There are many places in the United States that are worthy of a family vacation destination. Michigan holds a great many wonders for everyone to enjoy including some you may not have realized existed. The Great Lake State has mysterious shipwrecks and plentiful wildlife that could peak the interest of any knowledge hungry child. You can discover wildlife at the capital’s zoo, search for local fossils, and even buy a piece of an actually dinosaur at the state museum!  If you are looking for a fun filled adventure, the state of Michigan may have exactly what you and your family is looking for. Here are some great places.

The five Great Lakes have many unique qualities. They cover an incredible about of mileage touching two countries and eight states such as Minnesota, Michigan, and New York. There are about 35,000 islands however Canada’s Manitoulin Island is inhabited and known to be the largest island inland body of water on Earth. Ten percent of the American population or 30 million people call the areas around these lakes home. This also includes a diverse wildlife population in and around the lakes as well. You can find information about the perfect spot to throw a line into the water, try your hand at archery, or find out about local nature programs. Fishing for trout, salmon, and smallmouth bass is a mellow way to spend your day, or bird watching for some robins bald eagles, or the colorful wood duck.

The waters of Lake Michigan hold secrets to many mysterious shipwrecks. Over 200 ships went down there, however, it is the last one that still has many scratching their heads over the fate of the 29 men who went under with the SS Edmund Fitzgerald. A few decades have gone by since the storm that sunk the ship, yet the divers could not see any reason for the sinking. You can spend a night or two in a restored crew’s quarters to find out about not just the Fitzgerald but the other wrecks displayed at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum.

Excluded to just Michigan, is petrified coral also known as Petoskey stone. It is also an area where in Victorian times, many people spent their day searching for this little natural treasures. The Petoskey State Park is also home to many shops that offer an array of items for you created with these fossilized, hexagon shaped coral. Another great option for you and the family, is the University of Michigan’s Museum of Natural History. Your family can even purchase the bone of the Majungasaurus, a carnivorous theropod dinosaur from Madagascar. Join in helping to preserve fossils or gaze at the stars in the planetarium.

The capital of Michigan Lansing LAN150 is welcoming to all. You can spend some time exploring the walkable historic downtown area Old Town, enjoying a beer at the local brew house or a freshly made taco. If you love indulging in local fare, you can ask around to be pointed to one of the many foods and drinks. You can find a Michigan favorite beverage Vernor, a locally created Ginger Ale which was created in 1862 by pharmacist James Vernor. Originally branded as a cure all, this drink can be paired with another favorite, the pasty. During the 19th century, men working in the mines found this food to be more of a convenience. This small pie usually held meat and vegetables, heated up by being placed on a shovel and heated through from the fire. Apples are the main crop of Michigan and cane be found in ciders, pies, and donuts which is the perfect start of your day. The Potter Park Zoo holds over 160 species to see in any kind of season.  No matter if you are a kid at heart or a parent yourself, animals from all over the world such as Red Panda’s or Snow Leopards are part of the zoo’s conservation efforts. There are family programs including those who help create a safe atmosphere for adults and children with special needs.