tree and install a tap), the petting farm, and trying out the maple ice cream. There are also historical re-enactments. You can go to the pancake and sausage breakfast (tickets are available online or at the door) but the maple doesn’t stop with syrup. Enjoy maple brats, pork rinds, baked beans, donuts, and even cotton candy. The best part is being able to bring some fresh syrup back home to the campsite for future breakfasts. Choose from two weekends: March 14-15 or 21-22.
Champion: Van Riper State Park Lantern Lit Snowshoe
www.uptravel.com/event-detail/van-riper-state-park-lantern-lit-snowshoe-4/
March 20 seems a little risky for a snowshoe event, but the snow in the Upper Peninsula tends to hang around long after the spring equinox. This two-hour hike (7-9 p.m.) covers 1.25 miles on a lantern lit trail, followed by coffee or cocoa and a light snack. There are snowshoes to borrow if you don’t own a pair of your own. A Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry. What a way to finish off the winter season!
Find more March events – as well as events in every season – on our website under “Events” – www.michiganrvandcampgrounds.org/calendar/. For information specifically about our Camping and RV Show, follow this link.