January 18th is National Michigan Day and here are a few ways to celebrate the Great Lake State – today or throughout the year.
Check back, we will add more mitten love!
Visit the state capitol and look up! The capitol is open to the public Monday through Friday from 9am – 5pm and self guided tours are an option. Find more information HERE.
If you have not checked out Heritage Hall – the new visitors center at the capitol. It is a must see! It is beautiful, open to the public and if you time your visit just right you will be able to watch as they restore the Capitol’s battle flags. Flags continue to be on display in climate-controlled rooms as historians continue the preservation process.
When you visit Heritage Hall, enter the lobby, look up through the skylight and you will have a beautiful view of the Capitol!
Plan a day to go look for Petoskey Stones. Regardless of the time of year, head to Lake Michigan and good luck! We have found Petoskey stones in inland lakes, on a ski hill in Cedar and in a campground in Harrison. They are everywhere!
This photo here, we found one in the frozen beach and had to be chiseled out!
How about the MSU Dairy Store or find a place to pick up a Melting Moments Cookie Sandwich – just a quick trip to pick up either of these Greater Lansing treats 🙂 The options are endless on our Ice Cream list!
And for a limited time only – Honolulu Blue colored Blue Moon at The Dairy Store! Try a scoop or a Roar Restored milkshake!
*image of Sparty at the MSU Dairy story is from the MSU Dairy Store Facebook Page
Located in the Michigan Library and Historical Center Building in Lansing, the Michigan History Museum‘s five floors provide a walk-through time, beginning with Michigan’s first people, the Anishinaabe, and ending in the mid-20th century.
Greater Lansing is home to some other amazing museums as well, including the MSU Museum. Check out this list of museums for more ideas!
Many places in the Greater Lansing area and across the state have an assortment of Michigan made products and Old Town General Store has quite the selection from gifts to Michigan wines and specialty foods. There is something for everyone.
Buy a Faygo and share a story from your childhood about this very sweet, fizzy treat from your childhood with your kids! #onetruepop
The options are endless for supporting a local Michigan Business, maybe make a day of it! Start with your favorite coffee (Foster Coffee is a favorite of ours!) or donut shop, stop by one of these local burger places for lunch, and maybe end the day by ordering a pizza for dinner… no cooking is a #winwin🙂
Same for Vernors, but this may be a time when you were not feeling so well since it is a widely known idea – Vernors cures. Learn more about Vernors visit the Encyclopedia of Detroit – a site place to learn tidbits about southeast Michigan.
A nearby treat – Phillips Orchard for monster cookies or something a little healthier like apples – some are available year round. A pint of cider or their Cider Slush – think of a Slurpee but made with apples (and much tastier) or something different all together. YUM!
Walk along the lake shore! The state of Michigan hosts over 3000 linear miles of shoreline and is the nation’s longest freshwater shoreline!
And while you are at the beach catch a sunset or start with a sunrise – or both in one day!
Splurge on some Michigan Mittens mittens. Always have a map in hand – literally. These gems are well known and cozy!
Plan a trip to the Mackinac Bridge to see the Blue Ice. But in order to see the blue ice phenomenon, there needs to be ice. So first keep an eye on the Mackinac Bridge live bridge cam – link HERE. This photo was taken in March, 2018 and has not been quite this blue since.
Want to read more about Blue Ice – take a look HERE.
Go book shopping or head to the library and check out the book by Denise Brennan-Nelson, Tallulah Mermaid of the Great Lakes – enjoy this adorable story of a mermaid who made her way to the Great Lakes!
Or pick up the latest book from Michigan author, Mitch Albom.
The Little LIar is available at bookstores everywhere. Or how about visiting an Independent Bookstore in our area, Hooked and Schulers are some GLAMoms favorites!
Happy Michigan Day… It is always a good day to be a Michigander!
Where is your favorite to go for a day trip in Michigan? Please share, we are always looking for ideas and new places to visit!
