We’re halfway through this glorious season, so add a visit to these brand new or renovated attractions to round out your Michigan adventure.

Get off the road or away from the campsite to visit one of these spots across the regions of Michigan. Some are family friendly; others are for mom and dad. Ranging from free to a little on the expensive side, there’s something for every budget… and every traveler.

Southeast

Auburn Hills: The Polk Penguin Conservation Center at the Detroit Zoo made its debut this spring. There are more than 80 penguins of four species in this expansive habitat. Enjoy an underwater gallery, a 360-degree 4-D Endurance experience, and more. It’s really a unique experience not to be missed.

8450 W. 10 mile Road, Royal Oak, MI 48067

Southwest

Grand Rapids: Millennium Park opened new trails this year after completing construction at the end of the season last year. The new trails are primarily connectors to other trails, which allow trail-goers to explore nearly any direction. Walkers, runners, and bikers will love traveling the network of shoreline, paved, and natural surface trails that cover 18 miles across the park’s 1,400 acres (click here for a park map). Furthermore, the trails connect to a wider network to southwest communities. There are two shelters that are the perfect spot to have a family get-together. It’s first come, first served, though reservations are optional.
1415 Maynard Ave SW, Walker, MI 49534

Battle Creek: The Fantasy Forest sculpture park on the grounds of the Leila Arboretum is where precision, art, and nature merge to offer families a sense of whimsy and fun. There is a Children’s Garden nearby with lots of things for young explorers to see and learn. There is no daily admission or parking fees. With plenty of space to stretch your legs and features on which to feast your eyes, this is the perfect spot to enjoy the Michigan sunshine.
928 W Michigan Ave, Battle Creek, MI 49037

Holland: The Outdoor Discovery Center opened a 5,000 square foot visitor center in 2016. The center features a North American wildlife exhibit, interpretive displays, live animals, and taxidermy. Also on site is the Birds of Prey Education Facility, the home to 12 species of hawks, owls, falcons, eagles, vultures, and more. Little ones will enjoy the Imagination Forest, which is focused on inspiring creative play using natural materials such as logs, stumps, rocks, and sand. The 150-acre preserve offers easy to walk trails as well. There’s plenty to do here!
4214 56th St, Holland, MI 49423

Kalamazoo: New for 2016, the Give a Craft™ Beer Trail is a fun, interactive way to explore the local craft breweries. There are 12 breweries currently, with more in the planning stages. The community has quite a beer culture. With the Beer Trail, craft beer lovers can visit a participating brewery and collect a unique stamp at each one; once the passport is complete, you turn it in to receive a free metal credit card sized bottle opener with the official Give a Craft™ logo. Hey, if you’re going to have your wallet on you anyway, might as well have a bottle opener handy! Even if you don’t do the passport, the Give a Craft™ Beer Trail gives you a solid list of breweries. They are proud of what they produce and often have new or seasonal brews – make sure to ask!
Passports are available at Discover Kalamazoo, the information desk at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport, and at participating breweries.

Northeast

Tawas: A 3.5 mile trail was opened on the Tawas Bay Pedestrian and Bike Path to link Alabaster Township to trails in Tawas City, East Tawas, and Tawas Point State Park. In total, the asphalt or concrete path is 10.1 miles long through an arboretum and then into towns for trail-goers to enjoy restaurants, shops, and other amenities. The State Park, located on a peninsula between Tawas Bay and Lake Huron, has a swimming area, paved trail, and working lighthouse.
Begin your journey at Alabaster Rd. and N. Huron Rd./US 23 (Alabaster Twp.).

Roscommon: Forest Dunes Golf Club’s new reversible course, “The Loop,” opened for public play in late June 2016. It has two distinct layouts using the same 18 greens but can be played clockwise and counterclockwise. Currently, only overnight guests can play the course during the rest of the summer, but if you’re a golfer, keep it in mind as a spot to add to your 2017 Bucket List. But don’t write it off just yet – the regular course is still open for tee times.
6376 Forest Dunes Drive, Roscommon, MI 48653

Port Huron: A taxi boat, the 31-foot Cherokee from J-Lyn Fishing Charters, now offers transportation to the Harbor Beach Lighthouse station for guided tours on Saturdays, picking up passengers every 20 minutes throughout the day. Most weekends are sold out in advance so make your plans and purchase tickets ($20 each) online. Climb the lighthouse and learn about its history at the Grice House Museum.
1 Ritchie Dr, Harbor Beach, MI 48441

Northwest

Empire: All About Water began to offer guided kayaking tours at Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, either north of Empire to Pierce Stocking Overlook or to Pyramid Point. It all depends on Mother Nature. All sporting equipment, including lifejackets and wetsuits (if needed) are provided. The company also offers self-guided kayak tours of the area as well as other spots in Northern Michigan: Bass Lake, School Lake, South Manitou Island, Cedar River Preserve, Victoria Creek, and North Bar Lake. No prior experience is necessary and you’ll be with seasoned, experienced individuals if you go on the guided tour. Kids’ kayaks are available. Rates are half-day, full day, or weekly. Get up close to one of the most pictured areas of the state.
4880 South Good Harbor Trail, Cedar, Michigan 49621

Traverse City: Brys Estate Vineyard & Winery on Old Mission Peninsula made some additions that wine lovers will appreciate. There’s the new Secret Garden consisting of 10 acres of lavender plants, strawberry and blueberry patches, plus an herb garden. Tucked within is a picnic area and garden shop with a wrap-around porch. Not a bad place to spend an afternoon, sipping on Northern Michigan wine.
3309 Blue Water Road, Traverse City, MI 49686

Mackinac City: Headlands International Dark Sky Park began to offer Starlight Trivia on Friday nights during the summer. Bask in the sunset on the shoreline from 8:30 to 9:30 pm. It’s fun, relaxed, and you’re bound to learn something new. Come before and take a walk on one of the trails or take a dip in Lake Michigan. Stay afterward to explore the starry sky as the lights emerge.
15675 Headlands Rd, Mackinaw City, MI 49701

Upper Peninsula

Ontonagon: A new 18-hole disc golf course opened in Michigan’s largest state park, Porcupine Wilderness State Park. It is set up in the downhill ski area, and there is no fee to play. Discs can be rented at the campground store. Part of the 60,000-acre park, the mountain offers biking trails, incredible scenery, wild rivers, and miles of hiking trails. The park also hosts educational nature programs every day during the summer.
Visitor Center: 33303 Headquarters Road, Ontonagon, MI 49953

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Many RVs may be luxury homes on wheels, but no matter how large or small your recreation vehicle may be, they all give us the ability to pursue two common passions: the flexibility to travel where and when we wish, and the opportunity to get closer to nature. In a state like Michigan, you won’t be in want of either. It’s National Camping Month so get outside! Here are 6 top adventures to take in Michigan.

Canoe/kayak a river.

Search for a waterfall.

Hike some dunes.

Take in the view from atop a lighthouse.

Take a family hike.

Go for a sunset kayak tour.