5 Things to do in Michigan this Labor Day Weekend

Labor Day Weekend always seems to mark the unofficial end to Summer. School is starting (if it’s not already), the sun is coming up later and setting earlier, and pumpkin spice everything is appearing everywhere.

Don’t forget that with the extra holiday traffic MDOT will be suspending a number of construction projects to facilitate the movement of traffic. Of the 151 projects, 106 of them will have some lane restrictions lifted beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, August 30th, and resuming 6 a.m. on Tuesday, September 3rd.

Here are 5 Things to do in Michigan this Labor Day Weekend -

1). I’ll just get the most “Michigan” Labor Day Weekend event out of the way right off the bat. The Labor Day Mackinac Bridge Walk has been going on since 1959 (first walk was 68 people in June of 1958 for the dedication ceremony of the bridge).

TIP - If you find yourself spending Labor Day Weekend in the Upper Peninsula, please be aware that the Mackinac Bridge is closed for the duration of the walk from 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. If you are not walking the bridge and you want to head south, your best bet is to either cross the bridge before 6:30 or wait and come home on Tuesday. There will be major traffic backups.

2). If you find yourself anywhere near the northwest lower peninsula you will find one of Michigan’s hidden gems. Tucked away on the southern end of the Tunnel of Trees on the side of M-119 you will find the Good Hart General Store. It’s a must stop for me anytime we are in the area. Hot tip - the pot pies are delicious!

3). Another great thing to do this weekend (especially if you have the State Park Recreation Pass) is to explore one of Michigan’s over 100 State Parks and Recreation areas. The weather is looking pretty good across much of Michigan so take advantage and get outside!

4). Get your antique car fix at the Gilmore Car Museum - North America’s largest auto museum. While you are perusing the museum be sure to get a custard at the Blue Moon Diner, you won’t be disappointed!

5). This one is way out there. By way out there, I mean it is all the way up in Copper Harbor in the Keweenaw Peninsula. The 26th annual Bell’s Beer Copper Harbor Trails Fest is happening August 31 through September 1. Bikes, beer, music and fun will be the theme.

One bonus thing to do if you happen to be up north over the weekend. The Northern Lights might be visible along the south shore of Lake Superior and anywhere north of Houghton according to Michigan Tech University and there is a chance you might spot them at the Headlands International Dark Sky Park just west of Mackinaw City.

One Labor Day Weekend we were camping at Wilderness State Park and we were able to see the northern lights. It was a really neat experience so if you have the chance to see them, do it!