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Backyard Excursions Home

Information provided on
this website and in our publications is as current as possible at time of inclusion.
It is suggested that you always call ahead to confirm dates, times and locations before planning any trips.

 

 

Our Featured Travel Destinations —
Great Travel Ideas
Are Just a Click Away

Planning an outing, weekend trip or vacation? Our 2008/09 Annual Travel Ideas Resource Guide advertisers are here to assist you with your travel plans!

Click any of the links below to get more information about each of these unique destinations. If you would like more information mailed to you, click on any of the Request More Information boxes along the right side of screen.

Destinations Attractions

Family/Educational Activities

Accommodations

Camping/RVing

Casinos

Shopping/Antiques

Sports-Related Activities

Tours/Transportation

Wineries/Orchards/Farms

Destinations

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Bay City, MIRequest More Information
A beautiful area by the bay with over 36 miles of Lake Huron shoreline.

Branch County, MI
Conveniently located quaint communities where you can find a great place to escape.

Chicago Southland Area, IL
Outstanding restaurants, shopping, antiques, lodging—something for the whole family!

DeKalb County, IN
A quaint town with a rich history centered around its transportation heritage.

DeTour Village, MI
Visit the Detour Village area in the Upper Peninsula where the "Huron, Michigan and Superior Meet," you won’t be disappointed!

Indian River Area, MIRequest More Information
Lower Michigan's fastest & most challenging river

Irish Hills Area,MI
One of the most visited rural areas in the Midwest.

Lee County, IL
Here you'll find the perfect blend of hometown friendliness, area history and the peaceful outdoors.

Lenawee County, MI
Where history, culture and museums compete with an all sports, shopping and dining region.

Premium DestinationPREMIUM DESTINATION
London, Ontario Area, Canada
A premier travel destination offering shopping, dining, family fun, attractions and museums.

Manitowish Waters Area, WI
One of the finest chains of lakes surrounded by pristine lakes and tall pines.

Premium DestinationPREMIUM DESTINATION
Marshfield Area, WI
Small-town character and friendliness, combined with exciting festivals and events.

Premium DestinationPREMIUM DESTINATION
Mecosta County, MI
The area offers fine dining, great accommodations and tons of outdoor adventures.

Noble County, IN
Tranquil, rural, history, culture, agriculture, charm and Amish country all come together to welcome you to Nobel County!

Oscoda/AuSable Area, MI
The finest in peace and serenity for a getaway in northern Michigan.

Premium DestinationPREMIUM DESTINATION
Reed City, MI
The town that has it all—rivers, lakes, free music concerts, endless rails and trails and more.

Rice Lake Area, WI
Come for the hospitality, stay for the indoor and outdoor year-round activities, shopping and natural beauty.

Shipshewana/LaGrange County, INRequest More Information
There is no better place to acquaint yourself with the Amish culture and craftsmanship.

Sparta Area, WI
The best location for bicycle trails, quiet country roads and quaint businesses.

Streetsboro Area, OH
Ohio's galaxy of brilliant attractions and fun sun adventures.

Tawas Bay Area, MI
Offering visitors unique shopping, entertainment, lodging, parks, beaches and marinas.

Premium DestinationPREMIUM DESTINATION
Traverse City, MI
Year-round outdoor all-sports area, offering every conceivable indoor amenity.

Click here to get a list of “10 Cool things to do in Traverse City”

Zanesville/Muskingum County, OH
Enjoy outdoor recreation, notable historical sites, tours, unique shopping and fine dining.

Attractions

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Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
Welcome aboard one of the most popular train excursions in North America.

Request More InformationAmtrak
Enjoy the sights and take a relaxing ride to your vacation destination.

BaySail, Bay City, MI
An exciting, educational shipboard experience on the Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay.

Charity Island Lighthouse Dinner Cruise, Au Gres, MI
Take an exciting day trip or a fabulous dinner-cruise to picturesque Big Charity Island.

Chippewa Nature Center, Midland, MI
Visit a 1,348-acre private nature center with hands-on exhibits and nature trails.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Cleveland/Akron/Canton, OH
Enjoy one of the oldest, longest and most scenic excursion railways in the country.

Request More InformationDow Gardens, Midland, MI
The creativity of Herbert H. Dow is still revealed to all those who visit Dow Gardens.

Durand Union Station/Michigan Railroad History Museum, Durand, MI
Educational and entertaining source of Michigan’s rich railroad history.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI
View mystical gardens and world-class sculptures.

Hesston Steam Museum, LaPorte, IN
Take a spectacular two and a half mile railroad by lakes and through deep woods.

Sauder Village, Archbold, OH
Interact with history brimming with the stories, sights and sounds of a century ago.

Steam Railroad Institute, Owosso, MI
An exciting firsthand look at the intricacies of working steam locomotives.

Family/Educational Activities

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Agawa Canyon Tour Train, Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada
Welcome aboard one of the most popular train excursions in North America.

Amtrak
Enjoy the sights and take a relaxing ride to your vacation destination.

Bearcreek Farms Country Resort, Bryant, INRequest More Information
A country resort offering dining, lodging, live entertainment, shopping & more.

Best Western Splash Park Inn, Ludington, MI
Begin your adventure at the Best Western Splash Park Inn.

Big Bear Adventures, Indian River, MI
Challenge yourself on Michigan's longest, fastest and most challenging chain of rivers and lakes.

Children's Zoo at Celebration Square, Saginaw, MI
Spend the day with animals while strolling through beautiful gardens.

Chippewa Nature Center, Midland, MI
Visit a 1,348-acre private nature center with hands-on exhibits and nature trails.

Curious Kids' Museum, Saint Joseph, MI
Voted the "BEST MUSEUM" & "BEST PLACE TO TAKE KIDS" in Southwest Michigan!

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Cleveland/Akron/Canton, OH
Enjoy one of the oldest, longest and most scenic excursion railways in the country.

Request More InformationDow Gardens, Midland, MI
The creativity of Herbert H. Dow is still revealed to all those who visit Dow Gardens.

Durand Union Station/Michigan Railroad History Museum, Durand, MI
Educational and entertaining source of Michigan’s rich railroad history.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI
Seven fun-filled acres under one roof.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park, Grand Rapids, MI
View mystical gardens and world-class sculptures.

GarLyn Zoological Park, Naubinway, MI
This family-friendly zoo has both native and exotic animals in Michigan’s beautiful Upper Peninsula.

Grand Rapids Children's Museum, Grand Rapids, MI
Have a blast in an interactive, hands-on environment built just for kids!

Great Lakes Naval Memorial and Museum, Muskegon, MIRequest More Information
View historic vessels and submarines along the south channel of Lake Michigan.

Hesston Steam Museum, LaPorte, IN
Take a spectacular two and a half mile railroad by lakes and through deep woods.

Historical Museum of Bay County, Bay City, MI
Preserving the unique and rich history of Bay County, Michigan.

Hostetler's Hudson Auto Museum, Shipshewana, IN
Nationally recognized as housing the world’s largest Hudson automobile collection.

Kruse Foundation & Museums, Auburn, IN
Where historical treasures offer visitors education, thrills and entertainment.

Muskegon County Museum, Muskegon, MI
Two and three-dimensional collections containing over 70,000 historical objects.

Muskegon Museum of Art, Muskegon, MIRequest More Information
A large collection of traditional and contemporary visual arts.

Phillips Park Zoo, Aurora, IL
A safe and natural habitat is provided for enjoying the display of animals while learning about their history and way of life.

Potter Park Zoo, Lansing, MI
Creating an educational environment for the conservation of wildlife.

Riverside Canoe Trips, Honor, MI
Navigate a shallow clear river to at the Sleeping Bear Dunes national Park.

Sandy Korners Adventure Tours, Mears, MI
Offering the greatest off-road experience you can have, safely!

Sauder Village, Archbold, OHRequest More Information
Interact with history brimming with the stories, sights and sounds of a century ago.

Steam Railroad Institute, Owosso, MI
An exciting firsthand look at the intricacies of working steam locomotives.

The Music House Museum, Acme, MI
A fascinating collection of musical instruments and a captivating musical tour.

Toledo Zoo, Toledo, OH
See animals from the Arctic tundra to the wilds of Africa.

Accommodations

Request More InformationAmericInn Motel & Suites, Bay City, MI
Comfortable accommodations with free continental breakfast, Internet access, pool and many more perks.

Beachwalk Resort, Michigan City, IN
A resort community located near the spectacular Indiana Dunes on Lake Michigan.

Bearcreek Farms Country Resort, Bryant, IN
A country resort offering dining, lodging, live entertainment, shopping & more.

Best Western Splash Park Inn, Ludington, MI
Begin your adventure at the Best Western Splash Park Inn.

Big House in the Little Woods Bed & Breakfast, Millersburg, IN
Enjoy a relaxing evening in this spacious Colonial home surrounded by the Amish community.

Blue Chip Casino Hotel, Michigan City, IN
The most comfortable casino you’ll ever play in!

Duneland Beach Inn, Michigan City, IN
Escape here and relax on the sandy shores of Lake Michigan!

Euclid Motel, Bay City, MIRequest More Information
Conveniently located offering many amenities for your comfort.

Frankenmuth Bavarian Inn Lodge, Frankenmuth, MI
Seven fun-filled acres under one roof.

Frankenmuth Motel, Frankenmuth, MI
Frankenmuth's most affordable accommodations and within walking distance to Bavarian Inn.

Little River Casino Resort, Manistee, MI
Over 1300 of Michigan's hottest slots with million-dollar winners.

Old Rittenhouse Inn, Bayfield, WI
Elegance and comfort in lodging and fine dining.

Stafford's, Petoskey, MI
Famous hotel and restaurant locations in Northern Michigan.

Telemark Resort, Cable, WI
An affordable resort and conference center offering high class accommodations.

Camping/RVing

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Streetsboro/Cleveland SE KOA, Streetsboro, OHRequest More Information
A family friendly place to relax and enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, campfires and family fun.

Twin Mills Camping Resort, Howe, IN
150-acre resort with outstanding facilities, recreation programs and a friendly staff.

Casinos

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Blue Chip Casino Hotel, Michigan City, IN
The most comfortable casino you’ll ever play in!

Little River Casino Resort, Manistee, MI
Over 1300 of Michigan's hottest slots with million-dollar winners.

Shopping/Antiques

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Americana Company Antique Mall, Bay City, MIRequest More Information
Eclectic mix of unique antiquities.

Bay Antique Center, Bay City, MI
A premier antique establishment offering a large selection of merchandise for the discerning collector.

Covered Bridge & Leather Gift Shop, Frankenmuth, MI
Large selection of men's and ladies' leather goods, fine jewelry, gifts and collectibles.

Crane's Pie Pantry Restaurant, Fennville, MI
Enjoy delicious Michigan fruit pies and food made with fruit from Crane’s orchard.

Dutch Country Market, Middlebury, IN
Watch noodle-making and honey bees at work in the heart of the Amish Community.

Espresso Express Coffee House, Bay City, MIRequest More Information
We make it our business to make coffee your business!

Frankenmuth Cheese Haus, Frankenmuth, MI
Delight your taste buds with the great flavor of our famous cheese spreads.

Lambright Country Chimes, Shipshewana, IN
Quality handcrafted, locally made chimes produce an unforgettable rich sound.

Olde Tyme Country Oak, Middlebury, IN
In the heart of Indiana's Amish Country, discover a furniture store like no other.

St. Laurent Brothers, Bay City, MI
Nuts, all natural peanut butter, hand dipped chocolates, gift packs and much more made fresh daily!

Ward Studio & Painterly Pottery, Bay City, MI
Professional artist creating original works of art and "paint your own" pottery.

Wind & Willows on the River, Bay City, MI
Unique gifts from weather vanes to home decor and Michigan products.

Sports-Related Activities

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Request More InformationBig Bear Adventures, Indian River, MI
Challenge yourself on Michigan's longest, fastest and most challenging chain of rivers and lakes.

Riverside Canoe Trips, Honor, MI
Navigate a shallow clear river to the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park.

Sandy Korners Adventure Tours, Mears, MI
Offering the greatest off-road experience you can have, safely!

Tours/Transportation

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Request More InformationAgawa Canyon Tour Train,
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada

Welcome aboard one of the most popular train excursions in North America.

Amtrak
Enjoy the sights and take a relaxing ride to your vacation destination.

BaySail, Bay City, MI
An exciting, educational shipboard experience on th Saginaw River and Saginaw Bay.

Charity Island Lighthouse Dinner Cruise, Au Gres, MI
Take an exciting day trip or a fabulous dinner-cruise to picturesque Big Charity Island.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Cleveland/Akron/Canton, OH
Enjoy one of the oldest, longest and most scenic excursion railways in the country.

Wineries/Orchards/Farms

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Request More InformationCrane's Pie Pantry Restaurant, Fennville, MI
Enjoy delicious Michigan fruit pies and food made with fruit from Crane’s orchard.

Fenn Valley Vineyards & Wine Cellar, Fennville, MI
Produces world-class wines from grapes grown along the Eastern shore of Lake Michigan.

 

 

Backyard Excursions is a travel idea resource guide providing a rich variety of destinations and attractions in the Great Lake states including Michigan, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin and Illinois. Discover great vacation ideas including family activities, romantic getaways, accommodations, entertainment, shopping, tours, museums, sports, recreation activities and more, all in “your own BACKYARD." Visit locations in Michigan like Frankenmuth, Mackinaw, Traverse City, Bay City, Midland and Ludington. Take a road trip to Shipshewana, Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, South Bend, Greenfield or Antique Alley, Indiana. Explore Toledo, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Youngstown and Put-in-Bay, Ohio. Take an excursion to Chicago, Springfield, Peoria or Rock Island, Illinois. Plan a weekend in Green Bay, Black River Falls, Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin Dells or Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The destinations are endless, yet not so far away.

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