These Towns in Michigan Come Alive in Spring

As summertime approaches, the month of May serves as a gentle reminder to savor the lingering moments of spring. And if you are looking for a state that comes alive this season, look no further than Michigan. Here, the Great Lakes and blossoming forests undergo a beautiful transformation, complemented by a mild temperature perfect for reconnecting with the outdoors.

If you want to embrace the season's renewal in spring, small towns across Michigan offer a rich range of local festivities. From award-winning flower festivals to rare mushroom harvest hunts, these celebrations attract thousands of participants each year. On the other hand, for those in search of a more secluded and slow-paced Michigan retreat, state parks promise enchanting waterfall hikes, stunning lakefront views, and everything in between. Whether planning a family-friendly outing or a multi-day nature getaway, these Michigan towns will surely invigorate your spirit this season.

Holland

Holland is perhaps one of the most spirited towns in Michigan to visit in the springtime, renowned for its Dutch heritage and natural beauty. Located right on Lake Macatawa, the 142-acre Holland State Park has calm beach shores to stroll in warmer weather and amazing views of the town’s iconic Big Red Lighthouse. However, the highlight of a springtime visit to Holland is definitely the annual Tulip Time celebration in May. Voted "Tulip Festival of the Year" by the World Tulip Summit, you can see why thousands visit from across the state, country, and globe.

This renowned celebration, famous for being the longest-running tulip festival in the United States, showcases over 5 million tulip blossoms. The 9-day event is also filled with continuous entertainment, including parades, traditional Dutch dance performances, a lively carnival, and to top it all off, a dazzling fireworks display. Adding to the allure, Dutch horticulturist Ibo Gülsen curated his Tulip Immersion Garden experience, "The Journey of the Tulip," for the third time this 2024. The immersive display features 50,000 tulips, transporting visitors through the whimsical and colorful cycle of the flower.

Frankenmuth

If spring festivities are on your radar, the town of Frankenmuth is one of the best Michigan towns to celebrate the season. The celebratory atmosphere begins downtown, where 350 massive floral baskets line the streets in addition to thousands of other flowers planted all over town. The vibrant colors, combined with the charm of the Cass River and Bavarian-inspired architecture, create a picturesque scene straight out of a German fairytale. While downtown, be sure to stop to appreciate Frankenmuth’s Bavarian heritage even further by dining at places like the Bavarian Inn Restaurant.

May is also the ideal time to visit Frankenmuth for its abundant festivals, like the World Expo of Beer, the Frankenmuth Dog Bowl, and the Funtown Chowdown Food Truck Festival. Additionally, late May is when Frankenmuth hosts its Balloons Over Bavarian Inn festival, offering visitors the chance to marvel at over 25 bright hot air balloons gliding above the town.

Tawas City

For a spring event celebrating the season’s wildlife, idyllic Tawas City hosts their Tawas Point Birding Festival, honoring the region's thriving bird populations in May. Located at Tawas Point State Park, a proclaimed “hot spot” stopover site for migrating birds, the festival attracts birders and nature lovers from all over the state. This year's celebration is scheduled for May 17th to May 18th, but the park remains a stunning destination throughout the entire month, with the weather warming up.

Spanning 183 acres along Lake Huron, the park offers a sandy beach, a scenic picnic area, and the Sandy Hook Trail, a breathtaking walking path hugging the lake's coastline. From the trail, visitors can also explore the iconic Tawas Point Lighthouse, a captivating Victorian beacon that operated from 1876 to 2016.

Marquette

Settled on the shores of Lake Superior, Marquette is another waterside town whose nature brings its population to life in the spring. As a gateway to Marquette County, this Upper Peninsula region is home to some of the prettiest sights in the state, including over 150 waterfalls. Wright Street Falls is one example, just a 10-minute drive from downtown Marquette, and the hike to the cascade is short and family-friendly.

For a more challenging waterfall hike off the beaten path, Little Garlic Falls can be reached on a more strenuous 7.6-mile trek. Other adventurers, on the other hand, may want to hike or bike the renowned Iron Ore Heritage Trail, a 47-mile path guiding travelers through a diverse landscape along the trails of early miners. Presque Isle Park is another popular stop, the 323-acre peninsula forest sitting high atop sandstone cliffs for unbeatable views of the lake below.

Boyne City

Over in Boyne City, Young State Park takes on its own magical terrains in the spring. Spanning 563 acres of lowlands, hills, and cedar swamp, the landscapes offer an exciting blend of views and trails, with the eastern shores of Lake Charlevoix serving at the park’s symbolic center. Whether camping at one of the park’s three modern campgrounds or stopping in for a day, the park features an abundance of things to see and do. Relax on the beach, cast off from the boat launch, or venture through the 6.5 miles of hiking trails.

For those visiting Boyne City in May, you may want to keep your calendars marked for the town’s 64th-annual National Morel Mushroom Festival. This quirky fungi event celebrates the rare and marvelous morel mushroom, which can be found growing this time of year in northern Michigan. Taking place from May 16th to 19th, the family-friendly festival will feature a competitive mushroom hunt, a lively carnival, an arts and crafts show, and, opportunities to savor the local delicacy.

Mackinac Island

Mackinac Island is one of the most serene nature destinations in the state, and while summer is definitely the most popular time to visit, spring comes with its own perks. With winter shedding its winter coat, the island is mainly open to visitors beginning in May. So if you want to avoid those thick summer crowds to take advantage of a quieter Mackinac, this is the best time to come. And with Mackinac State Park being the oldest state park in the state, over 800,000 people visit annually, so spring allows for a quieter, more blissful park experience.

With over 70 miles of trails and roads for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders, the towering limestone bluffs, sweeping forests, and mellow shorelines can be appreciated without the hassle of heavy foot traffic. The Mackinac Island Outer Loop is a popular and easygoing trail along the island’s edge, but for those looking for a grand view, the Tranquil Bluff Trail cannot be passed up.

While it may be tempting to already be planning for summertime, remember to pause and enjoy what is left of spring. With just one month of the season remaining, Michigan in May offers delightful mild temperatures, stunning seasonal foliage, and endless themed festivities. From Holland’s world-renowned Tulip Festival to Boyne City’s National Morel Mushroom Festival, celebrating the season’s beauty is fun for people of all ages. Beyond these celebrations, reconnecting with nature at state parks in places like Tawas City and Mackinac Island is yet another way to appreciate the final days of spring. However you desire to spend your May, these Michigan towns have something for everyone to savor the season.