You made it through another winter. Now, you’re eager for a spring getaway to a Michigan destination.
But where?
Vitality asked older adults in popular, selected tourism communities across the state for their best suggestions for “must see, must do” places in their towns.
We zeroed in on the five Michigan destinations voted among the nation’s best for senior travel, according to a wintertime national survey by Freedom Showers. Those are: Saugatuck (No. 92), Frankenmuth (No. 101), Petoskey (No. 137), Charlevoix (No. 165) and Marshall (No. 173).
The survey of more than 3,000 seasoned travelers put special emphasis on accessibility, comfort and ease of access for seniors.
Here’s what those in the know shared with Vitality:
Saugatuck: Lisa Mize
For Lisa Mize, talking about things to do in the Saugatuck-Douglas-Fennville area of southwest Michigan is work and fun.
Mize, executive director of the area’s Convention and Visitors Bureau, puts it this way: “These beautiful, resort communities that are so beloved by the visitors who come here year after year, hold a special place in my heart. I grew up, went to school and worked here and my roots in this area run very deep.”
That said, here are three of her recommendations for seniors visiting the Saugatuck area “Art Coast,” offering scenic beaches, sand dunes and waterways along Lake Michigan and a thriving arts and “foodie” scene — about 2 hours and 45 minutes from Detroit.
1. Cruise on the Star of Saugatuck: “This cruise is a fun and relaxing way to see the area from the water. It goes upriver to see the downtown as well as taking everyone out to Lake Michigan. The cruise is educational, too, as they will give you some interesting historical tidbits.”
2. Ride the hand-cranked Chain Ferry across the Kalamazoo River: “The Diane has been transporting folks since the turn of the century. It’s a nostalgic option to slow down the pace of life. Once on the other side of the river, it’s a short walk to the Pump House Museum. The museum is operated by the Saugatuck Douglas Historical Society. Once inside, there’s a wonderful exhibit telling the history of Mt. Baldhead, the radar tower that still exists on top of the dune. It was added to the National Registry of Historic Places in 2023.”
3. Venture out: A short drive to Fennville, where you can visit Crane’s Pie Pantry and Restaurant. “They have pie flights(!) when you can’t make a decision. Depending on the time of year, you may be able to pick your own peaches or apples, too! I worked here from the time I was 13 and all through high school. It’s a pretty special place. If you like wine or hard cider, right around the corner from Crane’s is Modales Wines, Fenn Valley Vineyards, Michigan Wine Company and Virtue Cider. Need I say more?”
Frankenmuth: Herb Zeilinger
Herb Zeilinger is big on Frankenmuth, the small town known as “Little Bavaria” in reference to the city’s German heritage.
Zeilinger knows it well. A lifelong resident, Zeilinger, 68, is quick to point out proudly that his great-grandmother came to the Saginaw County community in 1852.
To say Zeilinger knows Frankenmuth is an understatement. Among other pursuits, he spent 17 years with the convention and tourism bureau.
That history — and knowledge — buttress his advice on things to do and see in Frankenmuth, less than a two-hour drive from Detroit.
His advice to senior visitors:
1. Ride the Golden Ticket Trolley: The trolley tours the town, providing daily trips for one hour and private rental. With a 28-person capacity, it’s fun and educational for all. “It’s a good way to learn how Frankenmuth got started,” Zeilinger said.
2. Ride a Riverboat: Enjoy the Cass River aboard the 150-passenger Bavarian Belle, a two-story riverboat offering a narrated tour. Your hosts are a father and two sons, Zeilinger said, “who are very hospitable to all going.”
3. Bronner’s Christmas Wonderland: It’s simply this: The world’s largest Christmas store. The size of 1.5 football fields and open 361 days a year, Bronner’s has an eye-popping selection of Christmas ornaments, decorations, displays, and more, including a life-size Nativity scene. “You’re gonna find something you like,” Zeilinger said.
And, of course, there is an abundance of family-style chicken dinners at Frankenmuth’s two deliciously famous restaurants: Zehnder’s and the Bavarian Inn. How popular is Frankenmuth chicken? The two restaurants serve more than 2 million chicken dinners per year.
Petoskey: Jim and Sue McLain
Jim McLain said he is one of those retirees who “failed” at retirement.
He went back to work, serving as a consultant to small business operators.
To be sure, he’s one of “those guys” who sees retirement as a path to staying active, especially when it comes to enjoying the outdoor offerings of the Petoskey area.
“We love it up here,” said McLain, 62, adding that the couple visited and vacationed in the area for many years before relocating from the Grand Rapids area four years ago.
When he’s not consulting — and Sue, 60, is not teaching fitness classes — they are walking, hiking and cycling throughout the area.
“It’s absolutely beautiful here,” said Jim, a former international business consultant. “You drive up North and you just start feeling better as you get north of Cadillac.”
There’s plenty of hiking, biking and beaches in the Petoskey and Lake Michigan area, about a four-hour drive from Detroit
Early spring, McLain said, is ideal. Among the couple’s favorite spots:
1. Boyne Forest Trail: For cycling, McClain suggests the Boyne trail, offering “trails for various skill levels.” McClain said springtime riders will be greeted with “tons of light and, in mid-May, trillium everywhere.”
2. Tanton Working Forest: Mountain bikers and hikers can’t go wrong with Tanton in Petoskey off Maxwell Road. The reserve offers more than seven miles of trails, with loops for beginners and experts. “The vistas are amazing,” said McLain, noting views of Crooked Lake and Round Lake.
3. McCune Conservancy: Hikers and bikers will enjoy the conservancy, about a 10-minute drive out of town, he said. The 3.3-mile loop is described as moderately challenging and popular for birding, hiking and mountain biking. The area features a hardwood forest, a meadow and the spring-fed Minnehaha Creek. Visitors will find some trails easy to stroll, McLain said.
For those looking for a downtown experience, Petoskey — with the nickname “Light of the North” — offers more than 170 shops and restaurants in its charming Gaslight Shopping District.
Charlevoix: Denise Fate
Who better to give advice than a former Oakland County resident with more than a quarter-century experience visiting and living in Charlevoix?
Meet Denise Fate, who retired to Charlevoix after an executive career with VW-Audi in Auburn Hills and elsewhere. Born in Texas, and a former long-time resident of Oakland County, Fate was named Citizen of the Year by the Charlevoix area Chamber of Commerce.
Like others, Fate values the harbor views, charming shops and unique attractions in the picturesque Lake Michigan town, about 4 hours and 10 minutes from Detroit. Nestled between Lake Michigan and Lake Charlevoix, the town offers pleasing waterfront settings and views.
“I absolutely love the small-town environment,” she said. “If you like to get outdoors and get around, we have a walkable downtown.
“Our little town is easy to get around in, and that’s by design.”
Her three recommendations:
1. The Mushroom Houses: Here and there around town, the so-called “Mushroom Houses” remind visitors of something out of “Hansel and Gretel” or “Harry Potter.” Designed and built in the early- to mid-1900s, the houses are available for guided and self-guided tours.
2. Downtown: Enjoy a walkabout in the accessible downtown. At the Memorial Drawbridge on U.S. 31, you can look one direction and savor the waterway to Round Lake and Lake Charlevoix. Look the other way and take in Lake Michigan. The bridge opens on the hour and half-hour to allow watercraft to pass.
3. Castle Farms: With gorgeous gardens and a French-inspired castle, Castle Farms is popular for weddings and special events. Guided tours are available, including an outdoor model railroad and an exhibition about World War I.
Marshall: Pam Munsie
You can learn a lot about Marshall from Pam Munsie.
First, know that she was a teacher for more than three decades.
Second, she has lived in Marshall for almost a half-century having moved to Marshall from the Upper Peninsula and a time in Kalamazoo.
She knows the material and she knows the community.
“I love Marshall and I can’t say enough about it,” said Munsie, 81.
Among her recommendations:
1. Museums: History abounds in Marshall, about an hour and 40 minutes from Detroit. Munsie suggests you take your pick and take your time to enjoy “this landmark Michigan community.” Among your options are the Governor’s Mansion Museum, a Greek Revival home built in 1839; the Honolulu House Museum, home of the Marshall Historical Society; the U.S. Postal Museum, the second-largest postal museum in the nation; and the American Museum of Magic, with collections of magic artifacts and life stories of magicians.
2. Eastend Studio & Gallery: A tip from Pam: Enjoy the paintings and artwork, but take time to savor a third-floor ballroom — dating to an 1870s dance hall — with its crystal chandeliers, hand-painted grand staircase and meticulously restored space.
3. Schuler’s Restaurant: No trip to Marshall is complete without a meal at Schuler’s, a fourth-generation restaurant with a history dating more than a century. Among the restaurant’s flavor-favorites: Cheese spreads and chips treasured by foodies and snackers across Michigan.
