Pink shell-colored sand, Caribbean-blue waters, and a crisp white surf mingle along a curvy coastline that is perhaps the most idyllic and alluring setting in the state. Empire’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore — quintessential Michigan, to be sure.
Spring at northwest Michigan’s Black Star Farms on Old Mission Peninsula bursts with neat rows of vineyards reawakening from dormancy, and a cherry orchard blooming with puffy pastel pinks, fresh greens, and the promise of some delicious fruit.
Close your eyes and feel the water’s misty spray, and then open them to yet another blazing Frankfort sunset as Lake Michigan’s waves shimmer at Frankfort North Light. Cresting, receding, splashing, twinkling, lulling — the waves’ many facets mesmerize. You can take this in while strolling on the pier or along the beach, where you can dip your toes into the sunset’s liquid gold.
A peninisula of possibilities, Sand Point, in Caseville Township, juts into Saginaw Bay from the west side of the “Thumb’s mitten.” Glazed in golden rays of sun, sandy beaches meet azure waters that stretch to islands (Charity and North) reminiscent of shiny green jewels.
Somewhere over or within these rainbows sits Grand Traverse County’s bass- and bluegill-filled Silver Lake, known for its pine coasts, irregular shoreline, and intriguing peninsulas and islands. It’s awe-inspiring — like those dreams that you dare to dream that really do come true.
At night, head to Empire Bluff Trail within Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Be attentive! If your timing is right, you may be treated to a display of the Northern Lights and see thousands of glittery stars shimmering within the pinks and violets. The show goes on, will you see it?
Fort Holmes, on the highest point of Mackinac Island, is named after American Maj. Andrew Holmes, who died in a failed British attempt to retake the island in 1814. Some say this is the best (and, definitely, most mist-ifying) island spot for watching the sunrise.
A paddle to Turnip Rock near Port Austin to bask in an orange-sorbet sunrise is a sought-after activity for kayakers on Lake Huron, but the trip is reserved for the calmest of weather days. A petite island pops out of the water’s surface, evoking a fairytale world. One’s imagination runs wild when contemplating this root vegetable-shaped outcropping, which is some 3 or 4 miles from Port Austin.
Get his book: A new coffee table book features some of Tyler Leipprandt’s favorite images from all over Michigan and includes stories of some of his most viral photos. You can order “MIconic” at michiganskymedia.com or find it at M-22, a shop in Traverse City. Follow Leipprandt on Instagram at michiganskymedia.com
