Michigan Regions

Copyright: Michigan State Parks & Forests Leelanau State Park sits at the "Tip of the Little Finger" in Leelanau Peninsula.

Attractions - Due to the size and diversity of Michigan, each travel region offers its own unique attractions. Within each region can be found an assortment of state parks, state historic sites, state forests and recreation areas which are listed within that region.

Recreation - This large state offers a wide array of outdoor recreation opportunities. Some of the most popular activities include fishing, boating, camping, picnicking, waterskiing, sailing, operating personal watercraft, hunting, hiking, backpacking, bird watching, viewing scenery, viewing wildlife, viewing historic sites, ice skating, ice fishing, snowmobiling, downhill skiing, and cross-country skiing.

Climate - This state normally experiences mild summers with average temperatures near 70 to 80 degrees F. Nights can be cool in the northern reaches of the state with lows dipping near 50 degrees F. August and September are the wettest months on average. Fall temperatures begin to cool in mid September, which brings a spectacular fall foliage color change. Days are crisp and nights chilly during this time of year. Winters can be brutal in Michigan with lake-effect snows bringing 200 inches of snow to some areas in the Upper Peninsula. Spring reaches the southern regions of the state in late March and a few weeks later in the north. This time of year is also very wet with snow melt and spring rains.

Location - Michigan is located in the upper Midwest area of American known as the Great Lakes Region. The state is divided into seven geographic travel regions.