Petoskey State Park
Head to Little Traverse Bay on the Lower Peninsula of northern Michigan. Visitors will find a range of activities and affordable lodging at nearby Petoskey State Park. The park features over 300 acres of forests, hiking trails and sandy beaches. Rent a kayak or canoe to take out for a paddle on the bay, and utilize the picnic pavilions throughout the park. There are two different campgrounds for those overnight trips to the park during the warmer months. Choose between the Tannery Creek or Little Traverse Dunes campsites.
Petoskey State Park
2475 M-119 Hwy.
Petoskey, MI 49712
Tel: (231) 347-2311
www.michigan.org/Property/Detail.aspx?p=G10185
Grand Haven
Grand Haven is a popular beach town in western Michigan. Situated right on the shimmering waters of Lake Michigan, Grand Haven is a family-friendly place for a cheap vacation. Stroll along the old-time boardwalk and make sure to visit the historic lighthouse out on the pier. Budget hotels can be found all over town, or you have the option of camping at Grand Haven State Park. This 48-acre park sits along the coast, complete with 174 campsites and family picnic areas.
Grand Haven State Park
1001 Harbor Avenue
Grand Haven, MI 49417
Tel: (616) 847-1309
www.michigandnr.com/parksandtrails/Details.aspx?type=SPRK&id=449
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
Tahquamenon Falls State Park is the second-largest park in all of Michigan. The location could not be more beautiful, sitting in Michigan's Upper Peninsula near the Canadian border and Lake Superior. The Upper Tahquamenon Falls thunder down, dropping over 50 feet into a series of lower falls that cascade through the forest along the Tahquamenon River. Tahquamenon Falls State Park features 40,000 acres of undeveloped woodlands, over 40 miles of nature trails and 13 inland lakes. Visitors can bike, canoe, hike and kayak in the warmer months. Outdoor enthusiasts can also go cross-country skiing or trekking with snowshoes in the winter. Keep an eye out for moose, bears, foxes, deer and wolves in this rugged place. Low-priced campsites are open between April 15th and November 1st.
Tahquamenon Falls State Park
41382 West M-123, P.O. Box 225
Paradise, MI 49768
Tel: (906) 492-3415
www.exploringthenorth.com/tahqua/tahqua.html
Article Written By David Thyberg
David Thyberg began his writing career in 2007. He is a professional writer, editor and translator. Thyberg has been published in various newspapers, websites and magazines. He enjoys writing about social issues, travel, music and sports. Thyberg holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pittsburgh Honors College with a certificate in Spanish and Latin American studies.
