Grab the Michigan ORV/ATV trail maps, pull on the helmet, strap on the goggles, get the winch ready and head to the great outdoors for a ride to remember, whether it’s an scenic trail excursion or a white knuckle track experience.

The State of Michigan’s ORV system of motorcycle trails, all terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, and ORV routes crosses mostly state forest land. The system also has five scramble areas, where a variety of vehicles mix and mingle (some restrictions may apply), including the popular Silver Lake State Park where driving on the sand dunes is allowed. The state has multiple regulations and guidelines, from licensing to land use, equipment requirements, age restrictions and sound emission (maximum 94dB A). Read all about it in the online Handbook of Michigan Off-Road Vehicle Laws.

Need wheels? You’ll find sources for rentals at michigan.org, as well as details on the following ORV sites and more public areas and privately owned parks where you can take the family to play, get a grip on your ride, or challenge your skills and your vehicle.

    

Southern Lower Peninsula

Michigan's designated scramble areas are places where, unless otherwise restricted, any size or type of ORV can be driven. This typically means full size trucks & SUV's to RUV's, ATV's and motorcycles. Operators are allowed to 'go where they please' even creating their own trails. These scramble areas are a part of Michigan's designated trail system. >more 

    

    

Northern Lower Peninsula

Michigan offers many trail riding opportunities. Michigan's public ORV  trail/route system provides four types of riding opportunities: motorcycle trails, all terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, ORV routes which are open to ORVs of all sizes including Secretary of State licensed vehicles, and scramble areas. >more 

    

    

Upper Peninsula

In the Upper Peninsula, it is legal for ORVs to operate on state forest roads as well as the designated trail system, unless a specific state forest road is posted closed to ORV use. Trails are lightly groomed and riders are likely to encounter narrow sand trails, rough moguls, steep hills, stumps, rocks, brush, loose surfaces and other hazards. >more 

    

Car enthusiasts, history buffs and anyone interested in the impact that the automobile has had on daily life will find plenty to explore across the state, from museums to classic car cruises and shows that honor the automotive contributions that are Pure Michigan.

    

Metro Detroit

You don't have to be a car buff to explore the automobile's past, present and future through hands-on activities, an assembly line and auto plant tour, car displays spanning 100 years and IMAX shows.  >more 

    

    

Around the State

Get your motor revving and experience Michigan's automotive heritage, events and attractions.  >more 

    

    

Homes of the Auto Barons

Historic abodes of Detroit's auto families that are open to the public offer a glimpse into their dramatically different tastes and lifestyles.  >more 

    

If an apple a day keeps the doctor away, just think what a gallon of Pure Michigan cider can do for you.

The sweet nectar of Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Gala and Honey Crisp apples and more abound at the cider mills where you can watch the cider-making process. Best of all, you don’t have to feel guilty enjoying apple cider as it has about 87 calories per 6 oz. glass.

Historic Pure Michigan Cider Mills

Historic Dexter Cider Mill  near Ann Arbor is the oldest continuously operating cider mill in the state. Today the cider mill keeps its more than 120 year old cider making tradition by using an oak rack press and blending three to five different locally grown apple varieties in every pressing. This mill was cited by "Hour Detroit" magazine as one of the 101 places to visit in the greater Detroit Metropolitan area.

The Franklin Cider Mill opened in 1837 as a gristmill, and is located in the Franklin Historic District north of downtown Detroit. It has been pressing apples into cider since 1895, and today, all 21 varieties of apples used are hand picked fresh and 100 percent organic. For a special taste sensation, visit in late September for Honey Crisp cider. Take home apple pie or sugar free apple pie or a bag full of the signature cinnamon spice donuts.

Yates Cider Mill in Rochester Hills has been water-powered since 1863, and presses 300 gallons of fresh blended apple cider per hour. Visitors can also indulge in fresh donuts, apple pies, fudge, apple crisp, jams, and more. Yates earned the title of one of the best cider mills in the US by Forbes Traveler.

Historic Parshallville Grist Mill & Cider Mill in Fenton sits nearby North Ore Creek. Built in 1869, the Grist Mill is a Michigan Historic Site. Enjoy fresh cider, donuts, caramel apples, pies and a variety of specialty food items and gifts. The mill is open 7 days a week through November with entertainment on Sundays.

Uncle John's Cider Mill in St. Johns began in the early 1900's when the mill was a cattle barn. Today it offers the sweet scents of cider and donuts. In September and October explore the five-acre corn maze and straw bale maze, take a wagon ride, walk the nature trail, visit the pumpkin patch or try your hand at the fruit fling, an apple slingshot.

Blake Farms opened in 1946 and was the first “pick-your-own” orchard in Michigan. This Macomb County favorite located in Armada is perfect for a family outing with fresh pressed cider and donuts and a full slate of bakery items to choose from. Kids can enjoy an animal farm, pony rides, a hayride, or picking apples in the orchard with the family. Special attractions are the Haunted Barn and a corn maze.

North of Flint in Mt. Morris is Wolcott Orchards & Cider Mill. The apple orchard was originally planted over 100 years ago by the Wolcott family. Enjoy a completely natural cider product -- undiluted, unfermented, and unsweetened.  Families can take a hayride in the orchard. Be sure to call ahead to order your favorite pies.

If you are a Michigan resident you can choose to purchase a Recreation Passport at the time when you renew your license plate. The $10 passport fee helps to support outdoor recreation and preserve green spaces for future generations. The Recreation Passport also replaces the state park sticker to get you into all 98 state parks and 1,000 boat launches.

First Time Camper Program

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources once again offers the First Time Campers program at 19 campgrounds across the state. The program, sponsored by Gander Mountain, is a unique one-time experience for people who are new to camping. For $20, all of the gear, guides and good times will be provided for a two night stay. When campers check-in, the park representative will walk them through the process of setting up camp and settling in for a great Michigan adventure. While the campers won't get to keep the gear they use, Gander Mountain offers great discounts on everything they will be trying. Vehicle fees to state parks and camping fees still apply for all campers. To reserve your First Time Camper experience, contact one of the 19 state parks in which you wish to stay and ask to enroll in the First Time Camper program.

State Forest and State Park Camping

Throughout Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula, state forest campgrounds provide over 3,000 campsites in the nearly 4-million acres of state forest. Families wishing to plan a camping vacation this summer are encouraged to reserve space early. There are 80 state park and recreation areas that offer campgrounds and rentals of cabins, tepees and yurts. Log on at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources State Park Campground and Harbor Reservation page for both camping and harbor reservations.  

RV Road Warriors

RVs come in all shapes and sizes from van campers to luxury motor homes outfitted with all the conveniences of home. Summer months bring the sight of RVs traveling on Michigan highways to favorite camping sites and RV resorts for a getaway weekend or extended vacations. What began more than 100 years ago with the first “tin can tourists” emerged the opportunity for Americans to hit the road without luggage restrictions and flight delays. A RV vacation brings families together to enjoy beaches, state parks, fishing, kayaking, canoeing, hiking, biking and popular tourist attractions and destinations. Even in today’s tight economy RV families planning a visit to Michigan are making hundreds of reservations for RV campgrounds and RV resorts. Early reservations are encouraged.

RV camping locations

The Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds of Michigan is updated every year and offers a Michigan Campground Directory. The directory also offers tips for RV camping, rules of the road, locations of Michigan Welcome Centers and other useful information. Choose from hundreds of campgrounds for your family vacation. Many of the campgrounds do permit pets, but have very specific rules on breeds and behavior. Not all campgrounds permit campfires but usually provide a campfire ring for evening activities.

Camp Dearborn in Milford, owned by the City of Dearborn, offers more than 600 acres of hills, trees and lakes and close to 200 RV camping sites among other camping style options. The camp offers beach swimming and a heated pool, picnic areas, fishing, paddle boat rentals, hayrides, canoeing and the Mystic Creek Golf Club with mini golf. Plus there are organized activities including a fitness program, arts & crafts, games, afternoon hikes, evening campfires and a weekly talent show and an open-air dance every night.

Swim in a pool in the shape of Michigan with a road map on the bottom at the Indian River Jellystone Park RV Resort. This campground with more than 160 camp sites is adjacent to the 406-acre Burt Lake State Park with a 2,000 foot sandy shoreline. The Indian River complex offers RV hook-up services, sports and games, hiking trails, Yogi Bear cartoons and wagon rides, mini-golf, laundry facilities and other camping amenities.

West Houghton Lake Camground offers 128 camping sites on 33 acres. Pets are welcome here and families can enjoy a playground, volleyball, basketball, baseball, a game room, Wireless Internet, hiking and boating and fishing on Houghton Lake.

Upper Peninsula RV Campgrounds

There are more than 20 RV campgrounds in Michigan’s scenic Upper Peninsula. Here’s a sampling:

The Saint Ignace KOA is the perfect location if you are interested in combining your RV vacation with a side trip to Mackinac Island. The camp offers RV hook-ups, swimming pool, mini golf and tours. If you must be connected during your vacation, the camp offers free Wireless Internet.

Want fudge but don’t want to take the trip to Mackinac Island? Reserve your RV vacation at Gitche Gumee RV Park on Lake Superior 15 miles east of Marquette. Along with an on-site Fudge Factory, there are 95 full hook-up sites, swimming pool, private showers, cable TV and Wireless Internet, laundry facility, club house and access to a two-mile sandy beach. Make Gitche Gumee your base camp for touring UP sites.

Anglers hook up at Whitefish Hill RV Park and Campground in Rapid River just five miles from Little Bay De Noc for great fishing – charter boats are available. The campground is RV ready with full hook-up service, private showers/bathroom, laundry and recreation center with free computer modem service. Pets are welcome on leash.  There are nearby hiking trails and two lighthouses less than 20 miles away – Historic Peninsula Point Lighthouse in Stonington and Sand Point Lighthouse.

Southeast

Etch, Sketch and Stilettos: The Work of Topher Crowder
January 6 – 28, 2012, Northville
The Northville Art House is delighted to present the work of Topher Crowder, an artist first inspired by animated Saturday morning cartoons, vintage postcards and 1960s/1970s comic books. The show includes pop cultural shoe paintings, day-glow plexiglass etchings, ‘studio weavings’ and Mr. Crowder’s ‘reverse vandalism signs’ – all aspects of his diverse and unique artistic vision.

The Ultimate Fishing Show
January 12 – 15, 2012, Novi
As Michigan’s largest fishing show, The Ultimate Fishing Show is all about fishing tackle, fishing trips, fishing boats and features including Lake Ultimate, Trout Pond, Seminar Stages, Fish Fry and more.

Frankenmuth/Flint Area Brew Tour
January 14, 2012, Detroit
Tour three great breweries in the area – Frankenmuth Brewery, Redwood Lodge Brewing Co. and Black Forest Brew Haus. The tour includes guided bus transportation, brewer-led tours, three beer samples at each brewery, lunch, and water and snacks on the bus.

North American International Auto Show
January 14 – 22, 2012, Detroit
Experience the next generation of transportation at the 2012 North American International Auto Show! See more than 500 vehicles on display, representing the most innovative designs in the world and experience North America’s largest and most prestigious automotive showcase.

Michigan Winter Dog Classic
January 19 – 22, 2012, Novi
Come and see Michigan’s largest Dog Show at the Rock Financial Showplace in Novi, Michigan. Enjoy educational demonstrations, obedience and conformation judging, and breed seminars. The Michigan Winter Dog Classic will host more than 6,000 dogs and 160+ breeds of “man’s best friends” throughout the four day show.

Chocolate Tea
January 21, 2012, Lansing
Are you tired of winter already and want to get out for some fun? Make your way to the second annual Chocolate Tea, where guests will enjoy everything chocolate this winter at Turner-Dodge House.

Ann Arbor Folk Festival
January 27 – 28, 2012, Ann Arbor
The Ann Arbor Folk Festival will celebrate its 35th year with some of the finest in traditional and contemporary artists. The Festival returns to Hill Auditorium for two dynamic and different nights of folk and roots music beginning at 6:30pm each night.

Southwest

Winter Delights: A Festival of Wine, Food & Jazz
January 21, 2012, Benton Harbor
Enjoy an evening of wine tasting, culinary pleasures and the smooth sounds of Jazz for some soothing mid-winter relief. The festival will feature some of the best wines from across the state and local cuisine.

Upper Peninsula

Noquemanon Ski Marathon
January 26 – 28, 2012, Marquette
This fun-filled weekend will feature a Noque 12K – a classic and freestyle race which is meant to attract those skiers who want a first step into ski racing. Racers will ski on the same trail as the half marathon and marathon skiers.

West Central

Nordic Nights Gourmet Dine and Glide
January 21, 2012, North Muskegon
Experience one of the best culinary experiences in Michigan this winter. This event includes a four course dinner, ski pass and entrance to heated tent with live music. There will be three stations featuring a lovely blazing fire placed throughout your 5K glide. Each station will offer delicious food. Back at the heated tent, guests will enjoy dessert and music by Mike Snell.

Orchid Show
January 28 – 29, 2012, Grand Rapids
Enjoy hundreds of exquisite orchids featured in lush displays in the Grand Room. Members from the Grand Valley Orchid Society will answer your questions and point out some of the most unique orchids. Shop early for the best selection and find the perfect orchid for your home. The “orchid pyramid” offers photo opportunities. Kids will have fun on an “orchid hunt” and can express their creativity at the art station.

Animal Adventures: Surviving in the Wild
January 30, 2012, Grand Rapids
Enjoy an evening of warmth and wonder and discover fascinating things about four animals – a mammal, a reptile, an amphibian and a bird. Watch live animal presentations close up and pet the animals, enjoy animal story time, explore the Tropical Conservatory by flashlight, become engrossed in animal art activities and have fun playing Listen Up, What’s for Dinner and Pop Up Peek-A-Boo.

East Central

Caro 150 Winter Fest & Snowmobile Races
January 20 – 22, 2012, Caro
Enjoy the sights and sounds of professional snowmobile racing with the excitement of a hometown winter festival. The festivities get started Friday evening with a special downtown Caro open house and live entertainment, and continue throughout the weekend with community-wide shopping and restaurant specials, contests, fireworks and more. Be sure to bundle up for the races as you sit on the edge of your seat in the grandstands watching the racers fly around the track. Saturday’s races feature Sprint pro, semi-pro and junior, and Vintage.

Zehnder’s Snowfest
January 25 – 30, 2012, Frankenmuth
Stop by Zehnder’s Restaurant to enjoy a fun filled winter event for the whole family. Activities include snow sculpting and ice carving competitions, a children’s area, fireworks, entertainment, warming tent and much more.

Winter White-Out
January 25 – 28, 2012, St. Clair
St. Clair is closing the streets for winter fun! Make way for winter games, live music, entertainment and plenty of celebration at the Winter White-Out, where the community of St. Clair will be competing against four other Michigan cities to make the most snowmen in two hours. Competing cities are Saline, Sault Ste. Marie and Zeeland.

Chilly Fest
January 28 – 29, 2012, Port Huron
Get ready for a weekend of winter indoor and outdoor fun that coincides with the Silver Stick Hockey Tournament Finals. The downtown Port Huron event includes a chili cook-off, former Red Wings player Chris Chelios signing autographs, winter activities, ice carving competition, Knowlton Ice Museum tours and free horse and carriage rides.

Northeast

Fabulous 50s Weekend 
January 19 – 22, 2012, Gaylord
Put on your favorite 50s gear for a blast from the past at Treetops Resort! Activities include giant duck races, sock hop, kids activities, Minute to Win It and other spectacular events held daily.

Sno Drift Rally
January 27 – 28, 2012, Atlanta
The 2012 Sno Drift Rally will be a total blast! Held entirely within Montmorency County, it is a winter challenge that is not to be missed. There will be 18 stages of fast cars racing against the clock on some of Michigan’s snowiest and iciest roads.

Northwest

Bay Harbor Ice & Spice Festival
January 13 – 14, 2012, Bay Harbor
Join Bay Harbor for the grand winter celebration – the Bay Harbor Ice & Spice Festival. The event will feature ice carving competitions and an Ice & Spice Warming Tent. Other winter activities include sled dog musher rides, “live” sculptures, a chill lounge and winter activities for the whole family.

Beer and Boards Microbrew Festival
January 14, 2012, Bellaire
Experience a winter celebration of craft-brewed beer, where guests will sample unique flavors while chatting with the brewmasters themselves.

Winter Warm Up
January 14, 2012, Traverse City
The Wineries of Old Mission Peninsula (WOMP) have teamed up with peninsula area businesses for the 2012 Winter Warm Up. Guests may visit any of the seven Old Mission wineries between 11am-5pm to purchase a souvenir mug for $10. This mug is your “ticket” into each participating winery and business on Old Mission allowing you to enjoy warm comfort food and drinks.