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East Central

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Pure Michigan Dream Vacation

Courtesy of Midwest Living magazine

North of Detroit, the area known as “The Thumb” offers pretty, friendly towns along Lake Huron beaches and bountiful farm country inland, great for forays to you-pick farms in season.

Surrounded by this lush landscape, the village of Frankenmuth celebrates its status as “Michigan’s Little Bavaria” and one of the state’s perennial favorite destinations. Generations of visitors have made pilgrimages for the town’s trademark family-style chicken dinners, shops that include Bronner’s CHRISTmas Wonderland, the world’s largest holiday store, and a yearlong lineup of festivals that celebrate Frankenmuth’s heritage, food and more.

Summer events also showcase the region’s bounty with all sorts of family fun.  Flint, Saginaw, Midland and Bay City provide compelling urban experiences, including up-and-coming shopping districts, theaters and museums.

Featured Destinations include:

Streetscapes of Frankenmuth, Bavarian Attractions

Streetscapes of Frankenmuth, Bavarian Attractions

Frankenmuth’s flowers and greenery bloom is what many visitors to Michigan describe as the most authentic Bavarian architecture to be found anywhere in the United States. One-of-a-kind attractions can only be found at Michigan's very own Frankenmuth.
Photo courtesy of Frankenmuth Convention & Visitors Bureau

Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, Flint, East Central Michigan

Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, Flint, East Central Michigan
A magnificent steam railroad and a living history village of 34 historic structures includes a Masters Cider Mill. Friendly villagers in period dress welcome you to the homes, mills and shops. Photo courtesy of Midwest Living

Appledore Tall Ships: East Central Michigan Boating Adventures in Bay City

Appledore Tall Ships: East Central Michigan Boating Adventures in Bay City
Enjoy boating aboard one of Bay City’s own Tall Ships, the Appledore IV and Appledore V. We offer river sails, dinner sails and sails on Saginaw Bay. Photo courtesy of Bay City CVB

Kayaking the Thumb Heritage Water Trail - Port Austin, East Central Michigan

Kayaking the Thumb Heritage Water Trail - Port Austin, East Central Michigan
The Tip of the Thumb Heritage Water Trail extends over 100 miles with 34 launch/landing markers. Interesting rock formations, caves and stacks can be found less than two miles east or west of Port Austin’s Veterans Waterfront Park.
Photo courtesy of Port Austin

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Port Huron, East Central Michigan

Fort Gratiot Lighthouse, Port Huron, East Central Michigan
Take a lighthouse tour along the “Discover the Blue” shoreline. View the Lake St. Clair Light, St. Clair Flats Old Channel Range Light, Peche Island Rear Range Light, Lightship Huron, Fort Gratiot Light, Port Sanilac Light, Harbor Beach Light, Pointe Aux Barques light and the Port Austin Reef Light. The lights shine bright in the Thumb of Michigan! Photo courtesy of Blue Water Area Convention and Visitors Bureau

Downtown Midland, East Central Michigan

Downtown Midland, East Central Michigan
Downtown Midland offers a quaint, hometown feeling in the Thumb of Michigan. Journey to downtown Midland for a festive experience in East Central Michigan! Photo courtesy of Midland County Convention & Visitors Bureau

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