Michigan: A perfect skip-gen destination

by Graham McKenzie

Skip-generation vacations are gaining popularity, and the mitten state of Michigan offers an ideal destination for grandparents and grandchildren trips.

Michigan provides a diverse blend of activities suitable for both grumpy grandpa and eager grandchild, making it an excellent choice. From bustling cities to serene lakeshores, what’s on offer is a mix of adventure, education, and relaxation. I was lucky enough to take my grandson Mason on a seven-day fun filled trip last summer. Here is how it went:

Detroit: Motor City Magic

Detroit is easily accessible with daily flights from London via Delta and serves as an exciting starting point. The city offers a perfect balance of history, culture, modern attractions and food. Most important for eager teenagers.

Buddy’s Pizza: A local institution known for its delicious Detroit-style pizza, perfect for hungry travellers.

Ford Rouge Factory Tour: Witness automotive history and modern production, fascinating for both generations.

Henry Ford Museum of American Innovation: An expansive collection covering various aspects of American history, from technology to social movements.

Motown Museum: A legendary music studio offering guided tours, appealing to music-loving grandparents.

It is, however, not just about exploring indoors. In the summer there are ample opportunities to get out and about and where better to start than the Detroit River Walk. It offers unique views of Canada to the south, an intriguing geographical quirk and one that fascinated my boy. Take a bike tour with a 10-mile ride through the city centre providing an active way to explore key sites such as the Eastern Market, a huge warehouse area offering all things Detroit by way of food, flowers and fashion.

Traverse City

A not to be missed itinerary section is a trip north to Traverse City introducing some of Michigan’s natural wonders and culinary delights. Amongst these are Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore: which offers breath-taking views and hiking opportunities. Afterwards try some Moomers Homemade Ice Cream.  A family-owned shop with over 150 flavours, it’s perfect for a refreshing treat after the rigours of the Dunes. Afterwards go downtown Traverse and visit Cherry Republic which showcases the region’s famous cherry products. For adults only, Traverse City is also home to the state’s wine region and tasting tours are easily bookable.

Sault Ste. Marie: History and engineering marvels

Go further north and drive across the famous Mackinac Bridge to find this historic town at the junction of Lake Superior and Lake Huron which has exceptional experiences for skip-gen travellers. Take a boat tour of the Soo Locks and you can’t help but admire these engineering marvels which provide a real-life interactive history lesson. The shoreline also offers a glimpse into the past with many historic lighthouses to visit. Also, what better way to end the day than enjoying some of the best fish and chips outside the UK.

The diverse range of activities of a trip keeps both generations content by mixing educational aspects with fun experiences. Travel within the state is easy with wide open highways enabling the move from urban to rural in swift fashion. Plus, accommodation rates are very reasonable when compared to other areas of the US.

From exploring automotive history in Detroit to natural wonders in Traverse City and the engineering marvels in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan provides a well-rounded experience for skip-generation trips.

Grahams Car parking was provided by www.aph.com

For more information: Great Lakes USA

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