One of my favorite wineries in Petoskey. All of the wines are amazing and the latté flight is very unique. Everyone is friendly and the atmosphere is very relaxing and chill. Met the owners a few years ago at MSU for family weekend, they are so nice!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A must-visit Northern Michigan experience that truly has it all Petoskey Farms is hands down one of the most beautiful, welcoming, and well-rounded places we’ve ever visited in Northern Michigan. It’s so much more than just a winery — it’s a full sensory experience that blends great wine, locally crafted coffee, scenic views, peaceful lavender fields, and genuine hospitality into one unforgettable destination. We started our visit with a wine tasting on the outdoor patio, which offers some of the most picturesque views in the area. The rolling vineyards and countryside landscape stretch as far as the eye can see. It’s peaceful, serene, and feels like a little slice of Tuscany right here in Michigan. Each wine we sampled was unique and delicious, showcasing the character of the region. Our favorites were the Trillium Red and the Dry Riesling, both beautifully balanced and perfect for sipping in the sunshine. The wine staff was incredibly helpful, offering pairing suggestions and sharing stories about the vineyard’s history and winemaking process. After our tasting, we made our way over to the coffeehouse for a mid-morning pick-me-up. The espresso drinks were expertly made, with rich flavor and beautiful presentation. You can tell the team takes pride in every aspect of what they do. We also tried a few of the homemade pastries and baked goods — everything was fresh and absolutely delicious. It’s the kind of place where you could happily spend a slow morning reading a book, enjoying your latte, and soaking in the calm atmosphere. Next, we wandered through the lavender fields, which were in full bloom during our visit. The colors and aroma were incredible. It’s such a peaceful space — great for photos, relaxing walks, and picking up unique handmade lavender products in the gift shop. We stocked up on lotions, candles, and a few small souvenirs, all beautifully packaged and perfect for gifts or treating yourself. The grounds are spotless and thoughtfully designed, and you can tell that every detail — from the landscaping to the layout to the customer service — is done with care and intention. Whether you’re looking to do a wine tasting with friends, grab a quiet coffee, enjoy a romantic date, or explore something new with your family, this place has something for everyone. Petoskey Farms is a true gem that captures the spirit of Northern Michigan — charming, authentic, and full of heart. We will absolutely be back, and we’re already recommending it to all of our friends and family. If you’re anywhere near Petoskey, do yourself a favor and make this a stop on your trip. You won’t regret it.

Beautiful vineyard with lots of lavender. Food looked amazing but we had ate before we visited. The view was awesome. We did a 5 flight, loved the presentation and the wines. I don’t normally like an unoaked Chardonnay but theirs was very good. Great place to visit and relax while enjoying a coffee or wine.

We had such an amazing first time here with great views of the valley. Our server Rachel was very friendly and attentive. Pizzas are very good! Kids had the Cheese Please and we had the CPA. The wines were also so delicious. We can't wait to come back!

Fantastic experience! An incredible variety of delicious wines. Great food. Amazing view, and outstanding service. Everyone here is friendly and knowledgeable. We spent the day. Highly, highly recommend!

Incredible personalized wine and estate tour covering the history of the land, lavender field, vineyard, harvesting machines and full start to finish wine and lavender oils processing. Including wine tasting. Very personable winemaker Chaz and host Rachel. I never write reviews, but this was a very worthwhile experience.

The service is excellent and everyone is very kind. I highly recommend trying the five tasting wines. The pizza is delicious, and the chocolate croissant is amazing too. It’s a beautiful place with a lovely view.

Wonderful spot for prayer or quiet meditation. Lovely garden walk with squirrels, chipmunks, and variety of birds. So peaceful. They also have daily Mass & an excellent gift shop.

I am not religious at all! I am gay, I grew up protestant. I visited this place on the way to Petoskey because it was listed online as one of those road side attractions you get out of the car and walk to. I saw the giant crucifix in the woods and the nun doll/mannequin museum. I was amazed, the crucifix is truly a work of modern art. And the grounds surrounding it are beautiful, a nice addition I’d say. I can only imagine how nice it is to actually attend this church and have some sermons outdoors or however they use that outdoor bit right below the crucifix, the church grounds also had these lovely statues and some beautiful flowers painting an overall contemporary and peaceful vibe to this establishment. And to that, the nun doll/mannequin museum was a really cool addition and gave you an opportunity as a guest to walk around the church, and see just how differently Christianity is amongst the different churches and branches. The mannequins and the dolls are each dressed to resemble the nun/pope/priest attire of whichever local church was labeled beneath it. Being from Metro Detroit, I thought it was so cool to see attire from nuns from Fraser and Detroit churches to make it to this museum, as well as across our other 50 states. This was also seemingly the largest collection of the sorts in the United States so that was awesome to see. Now, here is my few complaints. Growing up as a protestant: it was against my belief system to prop up Christianity in a way which is selling itself to others. I’ve never in my life been to a church that was so obviously monetary and tried to sell itself as such. I went to a smaller, quite frankly probably dying church, a German Lutheran one. The donations there, while I assume so here aren’t required; we’re definitely not required there. We took in massive amounts of homeless people and fed and housed them on the weekends. Perhaps it is just my smaller community, and the upbringing I have. But when you go, you’ll likely see what I mean; the gift shop, the optional donation boxes scattered around the church and outside. It must be great to exist in such a large and popular denomination, and I’m hoping that with this incredible budget (I’m assuming) the church has, that they do in fact give back to local communities such as mine did. Nonetheless, it was an interesting stop and I’m happy that I stopped by to see it.

1) The crucifix is the centerpiece of this beautiful shrine. It is massive 2) Multiple indoor chapels around the outdoor area such as Divine Mercy, St Peregrine and more. Each one should be visited and to pray for intercessions. 3) The grounds are very peaceful. Great to pray in nature 4) Gift shop is large 5) The doll museum feels 1970s but is worth looking at. I think the carpets need to be replaced down there. 6) I love how the museum connects to the church. Another place to pray and see the Crucifix without the elements.

Beautyful and Open to the Public this space of worship is amazing and epic! As soon as you reach the cross you feel soo happy, joyful and closer to god. I enjoyed the open space the walk thrue the land everything was kept soo clean. The groundskeeper needs a raise. hahaha

It was snowing lightly and was so beautiful. I have never been there in the winter. It is such a peaceful place. It is kept up very well. The ladies in the gift shop were so funny and kind.

The path to the cross is beautiful! The shop has alot of beautiful items as well and the church is just amazing! We didn't go for service but it's open to just sit there and speak with God.

An unexpected find on a drive towards the Upper Peninsula. The grounds are well maintained and have some other interesting sculptures along with the stations of the cross.

Big Bear Adventures was a wonderful choice for our anniversary Side-by-Side trip on the trails. We did the 2.5 hour guided trip with Dave, our guide, and it was perfect! Dave is very knowledgeable and makes safety a priority. I highly recommend Dave and we will be back!

Great outfitters! Loved the organization, helpfulness, and knowledge of all the employees. Our family of four did the two hour raft trip on the Sturgeon, and we had a great time! I will admit, the first hour was hard for us with all the downed trees (as we had been warned). Our kids (10&12) are fairly inexperienced and it was challenging for them. Overall, a really good experience!

Had a great experience with Big Bear Adventures. We did a 2 hour tour on a tube tracker. The first half of the trip was a bit tough through the downed tree obstacle course but the second half was a nice float. A little bit of a workout but not bad. What I want to highlight was the excellent young team they have hired - leadership, organization and customer service.

Horrendous! Not safe for a 5yr old to do rafting. Almost impaled a few times by fallen trees that they never cleared. Do not take your kids on the raft until they fix that issue. Also their directions are bad! We were told to turn right(should have been left) and we did and ended up almost by huge motorboats that were flying back and forth and could have hurt us. Not recommended for beginners or little kids as it was very frightening!

Had a fantastic time, everything was very clearly explained to the entire group. We had the ability to meet new people and help people get unstuck from obstacles. We also saw ducks on the river, which was great!!

What a AMAZING experience!!! Never experienced nicer stuff than here. Highly recommend to do 2 hour kayak trip it’s so much fun

Fun Time tubing the river, but this is not a lazy river to casually float! You need to be paying attention for obstacles above and below the water. We did have kids in our group (ages 6-16) that never tubed or canoed a river previously and the start of this trip was very overwhelming for them. All have been in and around water and know how to swim, but where we started the float was very fast and had a lot of trees. after the first 15-30 min they all got the hang of it and had a lot of fun as well! Tying tubes together is not recommended for large groups, but we did alright keeping 2-3 together without any issues. Overall very fun experience and would recommend, but we did have some issues to start our trip. As soon as we walked in the doors to the store, the workers seemed very overwhelmed and there is a lot of chaos even though I do not think they were really that busy. when we were paying and going through all of the rules and processes, we paid for all of our tubes including 2 cooler tubes. Those two tubes got left off our paperwork that we had to take from the store, drive our car around the building, give it to someone else who helps load the tubes and drives to the drop off spot. We reminded the driver of the cooler tubes that were not on the paper work, drove 10 minutes to the drop point and realized we were missing one tube. The driver had to go all the way back while we waited at the river. I don’t think this was his fault, it seems their process could be streamlined to set them up for more success.

This is our second time here. First time was 5/5- workers were great, check in easy. Today was exact opposite. Check in was a nightmare. Only one worker checking in. Absolutely no organization. When second desk opened, they allowed other guests just cut in front of all of us that had been waiting well over 20 min. When someone tried to correct it, we were told too bad so sad. My kids love the park. And the slides are great. But just a cluster truck for check in and seating.

The kids enjoyed the park but did complain of cold water and it was cold. Water cold, cold. At 45 dollars I didn't even go down any water slides due to water temp. The hot tubs were tepid with very foamy water and could use a cleaning.

We have been to this hotel and Waterpark before and had been wanting to go back. The hotel was clean with friendly and efficient staff. The location was nice as it wasn't too far from home and there was a lot to do for my family. The Waterpark was disappointing. The water was cold especially in the lazy river. The slides were fun for my 5 year old but they were too big for my 3 year old to go alone and adults arent allowed on with them. The toddler area was full of bigger kids throwing water basketballs so my 3 and 1 year old could not enjoy that. The pool at the hotel was a lot more fun than the Waterpark. If we come again, we will skip the waterpark.

We went for the day for my son's birthday and it was so much fun. The staff are very friendly and helpful. The water park was a great size with lots to do. Our favorite part was the vertigo water slide!

Great place decent choices of water slides and related. Far better then great Wolfe lodge in my opinion as far as water park goes the location is the only downfall I believe being its hour from Traverse City which would honestly bring it way more business if there or even 30 min closer . But overall well worth it. Cheaper also

Really fun water park. Went for a day trip to the waterpark. My 3 year old LOVED it. I enjoyed the bigger slides too! Great experience.

Brought my daughter here for her birthday and we had fun. It was a decent waterpark we might come back 😉

It got a lot more expensive for everything than it was last year. I'm handicapped(I have a TBI)so I can't walk real far and they don't offer wheel chairs, well they do but they only have 3 wheelchairs on the property. Once they are gone they are gone. I only saw 1 being used the whole time and they had no idea where the other 2 were. You have to be quick about getting one because you can't have 1 held for you. Luckily the evening before I was coming home I found 1 just sitting up by the skybridge. That's a huge place that everyone should be able to enjoy and with all the walking I did the first day and a half I didn't get to enjoy it completely. The only enjoyment was spending time with my family. You would think that they would get a large supply of wheelchairs or some sort of walking assists so everyone can enjoy all the scenery. After paying for the travel there and the room it gets even more expensive because you don't really get anything included with the room. Food costs at least $40-$70 for 2 people to eat a small meal and $8-$10 for 1 drink. The pop and water machine is at least $3. So don't go here unless you really want to spend a lot of money

Great experience with friends and family. Waterpark is so much fun and at night the lights go out and kids have glowsticks. The lifeguards are just kids and don't really do much and kinda look like robots doing the same footwork. It's almost like their paying more attention to their footwork than the actual kids in the pool. But the whole resort is nice and clean. We had a blast and will definitely return.

We had a really great time over the weekend at this resort. The staff was incredible and took care of us for our 16th Wedding Anniversary. The resort is really clean and affordable, with plenty of things to keep busy. The spa staff was amazing and the food was really good at the different restaurants. We will definitely return for the ski season and for golf season.

All of northern Michigan is pretty but this resort is extra special. The grounds are vast and have exquisite landscaping. Thoroughly enjoyed riding the ski lift on a crisp Fall day to experience their Skybridge. A remarkable engineering feat, the bridge is the world's longest timber-towered suspension bridge. Breathtaking and fun to walk across. Thereafter, rewarded with a food truck/bar and the best Mother Nature could offer. Additionally, resort staff everywhere were sincere in their efforts to ensure we had a great time. Hope you’re lucky enough to run into Walter (who was actually security detail) since he’s a wealth of information and clearly appreciated his surroundings! Lovely gift shops, epic Spa (separate review,) restaurants … absolutely worth visiting. Don’t wait!!

Boyne Mountain Resort is absolutely amazing! The atmosphere is vibrant and relaxing at the same time — surrounded by beautiful scenery and cozy spaces that make you feel instantly at ease. Everything was well organized, and the staff were welcoming and helpful. It’s the perfect place to enjoy nature, relax, and have fun with friends or family. Truly an amazing experience that I would highly recommend!

Our family had a fantastic stay while there for a soccer tournament. We came a day before the soccer tournaments and wished we had another day to play. This was October 10th - 12th. We enjoyed the sky bridge, along with the festivities ( pumpkin smashing, horse back rides for the kids, axe throwing, the water park). The clock tower is a bit dated, but was clean. 98% of our group was together do all had fun. Charming old place with lots of beauty all around. Check in was the only thing that annoyed us, seemed very late on that part. We did arrive early and were patient about that, plenty to do, but it almost 4:30 by the time we got room keys. The kids could finally grab swim suits for water park which is only open from 4pm to 8pm.

The resort was nice - it felt like Disney world in the mountains. We loved the Skybridge and the ski lift up. We were here early October (as season is slowing down) but I was disappointed to learn that many of the activities closed early or were entirely closed. While I understand season was about over I wish we would have known beforehand that restaurants were closed and the hours were shorten than advertised online. Overall, I liked it and would love to see what it’s like during ski season.

Had a great time on our Seadoo 2 hour rental. Nick did a great job explaining our craft and was so helpful. Full endorsement. And we took sunset cruise with Casey. Also great experience. Gave us a nice relaxing cruise around Torch Lake and much enjoyed our friendly conversation.

We had a wonderful experience here! We rented a pontoon for 2 days with Jake and Hayden and could not have had a better time! Would recommend to anyone looking for a torch lake boating experience. We even had some cold/rainy weather come through and were very accommodating in finding us another boat for a different day. We will be back!

We rented a pontoon boat for a day. Good rates. Boat was very nice, clean, new and good motor. Loren reached out to confirm reservations. She was great with communication. She did a great job the day we picked up the boat, went over everything thoroughly. Thank you Loren, we will be back!!

Had a great boat rental with Jake and Loren! Loren is very knowledgeable about torch lake and gave us all the tips and tricks to have an enjoyable day on the lake! The boat is modern, clean, and in great condition and has lots of storage. This was a great deal for the holiday week and we will def use this company again!

We loved our day with our Northaire Pontoon Rental. Nick was super helpful and knowledgeable. He directed us to the best parts of the lake. We will definitely be back. The prices were reasonable and amenities as described. I would definite recommend them!

We had a fantastic experience on the water and Nick was very helpful. He showed us some great spots to see on the lakes and made sure we were all set to get underway. I will definitely be back in the future, they made the whole experience so easy and fun, and the whole family had a blast! Thanks Nick and Northaire!!

Rented pontoon boat for family reunion. It was amazing! Pontoon was clean, gassed up, with plenty of life preservers. Loren was excellent reviewing safety instructions and getting us situated. We will definitely rent from Northaire on our next family lake trip.

The area is super nice. Great golfing. Many things to do. Food is average, nothing special. The rooms well I could not find pictures on their website when I booked. The king studio was roomy and bed was good. But the room looks like it's from 1985. Super old microwave, stove and fridge. Room is big and they have thee smallest TV on the wall. Maybe 27 inch. For the price they charge per night at least update. Not a premier resort IMO

We just wrapped up an 8-man guys’ golf trip at Shanty Creek Resort in the heart of northern Michigan, and let me tell you—it delivered in every way. We came for the fall weather, three straight days of golf, and a little escape, and we left more than impressed. The Golf Our itinerary: 18 holes on day one, followed by back-to-back 36-hole marathons. We played every course on the property—The Legend, Hawk’s Eye, Cedar River, and Schuss Mountain—and somehow each round felt like it topped the last. Schuss Mountain is the resort’s hidden gem. Don’t let it fool you—it’s beyond tranquil, framed with mountain views, and home to a par 3 that feels like teeing off inside a pine-tree colosseum. Easily the most undervalued track of the bunch. The Legend, Hawk’s Eye, and Cedar River are exactly what you’d expect from a premier northern Michigan golf destination—scenic, challenging, and pristine. Summit is in good shape but plays like something you’ve seen at home. Compared to the others, it can be skipped without guilt. Every single course was in exceptional shape. The greens? Some of the best you’ll ever roll a putt on—true, fast, and consistent. Lodging & Amenities The common areas and restaurants feel updated and modern, while the rooms themselves are slightly dated—but honestly more than good enough for the value. Beds were comfortable, everything was clean, and that’s what matters. I read some complaints about the small TVs, but if you’re doing your trip right, you won’t be in your room long enough to care. What you will care about after two days of 36 holes is the fitness center, hot tub, and sauna, which are absolute lifesavers. The shuttle system is another perk—call for a pickup, and you’re on your way in under 10 minutes. No driving required, which keeps things easy and safe for groups. Food & Drink I’d read a review before our trip saying the food was “just okay.” That person couldn’t be more wrong. Every meal our group had was excellent and fairly priced for resort dining. My personal recommendation: the beer-battered chicken tenders (tendies). Absolute must. Final Take Shanty Creek gave us exactly the trip we were hoping for—great golf, good food, easy logistics, and plenty of laughs along the way. If you go, make time for all the big courses, don’t sleep on Schuss, and whatever you do, order the tendies.

The stay here was fine and the view was pretty, but I would compare it to a roadside motel not a resort... The rooms are SO dated and the buildings need major work. The ladder in the pool was broken and my husband hurt his foot (when he went to the front desk to tell them so no one else got hurt, they asked if he wanted an incident report and then sent a maintenance guy in there to literally rip the ladder out), the railings on the balconies are wobbly and the wood is rotting, not to mention the wasp nest above us. In our room the hair dryer didn't work and the hand towel rack fell off the wall. My husband went down to get a hair dryer for me and the front desk asked if we would remind them when we checked out... The service at the restaurant there was subpar... Waited quite a while for anyone to come over to our table. Didn't have the happy hour menu when we sat down and when the server gave it to us they expected us to know what we wanted to drink and what apps we wanted right away. Then we order dinner and the food was really good but I asked the server for a sauce and she just never came back. We waited at least 20 minutes after we finished eating for our server to come over for boxes and a bill. We finally had to flag another server down. Then close to 10 minutes later someone came over to ask how the food was and get us our bill... I would have understood if they were crazy busy but there were multiple servers and only 7 tables.

Booked a stay for Nov. 21st, thinking there would be snow since they said they make snow. Turns out, their ski activities don't open until December, but nowhere on their website does it say that. Speaking of their website is not user-friendly, and they don't have updated pictures to properly show what the resort looks like. I lost $90 reserving a room just to pretty much be told I wouldn't be able to do anything if I went--would have been nice if the website had "WINTER SEASON OPENS DECEMBER" on their main page.

It is a dated building, not all of the staff are amazing, but the views and ambiance are. My wife compared it to dirty dancing resort. We overlook the minor and celebrate what matters. We come for our anniversary nearly every fall

Went here for a work conference in the fall & the scenery was beautiful with all of the leaves changing color. It was very convenient that they give you a card allowing you to charge things to your room. While the lobby was updated the rooms are lacking modern updates. Walls are pretty thin & doors at the end of the hallways slam shut which is annoying when trying to relax in your room. Also inconvenient, & this might have been due to the time of the year I was there, is that they didn’t have any food available to order after a certain time in the evening, I believe it was 10pm, even though their site states that the kitchen was open until 2am. I did love that they had a bar & coffee bar in the lobby & the fact that there was a small pub within walking distance of the main resort. I would definitely stay there again but I’m hoping they make some changes.

0 stars if I could. Unsafe property: No sidewalk from our Airbnb to the main resort. We had to walk across parking lots and a steep grassy slope with exposed wires. My father’s foot got stuck in the exposed wire, fell into the parking lot, bruising ribs and injuring his knee. Management failed us: Maintenance quickly dug up the wire and apologized. But when we submitted medical bills, the GM refused to cover them, blaming us for the fall despite there being no safe path and exposed wires. Outdated facilities: The resort feels old and poorly maintained. Bottom line: I regret spending money here. Dangerous property and uncaring management make this a place I would never recommend for families.

Quaint little museum, decent price and the staff was very friendly! It's also very educational and they provide scavenger hunts if you want them at the front of the museum. I took my three year old and he had so much fun!

This is a fun place for everyone. The museum was nice and interesting. They do have put put golf, go carts gift shop and fudge.

I just love this Michigan Gem. A wonderful little museum and shop that has the most beautifully done taxidermy dioramas, Showcasing Michigan wildlife and history. We visit at least once a year.

A little older but very interesting. The staff was very friendly. Huge selection in the gift shop. If your looking for fudge this is a must stop, they make it in house. its better than what we found in the bigger cities and for a better price! The exhibits in the museum are very interesting to look at. We especially liked listening to the animal sounds and seeing the ones that change. Definitely recommend this for families of all ages. We brought 4 kids between 12 and 18 and they all found something they liked.

Cute place to visit. I like that they have informational plaques at all the exhibits. They also aren't just "on display", the animals are in a nicely executed exhibits. Gift shop has some great items and really good fudge.

I have been here a few times, but recently stopped with our 4 and 2 year old. They have scavenger hunts which my 4 year old absolutely loved! My 2 year old was so very excited to see all the mounts. Definitely recommend.

Beautiful store. Great customer service, cheerful, helpful tons to look at and choose from. Fair prices. Fudge taste amazing. Did not get a chance to go into the museum this time but will be definitely be going back and touring the museum.

I've never seen more gorgeous fruits and veggies for sale. If I wasn't traveling for my job, I buy the stuff to make a primavera! It w as fun to walk through the lawn and garden center too. Whimsical displays and beautiful flowers too. I saw the place as I drove by, turned around and stopped in. I dont regret the decision!

Visited the market on Tuesday by Thursday they had started to rot/mold before canning them. I should have been able to get around 10 quarts from the half bushel I purchased, but only got 6. Definitely not impressed with the quality of produce purchased. Have the proof of the receipt for date of purchase if needed.

Great selection of fruits and veggies. Local strawberries are not quite sweet. Cherries are a little sour still.

Super great prices. In season produce. The plums, peaches, and grapes were super good. The honey crisp were huge sweet and crunchy! So good dipped in caramel. They had the most beautiful mum plants in a vibrant purple color.. lots of great buys. Stop in its great. Only 2 blocks from main/131.

So many yummy things! Amazing fresh produce and plants!

I have to say, I'm not very happy with this place right now. Early this week I purchased deer feed, carrots, beets, and apples. The apples were being sold as "deer feed" in small clear bags and I bought a few. When I got home I noticed those apples were actually marketed for human consumption, had defects or were rotting, and subsequently removed from the bins for people and added in random amounts to sell as deer feed. The PROBLEM here is this business left stickers on every single apple I had to remove so deer don't end up dying because their stomachs cannot process paper. This is just lazy and puts wildlife at risk, i can't imagine how many people did not notice this when distributing these in the woods.

Very great place first time coming here however fresh pears, peaches, avocado and limes, oh and the chocolate milk from a grass fed cow was amazing we drink it before we got home! Very friendly people and great variety of fresh veggies and fruits along with pies, pastries, and, canned goods!

Love to check out the elk. Don't check them out from the viewing area though, you won't see them usually. Go to the back edge of the fence where they all hang out. They were within a foot of the fence right in front of us. So cool!

We were told that you do not always get to see the elk, but we got lucky. We had six bulls come out to feed at the viewing area and they were spectacular.

We were able to see some elk there. My complaint is the bathrooms at the picnic pavilion were locked.

I've never seen elk before. Husband and I were going to go elk spotting where we might not ever see any, however, this place allowed us to see them. Ironically on the way back to camp, 2 ran out in front of us. I wouldn't necessarily make a drive just to see them unless I was doing other things. I drove about 45 mins to see them.

Amazing views and if you catch the Elk at sunset they are very active!

Great place to see Elk up close. Would like to see them in a more natural environment.

This was Hey , good experience seen white deer and lots of elk very cool place to go and You just pull up a new watch and noplease.I would definitely suggest to try this out

Great place to camp! Enjoyed our stay. We had electrical site. Nice place to fall camp as you can also do some hiking. And you can visit the logging museum. With trails that will also take to you to a chapel in the woods.

Been going here for years. So sad all the damage to the good old pines. Our grandkids will never know. Bit I think it's time to mark the oldest tree's left. Along with what's left of the oddest. A lot was closed due to ice storms that came through in March. Very clean.

Beautiful park with full hookup campsites if wanted. Nice hiking trails with beautiful pines and aspens. Very clean bathrooms and showers. Very dog friendly.

Awesome campground! Very clean and staff are very friendly. The Visitor Center and Logging Museum are a great place to learn about Michigan's logging history and the development of the park. Tons of hiking trails!!!

Awesome park. Campground was full for our entire stat but very quiet. Beautiful park, well worth the drive.

Perfect place to visit when you need a peaceful walk. This quiet park has the best paved paths and very neat Logging Museum. Great place to bring lunch and sit at the picnic tables and take it all in!

The campsites are very nice along with all facilities. The visitor center is being renovated, ready about May 2026.

Amazing place to go to the beach! To the sandbar goes out a long ways so there’s plenty of room for everyone to be in the water and it’s not crowded. Even though there were hundreds of people there we had plenty of space.

Fantastic park! The bathhouses and restrooms are well maintained and new, there's drinking water available at a few spigots and the walk to the lake is relatively short. The only drawback is that some sites back up to a main road which is rather noisy; do yourself a favor and pay attention to the site map.

Great place to go camping and boating. Family-friendly clean water. Nature trials and playgrounds. Can be hard to get a site on certain dates. Been a fav for 40 years.

This State Park is absolutely beautiful. But if your first trip is approaching Memorial Day or before, the park is in maintenance mode. Site lawns aren’t cut, park is short staffed so if you need something or have some questions, it’s best to write them down and ask when you find someone! No registration until 3 pm so plan accordingly or you will be waiting around the dump station with a hundred other campers all making a beeline to the registration shack at 3! It’s crazy and ridiculous. It’s especially frustrating when previous camper has to be off the site at 1 pm and when you arrive at 3 with garbage in your fire pit and extra long grass. Fast forward 2 hours: So shortly after I was told the park was short staffed, we noticed a Park Truck with 4 or 5 park people in it. The truck was marked. We thought they were checking out what needed to be done. Until they stopped at the playground and started swinging on the swings!!! Our tax dollars at work!

The water has a nice sandy bottom and you can wade out for a very long way with it still being very shallow. They have campsites. Grills. A bit down from the regular beach is a dog friendly beach. Great for kids and adults alike.

We had the best day at the beach! Shallow water to put your beach chair in! Clean water. Great Atmosphere. Will be back.

Gorgeous Michigan gem! We discovered there are now several paved full hookup sites one of which we were able to enjoy. Just a 5 - 8 minute shaded path to the pristine waters of North Higgins Lake. They have a dedicated dog beach, doggy potty bag stations, and everything was clean and well maintained. There are newer restrooms and large showers close by.

I'll start with the negative so I can get to the good part. We're full time rv travelers. This park is very serious about not getting on till 3:00. First park we've experienced like this. But it is their park. We were an hour early. First girl at first gate told us to go park in the parking lot until 3:00. We found boat trailer parking. Then finally a few minutes to 3:00 we take off to the campsite. We see a big sign with check in time. So now we're in a very long line of campers at another gate. We finally make it in. We asked the 2 guys helping us where campsite B is. Straight ahead they said. Well... we took a tour of the whole park. Finally we saw 2 girl employees on a cart. They tell us it's three first right at the gate. Lordy. Ok. So now we're still driving. We see numbers to campsites. No letters. He's walking the campground. I'm on the phone. Finally done camper helps. The letters and numbers are so hard to read on the road. Ok. Now we're in. Was very quite the first night until Monday morning the next day at 6:30 by the garage truck emptying the dumpsters. But other the that. We had a great time. We kayaked and just layed in the sun enjoying the days. Nice large campsites with picnic tables and firepit. We had a full hookup site that was nice. We didn't know the hour we had just sitting, that we were parked right where we could have walked to our site to find it before we started. Lol. Has a store. And also wheelchair ramps to the water. Will for sure stay here again if in the area

The store has signs all over. But they don't deliver on their promise. Ordered campfire wood. Spent $35 and they demand a tip.... They normally charge $8 a bundle, which is more than any campsite in the state, and got less than 4 bundles total, and it was supposed to be more than 5 bundles. And the wood was wet...... So wet and fresh. Not seasoned fire wood at all. Used 2 quarts of starter fluid just to keep it lit for one night. Second night I ran out and the wood was wasted. I called, they don't care, would not address the issue. Bring your own. Don't use them. Total rip off and scam artist.

Been coming here almost 40 years I absolutely love Higgins lake and the store food is honestly so good and big portions too the brisket and pulled pork fries should be shared by 2 💚

First time at south Higgins and planned this Halloween one 1 year ago. Site 83 is huge! Our family absolutely loved it! So many activities all weekend for the kids plus trick or treating was amazing! Park closed the roads down for the trick or treat making it really safe. Can’t wait to come back.

Awesome little store!! Very clean, great prices, food was actually really good too. I believe the managers name was Ron, he was super helpful! Really hooked us up when something we ordered unfortunately ran out. Will definitely be recommending this place in the future

Our party of 6 rented a pontoon on 5/16/25 - the first day of the season for them. The boat was sweet and we had a blast. The owner and two of the staff were there to send us off and they were super helpful, instructive and accommodating. When we returned they were waiting to help us. It was an amazing day and we are grateful to The Store for helping us make great memories!!

Cool little store, but $8/bundle for firewood is insane seeing how wet it is. It’s not dry at all and you’ll spend more money at the store buying lighter fluid to try to keep your fire going. Bought 4 bundles, $32, and then had to go buy lighter fluid. Bring your own wood

Always a fun time here with the nicest people and the most reasonable rates! After moving across the country 15 years ago, we still choose to come here when home visiting over any other hills. Great staff, great setup and always the best to learn for young adults.

Played 9/22/25 and I have played Sno Snake 5 times prior. Always well run, well maintained. But yesterday was impeccable. Turf was perfect, flowers hadn't wilted yet and leaves were removed everywhere in play. Thanks! For a great time

Nice golf course, greens were receptive and putted well. Fairways are tight so hit them straight.

Best golf course with 18 in Harrison area. Very good time

We played here last friday. It was a very nice and challenging course so bring your A game, The course was in great condition. We all had a great time.

Played 18 holes today, greens are in great shape. The price along with the staff are fantastic. FYI played in under 4 hours at 10:30 with a twosome! LV this place

Great course! Very fun yet challenging course with all the elevation changes. Pace of play was excellent and the staff was welcoming. I'll definitely play again next time I'm in Harrison.

I've lived in West Branch most of my life, but sadly, the outlet is slowly dying. From the poorly maintained parking lot full of pot holes waiting to destroy your cars suspension to the few businesses that struggle to stay open, the biggest attraction this location offers is Applebee's.

Not a bad little place, It looked nice. I didn't necessarily stop here. I went to the 🍎 🐝 next door to it. But it had some great store choices from the looks of it

🤔mhmm, it’s something to do in a small town. Not too bad. They just opened in July so I don’t expect it to be hit single however I could see it becoming one in the future. The bathrooms were extremely clean. There are also a few locally owned shops which is always a plus. There’s this really nice winery place here and the owner I think seems to be really sweet. She didn’t say much, only a high and have a nice day but the way she said it, sounded like she was genuinely happy we considered coming into her store. You don’t get those smiles often haha.

Would love to see more stores here, but the ones we visited were super cute and had some very interested things to look at.

Not very many stores there. Maybe 10 at most. Was looking for something more exciting

There are fewer stores than in the past yet the Eddie Bauer Outlet is open and that was the reason we did the shopping trip. Good clothing that fits well and durable at the Eddie Bauer Outlet store.

They have lost most of the stores. What is left is maybe 4 stores and a antique shop

Stopped in for a quick bite and grabbed seats at the bar. The bartender was friendly and efficient. We both had the French Onion Soup, rich, favorable, and delicious. We also shared the Shrimp Basket. While the shrimp had a great flavor, we were a bit disappointed with the portion, only five small pieces. Overall, nice spot for casual meal and great service.

Dad and I had fried dill pickles, which were good, but I felt it was a small portion for almost $9. The pizza was good. Waitress was very nice and attentive.

I LOVE this place. The staff is super friendly and they do a really good job. We went on karaoke night and they were pretty busy, but our service was super quick. Their pizza is so good!

Excellent service, food was great. We’ll be back.

Mega well oiled machine! Excellent food, fast service, good prices, friendly staff who enjoy working at this establishment. My burger and fries were good, hot, and as ordered. My love's salad was excellent with complimentary fresh baked in house bread. Their pizza in passing looks excellent and others said the pizza was excellent. Music level was good to promote nice conversation.

Great Service & the Food was Amazing! I had the Oriental Chicken Wrap (it was Fantastic) and My Boyfriend Raved About the Meatloaf and Mashed Potatoes. Prices are Reasonable too! Definitely Worth the Drive 😊

Ordered 2 bowls of French onion was very good but the one slice of cheese didn't cut it rather see shredded cheese. And the fish sandwich was perfect

Dow Gardens is an absolute gem! 🌸 The entire place is beautifully maintained with vibrant flowers, peaceful walking trails, and well-designed landscapes that change with the seasons. The canopy walk is a must-try it gives you a stunning bird’s-eye view of the trees and gardens. It’s such a refreshing spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy nature. Perfect for a family outing, a quiet stroll, or even just some “me-time.” The staff is friendly, and everything feels thoughtfully taken care of. Truly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Michigan! 🌿✨

Enjoyable, relaxing, intriguing. Had a fabulous day wondering different paths throughout the gardens and your even encouraged to leave the path to walk across the lawn to find other hidden places. Saw lots of different varieties of plants and flowers. Thought things were labeled quite well so you knew what you were looking at. Had a canopy walk which was really cool to be up so high in the pine trees to look out across different areas of the grounds. The café by the canopy walk was very well priced having sandwiches, drinks and ice-cream. Looking forward to another trip on a Thursday or Friday so I can tour the Pines home.

Dow Gardens are beautiful. Such a peaceful and lovely way to spend an afternoon. Everything is very walkable and extremely well maintained. The staff are friendly and helpful. I met a friend at the gardens and we spent a few hours catching up, and we really enjoyed ourselves. They would be equally enjoyable solo, or as a family.

We visited this garden in Fall season and its perfect choice. Dow Gardens and Whiting Forest is awesome beautiful. We seen beautiful fall colors. We walked around the park and We enjoyed seeing the different plants, flowers, and trees. The Canopy Walkway was must see attraction at park. It has beautiful trail walk and glass top view. My daughter enjoyed the Children's Garden tremendously. Highly recommend a visit to commune with nature and beauty for a few hours.

This was an absolutely amazing experience. The grounds were gorgeous. Prepare to get lost in the vast gardens and venture down hidden paths amongst the flowers. I might have visited a quarter of the place in my almost 2 hours there, and I am already planning my next trip back. It's definitely worth the cost of admission.

This is an awesome place. Well worth the drive. We came from 2 hours away. Lots of walking, beautiful paved paths, mulched trails. The canopy walk is built to stand till the end of time. The flowers and trees are all so beautiful. Everything about this place is so peaceful and calming. There is a waterfall, a stream, flower gardens, trees, ponds, bridges, and lots of soft green grass. There are also lots of benches to sit and enjoy the views and relax. Spend the day and enjoy.

I love coming here in the Fall to see the colors of the leaves on the canopy walk. But the summer is just as nice. You can definitely get a workout in if you walk all of the gardens and the canopy walk in one day. So sad that the playground was made out of wood and rotting and got torn down. I do hope they make plans to make another one.

A great place for a relaxing walk. The Tridge itself is a really cool bridge structure, but there's so much more to the area. There are parks in all directions allowing for multiple activities: Walking, bike riding, jogging, kayaking, etc. There are multiple dog parks for different sized dogs, playscapes for kids, even a skate park!

Seen pictures on FB. I have been wanting to go for some time now. I got the chance and brought my sister with me. What a beautiful place. So much to explore. And lots of walking. This is truly a BIG park. We were there ruffly and hour. And soaked up the atmosphere, statues, and beautiful flowers around the park. All of it was a vary interesting to see. You got to go and see this beautiful Tridge.

The Tridge in Midland is one of the city’s most unique and iconic landmarks, and it’s so much more than just a bridge. This three-way wooden footbridge sits at the meeting point of the Tittabawassee and Chippewa Rivers, and each arm leads you to something different — making it the perfect hub to start an adventure. One arm takes you into Chippewassee Park, a large recreational area with ball fields, playgrounds, and plenty of green space. This is also where the Midland Dog Park is located, which is a big bonus if you’re traveling with pets. Another arm leads to St. Charles Park, a quieter spot that offers open grassy areas and peaceful river views. The third direction takes you straight into Downtown Midland, where you can grab food, shop, or connect directly to the Pere Marquette Rail Trail, a paved 30+ mile path that’s great for biking, jogging, or walking. The Tridge itself is well maintained, handicap accessible, and has beautiful views of both rivers. It’s a popular gathering place and you can feel the community vibe as soon as you’re there. When we visited, there were a ton of kids dressed up for homecoming photos on the bridge and in the parks nearby. Honestly, it’s a fantastic idea — the bridge, the river, and the parks make for a really stunning backdrop. What I love most about the Tridge is its versatility. Families with kids have space to play, dog owners have a park right there, and outdoor enthusiasts can hop on the trails. It’s also a great spot for photography — whether you’re catching the sunset over the rivers, snapping pictures of the bridge itself, or just documenting a day out with friends and family.

Went August 1 and we ran into a festival. Not much parking. Do.ifnyoungo start before noon. Free on street and a parking lot next to tridge. Lots of food stands but they don't open until 7 pm. Had many games and storytime for children under 4.Mostbstreets blocked off for bands and pediatrian traffic. Very clean and gorgeous flowers. Very ,very safe.

Great views of the three intersecting rivers. Downtown Midland Tridge. Close to Dog Park, Skate Park, Picnic areas, recreation trail, outdoor commons area on Main street with a variety of shop, retail, restaurants, bars.

It was beautiful especially at twilight. Very romantic. There were a couple of little girl tiny humans out there and they were the sweetest they were with their mom and their little brother and their mom was pushing a stroller and it was just incredible. An experience for the whole family or even just a couple.

Great dog park!! Separate area for small dogs. Fantastic place for the 3rd annual Envigo Beagle meet up!! Clean and well maintained!

Beautifully clean facility. Super family friendly with lots of food options for everyone. We go to about seven games each season and always have a great time! Theme nights are especially fun for kids of all ages. The staff does a great job of keeping the games engaging and active! Let's go Looooooooons!!!!

This is my 1st time being here to watch the Loons Game. It is a neat place, lots of shops, and places to eat.

We went the the LPGA Dow Championship. We were in the veterans suite. I cannot say enough about this golf course. It is beautiful. The Dow amd Kelly treats our veterans wonderfully! Thank you! You will not be disappointed! I have never had a better experience at PGA or LPGA than we did here. Dow amd Kelly are fabulous.

Very enjoyable place to watch a game, plenty of great seats and clean sight lines A+ park in my Book

Fun night at the Dow! Brats are good and the frozen drinks are delish!

All photos are taken and distributed by Be Photographed. Dow Diamond is so much more than just a baseball field — it’s an incredibly fun and unique wedding venue. When I take photos here, I’m always impressed by how versatile the space is. Couples have access to the clubhouse suites for getting ready, the main concourse for cocktail hour or receptions, and even the field and dugouts for portraits. It’s a dream setting for creative wedding photography. The natural lighting is beautiful once the glass doors between the concourse and stadium are closed, giving the space an open, airy feel. There’s also plenty of parking, which makes it convenient for guests and vendors alike. Dow Diamond is one of the most distinctive and memorable wedding venues in Midland, Michigan — and I’d love to photograph another celebration here soon.

Dow Diamond is an experience all on its own. The crack of the ball the running and the diving for the catch all excitement happens here. There are a variety of vendors in the pathway to serve all your needs weather outside pretzel a beer or a hot dog they have something for everyone. We're walking in the pathway make sure to look at all the displays for the advertised many local businesses and Charities that you can visit. If you have a large group you can always rent out the Pavilion which serves any of the meals that you choose and has a great view of the field. If you are an avid baseball connoisseur make sure to get season tickets and if you're lucky they'll have box seats available then too. Cecilia spirit and support for the loons and come to a game cheer cheer cheer. Come support Midland and the loons you won't regret it. I even caught a foul ball my last visit, it was so exciting!

Lovely park.. very easy to navigate and a short walk to the bay if you like that kind of thing. 2 restrooms/showers and very well maintained. I popped in for a single night with my hammock and realized it was super quiet after 10pm. Ten out of ten would stop by again. Also was able to record two owl types on a bird watching app I use. Very cool.

I’m visiting from NH. Our lakes are very clear & clean. This lake was far from that. However multiple people were in the water swimming and my daughter didn’t mind the mud bath. I will say that the kids playground and splash pad was on and popping. I wish there was food store & souvi er shop.

We were visiting family and they brought us here for the day. It is absolutely beautiful here. Nice and clean. There is tons of parking and places to picnic. Whether you want to play at the beach or take the kids to the splash pad, there is something for everyone.

Drove from Indianapolis (5 hours) to try to view the Northern Lights....we viewed them!! Bay City did not disappoint. A great park! Friendly people. Looking forward to coming back.

Beach area was nice. Had volley ball pit, and a handicap ramp towards the water. Splash pad for the kiddos. Mine was a spur of the moment trip but I see coming back with family for a longer stay.

The state park was amazing! There was a walkway the whole way that went through marshes and all the way to the beach! We saw deer and birds and a tern! There was even a walkway out to the water. It was much appreciated by my husband and me.

Campground was great—clean bathrooms, spacious sites, and great for kids. The splash pad was awesome. The beach had nice sand and warm water, but the algae, muddy bottom, and very shallow water were disappointing. Loud music from boats near the beach took away from the otherwise peaceful feel of the park. Also part of the beach is private property.

Happily stumbled upon this great ship purely by chance. My 12 year old nephew was interested (first spark of life on the trip that day). We drove closer to take a look and discovered it was a museum and open. It was quite fascinating going aboard and seeing the entire ship. Very few closed or blocked doors. Worth the time and money for sure.

Impressive, love it. So much to explorer. And so much to learn about this ship. I love Navy ships. There a story to tell on each and every one of them in Michigan. So glad I stop on in. Staff was friendly , kind and helpful. Answered questions. And the gentleman in the gift shop had a story to tell about this ship. He was interesting to chat with. As we were leaving another gentleman chatted with us again and explained a few more details. I was intrigued with the fire pit outside the gift shop. He explained who donated it. And gave a story as well. I would come back again when I am going that way again.

The first half of my visit was self-guided, and at my own pace. The areas off-limits were clearly marked and all guests receive a guide book containing rules upon entry in Admission Office/ Gift Shop. Halfway through my visit, I met Eric, a retired US Navyman, who not only offered to show me the Authorized Only parts of the ship, but also offered me some of his beautiful hand-made crafts as souvenirs. He taught me more than paper or books ever could, and I am SO thankful he was there to enjoy the weather as I was so we could explore the ship together. He crafts the rope work for the ship, and creates keychains for guests in his spare time. I would HIGHLY recommend seeing the ship and meeting the staff, but Eric is there most weekends if you're interested in an entirely unique experience! Please go when you have the time to truly appreciate the USS Edson!

The Edson is truly a gem. We took our Scout Troop there for an overnight experience. The volunteers were ALL amazing. The passion they have for history and this ship really showed at every turn. Specifically, Erik, who was our groups guide for the evening/night was absolutely amazing. He showed us parts of the ship and little details that we would easily have overlooked. I could tell that he really enjoyed giving tours and answering questions from both scouts and adults that were interested in learning more. Bruce (who actually SERVED on the Edson) also had some great insights and stories. If you are in Bay City, this is absolutely worth stopping for.

Very cool how close you can drive up to the ship and even stop get out and snap a picture of your vehicle, or even selfie or family photos with it. Great view of the water and definitely worth it at sunset!

This ship from the shore alone is magnificent. It looks big, but inside it is huge. Our tour guide Wayne, was fantastic. His knowledge of the ship and enthusiasm for the tour make it an unforgettable experience. It is worth far more that $15 a person. I cannot say enough good things about all of it. Even though we didn't see him, a big thank you to Paul as well.

Full disclosure, we arrived after they had closed for the day. That being sad the environment and scenery make for awesome photo back drops. Plenty of parking for even larger vehicles. If you are in the Baycity area and have some time to kill, check out the tour.

Absolutely awesome place for bands to play. We got to see Riot V perform there recently; we had plenty of room to sit, and the band sounded amazing. It has great acoustics for a smaller outdoor venue. The river is gorgeous, there are beautiful murals, a neat statue by a big fountain, and a small playground. They also had an ample amount of restrooms, which was super convenient. The only downside I could think of is that there wasn't as much parking as the show I went to needed. We got there early and had no problem, but my friends who got there later in the night had to walk pretty far.

Seagulls were very approachable and willing to take food. Only ever flew off when a passerby passed, but they would always return. The optimal location for seagull feeding is the benches by the Princess Wenonah boat. Would recommend highly.

We had the opportunity to visit the Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell in APR_FY2024 and it was an amazing experience. We made a plant tour and fore sure it's beautiful place, specially to visit in a a hot summer day. The land around the Wenonah Park at World Friendship Shell is also remarkable, even a simple ride across the roads could be an unforgettable experience. Definitely, it's a place where we want back.

absolutely great concert The C.C.R band was extremely talented ,beautiful place 2 watch a concert & the pier in background was beautiful 👍😎💯💯💯💯💯

Beautiful place in downtown Bay City, right near the river. There are many events going on, especially in the Summer time. You are right next to downtown, where you can walk, eat, and have some fun. I highly recommend Bay City if you are traveling through Michigan.

Nice venue on the River, seen the band five for fighting there and it was a really cool evening. Took a couple pics with the drummer Mr. Randy Cooke, super great guy! I'd enjoy seeing another show here, parking was good and the atmosphere was very nice👍🏼

Bay City is a gem within the Great Lakes Bay Region and the live music at the World Friendship Shell in Wenonah Park never disappoints. I am looking forward to another summer spent enjoying the city.

Lovely little island to visit. Has plenty to offer. Plenty of well paved trials for walking or biking. Easy access to the island, multiple ways on or off. Easy parking to figure out.

A great place to fish; catch catfish, bass, bluegill, carp, walleye, bowfin, gar, rockbass and the occasional stick... Plenty of spots, docks and banks... Suggest to fish with a buddy. Location does sometimes attract a shady crowd.

Nice park, good for biking, walking, jogging or just relaxing

Very peaceful area!

A great place to 'get away from it all'... nice fishing spots and plenty of free parking...unfortunately there are visitors to this venue that take advantage of it. This is a no alcoholic beverage location, but people throw their beer and liquor bottles on the ground, like they deserve to... or own the joint... despite the presence of trash cans. Try fishing at the dock, you'll catch, catfish, carp, sheepshead, trout, walleye, bluegill to name a few.

A great place to hangout with friends and family.

Always a fun time my kids like when the stage is empty n pretend to be rock stars just like their mumma...I pretend too lol 😆

This zoo is small in size but had a great variety of animals! Perfect to take smaller kids and get to see everything in one day! Zoo was clean and well kept, staff were friendly and helpful! They have a restaurant, gift shop, carousel, and train ride! Lots of hand washing stations that were nice to have and bathrooms were clean! Would recommend for any age! All the different gardens that people or places sponsor were cool to check out also!

They have crockigators lol 😆 the habitats were clean. The main pond was drained like a mosh pit or lagoon 😇 we got to pet the goats for free 🐐 it was a fun experience. Would go again!

Well maintained zoo in Saginaw that has a nice variety of animals. Caretakers keeps the facilities clean and the animals seem to be happy and enjoying the visitors. Nice train for little kids to to see the entire zoo. Has concessions for a lunch if you did not bring your own. Enjoyed my time there.

Super cheap (got in for $6 a person!), cute little place to take your kids to explore, and even have a park and sand pit. Their gardeners need applause as well its so beautiful everywhere you look! They dont have things on display to buy so you dont spend money like other places (unless you go into the store). Loved it will def come again.

Very cute little zoo! I was shocked at how pretty it was and how close up you got to the animals. Plus its only $8 to get in if you're not a local resident. The train ride was cute and there was a nice pond in the middle. Definitely would revisit in the future

It's a small zoo but I love this one. I took my kids there for years. The train is the best part.

I've been coming here since I was a baby and it was grown right along with me 💞 I really enjoy the zoo and can't wait for the new additions so definitely go check it out

This city is simply perfect, it's always a 10 in every way. It's worth visiting at any time of the year, as there's always something new to discover. The city is charming, beautiful, and magical, with an atmosphere that makes you feel like you're in a dream. There are events and activities for all tastes and ages, making it ideal to visit with family or friends. The views are breathtaking, the strolls are pleasant, and the journey feels like you're inside a movie. The city has a special charm that makes you want to come back again and again.

Enjoyed a delicious fried chicken dinner. Came with all the sides of course. The coleslaw was tangy and delicious. The gravy, amazing. All the cheeses and breads and cottage cheese hit the spot. I’ve listed the menu here with the prices. It’s not for everyone. There’s is a lot of shopping in the walking area around the two main restaurants that serve the all you can eat chicken dinners. Great hotels to spend the night. Water park attached to the hotel. I’ve stayed in the past. Very nice and fun. Overall great for a weekend getaway or an afternoon.

I absolutely love the Frankenmuth River Shops! I make it a point to visit at least once a year, and each time is a delightful experience. This year, I'm especially excited for our trip; it’s the perfect small getaway for the family, filled with charm and activities to enjoy together. The atmosphere at the River Shops is incredibly inviting, set within the enchanting Bavarian-style town of Frankenmuth. Strolling along the picturesque pathways lined with vibrant shops is a joy in itself. There’s a fantastic variety of stores, each offering unique items, from handmade crafts to stylish clothing and local artwork. I always find something special to take home! If you're looking to indulge, the array of treats is impressive. From delectable fudge and homemade ice cream to gourmet popcorn and artisanal chocolates, there’s something to satisfy every sweet tooth. The flavors are rich and wonderful, making it hard to choose just one! What I love most is that Frankenmuth caters to both families and couples. Whether you’re enjoying quality time with your kids or seeking a romantic escape with your spouse, there’s no shortage of activities. You can explore quaint cafes, indulge in wine tastings, or relax by the river and take in the beautiful scenery. Prices at the shops are comparable to what you’d expect in a popular vacation town, but the quality and experience are well worth it. Frankenmuth River Shops consistently deliver joy, relaxation, and a sense of community that keeps us coming back year after year. Without a doubt, this place deserves a five-star rating!

A fun place to spend the afternoon! Lots of little shops to visit and explore. Snacks, drinks and food are all around. In a mixture of old world charm in a fun setting right on the river. They have tons of events that take place on the weekends. Reenactment, dog show, car shows etc.

An interesting and diverse shopping area...even for a grumpy husband. Loved the Bavarian theme. Shop keeper's were pleasant and helpful. Beautiful architecture and places to sit were adequate. ..clean and smoke free.

20250711 A very dogfriendly shopping area with Bavarian theme. Some of the stores like the jerky shop and hot pepper shop can be found in other shipping centers. I came here specifically for cherry republic. I did find something in the cats and dogs shop. Otherwise, I pretty much enjoyed the Bavarian storefront. I wish this was similar to the Nelis' Dutch Village with German merchandise and German feel to it.

The owner was really nice. The tour cost was $18.00 for one hour. Well worth it. I highly recommend taking this tour well worth it.

This place is a hidden gem of frankenmuth. We traveled here with a group of high schoolers on a field trip to film them for an upcoming documentary, and we were all extremely impressed. On display where artifacts, pictures, and most importantly stories of Michiganders, who fought in wars from our nations history. The tour guides there were extremely knowledgeable, and the array of items on display are very cool. In fact, they have an entire display of German and Japanese artifacts which were confiscated by World War II veterans. I highly a recommend spending time here. It’s off the beaten path of the main downtown area, but whether you’re a war buff or not, you will find it, inspiring and informative.

An outstanding venue to cover the military heroes of all the services...for the state of Michigan. Descriptive and informative presentations. Worth the visit. Engaging and informative docents.

Great place to learn about the Michigan military. Presented very well. Guide is very knowledgeable, and you can tell he enjoys his job.

The young man there that runs the place was very knowledgeable and available for questions. Museum is well kept and interesting. Pay attention to the top of the shelves!

This was very cool! Our boys are all in WWII right now and this place honored all who served from MI in all wars and space. Mark, who was working today was very knowledgeable and he had a scavenger hunt the boys could do which made them look through and at everything multiple times trying to find their objects on their sheets. It helped them to stop and really appreciate everything while learning new cool things about history and humbling them for own fallen soldiers. I recommend this place!

Absolutely fantastic hidden Michigan gem! This museum has an amazing collection of military history, Michigan soldiers' stories, and artifacts and memorabilia. For me it's an absolutely essential stop on a Frankenmuth visit, and well worth a trip on its own merit! The staff are incredibly helpful and knowledgeable and the museum itself is well organized and well cared for. A fantastic place for researching a school project, brushing up on military history, or just spending a day learning more about the amazing things people from Michigan have accomplished.

Absolutely wonderful, informative and interesting museum. The staff told us about many of the displays and we didn't even have a tour scheduled. I would highly recommend this as a stop if you are in the area. There is displays for many various past and present wars and we learned about the Polar Bears unit. They also have Bingo cards available for young children to search for objects as they go through the museum.

This outlet mall has the potential to be a top-tier shopping destination—if more stores were added and closures were minimized. Its location is ideal, situated right off Interstate 75, making it a perfect stop for travelers looking to take a break, shop, and enjoy their journey. The surrounding area already offers excellent amenities, including a variety of restaurants and nearby hotels, making it convenient for overnight stays. As someone who frequently travels, I often look for outlet malls to stretch my legs, find great deals, grab a meal, and even spend the night. I genuinely enjoy the stores currently at this mall, but expanding the selection would significantly enhance the experience—not just for me, but for countless others traveling this major corridor. With just a few strategic additions, this outlet mall could truly thrive and become a must-visit stop along I-75. Please consider investing in its growth. The potential is already here—it just needs to be unlocked.

Lots of choices all in one area. Good place to get your excercise in while you shop. Most stores are walkable down the main sidewalk with crossing the parking lot. Some you will need to drive to next set of buildings over. This is a place you could easily spend the entire day.

This place is going downhill fast. We come here every year and each time we come here, it takes us less and less time to go through it. They no longer have a Spirit Halloween or Coleman store. The book store and retro store that were here are gone as well. I believe the Bose store is also gone. The only stores left are the Pepperidge farms and Sleeping Tiger as unique stores. Otherwise they have some other basic stores left that other outlet malls have like Nike, Under Amour, and Sketchers. So much of this mall has just been replaced with basic, boring, and very common stores. Not to mention one entire section has been replaced by a Goodwill, antique stores, and a small market. Who is going to a "premium" outlet mall for that? We spent only about an hour here this last time we were there, compared to previous years, we spent half a day here. It's still worth going for some of the unique stores but that's it. I would only recommend going on the way to Frankenmuth but absolutely not as a solo trip unless you are super into expensive clothes.

I just love these stores! You can find anything you need or want in this wonderful outlet , and I'm so thankful for it to be right around the corner from me now! Bless you all!

Great selection of retail outlets available to shop at at Birch Run Premium Outlets! Located in Birch Run, MI, this outlet is just off I75. Lots of parking available with plenty of lighting. A very popular outlet mall, so it can get busy at times, be prepared! Come enjoy a premium shopping experience at Birch Run Premium Outlets!

There are tons of awesome shops in several areas holding anything you need. If you can't find it here, you probably dont need it. There's plenty of parking, some restrooms, and a few places to grab a bite to eat as well as vending machines. The entire area is kept up with pretty well. Along with well-known shops, there are antique shops, art shops and other places to browse. Great variety, pretty good deals all around.

The antique stores here are amazing. The side along the highway near goodwill has multiple different stores. I always start at An Unexpected Treasure Hunt and work my way around

When I say this is such a magical experience I can’t stress it enough!! This castle was truly stunning!!

I took my three year old here while we were in the area and it was neat to see. We paid for the tour which was very reasonable and bought a couple books to support. Mr. Curwood was one of Michigan’s foremost conservationist and this is a neat part of Michigan’s history.

Nice place to visit and see the history of Owosso. It's a great place for senior photos!!!

It was unique and interesting. Gift shop items are on the low end price wise.

This place is an awesome monument to the author James Oliver Curwood. The staff are lovely and very friendly. They have a vast knowledge of the history of Mr. Curwood and his life and involvement in the town. The castle and surrounding park is beautifully maintained. Would highly recommend a visit, especially during the festival when all the art vendors and reenactors are out.

Such a gem for Owosso community and great spot for pics!

We have never had the chance to go inside. But the park is so lovely and has ample shade to just sit and look all the beauty. There is also a nice art walk nearby, and the bridge is always a favorite.

This was my first time going and my first time ever trying to get tickets. Let’s start with the good things. The staff is super friendly and organized at the station, everyone really enjoys working there, even the conductors and the staff that goes in every single carriage. I had the “cheapest” tickets and still it was pricey. They did gave me hot cocoa which I thought it was extra. The negative of this experience or things that I would have done different. - the train was behind an hour, people were waiting in the cold for an hour…I wish they told people before - they only have two restrooms inside!!! It took me 20 min. And they have portal potty’s outside, but still with the people they get I’m shock only two. - if you have small children I’ll call ahead and ask for a 4 seater. I wish I did this! - Ashley was so so so disappointed, the food was terrible and I agree with the vendors, not enough vendors that were about Polar express theme, which was disappointed. - The line for Santa was so long that when we went he wasn’t “available” anymore! -I’ll bring my own water and my own food - again not enough bathrooms and the portal potties are dirty. - they don’t have enough small children activities, and they have a slide and a carrousel but it’s 3 dolls for each time they go, even the slide which is pricey. I get that this what mostly people depend on their income but it needs a major improve, specially for the price you pay. Again, it’s so disappointed for families with small children about the quality of food, the activities and the environment. It’s sad that I didn’t feel like it was Christmasy or “North Pole”.

This was a great event for the family! Roger made it such a special event for us. Very hard to get tickets, but very much worth it. Best to have one person purchase all the tickets for a group. Thanks for making my sons wishes come true.

It was quite an experience here I've been wanting to go here for years. Not sure why but I finally made it only to see The polar Express was getting maintenance done so sorry to say this year I don't think there's going to be rides with this train pulling anyone. The wheels were completely off the train. Our tour guide that we had which is very informative about everything. I really enjoyed all he was telling me. I wish I could remember his name but he said that in my lifetime I'll never see this happen again to The polar Express train that was the train that featured in The polar Express movie. So next year I will have to go for a ride.

We attended the Christmas in July event and had so much fun exploring the trains and riding the mini train. We came early and so we didn't get to watch the movie. But the tour, mini trains and train musuem was totally worth it!! This was a free event when we went unless you wanted to ride the big train that was $5 a person.

This was our first trip on the Pere Marquette. We choose the swivel chairs which turned out to be an excellent choice for comfort and viewing. The staff in our car and elsewhere were incredibly friendly and made the trip fun. The town of Ashley is definitely geared towards children but it's fun to check out the small stores. Overall, it was a fun experience.

The North Pole Express was a magical experience. We went with a group of my Mom-Friends and our kids. We got the seats in the dining cars. The kids sipped on hot cocoa, had delicious treats brought to us on the on the way there and back. The staff in our car (Holly) lead Christmas songs and shared historical information about the train. The conductor came around on the way home and signed the Polar Express book that we bought in Ashley. Ashley completely transformed into the North Pole. All of the staff and vendors there were so incredibly joyful and in character! I was so impressed, it was Disney level commitment. There was a free magic show there, the Grinch, shops, rides, a toy shop where kids could make a toy and so many nods to the Polar Express movie. We loved it! Worth every penny and we will definitely do this again. Also making a trip back to Ashley because we didn’t get to do everything. If you go, definitely wear your pajamas like in the movie! Lots of people do this or wear matching shirts and holiday hats, necklaces, etc. You can bring snacks on the train, so that is great. Water bottles and non-sugary snacks are a good idea for the kiddos.

November 2021 - family of 5 went on the Polar express. We went on a Saturday night and had a blast. My 3 daughters are under 10. We went on Vixen and the 2 young ladies did a great job keep us entertained. We go to Ashley, MI. Its a small town and we went right to Santa. Didn't wait long. A lot of things for the kids to do. The volunteers are wonderful. You can make or buy items there. You can get food. We plan on doing this again next year with more family and friends. Tickets normally go on sale in the spring.