The thing about living in Michigan is that we have to spend a good chunk of the year stowed away indoors while Mother Nature does its winter thing. So when springtime comes around, it's important we embrace it as long as possible. That's where the picnic comes in. Run to your nearest farmer's market, stock up on some light, summertime fare, and load that picnic basket or cooler. And while you're at it, here are some fun, maybe less-travel, places across Michigan where you can picnic.
13) Belle Isle
Now that this island park, that sits on the Detroit River, is a state-run park it's really cleaned up. There's ample space to picnic, sunbath, and play sports.
12) Anderson Lake West State Forest Campground & Trail, Gwinn, Mich.
Great for camping, hiking, and biking, this site is also ideal as a rustic picnic area.
11) Cadillac Square Park, Detroit
Cadillac Square, adjacent to the popular Campus Martius in downtown Detroit, has really become a nice lunchtime destination. There's a variety of seating available and food trucks regularly post in the area during the week.
10) Grand Haven State Park
Bring a sturdy ice box to protect your food from the seagulls and make a day of it at the beach.
9) Isle Royale National Park, Houghton
Have an island adventure/picnic at this secluded national park on Lake Superior.
8) Kensington Metropark, Brighton
This huge park is accessible for those living in the Metro Detroit area and offers a little bit of everything. Plenty of picnicking space, two beaches, and easy hiking trails are sure to keep your family busy.
7) Marquette
We do not have an exact location in Marquette for this photo, but we do know the region is ripe with park and picnicking options right by the water's edge.
6) Miners Falls
Why not have a romantic picnic next to a waterfall? At Miners Falls and others like at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, that's a great possibility.
5) Pier Cove Beach
Think your little ones might want to stick their toes in the water? This beach near Saugatuck is perfect for that, because of a small creek that lets out into Lake Michigan and provides a shallow wading area. Also, great space for a beach side picnic.
4) Rosa Parks Circle, Grand Rapids
Next time there's a summertime concert at this downtown plaza, why not pack a picnic to go with it?
3) Silver Lake State Park, Mears
Make sure you've got that picnic basket filled so when you're taking a break from off-roading on the dunes, you'll have plenty of rations to hold you over... Just make sure it doesn't spill out of your ATV.
2) Stepping Stone Falls, Flint
Stepping Stone Falls is a popular picnicking destination in Flint.
1) Van Riper State Park, Champion, Mich.
Just west of Marquette, this picnicking spot is for the outdoorsy folks, who want to get away from the city.
Before heading off to any of these places, make sure to check and see if there are any day-use fees, as many of these spots are state or federally-operated. We've shared some of our great picnicking places, so now's your turn. Where do you love to picnic in Michigan? Tell us in the comments below!
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