Easiest Day Trip from Camp

The quickest and easiest day trip from camp — and one of the best. Gaylord packs a surprising amount into a small town: world-class elk viewing, a great wildlife museum, charming Alpine Village shopping and dining, and more golf courses than you can count. A perfect half-day that can stretch into a full one if you let it.

Best Outdoor Day Trip

The quintessential northern Michigan outdoor day. Start with a walk through the ancient pines at Hartwick Pines, rent a canoe or kayak and float the legendary Au Sable River, then dry off over lunch in downtown Grayling. Add the fish hatchery or the Rialto Theater if you have time to spare.

Resort Town & Lake Life

A charming lakeside town with a full resort just minutes away. Stroll the Boyne City waterfront, grab lunch on the lake, then head up to Boyne Mountain for golf, hiking, or in winter — skiing. The Boyne Valley Trail runs right through here for a scenic bike ride if you brought wheels.

Best Couples Day Trip

One of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in the Midwest. Downtown Petoskey's Gaslight District is full of unique shops and great restaurants. Bay Harbor's waterfront is stunning for a walk. Petoskey Farms winery and Mackinaw Trail Winery round out a perfect day for those who love scenery, wine, and a leisurely pace.

Summer Favorite

Torch Lake is consistently ranked among the most beautiful lakes in North America — and on a summer day, the turquoise water will stop you in your tracks. The sandbar scene in summer is legendary. Pair it with lunch and a pint at Short's Brewing in Bellaire for one of the best all-around days you can have Up North.

Northern Michigan's Crown Jewel

Michigan's most celebrated northern city delivers on every front — a spectacular peninsula wine trail, a vibrant downtown on Grand Traverse Bay, world-class dining, and beaches that rival anything in the Midwest. Give yourself a full day and leave early enough to drive Old Mission Peninsula in the afternoon light.

The Bucket List Day Trip

No cars. Horse-drawn carriages. A Victorian-era fort. The world-famous fudge. Mackinac Island is one of those places that belongs on every Michigander's list — and staying at Hankerd's puts you just 90 miles away. Start early, take the ferry, rent bikes, explore the island's perimeter trail, visit Fort Mackinac, and load up on fudge before the last boat back. An unforgettable day.