five date ideas for guaranteed fun in Michigan
- Lisa Calandrino
- 1 day ago
- 6 min read
As a couples and engagement photographer, I highly encourage everyone to celebrate and photograph life's in-between moments: those simple ones that you don't usually think twice about but that make life so incredible. This includes dates! Communication, conflict resolution, and trust are all part of a relationship's foundation, but date nights are like little relationship building blocks stacked on top of that foundation. They are the nights of romance and laughter that bring joy into your relationship and help to keep it cozy and warm. Oftentimes though, they are difficult to plan.
It can be challenging to think of new ideas and activities to share with your partner, but science shows us that novelty is so important when it comes to quality of life. Novel experiences slow down our perception of time, allowing us to really savor and appreciate moments.
Because creating novelty in relationships is so important, I have compiled a list of five date ideas for guaranteed fun in Michigan. This list is filled with unique ideas that are sure to bring a smile to your face. They are quirky, romantic, and less talked about treasures found throughout Michigan that are perfect for creating those necessary relationship building blocks!
one: Visit a Dark Sky Park or Preserve
Dark sky parks are areas with especially low amounts of artificial light where you can view the stars better than you might normally be able to!
Lake Hudson Recreation Area in Lenawee County
Negwegon State Park in Alcona County
Port Crescent State Park in Huron County
Rockport Recreation Area in Presque Isle County
Thompson's Harbor State Park in Presque Isle County
Wilderness State Park in Emmett County
Headlands Dark Sky Park in Emmet County Park (Internationally Recognized)
Dr. T.K. Lawless Park in Cass County Park (Internationally Recognized)
Planning Your Date:
Before going to one of these parks, makes sure to visit the park's website for more information regarding their Dark Sky Preserve's rules and hours. For some locations, you might have to purchase a Recreation Passport.
Pack a bag of pillows, blankets, and sleeping bags-- whatever you need to stay cozy and warm! I also suggest bringing hot cocoa or wine (if permitted) with you for maximized comfort.
When you reach the park, make sure to keep your artificial light to a minimum in order to reduce light pollution. You will also want to dim your headlights as you pull into the parking lot of your chosen Dark Sky Park.
Pro Tip: Make a game out of your visit! Plan your trip during a meteor shower. You can visit the American Meteor Society's website for a full list of meteor showers and their peak dates. While laying under the stars, compete with your partner to see who can spot the most shooting stars. Winner gets a prize!
two: Wine taste at Tabor Hill Winery and Round Barn Estate
So, first of all: Yes, Michigan has a lot of options when it comes to wine. I realize this, and I love this about our sweet mitten. However, not only are the wines at these two wineries delicious, but Tabor Hill Winery and Round Barn Estate Winery are sisters. Sisters with a small trail connecting the two of them so you can easily hike - drinks in hand - from one to the other!
Location:
Buchanon, Michigan
Planning Your Date:
Before you go, download a trail map from Tabor Hill Winery's website. Last I looked, there were over 3.5 miles of trails to explore! You'll also want to visit Tabor Hill or Round Barn's website for hours and to read the official trail rules.
When packing a bag to take with you, make sure to grab some sun screen and good shoes. The trails between the wineries are not too strenuous but they are dirt and covered with rocks and tree roots. It might also be a good idea to pack some water for yourself.
When you reach Buchanon, Michigan, I recommend parking at Round Barn Estate and grabbing both a bite to eat and a drink to go. Once you're done eating, take your drinks (no glass allowed) and begin your hike to Tabor Hill Winery. Grab a seat outside, order a bottle or flight of wine, and enjoy! Save a cup for the walk back too! Before getting back behind the wheel to head home for the evening, please allow yourself time to sober up.
three: Find the faerie doors hidden throughout Ann Arbor.
Several businesses throughout Ann Arbor have faerie doors placed inside or outside their buildings. Finding them can be a fun competition or scavenger hunt for anyone willing to spend the day walking downtown!
Location:
Downtown Ann Arbor, Michigan
Planning Your Date:
Before heading to Ann Arbor, visit Urban Fairies for a tour map. Because this date requires a lot of walking, you'll want to pack yourself good tennis shoes as well as bottles of water.
When you are walking around downtown, always keep an eye out for additional fairy doors! Not all businesses in Ann Arbor are affiliated with Urban Fairies; you might find surprise doors not mentioned on your tour map!
Pro Tip: Similar to the Dark Sky Park date idea, this is another date that you can make a game out of. Keep a tally of who finds the most fairy doors; the winner gets to choose dinner!
I also recommend making a day out of this date! Ann Arbor has so much goodness to offer. A couple of other ideas for your day in Ann Arbor include visiting graffiti alley, browsing the record and bookshops, visiting the University of Michigan's museums, and walking the University of Michigan's campus.
four: Experience World of Winter
World of Winter is a festival featuring free art installations across downtown Grand Rapids.
Location:
Downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan
Planning Your Date:
First and perhaps most important, make sure to check the weather before you go! Grand Rapids is known to have large snowstorms due to the city's proximity to Lake Michigan. You'll want to dress accordingly-- trust me!
Make sure to visit World of Winter's website to determine what art installations you want to see and where they are located. Once you've done this, you'll be able to plan out your route for the evening. In addition to art installations, this festival also offers several events and indoor activities.
Plan your date for evening-time. Many of the art exhibits feature fun lights in one way or another and are best viewed in the dark. Once you've viewed all the art you planned to see, stop by a local restaurant for a hot drink. You'll most likely need something to warm you up!
five: Walk Among the Dinosaurs
With a trip to Dinosaur Gardens, you will be able to walk past enormous statues of "life-like" dinosaurs on a half mile walk throughout the forested park.
Location:
Ossineke, Michigan
Planning Your Date:
First off, this is a date for the light-hearted! If that's not you, maybe pick another idea off of this list.
For this date, you will want to visit Dinosaur Gardens' website to learn about their packages and pricing. Admission starts at $10, and there are tickets that include a round of miniature golf.
Like many of the other date ideas on this list, Dinosaur Gardens requires good shoes or tennis shoes. While the trail at this park is short, it is forested. You'll want your feet covered. You'll also want bug spray!
Follow up your walking tour with a picnic. There are picnic tables throughout Dinosaur Gardens. As mentioned above, there is also miniature golf available! If you'd like to venture outside of Dinosaur Gardens, another great option for mini golf is Lee's Miniature Golf in Alpena, Michigan.
Wrap up your day of laughing with ice cream!
take things up a level: add a photographer
Make almost any of these date ideas extra memorable by hiring a photographer! In addition to a load of new, fun memories with your partner, you'll now also have tangible evidence of a special activity shared together.
If none of the above dates sound like you, make sure to download my full guide of Michigan Date ideas. I also recommend visiting my website to learn more about hiring a photographer for your next date night!
Before heading out on any of the aforementioned dates, please do your research. At the time of writing this blog post and creating the guide of Michigan Date ideas, this information was as accurate as possible. Things change quickly though! Double check hours, rules, and more through the provided links.
A few of my typical side notes:
Merch alert! Pábitel Photography now has stickers available to purchase! They can be ordered directly through me or from Etsy.
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Visit my print shop for nature + landscape photos!
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