Michigan

I'm not going to give recommendations as that will change based on how far you want to drive and what you want to see. I did 54 waterfalls in 17 days in the UP.

If you plan on making State Park reservations the dates open up 6 months prior. I have all of ours paid through September.

Others will be able to give suggestions based on what you like to see. Plenty of nature, cities, museums, brewery's, etc.

Great state and enjoy the trip

If it was me, I would head to the UP. But that's because I like hiking, nature, waterfalls, canoeing, light houses, etc.; and can still go to the beach, museums, Soo Locks, Mackinac Island, etc. But it is a long drive from the UP back to NC. If we knew something about what you wanted to do, that would be helpful.

Any recommendations?

Sure. What would you like to do? We have everything except mountains.

I know dozens of boondock sites along the river. Remote (secluded) park n ride (carpool) sites, sports (fishing access) sites, municipal and county parks, etc.

We have hundreds of miles of bike and hike trails. (google border to border trail) These trails also have scattered parking.

Canoeing/ fishing. Canoe rental along a great stretch of river fishing.

What else could you want? one day may not be enough.

For the remainder of the state, I have limited info, mostly sports access and boondock sites in the eastern, lower areas.

Traverse City in early July for the Cherry festival.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Interlochen State Park - There is a youth music camp right next door, and the campers are excellent musicians. They offer concerts for the public.

-Speak

Ann Arbor is OK when but be careful of all the one way streets downtown. I lived there for 7 years and still never really got used to them.

Since you'll be so close to Dearborn, a trip to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village would be nice. CLICKY.

And by the way, Brian, what are the Smoky Mountains like in April? Are things turning green and blooming that time of year or are things still pretty much brown and leafless? My wife will be down there the week after Easter.

Mike

Bubtoofat wrote:
Ann Arbor is OK when but be careful of all the one way streets downtown. I lived there for 7 years and still never really got used to them.

Since you'll be so close to Dearborn, a trip to the Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village would be nice. CLICKY.

And by the way, Brian, what are the Smoky Mountains like in April? Are things turning green and blooming that time of year or are things still pretty much brown and leafless? My wife will be down there the week after Easter.

Mike

April is a beautiful time in the Smokies. The amount of green varies with elevation, but by Easter there should be some even at the highest elevation. It's peak wildflower season.

Be prepared for some rain, possibly thunderstorms, and possibly some cool days (again, variable with elevation.)

Great state but we prefer state parks and Mich. really sticks it to out-of-staters so much that it is a factor in our decisions. Also, many northern state park campgrounds we find short on amenities especially for the cost.

Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn is worth a visit. Sleepy Hollow SP north of Lansing is a nice CG. All along the Lake Michigan shore is nice. Plenty to enjoy around Mackinaw City, including a boat ride to car-free Mackinac Island. Good trout fishing and/or canoeing in the AuSable River. Walk under the big trees at Hartwick Pines near Grayling.

SpeakEasy wrote:
Traverse City in early July for the Cherry festival.

Sleeping Bear Dunes

Interlochen State Park - There is a youth music camp right next door, and the campers are excellent musicians. They offer concerts for the public.

This is our favorite area!! One week would fly by as there are so many unique small towns to explore and the lakeshore is gorgeous. Pick one place for your whole stay.

Book early ! Many State Parks fill up quick !!

Not sure if you will have time, but the UP is beautiful wilderness. US 2 along the north coast of Lake Michigan close to the bridge has many little turn out where you can stop and spend the day at the beach.