When you pick Michigan for your next one tank trips vacation, you’ll get a lot of fascinating and historic sites to explore, not to mention some of the best fishing in the entire Great Lakes region. You’ll find no shortage of campsites that offer world class skiing in the winter and boating, fishing, hiking and canoeing in the more temperate months. And let’s not forget that this state is the birthplace of the Motown sound! So let’s get on the road for some unbelievable Michican camping fun. Let’s kick things off right by stopping in Detroit at the Motown Historical Museum. This museum features an awesome collection of artifacts and displays that tell the story of how Motown Records got its start, and grew into the world-famous icon it is today. You’ll see photos, original music, and costumes from some of the superstars that came from Motown, and see the results of one man’s extraordinary vision. Afterward, head over to Comerica Park and take in a baseball game featuring the home team, the Detroit Tigers. However, if it’s tigers of another kind you’re interested in, the Detroit Zoo can accommodate you. In addition to the lions, tigers and bears, you’ll be able to observe hundreds of species in their natural habitats, spanning all four corners of the globe from the Arctic Circle to the Australian Outback. A quick 6-mile side trip to the west takes you into Dearborn, home of the Ford Motor Company. Take a tour of the absolutely massive Henry Ford Museum, which features five separate attractions to entertain and educate visitors. One of the largest is Greenfield Village, which sprawls over an incredible 90 acres and is so fun it seems more like a theme park than a museum. This area showcases America’s history with an array of interactive exhibits from days gone by. Another popular part of the facility is a tour of the River Rouge plant, where you’ll see the assembly line system made famous by Ford himself, and will be able to witness the construction process of some of America’s finest automobiles. After returning to Detroit, head north on the I-75 for 60 miles until you pull into Flint, where you’ll want to investigate the Crossroads Village and Huckleberry Railroad, where you’ll feel as if you’ve stepped sideways through time and landed at the turn of the 20th century. This village is a spot-on re-creation of a township of that era, with wooden walkways, a lumber mill, and nearly 40 other buildings that create an absolutely authentic period experience. The Huckleberry Railroad is a fun way to see the area, as it’s a narrow gauge, fairly slow-moving train, that takes you on a 40-minute scenic tour of the town, as well as the surrounding environment, which includes the pastoral setting of Mott Lake. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy an afternoon listening to local opera singers who perform for the public. For another fun-yet-offbeat experience, take a short side trip north to Frankenmuth, site of the Frankenmuth Bavarian Festival. This festival normally runs during the middle part of June, and celebrates the town’s German heritage with a 3-day festival featuring Bavarian music, bratwurst, and of course… beer! You’ll be able to enjoy all kinds of sauerkraut while listening to authentic polka music and seeing locals dressed in all kinds of authentic costumes. It’s been a huge success for the last 50 years, and shows no signs of slowing down. Back in Flint, drive west on the I-69 for a little less than 50 miles, and you’ll find yourself within the city limits of Michigan’s state capital, Lansing. The State Capitol Building and the State Museum are two great places to investigate, as they reveal a behind-the-scenes look at Michigan’s history and its contributions to America’s past and future. A mere 30-mile drive on the southbound I-69 takes you into Battle Creek, home of the annual Field of Flight Air Show and Balloon Festival. In addition to featuring some incredible stunt work by America’s finest pilots – including the world famous Thunderbirds – you’ll witness more than 130 hot air balloons cruising through the sky, painting the skyscape with a dazzling array of rainbow colors. For more aviation entertainment and to complete your one tank trips adventure, head west on the I-94 for 18 miles to Kalamazoo, where you’ll want to look in on the Air Zoo, which features flight simulators, thrill rides, and is also the location of the Michigan Space Science Center. Here, you’ll learn all about man’s missions to space, from the earliest unmanned craft to the current high-tech shuttles designed to expand mankind’s presence amongst the stars. Whether it’s outdoor enjoyment, arts and culture, or touring amazing historic sites, Michigan camping will keep you well entertained.
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Woodall’s Recommended Michigan RV Campgrounds
Planning a Michigan camping trip? Don’t miss this other great route on one tank of fuel:
For a complete list of one tank trip camping routes, go to Woodalls.com.