[Coldjensens]

I have to pick up my daughters from a band camp in Howell. I was hoping to take them, our other children and our visiting exchange student somewhere neat while we were out. A Lake Michigan Beach might be nice, but we need to be somewhere in the general vicinity of Howell (maybe another hour to 1.5 hour drive). I am not sure how far the nearest Lake Michigan community is from Howell. Anywhere neat in the vicinity would be nice, we just want to go somewhere memorable. We ahve been to Frankemuth and did nto find it very entertaining (we are not shopper types).

Any suggestions?

Thanks

[Bydand]

If I remember right it is about 2 hours to the nearest beach on Lake Michigan from Howell. (straight interstate travel from Howell to the Grand Haven/Spring Lake exit just outside of Muskegon is just under 140 miles if I recall). Maybe a beach on Lake Huron? 1 1/2 hours will get you to Pinconning area so anything south of that would be within striking distance. Wish I could help you out on which ones are nice, but not too familiar with that part of the state anymore. Went to the Bay City State park many years ago and it was a nice walk, but that was a long time ago.

[S6Sputnik]

How about having lunch at the Damn Site inn in Hell, Michigan and explore the park around there.

[Coldjensens]

Heh. We got to Hell with some regularity. That might be a fun idea. Most of the kids have been there a couple of times, but our exchange student has not. I am not sure if she will understand the name. We could go canoing there. That would be nice. Thanks for the idea.

I wonder how far it is from there to Silver lake dunes? I will look it up.


thanks

[Bydand]

Howell to Silver Lake is about 170 miles I believe.

[magellan]

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

I have to pick up my daughters from a band camp in Howell. I was hoping to take them, our other children and our visiting exchange student somewhere neat while we were out. A Lake Michigan Beach might be nice, but we need to be somewhere in the general vicinity of Howell (maybe another hour to 1.5 hour drive). I am not sure how far the nearest Lake Michigan community is from Howell. Anywhere neat in the vicinity would be nice, we just want to go somewhere memorable. We ahve been to Frankemuth and did nto find it very entertaining (we are not shopper types).

Any suggestions?

Thanks

At least two hours to Lake Michigan, no matter how you cut it.

You could try Saugatuck/Douglas. Beautiful beaches, dune climb, great downtown, dune rides, etc..

http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&sadd...8,5.778809&z=8
http://www.saugatuck.com/Book/Guide.asp
(helps if you're OK being around gay people)


Right near Howell is Pinckney State Recreation Area. It looks like they have horse-back riding, canoe rentals, etc.:

Pinckney Recreation Area Detail

[YAZ]

Kensington Metro Park is about 15 miles east of Howell right off I-96. A nice place to go swimming and have a picnic. Bring some bird seed and a camera as the critters are quite tame.

There are some really cool bike trails at Island Lake State Park a little bit east of Brighton. Swimming and other stuff at Spring Mill Pond in that park. It's an old rock quarry, so it's deep, cold, and clean.

Have fun!

[YAZ]

Gotta add that the Detroit Zoo isn't that far, it's actually in Royal Oak. You can easily make the drive from Howell in 45 minutes on the weekend or non rush hour.

[jrmontag]

Ahh yes, Howell.....good ol' Michigan KKK country.

[Driller1]

Originally Posted by jrmontag

Ahh yes, Howell.....good ol' Michigan KKK country.

That was helpful. Now they will know to take their sheets.