Michigan is one of my favorite states to explore and quite possibly one of the best states in terms of diversity of things to do. From industrial tours to pure, unspoiled lands for fishing, hunting, offroading, and hiking, to some of the best food anywhere in the United States ... it's all here in Michigan. Sadly, we're all locked up right now and traveling isn't something we can do but the folks at Pure Michigan have put together an awesome collection of experiences that while not the same as actually sinking your teeth into a Traverse City cherry pie or swimming in the clean clear water of Lake Michigan ... does a darn good job of whetting our appetite for travel (hopefully!) later this summer.
The Virtual Pure Michigan site contains live webcams, 360 videos, photo galleries, videos, destination guides and even live-streamed events featuring some of the best spots in Michigan, including: Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Anne Arbor, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Traverse City, Detroit, Sault Ste. Marie, Peoskey, Grand Rapids, Manistee, Mackinac Historic State Parks, and Greater Lansing.
While there's truly no "bad place to visit" in Michigan, as far as this site goes, here's our recommendations if you are looking for inspiration to plan that virtual father and son guys weekend ...
Mackinac State Historic Parks
Here on the Virtual Mackinac State Historic Parks website they've got some cool videos that explore the history of Fort Mackinac, Shipwrecks of the Straits, plus the opportunity to virtually explore Fort Mackinac, Old Mackinac Point Lighthouse, and the life of soldiers in the British army outpost of Colonial Michilimackinac.
Petoskey Area
The folks in Petoskey Area have put together a series of 2-minute videos ranging from Food and Winery Tours to a visit to the Oden State Fish Hatchery.
Sault Ste. Marie
Ever wondered how ships get from one lake to the other as they pass around Michigan on the way to and from various cities? Wonder no more! The folks at Sault Ste. Marie have put together a virtual 360-degree video tour of the Soo Locks.
Traverse City
This is one of our absolute favorite summertime destinations in Michigan since it makes for a great escape from the heat of the city and it is just simply stunningly gorgeous. With great food, some of the best wineries in the midwest, fabulous fishing, hiking, and driving roads it's always at top of mind to visit. Now the folks at Traverse City have put together "7 Ways To Enjoy Traverse City From Home" and so that earns a place on our list!
Detroit
No mention of tourism in Michigan would be complete without talking about Motor City! While I'm disappointed that we won't be covering the Detroit International Auto Show this year ... the first time in decades that it won't be held in the bitter cold of winter ... I can still get my taste of Detroit virtually. Visit Detroit has put together a list of "10 Detroit Attractions Offering Virtual Tours and Online Learning" that we think you guys should check out. Spots on the list that we think guys would love to explore on a virtual guys weekend include a tour of the Ford Piquette Avenue Plant, Detroit Zoo, and The Henry Ford. Sadly there's no official virtual tour of Hitsville USA - the home of Motown Records but you can visit that virtual tour here.
