Never Been: Itinerary adults & teens. lake houses, relaxed

Question

Never been

Looking for a relaxed itinerary for adults and teens

Looking for lake houses

coming from Utah possibly starting at St. Joseph

looking for heavily wooded (not sure if that's a thing along the lake

Must see must do. 7 days summer

Answer

It sounds like you're looking for a relaxing, scenic getaway with some great natural beauty, lake houses, and a mix of outdoor and laid-back activities for adults and teens. Michigan is a fantastic choice for this type of vacation, with its many pristine lakes, wooded areas, and charming towns. Here's an itinerary that will allow you to experience the best of what Michigan has to offer over a 7-day summer trip, starting from St. Joseph and exploring some beautiful, wooded lakeside locations.

Day 1: Arrive in St. Joseph

St. Joseph is a beautiful lakeside town on Lake Michigan, offering beaches and a charming downtown area. After arriving, you can check out the local beaches or take a walk along the Lake Michigan shoreline. You might also want to explore the Silver Beach Carousel and St. Joseph Lighthouse for a relaxed afternoon. Enjoy a nice dinner overlooking the lake at one of the local restaurants.

Day 2-3: Stay in a Lake House near South Haven

South Haven, about 30 minutes north of St. Joseph, is known for its charming small-town feel, beautiful beaches, and great nature spots. It's a perfect place to rent a lake house. The area offers a good mix of relaxation and outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, and hiking. The Van Buren State Park offers beautiful trails through wooded areas, perfect for a scenic hike.

Must-Do: Spend a day at South Haven Lighthouse and the nearby North Beach Park. The lighthouse offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding beach area.
Relax at your lake house and spend time swimming, reading, or playing games with your family on the beach.

Day 4-5: Explore Saugatuck and Douglas

Drive about 30 minutes north to Saugatuck, a lovely town known for its art scene, dunes, and nature preserves. Saugatuck is perfect for a family looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure. Check out the Saugatuck Dunes State Park for hiking through beautiful, wooded areas with views of the lake, or take a dune ride for a fun, adventurous experience.

Visit Mount Baldhead for a panoramic view of the town and Lake Michigan.
Explore the Saugatuck Center for the Arts or stroll through Douglas’ art galleries for a cultural experience.
Relax with a boat ride or rent kayaks to explore the Kalamazoo River.

Day 6-7: Visit Ludington State Park

Head up the coast to Ludington State Park, about a 2-hour drive north of Saugatuck. This state park is known for its natural beauty, with forested trails, beautiful beaches, and a lighthouse. The park offers plenty of activities for the whole family, such as hiking, fishing, swimming, and biking. Stay in a nearby lake house or a cabin in the park to enjoy the woods and peaceful surroundings.

Hike the Lost Lake Trail for a scenic, peaceful walk through the woods.
Spend a day relaxing at Stearns Park Beach, where the kids can swim and adults can relax by the lake.
Visit Ludington Lighthouse for beautiful views of Lake Michigan and the surrounding nature.

Additional Suggestions for the Trip:

If you enjoy a slower pace, consider stopping by Holland, MI on your way to or from Ludington. This charming town has a unique Dutch heritage, with beautiful gardens, windmills, and sandy beaches.
For a little history, visit the Michigan Maritime Museum in South Haven or the Big Sable Point Lighthouse on the shores of Lake Michigan.
If your family is into fishing or boating, make sure to rent a boat for a day of exploring Michigan's many lakes and rivers.

With this relaxed itinerary, you'll experience the best of Michigan’s lakes, beaches, and wooded areas. It’s a great mix of outdoor adventure and peaceful downtime by the water, perfect for both adults and teens. Enjoy your trip!

Never Been: Itinerary adults & teens. lake houses, relaxed

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