Breathtaking landscapes, quaint towns, the Great Lakes and rich culture are just a few of the unique attributes that make Pure Michigan a great place to live, work and play. We take pride in supporting and providing hometown service to many captivating attractions throughout the state. Here is a list of treasured Consumers Energy affiliated locations to mark off your Pure Michigan Bucket List. How many activities have you done?
- Experience the joy of Mackinaw City
We work hard to continuously enhance the environmental splendor of northern Michigan and the “Tip of the Mitt.” The small town of Mackinaw City holds fun shops, multiple historic lighthouses, a beautiful view of the Mackinac Bridge and, of course, world famous Mackinaw fudge. It is fun for the whole family
- Check out ArtPrize in Grand Rapids
ArtPrize began in 2009 with a simple goal of having an art competition where any artist could submit original material and win money for their work. Since then, it has ballooned to a citywide event with an average of 26,000 visitors each day. We have been a sponsor of ArtPrize since 2011, with a focus on the SmartArt (Students Making Art with a Renewable Theme) competition. This year’s ArtPrize takes place Sept. 20 through Oct. 8. Learn more here.
- Canoe or kayak along the Au Sable River
Home to six of our hydroelectric plants, the Au Suable River is native to some of the best views our state has to offer. Check out the 23-mile stretch between the Mio Hydro to Alcona Pond that is designated as a National Scenic River.
- Take a craft-brew tour in “Beer City, USA” (Grand Rapids)
Fill your Beer City Brewsader Passport on the Grand Rapids’ “Ale Trail” which includes more than 40 breweries. We provide breweries and wineries across the state with energy efficiency rebates and programs, along with renewable energy options. In Grand Rapids, be sure to check out Brewery Vivant, one of our Green Generation customers benefiting from wind-based renewable energy.
- Bike the Little Traverse Wheelway
Bicyclists, walkers and rollerbladers can travel from Harbor Springs to Charlevoix on the 26-mile Little Traverse Wheelway. Enjoy the beautiful views, waterfall and small towns on the segment between Bayfront Park in Petoskey and the Petoskey State Park.
- Cheer on the Detroit Tigers
Let’s go Tigers! Swing by Comerica Park to cheer on Michigan’s Major League Baseball team. Between the hot dogs, high energy fans and incredible atmosphere, it is fun for the whole family. We work with the Detroit Tigers to sponsor Home Run for Habitat.
- Explore a Historic Lighthouse
Did you know Michigan has more lighthouses than any other state? In the midst of all the beautiful options, a favorite is Little Sable Lighthouse on Lake Michigan’s shoreline. Just south of our Ludington Pumped Storage plant, Little Sable Lighthouse is open seven days a week until Sept. 24.
- Visit the Detroit Zoo
Lions, Tigers and Bears – oh my! Swing by the Detroit Zoo and learn about the 2,000 different animals that call the zoo home. Stop by The Polk Penguin Conservation Center, the largest penguinarium in the world. In 2014, the Consumers Energy Foundation made a $250,000 donation to help its construction.
- Behold the beauty of a Lake Michigan sunset
Take your pick of beautiful vistas along Michigan’s west coast. St. Joseph, South Haven, Saugatuck, Holland, Grand Haven and Ludington are among unique Michigan destinations to enjoy a Pure Michigan sunset.
- Visit the Cascade Falls
Behold a captivating Jackson landmark only miles away from our headquarters. An illuminated, colorful, man-made waterfall provides a fun evening activity for the whole family. With occasional live music, annual fireworks and delicious ice cream, it is the perfect destination for all generations.
- Fulfill your “Call to the Wild” on the North Country Trail
Home to the longest scenic trail in America, the North Country Trail offers vast and varied landscapes where superb outdoor activity is waiting to be discovered. With 850 miles in Michigan, this scenic route crosses a suspension bridge over our Hodenpyl Hydro Pond in Manistee, built and maintained by employee volunteers. This location offers a place for hikers to rest, hydrate, shower and stay at the Fletcher Creek Campground.
- Camp at Harrisville State Park
Just off the coast of Lake Huron, Harrisville State Park is full of family fun activities to participate in this summer. Harrisville State Park offers both campsites and cabins to rent.
Michigan nonprofit with ideas to make our communities smarter, safer and more fun?Let’s talk. Click to learn more about our Consumers Energy Foundation grants.
