We know most people are coming here to check out the Dragon Trail and this area around Newaygo and White Cloud, but maybe you’re here for an extended visit and are looking to explore more areas of Michigan nearby. If so, we have the perfect list! All of these are within 1 1/2 hours of Base Camp making them the perfect day trips for exploration!
Silver Lake Sand Dunes (and area)
This area is a plethora of adventure! There is so much fun for kids and adults alike. The Silver Lake Sand Dunes are known to be some of the few dunes in the Midwest where you can drive on them! If you have a ORV pass for a vehicle, you can access the dunes via your own vehicle, or rent one from anywhere in the area. They are also open for climbing and walking on as well. Another great way to explore the dunes and learn some of the history is through a MacWood’s Dune Ride! Spend the afternoon on the dunes, go chill on Lake Michigan by Little Sable Lighthouse and grab some amazing chicken wings from the Chicken Shack! There is also a Craig’s Cruisers in town as well as other stores and ice cream stops. If you want to spread out a little further Pentwater has a fantastic downtown area as well as beautiful beaches or go over to New Era to check out Country Dairy for the BEST chocolate milk, ice cream, and food as well as Lewis Farms which has a variety of animals, orchards, play areas, and more!
Michigan’s Adventure
Michigan’s biggest amusement park is located about an hour away. Spend the day riding roller coasters like Shivering Timbers, Thunderhawk, Corkscrew, Wolverine Wildcat and more! There are tons of rides for little kids as well. The waterpark is filled with slides, wave pools, a lazy river, and more! It’s a fun way to spend a summer day if you’re looking for something a little different to do.
Go Skiing-Caberfae or Crystal Mountain
When the snow is flying and it is cold out, grab the skis and hit the slopes! There are two great resorts within 90 minutes of Base Camp. Caberfae Peaks, has some of the highest lift served hills in Michigan. There are a number of routes making it accessible for any skill level. Their lodge is stocked with refreshments and equipment rentals as well. Head a bit more west and you’ll hit Crystal Mountain which is a premiere ski resort. It has the Swiss ski town feel with little cabins, stores, and more at the base of the hill. There are 59 slopes and 8 lifts, so you’ll definitely find something here to enjoy.
Grand Rapids
South of Newaygo is Grand Rapids and here you’ll find plenty to do to fill up your day. Some of the sights of Grand Rapids include John Ball Zoo, Frederik Meijer Gardens, Grand Rapids Public Museum, Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Fred Meyer House, and more. There are breweries and amazing restaurants around every corner, and tons of shopping hotspots as well from beautiful downtown areas like Rockford and Ada to large shopping centers like Tanger Outlets or Woodland Mall.
Arcadia Bluffs
Avid golfer and want to play an elite course? Look no further than Arcadia Bluffs! This course is consistently ranked in the top 100 courses in the United States and highly ranked in world courses as well. It is a links style course on Lake Michigan with some of the most amazing views you’ll find on a course. It is well worth the visit for the avid golfer and the cart driver won’t get bored of the scenery either.
West Michigan is filled with so many amazing adventures! From mountain biking to golfing to shopping to dining to fishing, there is something here for everyone. Even if you just stay at Base Camp, we know you’ll find adventure all over the Newaygo area-one of the main reasons we love it up here! If you want more ideas of what to do in the area, contact us! We are residents here and can help you build the perfect itinerary!
Mark and Amy
