Tucked away in Alpena is a state park that prides itself on being one of the most unique locations in Michigan. Though you might be quick to assume that Rockport State Recreation Area is similar to other parks in the Great Lakes State, you’re certainly in for a delightful surprise when you discover all that this one-of-a-kind outdoor wonderland has to offer.
Rockport State Recreation Area is proud of its title as Michigan’s 100th State Park.
Whether you’re looking for a day of relaxation or an exploration of Michigan’s most unique state park, Rockport State Recreation Area won’t disappoint.
Sometimes you want to do what I call "a vacation in a day". This is much simpler than going through all the stress of packing up clothes and supplies enough for a week-long stay. In fact, it can be as easy as hopping in the car with nothing more than the clothes on your back. However, I recommend doing a little more planning for your summer day trip in Michigan.
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And, boy, oh boy have I found a fantastic spot for a summertime Michigan day trip: Tunnel Park in Holland, Michigan.
I recommend packing a cooler and a change of clothes, at the very least. This Mitten State Park looks so incredible, it would be easy to spend all day here!
Tunnel Park in Holland Michigan is truly a paradise for Michigan families. It offers picnic facilities, a swimming beach, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, and more.
However, you can't really see any of those activities from the parking lot. That's because of Tunnel Park's eponymous feature: the tunnel.
In my opinion, the tunnel at this Michigan park perfect for a day trip is part of the attraction. I mean, how many days do you get to literally walk through a dune?!
I imagine walking through the dune at Tunnel Park in Holland, Michigan feels somewhat like taking a step into another world. The lush vegetation surrounding the entrance only adds to the magic.
As you make your way through the tunnel, the light and sounds of the beach below beckon you. And can you imagine how stunning a sunset would look through that small exit?
Nothing more than a sliver of the water of Lake Michigan is visible until you reach the exit of the tunnel. I bet it's kind of difficult not to break into a sprint by the end of it - going to the beach is exciting, y'all!
There are two options to reach the beach at this stunning Holland, Michigan Park. You can take the tunnel through the dune, which is highly recommended.
Or you can take stairs that climb up and down a dune to get to the beach. One hot tip that I read in reviews: take some time to explore the top section of this Michigan park perfect for a day trip.
Visitors report stunning views and a general sense of peace while relaxing on the benches. What greets you at the bottom is worth the walk, though. Just look at this view.
Once down on the shoreline, this Michigan park is a perfect place for swimming, picnicking, or just relaxing on a blanket with your favorite book. There's no wrong way to relax at Tunnel Park in Holland, Michigan.
The beach at Tunnel Park in Holland, Michigan tends to be a bit less crowded than others nearby. We love that for a quiet day at the Michigan beach.
The kids will love the playground at Tunnel Park in the Mitten State. The playground is located right in the sand and even includes a dune climb!
Just imagine how tuckered out the kids'll be after a long day at Tunnel Park in Holland Michigan. I bet they'll fall asleep in the car on the way home.
If you aren't too tired yourself, I 100 percent recommend staying until the sun sets. The views are breathtaking and I bet you can take a photograph gorgeous enough to hang over the bed in your guest room.
No matter how you spend your summer day trip at this fabulous Michigan beach, you're in for a full day. Pack a cooler full of snacks, a bag full of activities, and, of course... don't forget the sunscreen! While you're in Holland, we cannot recommend Captain Sunday enough. You can't go wrong with any of the nautical-themed sundaes on their menu.
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Have you been to Tunnel Park in Holland, Michigan for a summer day trip? We'd love to hear about it in the comments!
You can find the perfect family field trip by visiting the Matthaei Botanical Gardens in Ann Arbor, Michigan, just east of the University of Michigan campus. The MSU botanical gardens are part of the 700-acre Nichols Arboretum system where folks can explore hundreds of different plant species in one of the most beautiful settings you can imagine. Make sure to include these stops when you plan your next day of exploration and learning at the Mattaei Botanical Gardens.
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Check out this Matthaei Botanical Gardens map. It is located near the University of Michigan campus in the southeast part of the state. It’s open almost every day of the year, but the hours change seasonally. Make sure to check their website to find out when they’re open the day you plan your visit.
This greenhouse is one of the main attractions of the gardens. It opened in 1964, marking a turning point in the garden’s history, making this greenhouse its permanent site ever since.
The conservatory is separated into several different houses, which make distinctions between tropical, temperate, and arid types of vegetation. These plants earned their place in the conservatory because they represent important vegetation to their biomes, plant diversity, species at risk of extinction, or special human medicinal or cultural interests.
One of the three houses is the temperate house. This is where you can find their unique year-round bonsai exhibit that combines conservation and art. Between May and October, you can check out how these trees are trained and maintained.
In addition to the Bonsai and Penjig gardens, the courtyard leads to more than a half dozen other unique collections of plant species. While this is a great way to explore nature, they don’t allow dogs, so unfortunately you’ll have to leave those four-legged friends at home.
There are numerous enchanting trails just like this one throughout the garden. Matthaei Botanical Gardens is also connected to the greater Nichols Arboretum trail system if you want to extend your adventure.
This is where you need to take your little ones. The Gaffield Children’s Garden is great for hands-on learning. Just don’t be shocked if your kids develop a green thumb.
If you're looking to go to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens, Ann Arbor is the place for you. Get in touch with nature while getting your whole family involved. The gardens come with no costs for entry unless you pay for parking across the street. Keep this beautiful spot in mind if you're making a trip through Southeast Michigan. For more exciting ideas for local trips to take, check out Airbnb Experiences.
