Things To Do

How do you know you’re from The Mitten State? Maybe it’s because you know just how to celebrate Valentine’s Day with fun, friends - and a little bit of love.

Michigan gets pretty cold during winter months, but it doesn’t mean you can stop exercising. Check out these 10 places to get your 10,000 steps in indoors.

If you are looking for an exciting outdoor activity and exercise to enjoy in the beautiful Michigan winter wonderland, you may want to look into ice climbing. Each winter, ice climbers both local to the Upper Peninsula and those that travel for the ice picking locations in the UP scale frozen surfaces that form in winter.

During the winter, Michigan is known for its world-class ice fishing. Here are 10 lakes that are anglers’ favorites.

If you’re looking for a stunning wintertime spectacle, check out some of the frozen lighthouses on Lake Michigan this winter. Frozen lighthouses typically occur from November through January.

The thrill of whooshing down a sledding hill is fun for all ages. But sledding comes with risks, too.

A Healthier Michigan's 2024 Foodie Focus series in 2024 highlighted seven Detroit area restaurants that prioritized clean eating. Here's where they are and what they are about.

If you don’t enjoy the taste of water, you might find yourself turning to soda, juice, energy drinks and other beverages that contain a lot of added sugar. Here are some suggestions to increase your water intake.

Celebrate the Jewish “festival of lights” by attending one or more of these five Hanukkah celebrations happening in or around Detroit.

Looking for things to do during the kids' winter break? These indoor and outdoor ideas should ignite the holiday spirit in the whole family.

Ready to save money and go easy on the Earth this season? Buy your friends and family sustainable gifts.

Keep the festive decorating tradition alive with these creative candy alternatives that allow you to maintain a healthier holiday for the whole family. These ideas will not only help you curb candy cravings, but they will also allow you to stand out in your next gingerbread decorating contest.

Every stuffed pepper option at the Detroit Pepper Company starts off meat-free. Guests have the option to add cheese or meat to any of the signature stuffed peppers or entrées found on the East Detroit fast casual restaurant's menu.

Most people who spend the holidays alone feel more lonely than usual and may struggle to enjoy the festive time of year. Here are some tips on how to get through the holidays alone or without family around.

It’s time to sign up for Turkey Trots. These holiday races offer runners of any level a chance to go outside and get moving with family and friends. The races are a fun way for everyone to have fun and burn some calories before gearing up to celebrate the rest of the day.

Michigan has a long history with Native American communities and traditions. There are 12 federally recognized tribes of Indigenous peoples in Michigan. Many of the state’s natural wonders and historical sites have a history within the Native American cultures predating the state of Michigan.

More than 550,000 veterans of the United States Armed Forces call Michigan their home. Across the state, many cities, towns and municipalities will celebrate Veteran’s Day with parades, fairs, races and more.

November is Native American Heritage Month. These Michigan sites and landmarks celebrate the rich and important history of Native Americans. Check out this list of Native American-owned businesses to support as well.

Locals and out-of-towners alike form a line out the door at First Bite each weekend. The breakfast and lunch restaurant's fresh, organic offerings mesh well with anyone's diet, and is popular among vegans and vegetarians.

As the seasons start to change, make it a goal to keep your kids active and outside. Michigan fall is a beautiful time to get your kids involved in nature while letting them be creative and hands-on.

Now that I’m in my 20s, I’ve learned to appreciate the simplicity of getting together with my friends and family and enjoying each other’s company over a good meal. But when it comes down to it, I’m still a kid at heart. Why stop having themed parties when you’re an adult?

As summer gives way to fall, it’s time for a visit to a cider mill to enjoy apple picking, apple cider and donuts.

Grabbing photos of fall foliage here in Michigan makes for a fantastic October activity. So, where are the best places in the state to capture the perfect fall images?

Porcupine Mountains State Park is Michigan’s largest state park and a popular fall-weather destination for camping, hiking and fishing. Covering more than 60,000 acres along the Lake Superior shoreline, this vast wilderness area is a haven for nature lovers.

Summertown Fresh Bar's additive-free smoothies and juices, and ever-expanding healthy breakfast and lunch programs, have endeared the restaurant to its Corktown neighbors since 2023.

The fall season is an exciting and nostalgic time for festive activities with family and friends. As leaves begin to change colors and create beautiful red and orange scenery, it’s a perfect time to engage in the season's traditions like pumpkin patches, apple picking, tractor rides and haunted houses. Here are nine farms in Michigan to add to your bucket list this fall.

You can see artists' work in a large window at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan office at the Steketee’s Building, 86 Monroe Center St. NW, in downtown Grand Rapids. ArtPrize is Sept. 13-Sept. 28.

Paddlers are welcome to join an epic adventure in September. The Paddle Antrim Festival celebrates the waterways and local communities of Northern Michigan Sept. 13-14. The festival includes community events and a non-competitive two-day paddling event from Ellsworth to Elk Rapids on the Chain of Lakes Water Trail.

Chartreuse was ahead of the "farm to table" curve when it opened in 2015. Clean, quality food, innovative dishes and an emphasis on hospitality have made it one of the most successful "new" restaurants to open in Detroit in the past decade.

Fall is a wonderful time of year, filled with crisp air, beautiful foliage and plenty of festivals across the state of Michigan. Here are five unique fall festivals that are perfect for the whole family to enjoy:

Michigan is known for its beautiful Great Lakes, scenic views and vibrant cities, but it also has a rich history of folklore. These stories, passed down through generations, offer a glimpse into Michigan's mysterious side. Here are some of the places where Michigan’s most iconic myths, legends and spooky stories originated to get you ready for the Fall season

Every summer, the Perseid meteor showers grace the night skies above Michigan. Learn more about this celestial display and the best places and times to check them out in Michigan.

Located in Midland, the Dow Gardens is 110 acres of tall trees, running water, and beautiful blooming flowers. The botanical garden is the perfect place to take a day trip to disconnect from the world and take a nature walk.

This picturesque lakeshore village sits at the foothills of the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.

Going to the beach is not only fun, but a great way to spend time outside and connect to the natural sights and sounds of an inland lake or one of the Great Lakes. The best way to make sure your beach day is a success is to be prepared. We’ve compiled a list of must-haves to include in your beach bag.

There are many sights to see in the state of Michigan from shipwrecks to beaches to lighthouses. Historic heritage route US-23 features those sights and more while showing the beauty of Lake Huron and national forests. We have compiled a list of stops along US-23 to add to your itinerary this summer.

From Traverse City to Alpena and points in between, the northern half of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula is home to wonderful vacation destinations and plenty of natural beauty to explore. If you’re planning to be in the area, make a point to spend a day on foot, checking out some of the best hiking trails in Michigan.

Check out some of the Michigan farms that are hosting sunflower festivals this summer and fall.

Converting to a vegan diet was a gamechanger for Quiana Rice's health. The lifestyle change set her on a career path and mission to help others choose cleaner ingredients and develop healthier cooking and eating habits.

Whether you’re looking to escape to a natural setting or enjoy a quick hike on your lunch break, southeast Michigan has plenty of great trails to discover. Here are some ideas to get you going on your next hiking adventure.

Pack up some discs, grab some water and check out these popular disc golf courses across Michigan.

If you’re looking for a getaway that combines natural beauty, adventure, and local charm, Saugatuck Dunes State Park is your go-to spot. From hiking through dunes and forests to relaxing on serene beaches, Saugatuck Dunes State Park offers an experience for everyone to enjoy.

Every July, one of the nation’s largest art festivals is right here in Michigan. The Ann Arbor Art Fair is an exciting, three-day festival that brings half a million visitors to Ann Arbor. The fair takes up 30 blocks of Ann Arbor and features more than 1,000 artists.

Michigan is known for its gorgeous water, woods, and natural beauty, as well as its role in the Great Lakes regional and national history. There are several National Parks and national-designated parks and trails in Michigan. We’ve listed them below with details for you to add to your summer itinerary or Michigan bucket list.

Turnip Rock is in Port Austin at the tip of a small, private peninsula called Pointe aux Barques. It’s located just offshore the shallow waters of Lake Huron. This gravity defying rock formation got its turnip-like shape from gradual erosion caused by waves breaking down its soft, limestone stack.

Access to beaches and waterfront spaces is improving across Michigan as state parks and city beaches become places that people of all abilities can navigate.

Michigan is home to many zoos, petting zoos, refuges, and specialty animal conservancies that are an exciting, fun and educational experience for the whole family. We’ve compiled some of the best zoos and conservatories from across the state.

The joy and affection that animals bring can cheer you up, calm you down, and keep your attention focused and in-the-moment. Not everyone can have a pet at home, and even if you do, you may find volunteering at a local animal rescue to be a rewarding experience. Learn five ways volunteering at an animal shelter can benefit your health.

Breadless uses super-green vegetables like Swiss chard and kale to conceal savory, chef-inspired sandwich recipes. The fast casual restaurant has become a much-needed health food option in Detroit.

The Charles H. Wright Museum of African History is putting on its 41st annual African World Festival, July 12 to 14. Come celebrate African beauty, strength, and culture at Hart Plaza, Detroit. This three-day festival features more than 100 vendors, local and international performers, and countless opportunities for family fun.

Art In The Park will host more than 400 artists from around the United States for its 44th summer. The fair includes art in a wide variety of mediums such as paintings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, fiber, glass, woodwork, photography, folk art and more. From practical to surreal, whimsical to extravagant, there is bound to be something for everyone.

From the upper peninsula all the way down to Jackson, Michigan is dripping with iconic ice cream parlors. How many of these classic Michigan ice cream spots have you tried?

Looking for the best fireworks in Michigan in 2024? There are destination fireworks displays and festivals all over the state between June 26 and July 4.

This summer, there are a lot of opportunities for purchasing second-hand items. Flea markets are a perfect place to find second-hand clothing, vintage furniture items, or books you’ve been dying to read. Flea markets are also a great way to consider your carbon footprint and reconsider your use of fast fashion.

Hot air balloons offer the chance to see the breathtaking sight of different colors flying through the sky and learn about the physics of the balloons. There are plenty of opportunities across the state to see these spectacles. We have a list of a few different locations and dates where you can see a hot air balloon festival in Michigan.

Ready to mark the longest day of the year? Stick with us for tips on how to celebrate the summer solstice.

Every year it can be a challenge to come up with something new and exciting to celebrate the father figure in your life. What to do for a man who has done so much for you? We’re here to help you come up with ideas to honor the father figure in your life.

The freezer aisle of your favorite grocery stores is filled with different flavored popsicles sure to make you cool off a bit. However, in those freezers full of popsicles there are a lot of added sugars, colors, high fructose corn syrup, and preservatives. Learn some healthy fresh-fruit popsicle recipe to make at home.

Lavender begins to bloom in Michigan early-to-mid June and continues through mid-August. Visiting these vibrant, purple-lined fields are sure to create magical memories for the whole family.

Metro Detroiters can meaningfully celebrate Juneteenth 2024 in Detroit in a multitude of ways, from festivals to special dinners to educational events.

Festivals, parades and family-friendly activities are all on tap as Pride events fill up the summer calendar across Michigan in 2024.

Beef from Stoney Grove Farm in Rodney. Whitefish caught in Lake Erie. Fresh tomatoes from Good Stead Farm in Hope. Michigan's incredible farming community is highlighted in every dish at Aster.

Do you have plans this Memorial Day Weekend? Stop by one of the many parades and celebrations happening all over Michigan. Find a Memorial Day celebration near you.

The Food Focus series is coming to AHM this spring. Each month we'll chat with different restaurant owners in Michigan who prioritizes clean ingredients, sustainability or just general healthy eating. Let's dig in!

Michigan has an abundance of beautiful spots spread out across both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas. In the springtime, try heading to a corner of Northern Michigan known as the Cherry Capital of the World.

Saginaw native Sammie Telder doesn’t miss many pitches, swings or catches during the 162-game regular season. She can't wait to see how her Tigers perform this year.

An exciting spring break can be found right here in Michigan. Here are six destinations to get you started.

This spring, make sure you make time to get outside and play. And there’s nothing that says springtime fun like the bevy of Michigan festivals you can put on your calendar.

Look out for these 5 telltale signs that spring has hit Michigan. Whether you've been waiting for the blooms, for baseball starting up, or to get some ice cream from a Michigan ice cream stand, make sure to enjoy spring while it is here.

International Women’s Day is set aside for us as a society to recognize and celebrate the contributions and achievements of women, including their social, political, economic, and cultural impacts. This day developed from a long tradition over the past two centuries of protests and celebrations by women laborers and women’s rights champions.

Visit some of these unique Michigan gems that tell the story of African-American contributions to our state’s cultural history.

Michigan is home to many winter marvels, including the “world’s largest ice tree” in Gaylord.

These historic Detroit sites and landmarks document both the triumphs and hardships of Black Americans who have ties to the city.

Woody the Woodchuck isn't just a Michigan legend; she's known nationwide. With a personality as big as her appetite, it's easy to see why Woody is such a treasure.

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the winter.

Detroit's feel-good playoff run has been a blast for the city to follow. The team even has support overseas, as evidenced by this former Michigan foreign exchange student from Germany's unlikely tale.

If you love sledding, you’re in the right place. Here’s our list of favorite sledding hills across Michigan.

There’s a lot to discover in this northeastern Michigan community during the winter.

The Great Lakes delivers some spectacular ice formations during the winters. Here’s what to look for.

There’s a lot to discover in this Mid-Michigan community during the winter.

There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the winter.

When your weeks feel cyclical and repetitive, try treating a weekend like a vacation. Here's how to unplug, unwind, and get into that vacation mindset.

There’s a lot to discover in this Southeastern Michigan community during the winter.

There’s a lot to discover in this West Michigan community during the winter.

There’s a lot to discover in this community in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula during the winter.

Looking for festive winter events to attend? The Michigan winter festivals on this list take place between January and March of 2024.

Step into a warm-water splash zone, join a museum mini camp, or skate away through a lighted forest trail. Winter Break activities are all about adventure. 

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the winter.

One of the best Michigan winter activities is visiting one of the many extravagant Christmas light displays. Here are some of our favorites.

There’s a lot to discover in this Mid-Michigan community during the fall.

Christmas Markets add a sparkle to the holiday experience. Here is a list of some of the markets taking place across Michigan this season.

GRPS alum and running champion Benne Anderson will serve as this year’s honorary race director.

There’s a lot to discover in this community along Michigan’s sunrise coast during the fall.

If you love ice skating, you’ll want to check out these outdoor ice skating rinks and enjoy this fun winter activity.

There’s a lot to discover in this Southwest Michigan community during the fall.

Activities are easier to come by in the summer than in the winter. We know this. But exciting winter activities in Michigan aren't as limited as you may think. Here are five fun ideas.

There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the fall. 

Detroit area vegans rejoice! There’s a long list of metro Detroit and Michigan restaurants offering 100% plant-based Thanksgiving meals.

We all know Michigan’s most famous island, but it’s just one of hundreds along Michigan’s coasts.

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the fall.

There’s a lot to discover in this Northern Michigan community during the fall.

There’s a lot to discover in this Upper Peninsula community during the fall.  

Are you ready to run this fall? The list of 5Ks happening all across Michigan in October and November is long. Here's where they are and how to sign up.

Pumpkin patches are a fall treat in Michigan. Find a good one, then stay for a wagon ride, eat a donut and do a little pumpkin bowling.

There’s a lot to discover in this Southern Michigan community during the fall.

Located along Michigan's Thumbcoast, Port Huron is a vibrant waterfront community.

Michigan is home to some of the most creative, elaborate and downright horrifying haunted houses in the country. Here are 15 of the best!

There’s a lot of natural beauty to explore in the Upper Peninsula community of Whitefish Point / Paradise.

Amanda Koss is showing her paintings "Self" and "Dustbin Timberlake" at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan office in downtown Grand Rapids during the annual art festival.

This Mid-Michigan community is a popular destination for people who like to celebrate Bavarian traditions and Christmas year-round. 

There’s a lot to discover in this lakeside community southwest of Detroit during the fall.

Nothing says fall in Michigan like filling a bushel basket full of freshly-picked apples. If you want to put a U-pick day on your list this autumn, we can help.

From the arts and cultural events to recreational activities, there’s a lot to do in Three Rivers during the summer.

With its prime location on the AuSable River, there are a lot of things to do in Grayling during the summer.

There’s a lot to discover in this hidden gem on Keweenaw Peninsula during the summer.

There’s a lot to do in the port city of Escanaba during the summer.

Bring a blanket, a camp chair and some snacks. It’s time for free summer concerts.

Even during the summer when most classes are out, there’s always something going on in Ann Arbor.

Ready for some nostalgic fun? Roll into one of Michigan’s vintage drive-ins for a summer night adventure. 

Peanuts, popcorn and home runs. Who is ready to head to a ballgame?

Michigan’s famed island is known for taking people back in time with its horse-and-carriage transportation and historic buildings.

Lavender lovers know these dainty blue-purple flowers have a heady scent. Choose one of these lavender farms to add to your Michigan bucket list this summer.

Head to a local orchard and pick your own cherries this summer. They are a healthy, sweet or tart treat.

County fairs are a great way to learn more about the community and celebrate Michigan culture with a fun summer tradition.

One had the dream, one had the drinks: the woman-owned Zero Bar & Lounge adds to the growing list of alcohol-free social options in Michigan.

The National Cherry Festival in Traverse City is a summer bucket list event to celebrate one of Michigan's largest agricultural industries.

Grand Marais in the eastern Upper Peninsula sits along the south shore of Lake Superior and is a gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore.

From a seasonal waterpark in a lake to recreation areas that take hikers from hardwood forests to meadows, Brighton is a great place to get away from it all.

This summer, there’s something for everybody in this lineup of Michigan summer festivals that are a must-add to your bucket list.

From fishing or kayaking adventures on the famed Au Sable River to hiking trails or splashing in Lake Huron, Oscoda has an activity you’re sure to love.

St. Joe is home to sugar-sand beaches, a giant splash pad and its landmark Silver Beach Carousel. Here are 5 things to do during a visit.

Absence of Proof offers “a night off of drinking.” The NYC-based company is now in Detroit with pop-up hangout options for the sober curious.

Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month is a wonderful way to learn more about this important culture and its contributions.

A favorite Lake Michigan vacation spot, Holland was settled by the Dutch in the mid-1800s and is still known for its springtime tulips and beaches.

From Detroit to Holland to Kalamazoo, there are Mother’s Day markets, outdoors events and live shows happening all over Michigan in 2023.

No matter where you live in Michigan, family-friendly Cinco de Mayo celebrations are happening across the state between April 29 and May 7.

Earth Day is approaching. How will you be celebrating our planet?

The song of a red-winged blackbird is one of the first signs of spring. Here are some great places to see migrating birds in Michigan.

The Detroit Tigers may not be a dominant force in Major League Baseball in 2023, but 102-year-old Eva Martin will be watching anyway.

Trying to steer clear of the shots-and-pints crowd on St. Paddy’s Day? We’ve got some non-alcoholic ways to say cheers to the holiday.

Here are some of our favorite holiday activities around the state that you and your family can do this holiday season.

Bundle up in your coziest winter fitness gear and take part in some of the Michigan winter 5K’s and Turkey Trots happening this year.

Grab a blanket, settle back and enjoy the skywatching scene. November has a few meteor showers ready to put on a show.

Is it after Halloween? Is it after Thanksgiving? How early is too early to decorate for Christmas? We dive into it here.

After a hero saved his life in 2016, ArtPrize artist Dan Bledsaw has been highlighting heroes in his ArtPrize entries.

BCBSM is featuring the ArtPrize entry of Cheryl Haithco, whose work has been on display in hospitals.

The Dream Cruise can be a grind if you’re not prepared. Read these packing tips, nearby restaurants, parking options and best viewing spots.

The Woodward Dream Cruise is a blast but with all that walking and sun exposure comes the need to refuel and recharge. These food and drink spots can help.

Farmer’s markets offer a lush array of healthy foods while supporting local farmers, growers and sellers. Follow these tips to get the most out of your market.

This April, look for gardens of blue pinwheels in communities across Michigan — reminders that we all play a role in preventing child abuse and neglect.

When Amzie Griffin first became a vendor for the Detroit Tigers, Dwight Eisenhower was the U.S. President. Six decades later, Griffin is still there.