My Michigan Vacation has been designed to help you navigate around West Michigan and plan your next vacation adventure. An Event Calendar, Weather, Community History, and Business Information is available on each county web page.
How do I know what opportunities are available for a visitor?
I have vacationed, lived and worked throughout the area most of my live, as a kid and later as a reporter, photographer, salesman and business owner. Thank you for visiting My Michigan Vacation.com
Lewis Geer, President
Gear It Up Communications, Inc.
Antrim County is bordered on the west by Lake Michigan and Grand Traverse Bay and on the East by the Mackinaw State Forest, also referred to as the Jordan river valley. Communities include Bellaire, Elk Rapids, Central Lake, Ellsworth and Mancelona.
Benzie County is known for its beauty and abundant recreational opportunities. Crystal Lake, Big and Little Platte Lakes, the Platte River and Betsie River draw millions of visitors each year.
Charlevoix County - The State of Michigan drew up the borders in 1840 of what was originally called Keskauko County. Today, Charlevoix County is a booming, communities include, the City of Charlevoix, Boyne City, East Jordan, and Village of Boyne Falls.
Cheboygan County boasts an extensive system of connecting inland lakes and rivers, which allows boaters to navigate through Mullett and Burt Lakes. Native Americans used this inland water route for centuries, today it is used exclusively for recreation.
Clare County - For some people, Northern Michigan begins when you arrive in Clare. Clare County thrived around the lumbering industry during the mid-1800’s. Today it is still largely rural and a favorite destination for sportsman.
Emmet County is located on the shores of Lake Michigan. The county also encompasses the Waugoshance island group. Petoskey, the county seat is at the heart of a large natural harbor. Other incorporated communities within the county include, Alanson, Harbor Springs, and Pellston.
Grand Traverse County - In the 1830's French explorers gave the county it's name. The area is known for tourism and cherry production. Grand Traverse County includes the communities of Traverse City, Acme, Williamsburg, Kingsley and Fife Lake.
Kalkaska County falls within the borders of the Pere Marquette State Forest. Spring time is when the Manistee and Boardman rivers, enjoy a boom in the trout population and sportsman take advantage of the run. The National Trout Festival is held in the City of Kalkaska every year.
Lake County - The Pine, Little Manistee and Pere Marquette River’s all come through the area making it a favorite destination for fisherman. The City of Baldwin is the county seat and the resort community of Idlewild is a historic landmark, recently featured in a Hollywood film.
Leelanau County - The lighthouse, at the peninsula's northernmost point, was constructed in 1858 to guide freighters through the Manitou Passage. Leelanau County includes the communities of Leland, Empire, Glen Arbor, Northport, Suttons Bay, Lake Leelanau, Maple City and Cedar.
Manistee County - The natural beauty of the area attracts many tourists. The City of Manistee offers many recreational and cultural activities and is home for one of Lake Michigan's finest ports.
Mason County - The Ludington State Park, City Beach, Pere Marquette River and Hamlin Lake are major attractions. The Badger Car Ferry docks in Ludington which has been recognized has hosting some of the most beautiful sunsets in the world.
Mecosta County - Ferris State University is located in the City of Big Rapids also the county seat. The Muskegon River makes its way through the area which has become a popular recreation community.
Missaukee County and the villages of Lake City, McBain and Falmouth were originally settled in the late 1800’s. Today, a majority of the state’s Christmas Tree harvest comes from here. Visitors enjoy the Muskegon River and Lake Missaukee for their recreational benefits.
Muskegon County - Located on the shores of Lake Michigan, it enjoys a lumbering industry heritage supporting over 40 lumber mills during its heyday. Today, residents and visitors have access to miles of waterfront along the Muskegon River, Muskegon Lake and Lake Michigan.
Newaygo County became a major source for hydroelectric power with the construction of the Croton and Hardy Dams on the Muskegon River. Today, hunting, camping and fishing around the City of Newaygo, White Cloud and neighboring villages make this a popular vacation destination.
Oceana County was named after the long Lake Michigan shoreline that characterizes the county's western border. The Villages of Pentwater, Shelby, Mears, Silver Lake, and Hart fall within it's borders. The dunes around Silver Lake are a popular attraction.
Osceola County - Five rivers run through the county including the Muskegon, Hersey, Pine, Middle Branch and Chippewa. The county supports a diverse economy including industry, mining, agriculture and tourism. The cities of Evart and Reed City fall within it's borders.
Otsego County is rapidly becoming one of the golf mecca’s in Northern Michigan with over 21 golf courses within it's border. Gaylord is a popular four season resort destination with an architecture similar to that of an alpine village.
Ottawa County is a favorite of visitors that come to enjoy the clean, clear waters of Spring Lake and meanderings of the Grand River. The communities of Grand Haven, Spring Lake, and Holland help give Ottawa County it’s popularity giving it both a metropolitan and rural hometown atmosphere.
Wexford County was named after a county in Ireland and populated by Irish immigrants. The City of Cadillac, Mesick and Manton fall within it's borders as well as Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell.