Charlevoix is pretty to walk around. And, further south you can ride the dunes on the beach. I’ll forward your question to a bunch of MI jellies. I know who a lot of them are. I don’t know much info for hiking and trails and things like that.

@Cruiser My girlfriend and I are heading up there for the 4th weekend (staying at her family cabin along Lake Michigan). We’re going to be about 15 minutes away from Charlevoix. I’ll ask her tomorrow for some ideas. :)

There is a ferry that leaves from Charlevoix to one of the smaller islands. The islands are no great shakes from what I remember, but the ferry ride can be relaxing.

If you go to Wolverine, MI (it is on the main drag), there is a canoe and kayak livery on the beautiful Sturgeon River. It is run by Mr. and Mrs. Henley and they have converted an old train station into the main livery office. The Sturgeon is a beautiful, fairly quick river and they will shuttle you up river or pick you up down river depending on what trips they are running.

Henley’s Canoe Livery
13062 Railroad Street
Wolverine, MI 49799
(231) 525–9994

Grand Haven is also nice for a walk around and it is not far from Spring Lake. Harbor Springs is also nice. You will also be above the 45 parallel which is interesting and there is an elk herd in the region.

You could visit Holland, Michigan and Holland State Park

My parents had very good things to say about this town. They loved it. It’s south of the location you will be taking your son.

Every year I say I am going to go to Holland for the Tulip festival and I never make it.

I assume you already looked at this website.

If you want to stay in Michigan for a while, Indian River and Burt Lake are both interesting,

Thanks @Jude @JLeslie these are great suggestions worth checking out and @Jude I will be going back up July 8th to drop off my other son and staying up there for a few days that time and looking for more ideas!

@jonsblond I love Holland as it has the first really clear water beaches heading north along the shore. It has the best beaches, surf and dunes I have seen yet and will most certainly be taking a dip on my way back home. My favorite memory is just me and the 2 boys beach hopping all the way home from Holland to the Illinois border in one day! That was a blast!

@Kayak8 I wish I had 3 weeks to explore and since I don’t was the whole reason for this Q. Thanks for your suggestions and will definitely check them out.

@JLeslie I have spent all my time on the west coast beach hopping and am looking for stuff to see and do off the beach that is more nature oriented. Lakes, rivers, marshes, and a great place to get a bite to eat too! I will be solo and able to cover a lot of ground in one day and it is my goal to make the most of it!

Here is that Ferry. I am not specifically recommending Beaver Island, which is where it takes you to, but some people like the ride. I think there are trails on Beaver Island. When I was there 10 years ago I was not very impressed with the island though, but I was there for a day, and did not do any of the “nature” stuff. Still, Charlevoix is really pretty, the downtown area has shops and restaurants. Probably other boating opportunities.

My in-laws have always loved Fayette. I’ve never been, but the photos are very nice. Apparently, you can walk out quite a ways on a very gentle sloping entry into Lake Michigan in a protected bay, so it’s also a great place to swim and play with young kids who may not be competent swimmers.

Did you check that Pure Michigan Link I gave above? It had a link for parks and lakes I think?

I did send your question to 4 Michiganders.

My girlfriend lived in Boyne, it is a ski resort town in the winter, its up that way. There are some lakes around there too I think. Hell, Michigan has a lake every 9 square miles or something like that.

Ooh, Boyne has zipline I think you should do it.

Many, many years ago, as a child, we visited relatives in Petoskey (I grew up in Warren). It was beautiful then; but this was long ago so I don’t know if it’s the same now!

@JLeslie

“Hell, Michigan has a lake every 9 square miles or something like that.”

Hell, Michigan has Hell, Michigan!

Hahaha. I never knew there was a Hell, MI. You think you know a state.

Edit: Jesus :) it is about 40 minutes from State and I never knew about it. Go figure. I just looked at the map.

Travers City, Harber Springs, Petosky are all beautiful and fun cities. Also Cadillac and that area are great vacation spots, as are Ludington, Muskegon and Sleeping bear and Silver lake sand dunes.
Spring Lake isn’t very far North, you could go east into Grand Rapids. That is also a great area.

Harbor Springs sorry

Thanks again everybody, all great suggestions. I have decided I will head west to the coast this time and hit every town on the way home and make a day of it.

Take your time and enjoy, Michigan is beautiful off the beaten path.

@wilma Thanks and that is my plan. Swimsuit and sunscreen already packed.