Mega Bored
Apart from having the longest freshwater shoreline in the world, Michigan is the only state to touch four of the five Great Lakes in the US. Boasting of more than 11, 000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of streams, Michigan is a picturesque travel destination for adventurers looking to get close to nature!
Part of the reason for Michigan’s appeal is its many lighthouses. In fact, there are more than 115 lighthouses in the state; each one has its own place in history. In the US, Michigan is the only state to have such massive collection of lighthouses. It’s no surprise that part of experiencing the beautiful Michigan landscape is checking out some of its historic lighthouses. Before traveling to Michigan, consider these tips:
Traffic and Road Construction
Don’t let the picturesque landscape fool you; Michigan is a progressive state so there is a lot of traffic and road construction to deal with if you’re traveling via car. Don’t expect rolling hills with few inhabitants. If you’re driving by car to Michigan, make sure you pack basic essentials, a map, and an itinerary. Michigan has a lot of lighthouses but we recommend you start at Old Presque Isle Lighthouse or the Tawas Point Lighthouse!
Take Your Time
Michigan isn’t the kind of place where you spend a couple of hours exploring old lighthouses and then fly back. Lighthouses are spread apart in various parts of the state; you can’t see each one of them if you’re only staying for a couple of days.
Take it slow, go beyond the beaten path and you might come across the adventure of a lifetime! The state is teeming of amazing places to discover, including long dirt roads that lead to Lake Michigan or rustic local breakfast joints, little shops filled with knick-knacks, etc. So don’t rush; enjoy the ride and plan to stay more than a couple of days to take in the scenery and local culture!
Watch Out for the Weather
Dressing appropriately goes without saying, especially if you’re traveling to a place with unpredictable weather. Michigan is notorious for its sudden shifts of season from winter to summer in some parts so make sure you bring the right clothes. If you enjoy the summer season and would like to check out the local beaches during your visit, you will need to coordinate with your travel guide to ensure you are coming in at the right season!
Planning Your Tour
Michigan is a large state; you can’t just come in and expect to see a lighthouse at every turn. Planning is crucial in any travel, more so if you want to see all of Michigan’s famous lighthouses. Assuming that you didn’t pay for a tour, we recommend starting with the ones nearest to your hotel. Again, you can call your local guide to help you check out the nearest lighthouses in your area and begin your journey from there!
Don’t Forget to Bring Your Camera
Michigan’s lighthouses are world-renowned not just because of their haunting beauty but because a lot of photographers go there to shoot the landscape. Don’t forget bring your camera! Take lots of pictures and share it with your friends. Who knows? Maybe one little vacation to Michigan will turn into a tradition you share with loved ones!
