Dog sledding through a snow-covered Michigan forest on a blue-sky day. Hitting the links with friends for a sunset round on an award-winning course. Hiking a new trail in the morning, then renting kayaks for an afternoon paddle.
In Michigan’s four-season playground, these are all mini trips you can put on your adventure list for the year ahead. But they’re not gifts that are easily wrapped to tuck under the tree.
And that’s OK, our friends at Pure Michigan suggest. If you’re ready to lean into the latest travel movement, then this might be the year you skip the traditional last-minute buying and wrapping frenzy and give the gift of experiences this holiday season.
Both of Michigan’s peninsulas are packed with options for adventures big and small. From camping by a winter waterfall in the Upper Peninsula to booking a wine-tasting trip or heading to one of the state’s charming downtowns for a little retail therapy, the gift of daytrips and minivacations are a fun choice.
It lets you plan a trip with your bestie and savor the anticipation, or gift a solo experience to someone you love.
“The gift of travel is truly a gift of opportunity,” said Kelly Wolgamott, vice president of Pure Michigan, part of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. “Sharing a Michigan experience with family and friends creates lasting memories while supporting the local economy and helping Michigan workers and communities thrive.”
And while winter travel gifts are timely – think lift tickets at ski resorts, extreme snow tubing or fat-tire biking – experiences can be mapped out for any season in Michigan.
“One of the wonderful things about giving the gift of travel is that it lasts well beyond the holidays,” Wolgamott said. “Our state has adventures and experiences for everyone in every season – whether you’re shopping for the outdoor adventurer, the foodie, the golfer, or a family member seeking quality time together.”
The Pure Michigan team has put together some ideas to get you thinking about how you can gift real memory-making experiences this year. For more inspiration, you can check their website at michigan.org.
A person climbs “The Curtains” ice formations at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Munising, Mich. on Monday, Feb. 17, 2025. Joel Bissell | MLive.com
For Outdoor Adventurers
Experience a new adventure like ice climbing, dog sledding, fat tire biking, or riding an ice lugeIn the summer, paddle the Great Lakes at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore, Turnip Rock, or Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary in AlpenaExperience Michigan’s world-class fishing with a guided fly-fishing trip in spring or fall, or Great Lakes charter fishing trip in the summerExperience the tranquility of winter rafting in the Gaylord area or the thrills of white-water rafting in the Upper Peninsula in the spring
The renovated dome and Palm House at the Belle Isle Conservatory.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.comFamily-Friendly TripsPlan a summer vacation to flagship attractions like Michigan’s Adventure, Belle Isle and the Detroit Riverwalk, Fort Mackinac, or Sleeping Bear Dunes National LakeshoreStay and ski packages make great family vacations – especially multigenerational trips that allow the whole family to join the funMake a splash in any season at an indoor water parkDiscover art, history, music, and innovation at Michigan’s world-class museums and cultural attractions
The Fazio Premier at Treetops Resort is the only Michigan golf course designed by legendary course designer Tom Fazio. Photo provided by Treetops.Treetops Resort
For Golfers
Michigan has the most public golf courses of any state in the U.S. and is home to some of the top golf destinations in the country America’s Summer Golf Capital is a collection of 26 golf courses at eight resort properties designed by the world’s finest golf architects like Nicklaus, Player, Fazio, Smith, and Robert Trent Jones.Michigan’s Upper Peninsula features nationally-ranked golf destinations like Greywalls in Marquette and Sweetgrass in Escanaba.Nationally renowned golf courses like Arcadia Bluffs, Bay Harbor, Forest Dunes, and Harbor Shores are bucket list experiences for many golfers
Blustone Vineyards on the Leelanau Peninsula offers gorgeous views to go along with its award-winning wines.Photo provided by Blustone Vineyards
For Foodies
Experience Michigan’s world-class culinary scene with a getaway to culinary destinations like Grand Rapids, Detroit, and Traverse CityExplore the delights of Michigan’s craft beverage industry at the state’s wineries, breweries, distilleries, and cideriesDiscover Michigan’s newest American Viticultural Area – The Tip of the Mitt AVA and Petoskey Wine RegionExperience winter in wine country with a snowshoeing outing in the vineyards of Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas
Opening weekend saw lots of smiles at Caberfae Peaks ski resort near Cadillac.Caberfae Peaks
Want a package deal or to save a little on this gift of an experience? Check out the Pure Michigan Featured Deals here:
For shoppers seeking the best deals on curated packages and experiences across the state, visit michigan.org/deals.
View December’s featured deals and packages here.
December Featured Deals
